Ceramic coating and wax are two popular options for protecting your car’s paintwork. Wax offers short-term protection to your car’s paint shine, while ceramic coating provides long-term protection. Understanding the difference between these two and how they work can help you make an informed decision for your car.
Highlights
This article offers key information about car wax and ceramic coating, with the main points including:
- Definition of car wax and ceramic coating
- How do they compare in appearance
- Their costs, and more.
What is Car Wax?
It’s usually made of natural carnauba wax, synthetic polymers, or a mix of both. When applied to the car’s outer surface, it creates a thin protective layer that enhances the paint’s shine and gloss.
It offers protection against UV rays, rain, dirt, and road salt. However, it does not protect well against scratches and chemical stains. Depending on the weather and how often you wash your car, it lasts a few weeks to a couple of months.
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are made of liquid polymers containing silica dioxide, which bonds to the surface of the paint. This creates a hard, semi-permanent, but durable protective layer.
Silica dioxide is hydrophobic, so it prevents water, dirt, and other contaminants from damaging the paint. Ceramic coating also offers better protection against UV rays, bird droppings, and light scratches.
Read Also: Step by Step Guide to Car Polishing & Detailing Services
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How Do They Compare in Appearance?
Both wax and ceramic coatings enhance the look of your vehicle, but in different ways. Wax provides a warm, deep shine with a little hydrophobic effect. It could last for weeks if it is not exposed to rain or sun. Waxing is easy to apply, and most people can do it at home.
Ceramic coating also provides a high gloss and reflective shine, but it can last much longer than wax. It gives the car a superhydrophobic effect. Water beads up on the car surface and slips down with most of the dirt on the car paint.
Ceramic coating has a sharper and more reflective appearance than that of wax.
If properly taken care of, ceramic coating stays on your car for several years. However, you need professional services to apply the ceramic coating to your vehicle.
How Long Do They Last?
Wax needs to be applied after a few weeks, especially when the vehicle is parked outside or stays in harsh weather conditions. Frequent washes, wetness, and pollutants can cause the wax to wear down more quickly.
Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is long-lasting. Frequent washing and wetness don’t affect it, which means it can last for several years. In addition, ceramic-coated cars are easier to wash than waxed cars because dirt and grime don’t stick to the coating as easily as they stick to wax.
Which Method is More Expensive?
Wax is an economical option. A good-quality wax costs about £9 to £40 and can last several applications.
On the other hand, ceramic coating is a little expensive and lasts for 2 or 3 years. It starts from £100 per bottle, and a single coat can take up to three bottles, depending on the car type. You need a professional car body shop to apply the ceramic coating, which can cost between a few hundred and over a thousand pounds, depending on the product and how much preparation work is required.
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How to Apply Wax?
Clean windows and mirrors improve visibility and your car’s appearance. Here’s how to clean them properly at home:
- Start from outside: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the windows and windscreen, then rub it off with a microfibre cloth to avoid streak marks. Do not spray it on paint, as some cleaners contain chemicals that can damage your car’s paintwork.
- Clean side mirrors: Spray the cleaner on the side mirrors as well and wipe them with a microfibre towel.
- Clean from the inside: Apply cleaner directly onto the microfibre cloth and work in small sections when cleaning from the inside. This prevents dripping onto the dashboard or other parts of the car’s interior.
How to Apply Ceramic Coating?
The process of ceramic coating is more detailed than waxing. Here’s how it works:
- Clean the car thoroughly and polish it first to remove swirl marks or light scratches. If dust or scratches are left on the paint, the ceramic coating will seal them in.
- Apply ceramic coating to an applicator cloth or sponge and carefully wipe it across the car’s surface in straight lines.
- Let the coating cure for a short period and buff the surface with a microfibre cloth for an even finish.
- The procedure is performed in a dust-free environment away from the sunlight. This minimises the risk of dust getting trapped in the coating and allows it to cure naturally.
- Sunlight exposure can cause the coating to cure prematurely, which can affect the quality of the results.
Read Also: Car Body Repair: Tips to Fix Paint Chips & Scratches
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Which Method is Right for You?
Waxing is affordable and simple. It produces a warm, glossy shine and can be done easily at home. However, you will need to apply wax again after a few weeks. If you are looking for an economical way to restore your car’s shine, waxing is a better option.
Ceramic coating is usually expensive, but it offers long-term protection. It chemically bonds to the paint and forms a durable protective layer. This protects your vehicle from harmful UV rays, rain, dirt, and bird droppings. When ceramic coating is applied, washing the vehicle becomes easy because the water and dirt slide off quickly. Plus, its shine remains for many years. So, if you want long-term protection with low maintenance, choose ceramic coating.
In short, choose wax if you want an affordable but temporary shine. Choose ceramic coating if you want long-term protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic coating can last for a few years, while wax only lasts for a few weeks to months. So, ceramic coating is more durable.
Yes, ceramic coating is more expensive. It can cost from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds, while you can buy a good quality wax for just £10-£40.
Frequent washes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and harsh weather can cause the wax to wear down quickly.
Protect Your Paint With AVX and Keep Your Car Looking New!
From protecting your car’s shine with wax to the long-lasting durability of ceramic coating, we have the perfect solution for your needs. Get in touch today to schedule your car treatment at our auto body shop in London.
