Good paint protection should suit your budget, the way you use your car and the maintenance you’re prepared to do. Wax, sealant, ceramic sprays and professional coatings each have a place.
Our advice is to choose protection you can maintain. A well-used, regularly refreshed product can be a sensible choice; a professional coating offers a longer-term approach when the preparation and aftercare are right.
What does each option do?
| Option | Why you might choose it | What to expect from maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional wax | You enjoy applying it and like the warm, rich appearance some waxes give | Regular renewal, following the product guidance and how the car is used |
| Synthetic sealant | You want practical protection that is accessible to apply at home | Reapplication as directed, with routine washing between applications |
| Ceramic spray or detailer | You want a convenient way to add gloss and water repellency, or maintain a compatible existing coating | Periodic use according to the product instructions |
| Professional ceramic coating | You want a prepared finish and protection designed for longer service | Careful application, initial curing and ongoing washing and maintenance |
Products overlap. A bottle called “ceramic wax” may combine technologies, and two sealants can have very different service lives. Compare the specific product and its instructions rather than relying on the category name alone.
When is wax or sealant a sensible choice?
Wax suits an owner who enjoys the process and wants to refresh the finish regularly. We particularly like the depth some carnauba waxes bring to suitable paint.
A sealant is a practical starting point for owners who want to look after their car without committing to a full coating service. You don’t need ceramic underneath wax, and layering products only makes sense when they are compatible and serve a purpose.
Our accessible DIY recommendation
We like 3D GLW Series SiO2 Ceramic Detailer as an easy maintenance option. It can add gloss and water repellency, with less commitment than applying a professional coating.
Use it on an appropriately cleaned surface and follow its directions. A ceramic spray isn’t the same treatment as a professionally prepared and applied coating, and it shouldn’t be used to wipe heavy dirt around the paint.
When is a professional coating worth considering?
A coating makes sense when you want easier ongoing cleaning, a consistently glossy finish and longer-term protection, and intend to keep up the maintenance.
Our three-year exterior ceramic coating service starts from $999. We use a 3D graphene-infused ceramic coating, with preparation tailored to the paint’s condition and the agreed finish.
We inspect and wash the vehicle, remove appropriate contamination and prepare the surface before application. A suitable single-stage polish can be included in the agreed preparation; more extensive correction is discussed before work begins.
The final appearance depends heavily on that preparation. A coating doesn’t remove swirl marks or repair damaged clear coat.
What won’t a coating do?
A coating helps with maintenance, but your paint still needs care. It won’t prevent stone chips, make the car scratch-proof or eliminate every water spot. Remove bird droppings and other concentrated contamination promptly, and keep using a careful wash method.
Application requires a suitable enclosed garage. We can assess your space or discuss drop-off by arrangement. You’ll receive aftercare instructions for the coating applied, including when it can get wet and when you can wash it.
Maintenance and our warranty
If the coating’s behaviour changes, contact us. Surface contamination can reduce water repellency without the coating having failed, and suitable decontamination may restore its performance.
If a Bubbles-applied coating has failed within the agreed three-year warranty and the claim is covered by your warranty terms, we’ll honour it, including reapplication where required. We can also assess and maintain coatings applied elsewhere; their original warranty remains with the installer.
Choose protection around your car
Tell us how you use the vehicle, where it is parked and the finish you’d like to maintain. We’ll explain whether a DIY product, a refreshed sealant or a professional coating is a worthwhile next step.
Common questions
How long will wax or sealant last?
Check the specific product. Outdoor exposure, washing, preparation and use all affect durability. For planning, treat waxes, sealants and sprays as products that need periodic renewal, rather than assuming a fixed service life.
Is a coating worthwhile before selling my car?
Usually, a thorough clean and suitable paint improvement are the first priorities. A long-term coating is more relevant when you plan to keep and maintain the car.
Do I still need to wash a coated car?
Yes. A coating can make cleaning easier, but regular washing is essential to maintaining the finish and its performance.