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for decades I used all manner of waxes. love the process of prepping the car and the results. used a ceramic coating on a ttrs I had and the results were amazing. glass like finish but I do miss the work I was able to do previously. once the ceramic is on your basically done. no fine tuning g to be had
The ceramix coat make getting caught in rain a breeze to clean up. I loved my waxing days and still from time to time put a coat on but Ceramic (even though costly) is SOOO much bettter.
Mine after it's first coat.
I wanted to ask if you elected to go with ceramic coating or wax and why?
In short, ceramic coatings will provide long term good looks, ease of maintenance and increased protection from environmental contamination/incidents.
With that said, coatings are not the best choice for everyone; if you like more frequent interaction with your vehicle, a nice day spent in the driveway or garage with a fine wax, a coating may not be for you. Nor are coatings an impenetrable suit of armor that are a 'fire & forget' proposition w/ regards to maintenance.
While the greatest impact on final appearance will be careful polishing/preparation of the paint (something well within the capabilities of an interested DIY enthusiast), coatings can provide an increased level of gloss and shine and also add a deepening and richening of colors. Blacks will be blacker, reds will be a deeper red, etc. Also on colored or satin wheels, coatings will have the same effect. It will not turn satin wheels glossy, but it will add a darkening and richening effect.
Hope the above information helps and please don't hesitate to reach out at any time with any product or detailing-related questions! You can reach our Product Support line at 614.855.2573 or via e-mail at sales@esotericcarcare.com. Additionally, sign up for our weekly products newsletter at the bottom of our Products Home Page and receive a coupon code for 10% off of your first order!
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When you guys mention wax vs ceramic coating, are you referring to some sort of a professional application done by a detailing shop or just a generic off the shelf product that can be purchased at any auto parts store and applied at home? There seems to be so many choices out there from spray on carnauba wax to ceramic spray on products and even a lot of detailing sprays. For a guy that’s used to just washing and occasionally applying a good paste wax, I find it all kind of confusing. Also, does it do any harm to apply one type of product over another? FWIW, the dealership I purchased my car from said they had applied some sort of sealant on the car to protect its finish and it came with a warranty. Have no idea what the process or product was.
I have been using this:
with excellent results. Lasts a long time(almost a year) per application. Can do a whole washed car in about 45 minutes. Works on glass and plastic moldings.
Got caught in a rain storm in the Z06. Just drove it dry.... Still looked completely clean.
Give it 24 hours after application and the car truly pops. Can be gotten any where, i.e. Walmart.
When you guys mention wax vs ceramic coating, are you referring to some sort of a professional application done by a detailing shop or just a generic off the shelf product that can be purchased at any auto parts store and applied at home? There seems to be so many choices out there from spray on carnauba wax to ceramic spray on products and even a lot of detailing sprays. For a guy that’s used to just washing and occasionally applying a good paste wax, I find it all kind of confusing. Also, does it do any harm to apply one type of product over another? FWIW, the dealership I purchased my car from said they had applied some sort of sealant on the car to protect its finish and it came with a warranty. Have no idea what the process or product was.
I did my ceramic coating myself, I ordered the coating products online and applied at home. Typically won't find them in any auto store.
You can get several ceramic/SiO2 sprays at auto stores, those tend to look pretty good and last about 6 months, whereas you might get 3 months out of a wax. You would not, in general, mix waxes with the ceramic sprays. Do one or the other, but there are products that are meant for that use.
The sealant was likely a paint correction and ceramic spray, but if it was warrantied for a few years then it was a coating. You should maintain with a ceramic spray.
When you guys mention wax vs ceramic coating, are you referring to some sort of a professional application done by a detailing shop or just a generic off the shelf product that can be purchased at any auto parts store and applied at home? There seems to be so many choices out there from spray on carnauba wax to ceramic spray on products and even a lot of detailing sprays. For a guy that’s used to just washing and occasionally applying a good paste wax, I find it all kind of confusing. Also, does it do any harm to apply one type of product over another? FWIW, the dealership I purchased my car from said they had applied some sort of sealant on the car to protect its finish and it came with a warranty. Have no idea what the process or product was.
With regards to 'ceramic' products, a bit of info regarding ceramic-infused spray sealants and true ceramic coatings.
What are the differences between ceramic and spray coatings? FAQ by ESOTERIC!
Should one want to apply a multi-year ceramic themselves, there are some great choices in easy to use, great-performing coatings available to the consumer. If you're a bit hesitant to apply a 'true' ceramic but still want the longevity and performance than exceeds an off-the-shelf ceramic sealant, Gyeon makes a wonderful 'ceramic-lite' product called CanCoat EVO that will likely provide longevity of 1+ year while giving great candy-gloss appearance and crazy water behavior. Nearly as easy to use as a spray wax, it's a great way to go!
Well, I will add my two cents. I was always a long-time believer in waxing. I was also a long time Adams user and after researching and watching his videos on his Ceramic coating products I decided to go with the spray on coating knowing it was a one-year coating. I did this for a couple of reason. First if I did not like it I could remove it by simply using my buffer and polish. The 5–9-year coatings cannot be removed very easily. I have now stepped up to Adams Graphene Spray Ceramic coating. It is supposed to last up to 2 years if maintained as it is with all ceramic coating. Again, I can remove it the same as the original spray coating. I find I get the same protection as the high dollar applications.
The biggest cost in the process is the prep work involved and that will vary based on the paint condition ceramic coating does not fill in or cover imperfections that a good glaze and wax will. There is no point in applying or have it applied if the paint is not prepped correctly. I happen to enjoy spending a few days getting the car all detailed and ready.
Finally, do not go into the ceramic with the idea that your car is protected from swirls and minor scratches. If you don't wash the car properly you will have those imperfections all over again.
I feel that ceramics limit "pop" and depth, but are easier if you don't want to live the wax life.. it's a lot of back breaking work to maintain it I will NEVER have ceramic on my Corvette, but that's me Pic is no prep just went to a car event in Alden a few days ago. Quicksilver snapped a few pics, no retouching or photoshop lol Ask Quicksilver on here, he has seen my car in person.. he'll tell ya' what it's like.. pics don't do it justice. Once you do a good base color correct, etc. etc. maintaining is easy, hell I have been caught in the rain, not much ever sticks to my Corvette.. I may go ceramics when I am just too old to maintain my car at this level
