Are Xpel Coatings Durable?
How does the durability of ceramic coatings stack up when compared to more traditional products?
Whether you bought your vehicle brand new, or it was simply new to you, chances are you remember how it looked when you drove it off the lot. Indeed, it’s hard to forget how great our vehicles looked on Day 1. Unfortunately, despite a religious washing and waxing schedule, careful driving, and thoughtful storage, everyone’s paint will eventually start to show its age. Your vehicle is constantly subject to damage caused by chemical agents, UV radiation, and the scratches and scuffs that accompany regular driving.
In fact, when you think about the various hazards that your paint has to deal with on a daily basis, it is remarkable that it can hold up so well for so long on its own. The main purpose of wax is to protect your paint from its various assailants, but it can only do so much. Eventually, you will notice that, even immediately after washing, your vehicle will lose its lustre.
Is Wax the Answer?
Wax has been the go-to paint protection solution for decades. Applying wax is relatively simple, and it produces a reliable shine and significant protection.
When examined on its own, wax seems to be a perfect solution. However, when compared to something like a ceramic coating, the inadequacies become apparent. Compared to ceramic coatings, wax is labour-intensive, short-lived, vulnerable to damage, and underperforms.
Applying a fresh layer of wax, which needs to be done every few weeks, begins with a full wash, and then requires you to strip off the old coat of wax before applying a new coat. After being cleaned and stripped, you can begin the wax-on-wax-off Karate Kid dance. Some people find this process meditative, others find it annoying. Unless you have a garage, inclement weather can prevent you from waxing your car when you want, as it can’t be done in the rain.
Wax, being a relatively soft compound, is quickly stripped away by abrasion that occurs during regular driving from dust and other particulate matter carried in the air. To fully protect your paint with wax, you must reapply monthly – possibly more depending on the season and where you live.
Finally, wax is susceptible to chemical damage. Many compounds in nature are acidic – bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain – all of which can strip the wax from your vehicle. Once the wax is gone, your paint is exposed.
When compared to wax, ceramic coatings are superior in almost every regard. A single application of a high-quality ceramic coating can last you for YEARS. That means no more Karate Kid dance! With a ceramic coating, your vehicle will have reliable protection with little effort from you.
Are Ceramic Coatings the Answer?
For people who demand the best, ceramic coatings are often just what the doctor ordered. Ceramic coatings form a molecular bond with your paint’s clear coat. This means that, rather than sticking to the surface, ceramic coatings essentially become part of your vehicle’s paint.
When compared to wax, ceramic coatings are superior in almost every regard. A single application of a high-quality ceramic coating can last you for YEARS (depending on the formula – click here for more info). That means no more Karate Kid dance! With a ceramic coating, your vehicle will have reliable protection with little effort required from you.
Coatings are extremely hard. They are not broken down nearly as easily as wax, so they will withstand the rigours of daily driving with ease. You can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle’s paint is fully protected.
Coatings are also chemically inert – they don’t react to the acidic compounds found in nature. While it’s still a good idea to clean off tree sap or bird droppings as soon as you can, you don’t need to worry about chemical etching as much as you do with wax. Ceramic coatings also protect your vehicle from UV damage, so your paint will not fade from sun exposure.
Quality Coatings in Victoria, BC
When compared to wax, the only drawback is the upfront cost. A tin of carnauba costs less than $20, but high-quality coatings are typically more than $1000. A major word of caution is to avoid the temptation to compromise on a cheap coating. Ceramic coating formulas differ vastly, and the performance of cheap coatings doesn’t stack up.
If you are looking for the best ceramic coatings available in Victoria, BC, look no further than CJ’s Autobling. We have been Victoria’s choice shop for automotive customization for the last 15 years, and are the local experts when it comes to ceramic coatings. Click here to get in touch.