As we said, a ceramic coating is like wax. It is an effective protectant. However, it won’t protect against stone chips, or significant scratches, or eliminate the need for washing your car.

All of those still hold true for wax today, whether it’s a paste, liquid or spray-on formula. Wax continues to be the #1 choice to use on collectible cars, show cars or anytime a driver prioritizes that glossy, wet look and warm glow. However, wax is a natural product that spreads across your car’s clear coat in a thin water-repellant (not waterproof) layer. Weather, car washes and daily use wear away that thin layer of wax in a matter of weeks or, at best, a few months. Finally, most UV coatings take a fair amount of time to install. There are a few options that use a spray-and-rinse method, but for the most part, you’ll need to spray and wipe down each area of your vehicle. It’s not hard, it’s just time-consuming! Overhyped Benefits This ceramic coating delivers professional-quality results day after day and year after year, and it comes with the applicators you should use when putting it on your vehicle. This ceramic coating delivers a signature crystal gloss that car show judges love, and it’s a hard coating that provides a ton of protection to the vehicle underneath. You’ll need to apply the ceramic booster semi-frequently, but it’s a pretty straightforward and simple process. Overall, everything about this kit makes it easy to apply, especially since it comes with everything you need.While applying the CarPro CQuartz protective coating is more involved than other products, the process isn’t overly difficult. We found the instructions easy to follow, and the kit includes everything you’ll need for application. Wax acts as a protectant to your paint. If you've ever been gifted some artisan waxed cheese you'll be familiar with the protective qualities of a wax casing; it'll protect the cheese from water, sun and other contaminants. Car wax works the same but on a much larger scale and the layer it forms is invisible. A good car was won't wear off easily and will protect your paint from heat, UV rays, water and other contaminants. Some of the more expensive waxes will also provide a nice deep shine.

For some, it might boil down to the simplest question: Which is better? Well, it’s honestly up to personal preference. When we get asked, our first response is typically "How is the car is used?"

The best car waxes

Carnauba wax is an organic wax that is often regarded as the only ‘proper’ car wax available. Extracted from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree it’s the hardest natural wax in existence and is incredibly effective against water. Routine washes should always be done with a pH-neutral shampoo or gentle-wash soap that’s optimized for applying over nano-coating. Many manufacturers make a companion wash ideally formulated to complement the coating. This Adam’s UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating is the same product we highlighted in the Adam’s kit above, but it’s just the ceramic spray coating. So, if you like the UV technology that comes in the spray but already have all the applicators and microfiber cloths you need, this is likely the way to go.

This ceramic coating’s application process is simple, requiring only two sprays, a wipedown with a microfiber towel, and a 24-hour cure time. Our Experience Ceramic coatings sit on top of the existing finish of your bodywork or wheels. Ceramic might conjure up images of your nan’s old tea set, but this coating is scientifically engineered to provide premium protection. How to apply ceramic coating Durable: Ceramic car coatings harness the same nanotechnology used to treat space shuttles due to their insulating and anti-corrosive characteristics.Some waxes may last several weeks or even a few months, but ceramic coatings can continue protecting your car’s finish for a year or longer. When applied by a professional detailer, a ceramic coating may last for as long as you own the car, but the cost and application downtime for a pro ceramic job are both exceptionally high. You may spend thousands of dollars and give up your car for a week to receive a professional ceramic coating. Add in a rental car and that ceramic coating will have become a substantial investment that may not be worth all the time, trouble and money. The wash, polish and wax process has for decades been the gold standard of caring for automotive finishes. Time-consuming and laborious to apply, the shiny and protective results generally have a shelf life of just a few months. It’s easy to use and applies extremely fast, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time putting it on your vehicle. That’s a good thing because it doesn’t last quite as long as some of the more expensive options on our list. The Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is affordable, offers exceptional performance, and is easy to apply. One area where ceramic coatings thrive is in providing UV protection for your vehicle. UV rays cause the paint on your vehicle to fade, but with ceramic coatings, those harmful UV rays don’t make it to the paint. This prevents fading and keeps the paint looking like new year after year. Easy to Maintain

Protection from the elements: Ceramic coatings protect your vehicle from UV rays, debris, rain, stains, oils, dirt, contaminants, and industrial fallout. Depending on where you live, your paint job can take a beating. A ceramic car coating ensures your paint coating is guarded in the long term.

If you’re headed to a car show or maybe a photo shoot, wax can be an excellent option. It provides a warm glow and depth to your vehicle’s painted surfaces, and will protect for a decent period of time. The term “sealant” is pretty ubiquitous. A paint sealant, in the past, has been a product that mimics a wax’s characteristics, but is made from synthetic material rather than organic materials. They were slightly more robust than a wax, but still suffered from some of the same short comings (susceptible to high temperatures and car washing soaps). a>