Wax and exterior coatings
After the washing phase, you have several options to continue detail work on the exterior of your car. From least to most protection, here's the details:
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Detail Spray: Some may also call this a spray wax, but it's a spray formula that has decent shining and very basic repel capability [0-30 days].
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Wax: Typically the most common choice among driver's, a carnauba-based wax product provides heavier glow and shine and basic [1-3 months] repel capability.
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Paint Sealant: Very similar to wax, but are actually synthetic polymers or acrylics. Sealants provide 6-12 months of paint protection and also typically leave a wet look to your car's paint.
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Ceramic Coating: Ceramic coatings are SiO2 ceramic based coatings that vary in duration from 1-5 years. Commonly installed by detailing shops or car manufactures and may require lengthy paint correction if applied to a used car.
Your light to heavy protection is as follows:
Detail Spray<Wax<Paint Sealant<Ceramic Coating
1
Detail Spray
Spray as much detail spray or liquid wax product to your car as you'd like Use a microfiber towel to cover the exterior. After completion, go back and wipe off any residue or haze left on by the product. While you do not need to wash your car before applying, you'll generally achieve better results by doing so.
2
Wax
Work on a lightly damp or wet surface if possible. You should always wash your car before waxing your car. Instead of drying your car completely, leave the surface damp. Apply a generous amount of wax product to the car. After coating the vehicle, go back and buff out any residue from the wax.
3
Paint Sealant
Work on a lightly damp or wet surface if possible. You should always wash your car before paint sealing your car. Instead of drying your car completely, leave the surface damp. Apply a generous amount of sealant product [or as the product directs] to the car. After coating the vehicle, go back and buff out any residue from the sealant.
4
Ceramic Coating
While ceramic coatings are often performed professionally in a shop, they can be applied yourself. Ceramic Coatings normally come in small glass bottles and require a more meticulous application with smaller suede application pads. Follow the instructions on the bottle and cover your vehicle exterior, working in 12 by 12 square inch sections. After completion, go back and buff out any residue or haze from the coating product. Note: some used cars may require paint correction prior to installing a coating.
Fresh Start Pro Tips ✔When you are waxing your car, use detail spray and a microfiber towel to buff out any excess wax product. ✔Some exterior coating products are more forgiving than others. If you're going to apply yourself, look for direct to consumer brands that will be more user-friendly.