Ceramic coatings v wax

[Toeman]

I know this has been on forum before but really interested in fellow members opinions on  the benefits or non benefits I have a dec 2018 performance gti in indium grey and  keen to find out if the so called  enhanced benefits are worth the expense  compared to good quality waxes and polishes and a bit of  good old fashioned. Hard wrk. I have a cousin in the body work repair business who says the latter is more effective appreciate your thoughts boys

[Jim_mk7.5]

Probably might be better in the detailing section of the site. But the easiest way to look at it is as follows:

The paint needs to be fully containment free first.
To get the best from the paint, you have to polish it. By hand or machine.
You then need to seal it.
Waxes are great and will last 3- 6 months. And require regular top ups. If you happen to visit a hand car wash their products will strip off your wax.
Ceramic sealants will typically last 12+ months if you are looking after them but they are ones which will lash much longer.
Really depends how much involvement you want. And how much you want to spend. And if you are doing it yourself or paying someone.

[mcmaddy]

7 years protection on the Gtechniq coating protection on mine. Makes it so much easier to wash, nothing sticks to it and if washed off the same day bird droppings don't leave marks either.

[Bullfinch]

Mine was Kamikaze ceramic coated from new by an independent specialist.  Now 6 months on and the beading is still amazing, easy to clean, easy to dry and I always smile after heavy rain when first manoeuvring out the drive to see the water fall off.  I can't see myself needing to wax it during the 3 years I'm likely to own it.

[Catnapper]

Gtechniq on mine 2.
Crystal serum C1 topped off with EXO
Just had the Exo reapplied as beading stopped. Detailer did tell me to stop using Autoglym shampoo though as it has wax enhancers in it. Better to use one which has no wax in it.

[hog_hedge]

A good well known and used ceramic is better at protecting your paint and lasts longer than any wax or sealant on the market. But they can be fussy with application and most if not all coat that have warranties that last years have to be applied by a trained and certified detailing professional.

I just use a long life sealant (Soft99 Fusso) and re-coat every 6 months but that's only because I like the routine and the whole process of car cleaning/detailing. If I incur a scratch or minor marring that requires a quick blow over with a DA then I am able to reapply Fusso very easily. It wouldn't be so easy if you had a detailer applied ceramic coat.

Things are different again if you use a ceramic that you can apply at home on the drive such as CQuartz, it's more expensive than a tub of Fusso but it lasts a lot longer.

It's a decision that only you can make but I'm not ready to wean myself off waxing just yet.

[Crockers]

I had IGL Kenso applied to mine. Up there with the best. Now after 2.5 years it still beads amazingly and is so easy to wash. Not cheap but then neither is Gtechinq. Have had both on my cars and I think the Kenzo just nudges it but id be happy with either.