Let’s talk about some of your options for protecting the finish of your vehicle. Protection can be broken down into 3 different types, well you can say 4 if you include Paint Protection Film (PPF). We will exclude PPF right now, this will be a topic for down the road. The protection options are listed in this article from least expensive to most expensive and shortest longevity to longest.
The first option to protect your vehicle’s paint is Wax. This can come in a paste, liquid, or spray form. Generally, a wax is made up of a combination of materials such as carnauba wax, beeswax, and natural oils. Wax typically just lays on the surface of your paint.
Benefits of Wax:
-Waxes will help shield your paint from dirt and road film
-Your Paint will look shiny
-Waxes help maintain and provide some protection against the Sun’s UV rays
-Wax is designed mainly for painted surfaces
Longevity of Wax
-Depending on the quality of the wax, your environment, and how you maintain your vehicle they can last from 2 weeks to 8 weeks providing protection
The second option to protect your vehicle’s paint is a Sealant. Sealants are mostly made up of synthetic polymers that are man-made compounds linked together that form a very tight web of protection across your vehicle. Some sealants can be applied to your paint and plastic trim without having that chalky white color appear on the plastic trim.
Benefits of a Sealant:
-They have a higher UV protection from the Sun
-They provide a high gloss finish
-They are designed to shield your vehicle’s paint from dirt and road film
-They last longer than a Wax
Longevity of a Sealant:
-Quality sealants usually last four to six months, depending on the environment and how you maintain your vehicle
The third option is a Ceramic Coating. Depending on the manufacture of the Coating depends on what the chemical makeup is which could be a silica dioxide formulation, graphene formulation or some other chemical formulations mixed with a solvent or resin. These Ceramic Coatings are designed to bond to your vehicle’s surface. Ceramic Coatings are highly hydrophobic which allows for extreme water repelling. Some coatings can be applied to multiple surfaces while others are only designed for specific surfaces such as glass, wheels, leather, etc.
Benefits of a Ceramic Coating:
-They have a self-cleaning effect due to the extreme hydrophobic properties. Allowing your vehicle to stay cleaner longer.
-Extreme water repellency
-UV protection from the Sun
-Much longer longevity than waxes and sealants
-Can be applied to most materials on or in your vehicle including interior components
-Higher level of gloss
-Protection against environmental fallout (bird poo, sap, etc) and some chemicals
Longevity of a Ceramic Coating:
Ceramic Coatings can last anywhere from 1 year to many years. Depending how the coating is maintained really plays a huge roll on its longevity. Environment like anything else plays a roll in the longevity also. You can take a 1-year coating and make it last 6 months or you can make them last a little longer than 1 year. You can also take a 3-year coating and make it last a year and half it really is up to you.
We offer all 3 options to our customers. We understand everyone has a different budget, different expectations, and different methods for how they maintain and care for their cars. If you have any questions, I am here to answer them and help you make an informed decision on what’s best for your vehicle’s paint protection.
Mike
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