Ceramic Coating Vs Car Wax; What Is The Difference?

A frequently asked question is the distinction between wax and ceramic coatings. In the world of paint protection, there is understandably some ambiguity surrounding this topic, and these terms are frequently used interchangeably. People understand that wax is a paint sealant; both are paint protection methods for a vehicle's typical clear coat.

Though this is mostly true, with recent advances in detailing technology, distinct differences between the two have emerged. Both waxes and ceramic coatings have distinct advantages that make them especially well-suited to a wide range of applications.

What is a Car Wax?

Automotive wax is a water-repellent, thin layer added to enhance cars' factory paint work. For decades, natural wax products made from carnauba wax were the go-to choice for adding improved shine and a warm glow to a car's exterior paint.

Traditional wax is available in paste, liquid, or spray form and is simple to apply for the do-it-yourselfer. They work best after a thorough cleaning and polishing to ensure that the paint is smooth on the clear coat of the vehicle. Waxing your car should be done every four to six weeks, depending on:

• The exterior paint surface of your vehicle, before applying the wax.
• How often do you drive it.

Benefits of Car Wax

• UV ray resistance: Because natural carnauba wax is UV ray resistant, it offers complete sun protection. UV sun rays can cause discoloration, oxidation, and fading of the vehicle's exterior surfaces over time. The higher melting temperatures of wax ensure that your car is not damaged even if it is left outside on a hot day.
• Wax is hydrophobic, meaning it is resistant to water. It can repel water, such as rain, which can damage your vehicle's paint.
• It has an excellent mirror shine that makes it aesthetically pleasing.
• Traditional carnauba wax is also available in spray form.

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic car coatings are a new liquid polymer paint protection film that contains silica, quartz, and silicon dioxide and has the same natural protective qualities as wax. It seals its pores by clinging to the paint surface with nanoparticles. The main task of waxing is beautifying your car's paint job.

Nano-ceramic coatings, on the other hand, are primarily factory paint sealants that provide a protective shield against mineral deposits, chemical damage, acid rain, UV rays, and contaminants. Ceramic coatings behave differently than wax coatings. When applied to the vehicle paint surface, they produce a curing property. The ceramic coating creates a hard shell over the paint by forming a chemical bond with it.

The ceramic coating, on the other hand, is more difficult and expensive to apply than wax. A professional ceramic coating job necessitates significant downtime and money. You might have to give up your car for up to a week. While you could rent a car for thousands of dollars while you wait, a ceramic coating is an investment that is well worth the trouble, time, and money.

If a ceramic coating is applied incorrectly, contaminants can become trapped. For paint correction, this would require removing the whole ceramic coat. That is why a professional in a controlled environment is required. The paint correction process also necessitates the use of a qualified professional detailer.