DEBBIE HELPS FLORIDAFlorida detailing & reconditioning · cars and motorcycles
Guide

Ceramic coating, sealant or wax: what's the difference?

Three ways to protect paint, explained without the sales pitch.

Wax

Carnauba and blended waxes add gloss and a thin protective layer. They are cheap and easy to apply, and in Florida sun and rain they wear off in weeks rather than months.

Synthetic sealants

Polymer sealants bond to paint and generally last longer than wax. They are a middle ground on cost and durability.

Ceramic and graphene coatings

These cure into a hard, slick layer that resists chemicals and makes washing easier. How long one lasts depends on the product, how well the paint was prepared, and how the car is washed afterwards. Ask the installer for the product name and any warranty terms in writing.

Prep is most of the job

A coating locks in whatever is under it. If the paint has swirls or water spots, they need to be corrected first, which is why coating quotes vary so widely.

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