Ceramic Coat vs Wax: What Are the Differences?

Ceramic coat vs wax: How much do you know about the differences between the two? Read on to learn more about the differences between them.

Paint scratches and chip imperfections account for 60% of all auto-related consumer complaints. So, whether it's to spruce up an old ride or to stop a new one from quickly looking old, paint protection is key.

As your trusty transport takes you from destination A to destination B, it's constantly exposed to the elements. From sun and rain all the way to bird droppings, your paint job is continuously under siege.

Therefore, like a medieval knight, your car needs its own shining armor. Of course, if knights had the plate armor vs chain mail dilemma, car owners would have ceramic coat vs wax.



If you want to protect your ride, you're going to have to pick your fighter. Information gives you the best fighting chance, so keep reading!

Ceramic Coat vs Wax: Why Does the Difference Matter?

It might not be as controversial as pizza toppings, but you wouldn't want to ask that question in certain automotive circles. Many traditionalists swear by the flexibility and ease of use of car wax. However, some predict that the more resilient ceramic coating signals the death of wax.

Both options provide protection for your car's paint. Of course, they come with their distinct advantages and drawbacks. Learning their difference lets you decide which advantages fit your needs and which drawbacks turn out to be deal-breakers.

What Is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating comes with many technical names. Sometimes called Nano-ceramic coating, silica, quartz, silicon dioxide, or even SiO2. From those names alone, you can gather a lot about its composition.

A ceramic protectant is a silica-based liquid polymer that creates an extremely resilient protective layer. This liquid seeps into tiny imperfections and chemically bonds to the paint. Once cured, its sleek surface is highly resistant to water, UV damage, heat, oxidation, and various environmental pollutants.

When Should You Choose a Ceramic Coat?

A ceramic coat is your strongest bet if your car is frequently exposed to the elements. Despite having a high-shine finish, its slick surface makes it more low-maintenance. In addition, its strong bond and pore-tight seal lets you go years in between reapplications.

However, a list of ceramic coating tips won't be complete without this important caveat: it's pricey. A single bottle costs about $100 to $500. Professionally installed commercial-grade ceramic coatings run from $750 to over $5000.

So the most sobering answer to when to choose ceramic coating is if you can cash out the cost.

Of course, there are also DIY options that let you cut out labor costs. From individual products to full kits, they are less labor-intensive by design.

Different price points mean different qualities. Except, even the highest quality fails with bad applications. 

How Do You Apply a Ceramic Coating?

If you're applying the coat yourself, follow your product's application instructions. Different brands will have different formulations, so the application may vary.

Generally, basic prep work for any sort of auto detailing requires the same steps. Washing, claying, paint and surface correction, and a final cleansing wipe down. Finally, apply your coat in a low-humidity area away from contaminants or curious fingers and paws.

You can easily find a detailed DIY ceramic coating guide online. First, however, you must weigh the advantages of professional ceramic coating vs DIY.

What Is Wax?

Car wax can be from a variety of natural and synthetic substances. Typically made with carnauba, montan, or paraffin wax blended with solvents. It creates a semi-permanent protective layer when dry and buffed.

When Should You Use Wax?

If you want UV protection, water-repellant properties, and shine on a budget, your money's on wax. You can get a decent wax job for $55 to $150. If you can spare the elbow grease, you can get quality wax for around 15 bucks or a decent wax job for $55 to $150. If you're conscious of chemicals, most waxes are also from natural materials.

How Do You Apply Wax?

If you do the aforementioned auto prep work, you pretty much only have to apply, rub in, and buff out. Of course, the application will differ if you use a spray, paste, or liquid wax, but they're all fairly intuitive. You can also use an orbital buffer or polisher and finish up with a microfiber wipe-down.

Ceramic Coat vs Wax: Which Is Better?

Can we finally settle the debate? "We" can't. However, personally, you can!

You can choose which is better for you using the following standards:

Level of Protection and Longevity

In this category, there's an obvious winner. A properly applied high-quality ceramic coating can last up to five years with easier maintenance than wax. In addition, it can withstand water, sunlight, dirt, and even the occasional diarrheic bird.

Ease of Application

This is where choices aren't so unanimous. For one, wax is less finicky to apply on your own. On the other hand, ceramic coatings are a bit more demanding with specific environmental requirements.

However, if you don't mind the cost and would rather leave it to the pros, this wouldn't even matter.

Cost and Availability

This is where wax gets a clear win. It's both more affordable by a large margin and more accessible worldwide. Of course, the availability of ceramic coating services is changing with its popularity.

Do You Even Need to Choose?

The answer might make you think the whole ceramic coat vs wax debate is pointless since you can use the two products together. If you have a fully cured ceramic coating, you can apply wax on top of it. However, this could lead to wasted effort since wax won't properly adhere to a slick ceramic finish.

Choose the Best Protection for You

There's really no way to prevent paint damage from exposure completely. Of course, unless you want to beat the purpose of having a car and just keep yours safely tucked in your garage. Even then, it's still not guaranteed that your car won't deteriorate.

Settling the ceramic coat vs wax debate hinges on your personal resources and needs. Whether you're all for affordable or willing to pay the price for premium protection, you can pick whichever.

Need professional help? To protect your paint, privacy, and possessions, get in touch with Solar Shade Window Tint!