Do Coatings Provide MORE Gloss than Sealants or Waxes?

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XJL

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Glass and Ceramic coatings are awesome and have multiple benefits. I get it. But my question is do coating by themselves provide more or the same level of gloss than say a Carnuba Wax or top of the line sealant topped with a wax? Since paint surface preparation is the key to having a showroom finish, does a coating only provide a longer (thicker) protection to that finish?
 
XJL said:
Glass and Ceramic coatings are awesome and have multiple benefits. I get it. But my question is do coating by themselves provide more or the same level of gloss than say a Carnuba Wax or top of the line sealant topped with a wax? Since paint surface preparation is the key to having a showroom finish, does a coating only provide a longer (thicker) protection to that finish?
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There’s no right answer, there’s gloss meters but if we want to assume “shine” includes some ‘eye of the beholder’ beauty, you’ll get many different opinions. Gloss meters measure gloss but carnauba wax can actually reduce gloss while adding a deep, jetting look that many people value the mist.

Below are very generic thoughts from me:

In my opinion, coatings make the glassiest shine, which is a relatively new look. Being new, some may be most wowed by the look. And it’s very reflective and the reflections stay near the surface. Can make metallics pop. Curves of the car look very sharp.

Carnauba waxes I consider the opposite. They typically can create a very deep, rich appearance to the color. Deep reflections that don’t look like they are on the surface but inside the paint. They can mute flakes and often look amazing on darker colors. Curves on the car often look soft and reflections can “flow” over curves.

Sealants are somewhere in between but closer to coating shine in my opinion. Not as glassy but some describe as a “hard candy shell”. Reflections appear close to the surface. Metallics can really pop. In the sun, a good sealant make the car “bling”/“sparkle”. Typically a bright look that looks great on lighter colors.
 
It’s a different gloss. Sealant and wax provides a deeper gloss, more wet look. The coating gives you a glassy look, not so deep.
I’ve had my car with both and the looks of a sealant + wax was better IMO. But I’ll take the coating benefits any day over the looks.
 
I’m the opposite, I’m all about looks and so I continue to use wax.
 
XJL said:
does a coating only provide a longer (thicker) protection to that finish?
Click to expand...


I've detailed cars using a simple one-step cleaner/wax and have people ask me,

Which coating did you use?


I think I share this story somewhere in this review...

Review: RUPES Mark III BigFoot 21 Polisher by Mike Phillips


Here's the paint after using a cleaner/wax

aMark_3_053.JPG


aMark_3_054.JPG


aMark_3_055.JPG


aMark_3_057.JPG






But I would still say "yes" that a quality ceramic paint coating will add a more glassy look than a quality wax or sealant, or in the above example, a cleaner/wax.


But,

Beauty is in the eye of the holder


Prep work, color of car, lighting, talent of person doing the work, these are all factors I can think of off the top of my head.


Definitely lasts longer.


:)
 
Thanks Mike and everyone else for your outstanding perspective. This is one of those things I've wondered about. It makes sense now!
 
You can't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned here. It's just a matter of preference. Having experienced ALL 3 (wax, sealant and coatings) I use a great carnuba wax. I also use a great spray wax for maintenance.

All are great!

KEEP ON ROCKING!
 
Gloss; so you want some real gloss?

Well I’ve seen ‘Glazes’—(such as: 3M Imperial
Hand Glaze and Finish Kare 303 Foam Pad
Glaze, for example)—impart such a bountiful
amount of gloss to automotive paint, that it
was as blinding as the new-fallen snow on the
Alpine slopes.

PSA:
Wearing proper Eye Protection around
all vehicles, thus treated, is a must!

410E2342-EFAE-4E5D-BD21-D84781DDB45A.jpeg





Bob
 
Waxes and some sealants have a wet look. Like their is a layer of water sitting on the car. Like you could reach in and grab the reflection.

Coatings (well at least CQUK3.0 and cancoat). Offer a candy coated look. Like you added a layer of glass to your car.

Both are beautiful but ill go with coatings for the added protection. You could top with a hybrid wax. Best of both worlds?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
At the end of the day, I still prefer the looks of a premium carnauba wax.
 
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