Ceramic coatings provide a robust layer of protection for your vehicle's paint. However, some car enthusiasts wonder if applying wax on top gives added benefits or could potentially harm the ceramic coating. According to professional detailers, waxing over ceramic coatings is generally not recommended.

 

 

Ceramic coatings form a durable chemical bond with a car's clearcoat for long-lasting protection and gloss. The glass-like molecular structure repels contaminants, water, and UV rays and buffers against minor scratches. Waxes sit on top of the clearcoat in comparison. The carnauba or synthetic polymers provide a temporary sacrificial barrier that wears away over a few months. Wax adds slickness and shine by filling in micro-scratches, but does not bond permanently to the paint.

 

 

Some car owners think adding a layer of wax over the ceramic coating provides extra protection and can help fill in any minor swirl marks or imperfections in the coating application. It seems logical that more layers equals more protection and shine. Additionally, waxing can be part of a satisfying maintenance routine. The process of applying and buffing wax by hand every few months appeals to enthusiasts seeking to regularly pamper their vehicle's paint with TLC the "old fashioned" way.

 

 

However, the majority of professional detailers caution against putting wax over coatings for a few important reasons: The wax can only bond with itself, not the slick ceramic coating. This limits durability and makes removal harder when the wax eventually fails. Carnauba wax is softer than ceramic coatings. The wax layer gets sacrificed first, limiting the coating's real-world protection period. Waxing leads to extra buffing and friction that could theoretically impact the coating before its intended service period. Masking minor swirls with wax provides a false sense of correction that takes away from the coating's clarity. Topping with wax limits the hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings.

 

Instead of waxing, they recommend using detailing sprays containing SiO2 to maintain the coating's slickness and water-beading effects between annual coating renewals.

 

 

According to the experts, the only scenario where wax over a ceramic coating could be beneficial is during the initial correction stage before applying the coating: Machine polish paint to perfection, apply cleaner wax by hand to fill the tiniest imperfections, buff wax off and follow up with isopropyl alcohol wipe, then immediately apply the ceramic coating to bonded, virgin-level paint. The wax helps prep the surface but is removed entirely before the ceramic goes on. This avoids any issues with wax interfering down the road.

 

 

Rather than trying to add layers of wax, you'll get the most value from a ceramic coating by using proper maintenance washing techniques. This involves frequent hand washes with the right pH-neutral soaps, quality microfiber mitts, the bucket method, and drying aids. Following these best practices keeps the coating intact for its expected lifetime. Check with your professional detailer on their specific recommendations for maintaining the ceramic coating they applied. Following their advised washing methods avoid waxing over the coating.