Ceramic spray coating vs paste sealant.

This may be a question for a dedicated detailing forum, however I will ask it here

Is there any advantage anymore of durability when applying a paste sealant with a dual action polisher over using a spray ceramic sealant like the hybrid solutions that are out now? Seems like they have come along way with the synthetics.


Just seems like more of a production to get pads, risk staining your trim and running a machine.

It seems if you keep up with the spray ceramic with top coats of spray wax the protection should be similar? Just seeing if anyone has gone this route.

Thanks.

 

There are too many spray on products and other variables to definitively say a spray or cream type sealant will perform better than the other. Though I think most spray on products sacrifice longevity for ease of use by spray and wipe. Now something like Gyeon Can Coat is in another league than most of the spray products on the shelf at Walmart or an auto parts store. Most other products classified as a "spray coating" you'd probably benefit from applying after every few washes. With Can Coat you'd be wasting it applying it more often than twice a year.

As for machine application outside of high production shops where a few minutes over hundreds of cars would might show up in savings. I can think of some other reasons but none where the machine gives you any benefit that wouldn't be taken away by having to clean up the pads which should be a lot easier to do with polish than something that is designed to cure and harden. Besides you're still stuck doing a final buff with a microfiber cloth so a machine really doesn't make sense. Now if you're using an "All in One" type product that is meant to do some paint polishing and laying down a sealant then there is no spray on product that can achieve the same results. Spreading that by hand would in NO WAY compete with a machine polisher. But you're still stuck wiping that up by hand after working it.

 

I understand what you are saying. Thanks for the response!

 

Using an all-in-one sealant as a “paint cleaner” once a year with a buffer is still a great idea. Eliminate some swirls and deep cleans the surface. And then use a good spray wax (or spray coating) as a maintenance product once a month or after washes. They’ve come a long way and can easily get you a couple months of protection.

That’s where I’m at these days.

 

I use a spray on rinse off sealant called Carpro Hydro 2, and get about 6 months of protection out of it. The application is so easy.... Here's a video by one of the detailing channels I follow on You Tube if you want to learn more about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1beB0P4sOM&t=311s

 

Interesting product. Decent hydrophobic abilities clearly seen in video and the ease of application is great for the people who don't want to touch the paint with an application tool. However, unless I'm missing something which is possible...according to Car-Pros description of the product it only gives 1-2 months of durability.

With regard to the OP's question. Using a quality paint sealant will last longer and give you better protection. Try using a paint sealant and then topping it with a detail or silica spray to add protection and gloss.
Furthermore, be careful with the word ceramic when it comes to sprays. The silica content in most spray products is so low that calling it ceramic is a lie IMO. They don't do what a ceramic coating does so it's very misleading. They still work great as a "booster" to your paint sealant though and the best ones can offer months of protection. Although I haven't used the product I like that CarPro accurately calls it a silica spray and not a ceramic spray. Much more honest and less misleading advertising IMO so good on them for that. Look for brands that tell you how much silica they use in their product.

 

Some very valid points made.... I will say that I get roughly 6 months of use out of each application, but the lenght of durability will vary greatly depending on how the vehicle is used. In addition, I also use P&S Bead Maker as a topper to add more gloss and a bit more protection.

 

I just used the new turtle wax hybrid solutions ceramic spray wax. Two coats. Not sure how long it’ll last but the self cleaning is amazing. I was up in the rain and snow and the next day my truck looked like it had just been washed. Pretty amazing.

 

With the ease of application and assuming proper paint maintenance durability is not an issue.

 

Agreed! Was just noting the manufacture specs of durability if 1-2 months which is pretty good for how easy it applies. By no means am I knocking it as a I havent tried it!

 

Didn’t take it as you were. I agree about about calling it ceramic. I really wish manufacturers would use a different name. Hard to compare a “spray ceramic” to the real thing.

 

I’m a fan of the spray.... basically because I’m lazy

 

I've been using this on my bedside caps, grill, rear window trim, door handles and side mirror housings and it has held up extremely well. Basically, on any of the black plastic. No wash off and streaking like with 303 or similar protectants.

 

If your ceramic coating doesn’t last at least 3 years you’ve been screwed

 

you can’t say that. Just like anything it’s all about how it has been maintained.

 

I just did

 

No kidding but you can’t make a blanket statement like that. It’s just like vehicle maintenance. Toyotas are expected to go several hundred thousand of miles but if someone never changes their oil then that won’t happen. Same with paint protection. It’s all about how you maintain after coating.

 

Yes I believe you are correct