Ceramic Coating VS Traditional Car Wax: What’s the Difference?
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is an auto detailing product that is used to protect your car’s interior and exterior surfaces. It is a liquid substance that is applied to the vehicle’s paintwork to create a glossy appearance. Ceramic coating is primarily composed of silica and titanium dioxide. There are two common ceramic coatings that individuals can find: Polymer and Epoxy.
Polymer: A polymer is a substance that contains a molecular structure that consists of a large number of similar units that are bonded together. There are synthetic and natural polymers and are used in the form of things such as adhesives, blends, and coatings.
Epoxy: Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. They are used in the manufacture of things such as adhesives, plastics, paints, primers, and coatings.
What are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are a great option for individuals who are looking for a protective layer that is more durable. Ceramic coatings are thicker than traditional wax, which means it better protects against micro-marring and etching, protects the paint from all foreign matter such as dirt, scratches, mud, and other contaminants, and essentially offers better protection overall.
Additionally, ceramic coatings repel dirt seamlessly and are easier to clean. This is because this substance work at a molecular level, which ensures that your vehicle is smooth and even. With that said, even when your vehicle comes in contact with dirt, it’ll easily roll-off, allowing you to keep your vehicle clean. Another benefit of a ceramic coating is that because of its durability, it’s a lot easier to prevent swirl marks as a result of constant washing.
A ceramic coating is a low maintenance option, which is convenient for those who don’t want to worry about the upkeep of applying wax. These coatings last a lot longer. In fact, they can last for years and there’s no need to apply any car wax.
The process can take anywhere from 1-5 days to apply the coating. However, the time it takes will ultimately depend on things such as the current condition of your paint and the size of your vehicle.
What is Traditional Car Wax?
Traditional car wax, also known as Carnauba wax is the most popular type of auto body protectant and is found on many vehicles such as cars, trucks, and SUVs. Carnauba wax is derived from a Brazilian Palm Tree that secretes the carnauba substances on its palm leaves. Carnauba wax is naturally hard, which is why it is mixed with solvent and beeswax that then creates a protective layer that is thinly applied to the paint.
It’s important to note that alongside carnauba wax, automotive businesses also tend to use synthetic car wax. Synthetic car wax is known as a paint sealant. It is made from synthetic polymers that bond with the paint to provide an artificial layer of protection. This car wax can be more durable than carnauba car wax and only needs to be reapplied every few months. Additionally, it costs relatively the same as traditional wax. However, you don’t need to reapply it as much as compared to carnauba car wax, making it a cheaper option over time.
With that said, the biggest disadvantage of synthetic car wax is that it does not offer the same shine as carnauba wax, which will urge people to still want to apply the carnauba wax on top of the synthetic.
What are the Benefits of Carnauba Wax?
Carnauba wax is resistant to UV rays, which means it provides complete protection from the sun. Continuous exposure to UV rays can lead to fading, discoloration, and oxidation of your vehicle. Additionally, due to the high melting temperatures of the wax, your car won’t be damaged even on high-temp days outdoors.
Since carnauba wax is hydrophobic, meaning resistant to water, it will repel water that can potentially damage your paint job from things such as rainwater. Along with this, carnauba wax results in excellent mirror shine, making it aesthetically pleasing.
Since carnauba wax is naturally hard, it needs to be rubbed into the surface to get the best shine. Additionally, this wax tends to sit on the surface, therefore, it wears off quickly. However, you can apply multiple coats for added protection. It’s important to note that you can also get carnauba wax in the form of a spray to make applying a lot more easy and convenient.
The cure time for carnauba wax is anywhere from 1-24 hours. With that said, if you want to add a second layer, it’s best to wait at least a day before applying. With carnauba wax, you can expect to reapply anywhere from 3-8 weeks.
Is Ceramic Coating or Traditional Car Wax Better?
Ceramic coating and traditional car wax are both great options that will allow individuals to keep their vehicle protected from inevitable debris and other foreign particles. Ultimately, the protective layering you choose will depend on your needs. For instance, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of reapplying so often then a ceramic coating may be the better option for you.
However, if you have a small budget then you may find that a traditional car wax best suits your needs. Either way, adding a protective layering to your vehicle is worth the investment and can save you money when it comes to the cosmetic repairs.
If you want to know more information about ceramic coating and traditional wax or want to learn more about how we can help you protect your investment, contact us today.
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