A car is not just a vehicle; it’s a reflection of who you are. This is why every car owner wishes to keep their car shiny and glossy as long as possible. Ceramic coating is one of the most popular procedures among car owners that provides long-lasting protection against dirt, UV rays and minor scratches. But even with ceramic coating, some car owners still apply wax for that extra gloss and enhanced depth.
But here is a question: “Can you wax over ceramic coating? In this article, we’ll explore all the nuances concerning wax and ceramic coatings and how to safely boost your car’s shine without damaging its protective layer.
Difference Between Waxing and Ceramic Coating?
Nowadays, waxing and ceramic coating are two of the most popular and high-demand options for making your car’s finish better. Let’s dive deeper and try to analyze both methods.
Traditionally, waxing is the best way to make your car's paint shine and protect it. It doesn't cost much, is easy to use, and makes your car look shiny and clean right away. However, it only protects for a short time, usually just a few weeks before it needs to be reapplied.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to your car’s surface. It creates an additional barrier by protecting the car from UV rays. Chemical stains, water spots and minor scratches. Compared to other methods, ceramic coating protects your car from being glossy for many years. Waxing offers quick, temporary shine, while ceramic coating provides perfect shine to your car for a much longer period of time.
Can You Wax a Car with Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings already protect your car’s surface against UV rays, water spots and small scratches, so you don't need to wax them to keep them in good shape. However, some car owners still wax their cars, though, to give them that extra depth of shine or to make the smooth, shiny finish look better. So can you wax a ceramic-coated car?
If you want to wax or shine a ceramic-coated car, you should be careful. Because if you use the wrong product or put too much pressure on the surface of your car, even small mistakes can leave lines or scratches. That's why a lot of car fans would rather have professionals do these jobs than risk doing something wrong.
Nowadays there are lots of professional cleaning services that will make your car look better without damaging the ceramic coating. If you wax over a ceramic coating that has been properly dried, it will protect the coating and give your car a little extra shine. If you hire expert detailers, you can get a great finish that lasts for a long time and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Benefits of Combining Ceramic Coating and Wax
Now that we have learned that you can easily combine waxing and ceramic coating together, let’s figure out the benefits of using this combination. First of all, the surface of your car will become shinier and smoother. Additionally, ceramic coating creates a protective barrier that will protect the surface of a car from UV rays, water and chemicals. As you can see, the benefits of this combination are obvious. However, there are some tricky aspects that you should be aware of. For example, right after putting ceramic coating on, you should not apply wax on the top of it. The reason is that wax can create a layer that will not allow ceramic coating to stick to the paint. The best option is to apply ceramic coating, wait until it dries, then apply wax on it. In this case, you will get the best results.
Ceramic Coating Maintenance Tips
Now that you finally get your car shiny and glossy, let’s try to figure out how to keep these results as long as possible. The key is regular maintenance, but do not worry; it is not as complicated as it seems to be.
Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo: Be careful with harsh soaps. The reason is that they can weaken the coating over time. Try to use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo to protect its hydrophobic effect.
Use microfiber towels and mitts: If you don't want to scratch your car while you wash or dry it, choose natural, soft materials.
Dry thoroughly: Always dry the surface from water drops after washing.
Apply a ceramic booster spray: Every couple of months, you should always use an upkeep spray. It will help bring back the gloss and hydrophobic qualities of the coating.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use cleaners that are very acidic or rough because they can damage the protection layer.
And the last question is left to answer, “Is it allowed to polish ceramic coating?” Yes, you can polish ceramic coating, but you should be extra careful since this procedure may gradually make the coating layer thinner. That’s why this procedure should be done when it's really needed for getting rid of scratches or other damages. If you take these care tips for ceramic coating, you can make it last longer and keep your car's finish looking great.
However, if you do not have due experience in ceramic coating or waxing your car, you can always turn to an expert. Nowadays, there are different professional companies who are ready to give your car the care it deserves. Burbank Car Detail Shop is your reliable partner in professional car detailing services in the Los Angeles area.
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