There are many specialty finishes aside from wax that provides greater protection to the paint job. This module covers some of such finishes.
Ceramic Coating Options
Ceramic coating is a wax alternative that lasts much longer. The ceramic coating protects the clear coat from dust, debris, water, and UV lights.
Thanks to its strength, the ceramic coating doesn’t break down easily even in the rain or summer heat.
Unlike wax, ceramic coating bonds with the car’s paint job and creates an additional layer of protection. Because of this, it’s important to apply it correctly and in an even layer.
While wax can be used by customers themselves, a ceramic coating needs to be correctly applied by a professional. Promoters of ceramic coatings say that it gives customers better value for their money. Compared to wax coats, it lasts much longer, provides more reliable protection against the elements, and can prevent scratching more efficiently.
Silica Spray Finishes
Silica spray finishes are made with similar materials to ceramic coatings, and the two are often used together.
A Silica spray finish provides hydrophobic, dust-repellant protection from 3 to 6 months.
Unlike a ceramic coating, silica spray is much easier to apply. You can simply shake the bottle and apply it to the car in an even layer, after which you can slowly work it in using a microfiber towel.
Silica spray is often used to extend the life of the ceramic coating. It provides additional protection by reinforcing the protective qualities of the ceramic coating.
Even after a year of ceramic coating, silica spray can revitalize the old coating and provide several extra months of protection.
Many specialists advise applying silica spray to ceramic-coated vehicles after washing to increase the life of the coat.
Specialty Sealants
Aside from wax and ceramic coating, there are many other specialty sealants on the market that offer varying protections.
The number one difference between sealants is the amount of time it requires to reapply them. Usually, the sealants that provide more protection for a longer period of time are more expensive.
Sealants not only give excellent protection but also provide a glossy sheen finish on a car, emphasizing the detailing work you’ve done.
Other most often used sealants include acrylic and polymer. They can yield quite different results from each other.
Acrylic sealants are oil-based and can be harder to apply but, once done correctly, they can provide great durability and protection to the paint job.
As for the polymer, it’s water-based, and therefore much easier to apply. The result closely resembles the look of the waxed finish. However, it lasts significantly less time than an acrylic sealant.
Pros and Cons of Non-Wax Sealants
While providing greater protection for a longer period, non-wax sealants have some great qualities, making them a popular choice in the auto detailing industry, but, of course, they aren’t without disadvantages either.
Let’s go through some of the characteristics that make non-wax sealants so popular. The first is their durability. It can last up to a year depending on the brand of sealant, how well it is cared for, and the conditions it is exposed to.
Compared to wax, non-wax sealants create a thicker layer over the paint job, making it more resistant to larger scratches and dust particles.
Finally, cars with non-wax sealants make washing and drying a breeze. It’s not as demanding as keeping the car wax in place.
Some experts even suggest opting for the wax during summertime for its exceptional looks and non-wax sealers for the wintertime, since they don’t require as much upkeep.
While non-wax sealants offer great protection, they can make some of the imperfections on the car more visible. Applying it to a brand-new car won’t be an issue, but if a customer wants you to breathe a new life into their aged vehicle, it’s better to opt for wax for the shinier finish.
Furthermore, while wax requires you to cover the car in it and gently wipe it off, non-wax sealants can be much harder to apply and will require some trial and error.
Even though there are many wax products on the market with different ingredients, the application is essentially the same.
Due to the wide variety of non-wax sealants available, different curing times and conditions are needed. Some require up to a day to properly cure, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for the customer.