Auto Detailing: Difference Between Car Waxes, Sealants & Ceramic Coatings

Did you search for “auto detailing near me,” and happen to be in the Rhode Island area?

Perfect! Today, we’ll explain some of the products used to offer paint protection to your vehicle.

They include sealants, waxes, and ceramic coatings. Learn about their shine properties, length of protection, costs, and more.

Car Waxes

Waxes provide a thin layer of protection on your car’s paint surface. They also enhance the gloss of the paint.

Types of car waxes

There are two major types of car waxes:
  • Natural – They are made from carnauba wax combined with other organic and inorganic constituents such as petroleum distillates or beeswax.
  • Synthetic – They don’t contain any organic ingredients and are entirely polymer-based.

How long do waxes last?

Carnauba waxes provide moderate protection and may only last for up to 8 weeks. Synthetic waxes may last for several months.

What are the pros and cons of using waxes?

Some of the advantages waxes offer in car detailing include:
  • They are easy to apply, particularly liquid waxes;
  • Carnauba waxes provide a warm natural glow. Car collectors favor them for a showroom shine;
  • You get enhanced water beading;
  • Generally cost less than sealants and ceramic coatings.

 

Disadvantages of waxes include:

  • Waxes provide limited protection from scratches, rock chips, road debris, etc.;
  • They don’t last for a long time, which necessitates frequent reapplications.

Car Sealants

Car paint sealants are also designed to offer paint protection. They are fully synthetic and mostly polymer-based. They provide more added protection than waxes.

Do paint sealants over the same level of shine as carnauba wax products?

They offer a cool or cold shine and enhanced mirror surface gloss. But it’s possible to apply a sealant first and then apply carnauba wax.

How long do car sealants last?

It depends on the quality of the synthetic car sealant. Some protect for 4 to 6 months. Top-end sealants or hybrid ceramic products can last for up to 12 months.

What are the pros and cons of using car sealants?

The pros of using car sealants include:
  • Provide adequate protection from UV rays;
  • May help eliminate swirls and small scratches on the paint;
  • Provide more added protection than waxes;
  • Strong water beading action.

The only disadvantage with car sealants is that they take longer to bond with the paint than waxes. Rainfall or a wash can interfere with the bonding.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings are also polymer-based products that protect your car’s exterior. The treated surface can repel chemical, small abrasions, dry particles, and UV rays.

Ceramic coatings are usually rated for the surface hardness they provide, such as 9H or 10H hardness. You also get a very high gross effect that what you can achieve with waxes or sealants. Since they offer a high level of protection, ceramic coatings are also more expensive.

How long do ceramic coatings last?

It depends on the quality of the ceramic coating and the number of layers used. Typically, they last for six months to three years.

High-end ceramic coatings with topcoats may last for up to 8 years. Like all applied protections, they erode over time therefore washing the vehicle properly is essential

What are the benefits of ceramic coatings?

The pros include:
  • Super-hydrophobic effect with self-cleaning properties;
  • Increased durability eliminating the need for the application of sealants and waxes;
  • Provide a high level of protection from swirls and small scratches.

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