Ceramic vs. wax vs. sealant

All three do the same three things to some degree: bead water, slow fading, and make washing easier. The difference is how well, and how long.

Wax

Wax is the old-school option. It goes on fast, looks warm on lighter colors, and lasts about 4 to 8 weeks on a car parked outside. It won't stand up to much. If you like waxing your own car on a Saturday, it's a good time. If you'd rather not, keep reading.

Sealant

A step up from wax. It sticks better and lasts 3 to 6 months, and it gives dark paint a cleaner, glassier look. This is what I top up on cars I see regularly.

Ceramic coating

A coating that hardens onto your paint and stays there. Done right, it lasts 2 to 5 years, shrugs off bird droppings and road grime, and makes washing a lot easier.

One catch: a coating locks in whatever's underneath. Put one over swirled paint and you've kept the swirls for years. That's why I always polish first.

Side by side

• How long it lasts: wax (weeks) < sealant (months) < ceramic (years).
• How tough it is: wax (low) < sealant (medium) < ceramic (high).
• Prep needed: wax (a little) < sealant (some) < ceramic (a lot — polish first).
• Cost: wax ($) < sealant ($$) < ceramic ($$$).
• Look: wax glows on light colors. Ceramic wins on dark paint.

How to pick

Wax if you enjoy doing it yourself every month.

Sealant if you want to set it and forget it for a season.

Ceramic if you're keeping the car a few years, park outside, or just don't want to think about it.

Not sure? Send me a few photos on the quote form and I'll tell you what your car needs.