Coating, Wax, or Sealant?

How to know which product is right for you and your whip.

The selection of coatings, waxes, sealants, and treatments available for modern cars can be overwhelming. We have crafted this post to help you decide which option is best for you and your vehicle.

The good news is that most products you are familiar with – like waxes and sealants – haven’t changed in decades. When it comes to waxes, you generally know what you are in for: moderate paint protection and satisfying gloss, but only when you apply a fresh coat every month or so.

In the last few years, new products known as “ceramic coatings” or “nanoceramic coating” have hit the market, making big waves and completely revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Essentially, ceramic coatings are resin-based polymer liquids that are hand painted onto the exterior of a vehicle. The polymer forms a permanent molecular bond with your vehicle’s existing clear coat, resulting in an incredibly thin layer of protection on your entire vehicle.

How thin are ceramic coatings? Consider that a single bottle that is less than 100ml will coat an entire sedan. This stuff is actually thinner than a typical application of nail polish, but orders of magnitude stronger.

To keep it concise, here is a breakdown of the top 5 benefits of nanoceramic coatings:

1. Ceramic coatings are almost 100% chemical resistant. This means that the tree sap, acid rain, harsh degreasers, and acidic bird droppings that quick eat through wax and damage your paint won’t stand a chance.
2. The gloss you are used to from a fresh wax job is nothing compared to what you will get from ceramic coatings. Waxed finishes start to get opaque immediately after they are applied, whereas ceramic coatings will remain perfect for years.
3. No wax on the market can last for years the way ceramic coatings do. Also, ceramic coatings resist minor scratches and swirl marks in a way that waxes never have.
4. Coatings give your paint protection against UV radiation, meaning your paint won’t fade and you won’t need a costly respray.
5. Ceramic coatings are known for their hydrophobic properties. This means that a treated vehicle will be incredibly easy to clean because dirt and water will just fall right off. It also means that your vehicle will need less frequent cleanings because dirt and grime won’t be able to stick.

The only distinct advantage of waxes and sealants are that they can be applied at home, while nano ceramic coatings need specifically trained technicians and extensive prep work to get the job done right. DIY ceramic coatings are available, but beware of these; the quality of the coatings isn’t close to what proper shops use, and correctly applying ceramic coatings at home is nearly impossible.

Waxes are great for people who enjoy spending an hour meticulously washing and waxing their cars every few weeks. Ceramic coatings are made for the modern motorist who wants to protect their paint from wear and tear and get a lustrous gloss with the least amount of work possible.

Deciding that a ceramic coating is right for you is a major step in ultimate automotive protection. Click here to read more info about ceramic coatings at Island Color, and always feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.