Film, Clear Bras, Ceramic Coatings, Wax, Sealants – What's The Difference?

The Battle For Paint Protection

We talk all of the time about our different ceramic coating options, which include Ceramic Pro and Opti-Coat. However, what may not always be clear is what the difference is between these products. We often hear, “What’s the difference between a ceramic coating, traditional auto wax, sealants, films and clear bras?” Not to worry, we’ve done the research for you.

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 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 those 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 just as we've gone from horse drawn carriages (top speed of 15 mph), to the 1908 Model T (top speed of 45 mph), to the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner (top speed 150+ mph) to the 2018 Bugatti Chiron Sport (top speed 261 mph), 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 well as:

  • Contains a bonding agent that maximizes the longevity and durability of the polymers
  • Forms a tough polymer coating with true staying power
  • Leaves an even better gloss than traditional wax

capitol shine ceramic_pro_wax_comparison

 

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 two different ceramic coatings: Ceramic Pro and Opti-Coat 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.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjCLgt7JMAThe 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.

Opti-Coat Pro 

Like Ceramic Pro, Opti-Coat is also a ceramic coating. Many choose this protective formula because it originated right here in the U.S.A. That’s right! Optimum Polymer Technologies, the manufacturer of Opti-Coat Pro, was founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 2001.Opti-Coat pro is available in a 5 and 7 year warranty: The Five Year Warranty Opti-Coat Pro package is valid for five (5) years from the date of application for any vehicle that is Six (6) model years to Ten (10) model years old. OR, the Seven Year Warranty Opti-Coat Pro package is valid for seven (7) years from the date of application for any vehicle that is five (5) model years old or newer.Opti-Coat Pro provides great protection for your paint against scratching, environmental impacts, chemical etching and more.

 

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 have 3 packages to choose from:paint protection film ceramic pro dc arlington xpelLearn more about Paint Protection Film at www.ceramicpro-dc.com/paint-protection-film-clear-bra. 

The question now becomes, which one is right for my car and my budget? Capitol Shine/Ceramic Pro DC is on call to answer any of your questions and provide free estimates for any of the paint protection options above. Here's how to get started:

You may also Send Us a Message with your questions. Or, ask on your next visit receiving a hand wash, interior shampoo, engine cleaning or any of our other services. Be sure to schedule at least 24 hours in advance to ensure your time and date.

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