Wax and ceramic coatings both make paint shine and water bead. The difference is how long they last and how much work they save you.
How wax works
Carnauba and synthetic waxes sit on top of the paint. They add warm gloss, but heat, rain and car wash soap wear them down in about 4 to 8 weeks. Through a Michigan winter, often faster.
How a ceramic coating works
A ceramic coating is a liquid that chemically bonds to the clear coat and hardens. It does not wash off. Dirt, salt and bird droppings have a harder time sticking, so washing takes minutes instead of an hour. Depending on the product, a coating lasts 1 to 5 years.
Which one should you choose?
- Wax or sealant: you enjoy waxing, you lease short term, or the budget is tight right now.
- Ceramic coating: you keep your vehicles for years, park outside, or simply want easier washes.
The step most people skip
A coating locks in whatever is underneath. If the paint has swirls, polish them out first. That is why every GlossWorks coating starts with decontamination and a polish.
