Basic costs for a car paint job can range from $300 to $900. If you want to upgrade to a standard paint job that includes sanding the body, this can go all the way up to several thousand dollars.
This means big money for the auto repair industry. However, as a car owner, you can be even savvier by protecting the exterior of your vehicle so you don’t need a paint job in the first place.
The best way to protect car paint varies by make and model, however, with some basic tips in vehicle maintenance you can maintain your car resale value well over the long term.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about car paint protection and proper paint maintenance for your vehicle.
Wax
Wax is a key protection agent against common dirt and grime. No matter what vehicle you have, adding a coat of wax delivers results. In general, wax can last for up to four months depending on how much time your car spends in inclement weather.
If you are washing your vehicle more frequently or choose a lower quality wax, the amount of time between wax updates will decrease.
However, wax does not protect you against chemicals, scuffs, and other scratch marks. It’s easy to remove wax at any point using a special detergent.
Sealant
A sealant also works similarly to wax by providing a barrier that improves the overall glossy appearance. It bonds directly to the paint surface and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Once again, washing your car more frequently or choosing lower quality paint will decrease the amount of time between sealant updates. Just like wax, you can take off a layer of sealant using a specialized detergent.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating applies a specialized polymer in a liquid solution to the exterior of the vehicle. Ceramic coats last much longer than the previously discussed agents. They can last all the way from 2 to 4 years in total.
Specialized agents from places like Supreme Wraps can work directly with your vehicle style.
When you have a ceramic coat, your car will be protected against chemicals as well as UV rays from the sun. These rays can cause harm to the paint over time and accelerate decay. The ceramic coat puts a strong physical barrier in the way and allows the natural color to shine.
It also works to protect your vehicle from sap and salt.
The Best Way to Protect Car Paint on Your Vehicle
At the end of the day, the best way to protect car paint depends on the make and model. If you want a short-term solution, wax or sealant may be your best option. However, if you want longer-term coating, ceramic polymers typically work best.
If you enjoyed this article about car paint protection, please check out the other articles on our blog!