Battle of Protectants: PPF, Clear Bras, Ceramic Coatings, Wax, Sealants
Battle of Protectants: PPF, Clear Bras, Ceramic Coatings, Wax, Sealants
Over the years Capitol Shine has grown from auto detailing all the way to full-on protection for your car. In addition to services like our Interior Shampoo, we also offer paint protection film, ceramic coatings (like Ceramic Pro), wheel coatings, vinyl, window tint and more. However, what may not always be clear is what the difference is between these products. What’s the difference between a ceramic coating, traditional auto wax, sealants, films and clear bras for example?
Spray Wax, Hard Wax and Sealants
There are two types of wax Capitol Shine used to use to protect your vehicle’s paint as well as bring out it’s true shining potential: Spray wax and hard wax.
Spray wax was easier than hard wax to apply evenly to a vehicle’s exterior. It was a great way to quickly bring out your vehicle’s true shining potential in-between heavy wax jobs, meaning that it did not entirely eliminate the need for spray wax, and it used to mean your vehicle should always have had at least a base of a hard wax to protect your paint.
Hard wax takes a bit longer to apply than spray wax, but lasts longer and provides better protection, especially during harsh summer and winter months. The general rule of thumb was to hard wax your vehicle every three months while using spray wax in-between to maintain protection and shine. Wax has been a staple in the automotive industry for over 200 years to protect paint and reveal a brighter shine (It’s been reported that the first wax was created in 1800 in Germany to be applied to the black paint on horse drawn carriages).
However, it’s not 1800 anymore, and advancements in the auto detailing and paint protection industry have also evolved. While traditional wax used to be the go-to product for protection, sealants have replaced wax and can provide better protection as they:
Contain a bonding agent that maximizes the longevity and durability of the polymers
Form a tough polymer coating with true staying power
Leave an even better gloss than traditional wax
Sealants Still Don’t Beat Ceramic Coatings
Within the past couple of years, a new option for paint protection has become available in the form of ceramic coatings. Capitol Shine offers different ceramic coatings like Ceramic Pro and Sportcoat Pro.
Ceramic Pro
Over time, wax will break down and require more coatings (about every 3 months). Ceramic Pro is not a paint protection, wax or sealant that will wash away or break down over time. Scientifically speaking, it is a nano-ceramic coating that forms a permanent adhesion to the paint and can only be removed through abrasion – NO chemical can dissolve the coating.
The strength of Ceramic Pro is rated at “9H” according to the pencil test. This test is used in the coating industry to determine a mineral’s hardness, and 9H is the highest on the scale. The coat will stay hard for a lifetime if maintained correctly. This permanent adhesion protects against scratches, UV rays, corrosion, heat, and more – not to mention the extreme gloss that Ceramic Pro provides! Ceramic Pro also comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY, because it’s that good.
In addition to the lifetime warranty, Ceramic Pro is also available in 2 and 5 year warranties.
Ceramic Pro DC is the protective coating division of Capitol Shine and is the original provider of Ceramic Pro paint protection in the DC area with many, many satisfied clients and numerous referrals. Learn more at www.ceramicpro-dc.com.
Sportcoat Pro
Sportcoat Pro coating is superior to wax sealant and adds impressive shine as well as protection to your paint, glass, wheels, plastics and more.
Adding a ceramic layer of Sportcoat Pro in place of sealant is not only affordable, it helps to keep that glossy look for longer while also providing protection from scratches, UV rays and water spots. Sportcoat Pro is a nano ceramic, super hydrophobic glossy coating – perfect for those looking to quickly increase the shine and protection factor of his/her ride and includes:
1 Year Warranty
Self-Cleaning Effects
SUPER Gloss
UV Protection
Never Wax Again!
Sportcoat Pro provides an affordable protection option for you and your vehicle.
Another Option: Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Film, what many also call “clear bras” (as opposed to leather bras), are extremely durable, can be removed and replaced, provide excellent rock chip protection and self healing effects. If you are considering a protection option that blends in, we some different options choose from:
Do you have more questions not addressed in this article? Please send us a note HERE or call 202-380-7100. If you’re ready to schedule your free estimate, please do so by clicking HERE.