If we address this question ignorantly, the simple answer would be yes. As a car owner, you can apply car wax over your ceramic-coated car, but the main question we seek to address is whether it is necessary.
As we go on to demystify the benefits of both paint protection solutions, we will look at the functions and aesthetic appeal of both compounds. This way, we can determine the relevance of applying traditional wax over ceramic coating.
Functions of Car Wax and Ceramic Coating
Both traditional car wax and a Ceramic coating serve the same purpose. Both form a sacrificial layer that protects your car's paint surface from harmful contaminants and external factors that may harm or destroy your vehicle's paint. These harmful factors include UV rays, tree sap, acid rain, rock chips, and bird droppings, among other harmful contaminants.
The main difference between these two paint protection solutions is how long each lasts once applied. Traditional carnauba wax would last approximately six months. In contrast, Ceramic coating would last three to four years because it binds with the painted surface and forms a solid layer over your car's paint, offering superior protective qualities.
Diy coating, ceramic spray, and professional-grade ceramic coating have far superior paint protection capabilities than traditional wax. Therefore, it's not necessary to apply a coat of traditional wax over ceramic coatings.
Aesthetic Appeal
The chemical compounds of wax and ceramic coating vary, and these compounds affect the outcome once applied to your vehicle's paint.
Traditional car wax has natural oils and grease. These elements make it easy to apply and spread over the car surface and give your car a glossy finish. The only challenge is that these elements also make car wax susceptible to dust and other airborne elements. This attribute makes it easy for the car wax to attract dirt and leave your car looking unpleasant over time, necessitating regular car washes to keep it clean.
On the other hand, nano-ceramic coatings have a unique formulation to bind themselves to the car's surface. Once it cures, it forms a thin layer with hydrophobic properties that promote the beading of water droplets on the car's super hydrophobic surface. The beading makes it easy for the water droplets to roll off your car's exterior and much easier to clean. These properties make ceramic coating a better alternative compared to traditional wax. The bond between ceramic coating and your car's surface ensures that ceramic coating lasts longer than traditional wax and leaves your vehicle with a glossy finish.
Professional nano-ceramic coatings have far superior aesthetic qualities compared to traditional carnauba wax. Therefore, applying wax over your ceramic-coated vehicle does not make sense. When you apply wax to your car's paint or surface, it attracts dust and other sticky substances and dampens your car's appearance forcing you to wash your car regularly, which has more implications in addition to the overall cost you will incur. Bad washing techniques and frequently using wax remover to strip off the wax may harm the ceramic coating layer and promote swirl marks on your car's surface.
Protecting Your Ceramic Coating Layer
At this point, as a car owner, we know you are probably wondering what would be the best protection solution for your ceramic coating. You will be happy to learn that the best way of taking care of your ceramic coating lies with how you maintain your car.
Washing
Ensure that you wash your car regularly with ceramic coating-tolerant products. This way, you will avoid scratching the ceramic coating and leave your car with a warm glow once dry. Also, note that you should invest in good-quality microfiber cloths that are gentle on your ceramic coating. Using microfibre towels will keep away swirl marks and leave your car scratch-free.
Garage Storage
Storing your car away from harmful UV rays reduces the direct UV rays that hit your car's surface, slowing down the rate of your ceramic coating degradation. Most car owners believe ceramic coatings last forever, but this is false. Constant exposure to the sun breaks down the binding compounds in nano coatings, and over time the thin layer gets depleted.
Signs that You need a Fresh coating
It is essential to keep an eye on the status of your car's paint and ceramic coating to ensure that you get a fresh coat once your current coat wears out. When applied by a professional detailer, the ceramic coating should last between five to seven years, but as it ages, there are tell-tale signs that you should look out for.
The most common sign to look out for is depleting shine. As the ceramic coating wears out, it will lose its brightness and won't be as glossy as before. A dull ceramic coating indicates that you should start shopping for a paint correction and auto paint care quote from your car detailer.
The other sign to look out for is lost hydrophobic properties. As your ceramic coating wears out, you will start noticing that water droplets stick to your car's surface more and that cleaning is not as easy as before. When your ceramic coat wears out, water droplets and other particles quickly bond to your vehicle's surface because the protective layer is not there anymore.
Looking for a Top Car Detailing Shop In Baltimore?
When shopping around for a paint protection solution for your car, working with a professional detailer is crucial. The detailer can advise you on the best paint protection solution to suit your budget and goals.
At Detail Solutions, we take pride in being in the car care industry for nearly 10 years. Through these years, we have continued to offer our clients the best service and value for money through outstanding service and top-quality products. We have a wide range of paint protection services and detailing services, including paint sealants, paint protection film, and ceramic coating. Call us at (410) 238-3000 to book an appointment with our car detailers or to receive a quote on your next paint protection job.
