monthly diy wax vs ceramic coating

[jbsali]

It depends on time vs money and level of detail as to which you care.

Waxes are relatively cheap but require application consistently to fill swirls and create a temporary seal. If you care about the level of detail, you'll be doing this frequently.

A sealant is a good middle ground. Can be pricey but less than ceramic coating. This always requires a clay bar which takes time. Proper sealing also takes time and yields best results with good quality sealant, good quality polisher, clay bar and time.

ceramic coating is your strongest and longest lasting option. If you care deeply about the condition of your paint. there's no other way to go. I've done all three options and much prefer the convenience of ceramic coating.

Wax-
PRO: Cost efficient, decent Results (especially for darker colours), masks light swirl marks
CON: Strips easily. Need consistent applications to maintain. Average application applies more swirl marks, time consuming

Sealant-
PRO: applications can last 3-24 months, somewhat cost efficient, fills swirl marks, hydrophobic and good gloss.
CON: Should require Clay Bar and Paint Correction for best results.

Ceramic: Application can last 1 year to life of vehicle (Realistic average is 1-5 years), fills light scratches and swirl marks, bonds to clear coat, Hydrophobic AF, Heavy GLOSS
CON: Expensive, Requires Clay Bar and Paint Correction, Easy to ruin investment if you don't know how to properly wash a car.



Get Ceramic if you meet the following requirements:
1) Can afford it
2) Spouse won't kill you
3) Know how to professionally wash a vehicle
4) Own good to high quality detail solutions and washing materials.
5) Enjoy Breaking necks.
6) Look back at your car even after you've locked it.

Don't get Ceramic if you meet the following requirements:
1) Wash your vehicle once every couple of months.
2) Have no money.
3) Park your car under trees or don't clean bird droppings of your car when noticed.
4) Will drop a clay bar and still use it.
5) Wipe debris off your car with a dry towel or brush.
6) Don't use two bucket method.

[jbsali]

Originally Posted by Ernest72

Even with a coating you will be waxing anyway. It’s really a personal decision if you want to shell out the cash to begin with.

if you're waxing your ceramic coating, you're decreasing the slickness and the hydrophobic coating and in some cases gloss also. If you know someone that's doing this, this is wrong.

"Sealants" on ceramic is similar but is good maintenance for filling in swirls to coating or improving hydrophobic finish in worn areas. the likely hood of damaging coatings with wax if very high; more specially when removing wax residue from initial application.