Wax or ceramic coating? What is best for your car?

What should you use to protect your car's paint – wax or ceramic coating? This question comes back like a boomerang in car detailing. In this blog post, we’ll look at two reliable ways to protect your paint – both, of course, from Soft99.

For years, we've offered a wide range of waxes, and since 2020, the QJUTSU ceramic coating line as well. Today we compare both approaches, and as it turns out, in the clash of modern wax and advanced ceramic coating, there’s no clear winners!

QJUTSU Coatings – Premium-Class Protection

Ceramic coatings, also known as quartz coatings or simply "ceramics," are advanced chemical solutions in the form of a transparent liquid that entered mainstream car care over a decade ago. Japan was one of the pioneers of this technology. Soft99 has been developing high-quality quartz bond technology since 2001 as part of detailing services under the G'zox brand – a global car care studio network.

What does ceramic coating offer?

Ceramic coatings form a durable chemical layer on the paint surface, protecting it from weather, pollutants, and dirt. Thanks to enhanced slickness, the surface gains hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, visible as rounded water droplets when it rains or during washing. It's the most obvious sign that your car's paint is protected.

With ceramic coating, water and dirt run off more easily, and the paint shines and maintains a new look longer. Regular maintenance also becomes easier – usually just a pressure wash or a pH-neutral shampoo is enough (we recommend QJUTSU Creamy Shampoo for this).

Who is ceramic coating for?

More and more often, ceramic coating is offered as a service at car dealerships. It’s an option for new car buyers to preserve the factory-fresh look of the paint. But ceramic coating isn’t just for new cars.

Refreshed used cars – usually after paint correction – also benefit, not just visually. A well-maintained paint and ceramic coating can increase the car's value when selling. That’s why it’s worth considering a professional detailing studio instead of a dealership to apply the coating. That way, you’re sure the vehicle undergoes thorough paint correction – even factory-fresh paint can have scratches you don’t want to seal in!

Soft99 Waxes – Fast and Impressive Choice

Forget the old-fashioned image of car wax – this product category still has many fans and performs excellently in the detailing market. Modern waxes are not only easy to apply but also fun to use. They offer shorter protection than coatings, but can give spectacular visual results and provide excellent paint protection.

What does car wax offer?

Car waxes often give you more product for a lower price – wax tins can be as large as 350 g, and usually come with an included applicator for easy spreading on the paintwork.

Wax properties vary, and the market offers products for many uses: waxes for acrylic paint, natural waxes (based on Carnauba wax from Brazilian Copernicia prunifera palms), which mainly provide shine, or synthetic waxes that offer unmatched durability or hydrophobic effects. Plenty of options for every preference!

Who is car wax for?

Wax allows for easy application in a variety of conditions, even outdoors. That makes it a great option for a wide group of car owners. It’s also perfect for those who regularly maintain their vehicles and don’t mind applying wax every few months. And even that’s not a big issue – some waxes can last up to 12 months. In short, there’s a wax to suit nearly every car owner’s needs.

What to consider when choosing a product?

Before your chosen product touches your vehicle’s paint, make sure you know what you’re aiming for! Focus on your expectations, but don’t forget important factors like the condition of the paint, whether your car is parked in a garage, and the environmental conditions you typically drive in.

To start, check the following protection features:

• Durability: Coatings last up to 2 years; waxes usually last a few months.
• Appearance: Both ceramic coatings and waxes provide great visual effects.
• Ease of use: Wax is easier to apply by yourself. Ceramic coatings often require experience.

Protecting paint also means committing to maintaining the result. Even the best protection will be wasted without care. Remember, no product eliminates the need for cleaning – even top-tier quartz coatings require regular rinsing.

What to choose?

At Soft99, we offer several ceramic coatings from the QJUTSU line:

• Body Coat – easy application, up to 12 months of protection
• Body Coat Matte – for matte paint and wraps, up to 2 years durability
• Body Coat Pro – glass-like gloss and excellent durability: 2 years
• Universal – for general use, up to 18 months of protection
• Wheel & Light Coat – for wheels, headlights, and hot engine parts

Meanwhile, in the car wax category, we simply have no competition. We offer 12 products in various color variants:

• Fusso Coat 12 Months (Dark/Light)
• Extreme Gloss Kiwami (Dark/Light)
• King of Gloss (Dark/Light)
• Mirror Shine (Dark/Light)
• Scratch Clear (Dark/Light)
• Authentic Premium
• Fusso Coat F7
• Dark & Black Soft99 Wax
• White Soft99 Wax
• Pearl & Metallic Soft99 Wax

If you're looking for long-lasting protection – go for QJUTSU Body Coat Pro. Prefer something easier and more enjoyable to apply? Extreme Gloss Kiwami, Mirror Shine or Dark & Black are excellent choices. Either way – Soft99 will take care of your paint!