The ceramic coatings we’ve selected fall into two categories. The more budget-friendly option comes in the form of a spray, delivering solid performance surpassing traditional spray waxes. On the other hand, the pricier ceramic coatings are meticulously crafted compounds found in compact bottles, requiring a meticulous application process. These coatings demand the same level of attention and time as a traditional wax job, as any oversight can lead to streaky results. Patience is key, as these coatings require several hours to cure. Indeed, as you will see below there is quite a range. Ceramic products for cars vary from spot detailers to strong lacquers. It depends on what you want and how much you care about maintaining your car’s appearance. If you like tidy but aren’t fastidious about it, ceramic car shampoo or detailer will suit you. If you are scrupulous about your car’s appearance and want hardier paint protection, you should consider some of the more serious options.

You simply spray it on your vehicle and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, making it extremely easy to apply to your vehicle. However, in addition to the shorter 12 months of protection, the overall protection and shine you’re getting don’t match what you get from the premium choices. Wax on the other hand simply sits on top of the paint’s surface. It does not create the chemical bond like we find with ceramic coatings. Our suggestion for the best car wax? Find a mid-priced, brand-name liquid wax. Our research and experience shows that premium-priced car waxes do not necessarily hold up any better than lower-priced alternatives. And in some cases, the medium-price products outperform the more expensive brands, though the differences are not huge. The main difference between these two products is hardness and hydrophobic. Most ceramic waxes are infused with ingredients that cure stronger than natural carnauba wax and synthetic paint sealants. As the wax hardens, it provides a flatter surface, which amplifies the water shedding or hydrophobic properties.It’s easy to use and applies extremely fast, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time putting it on your vehicle. That’s a good thing because it doesn’t last quite as long as some of the more expensive options on our list. With so many outstanding ceramic coating options out there it can be tough to narrow it down to just one. Not only that but with them offering so many benefits and perks, how much of it is legitimate and are ceramic coatings even worth it in the first place?

All natural wax will need reapplying every six weeks or so and will protect your paintwork from UV rays, water and other contaminants. Once the paint correction is complete, you can wipe down your car surface with an isopropyl alcohol solution as a last-ditch effort to remove any oils, chemicals, waxes, and other nanoparticles left. Add a few drops of wax to a microfibre cloth or pad and apply it to your car by working your way over the body panels in small, overlapping circular motions. That way, you get an even and full coating on your car. All of those still hold true for wax today, whether it’s a paste, liquid or spray-on formula. Wax continues to be the #1 choice to use on collectible cars, show cars or anytime a driver prioritizes that glossy, wet look and warm glow. However, wax is a natural product that spreads across your car’s clear coat in a thin water-repellant (not waterproof) layer. Weather, car washes and daily use wear away that thin layer of wax in a matter of weeks or, at best, a few months. Get out a second clean microfiber towel and begin to really buff the product into the surface until you reach your ideal shine.

Want to give your car great appearance and protection? Ceramic car wax is faster to apply than traditional paste wax and offers better protection.

Waxes & sealants are protectants - they should always be the last thing you apply to your vehicle's paint. How often really depends on the type of driving you do and the punishment your car’s paint endures. With wax, a good rule of thumb is once every 4-6 weeks for general-use cars that are parked in a garage or covered. You’ll want to step up the frequency if you live in an area with overly-harsh weather conditions, or if the vehicle spends a majority of time parked out in the elements. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine for maintaining ceramic coatings as each product may have a different formulation. However, there are some basic rules. However, this ceramic car coating is not for beginners. Like many higher-quality ceramic coatings, you’ll need to prep your vehicle thoroughly before the actual application process. This includes: It’s a lot to look into, but it’ll go a long way in ensuring you’re getting a great product that’s giving your vehicle all the protection it needs. Longer-lasting than car wax: While waxing gives your car a beautiful glow, it only lasts three to six months. Some of the best ceramic coatings for cars last more than a year. Applying a ceramic car coating may be more labor-intensive, but you don’t need to reapply it as frequently as traditional carnauba wax.

Just don’t expect the advanced protection to completely eliminate everyday scratches and chips that happen while you’re driving. Disadvantages of Ceramic Coatings Difficult to Apply: Ceramic coating is best applied by a professional, but adept car owners can do a bang-up job without one, once they beat the learning curve. Ceramic coatings and car wax perform essentially the same function: to protect your paint and add a pleasing shine. But which is better? Detailing professional Clark Webster told us: A more recent development in detailing technology has been ceramic-based paint protection. (You’ve probably heard numerous terms/names, most commonly ceramic coating, silica, quartz, silicone-dioxide or even SiO2). This new ceramic material acts very differently from a wax in the sense that it will actually generate a curing property once applied to a surface. This curing creates a chemical bond with the surface on which it’s being applied, in this case our car’s paint. Once they’re applied & cured, ceramic-based protectants are extremely resistant to water, soaps, and of course environmental pollutants. One area where ceramic coatings thrive is in providing UV protection for your vehicle. UV rays cause the paint on your vehicle to fade, but with ceramic coatings, those harmful UV rays don’t make it to the paint. This prevents fading and keeps the paint looking like new year after year. Easy to MaintainLet’s face it – even the best ceramic wax can’t stand on the same platform as a professional-grade nano ceramic coating like Ceramic Pro 9H. It’s simply not a fair comparison. The ceramic wax is a genuine starting point for those who prefer applying wax onto their car the old fashion way. As a Gen X car guy – I appreciate that – and know there is a passionate consumer market that loves it as well. This ceramic coating features SiO2 polymers – silica nanoparticles – which give your car a glass-like look and shine. These polymers also aid in water repelling and sheeting after the ceramic coating cures. In consumer tests, this product not only looks great but also proves it can withstand harsh elements and strong chemical solvents. There’s no denying the appearance that a ceramic coating gives your vehicle. It’s a high-gloss finish, which means your car is going to shine after you put it on. Many waxes give your vehicle the same appearance, but the difference is how long the look will last.