• Gift Cards
  • Gift Cards

5 Powerful Paint Protection Choices: Ceramic Coating vs Wax & SiO₂

Paint Protection

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Protection: Wax, SiO₂, and Ceramic Coating Compared

When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s paint, customers often think all waxes and coatings provide similar results. However, in reality, the differences between wax, ceramic wax, SiO₂ protectants, and ceramic coatings are enormous, particularly in terms of durability, gloss, UV protection, and long-term maintenance.

At JB Mobile Detailing, every protection option we offer is designed for a specific need, budget, and performance level. From a quick shine to multi-year ceramic protection, this guide breaks down exactly what each product does and which one is right for your vehicle.

As an Authorized XPEL Dealer, we apply professional-grade XPEL Fusion Plus Ceramic Coatings, available in 1-year, 4-year, and 8-year warranty packages, all registered with CARFAX for added value.

Protection Levels Overview
Protection Type Found In Package Durability Shine Level Hydrophobicity UV Defense
EXPRESS WAX Express Wax Weeks Good Light Low
CARNAUBA WAX Supreme Detail 4-6 Months Warm & Deep Medium Medium
CERAMIC WAX Premiere Detail 8-10 Months High Gloss Strong Medium-High
SiO2 PROTECTANT VIP Plus 3 Months Glossy Strong High
CERAMIC COATING Protection Detail + Fusion Packages 1 to 8 Years Mirror Gloss Extreme Very High
1 MONTH
Best for quick shine and maintenance.
EXPRESS WAX

Best for quick shine and maintenance.

(Found in: Express Wax Package)
Instant gloss
Short-term protection
Ideal for light upkeep

4-6 MONTHS
Classic warm shine with better durability.
CARNAUBA WAX

Classic warm shine with better durability.

(Found in: Supreme Detail)
Rich gloss
Moderate UV protection
Great balance of shine & value

8-10 MONTHS
Hybrid wax with ceramic technology.
CERAMIC WAX

Hybrid wax with ceramic technology.

(Found in: Premiere Detail)
Higher gloss
Strong water beading
Longer protection than traditional wax

3 MONTHS
Ceramic-style shine without long-term commitment.
SIO2 PROTECTANT

Ceramic-style shine without long-term commitment.

(Found in: VIP Plus)
High gloss
Strong hydrophobic performance
Excellent maintenance option

1, 4 and 8 YEARS
The highest level of liquid paint protection.
CERAMIC COATING

The highest level of liquid paint protection.

(Found in: Protection Detail & Fusion Packages)
Available in 1-year, 4-year, and 8-year packages
Deep mirror-like gloss
Extreme UV and chemical resistance
Easier washing and long-term durability
CARFAX registered

Note: Ceramic coating does not stop rock chips; XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF) is required for impact protection.

Which One Should You Choose?

Want a fast shine?
Express Wax

Want a warm glow with moderate durability?
Carnauba Wax (Supreme Detail )

Want maximum gloss without a full coating?
Ceramic Wax (Premiere Detail)

Want an affordable ceramic-like option?
SiO₂ Protectant (VIP Plus)

Want long-term protection?
Ceramic Coating (1–8 Years)

Want the strongest possible defense including rock chips?
Ceramic Coating + XPEL PPF

Why Customers Choose JB Mobile Detailing

Certified XPEL Authorized Dealer
Ceramic coatings registered with CARFAX
Packages designed for every budget and vehicle type
Premium prep, clay bar, and polishing included
25+ years of professional detailing experience
Mobile and shop service options

At JB Mobile Detailing, we take the guesswork out of choosing the right protection. We help you select the perfect package based on how you use your vehicle, daily driver, weekend car, luxury vehicle, or brand-new purchase.

FAQs
What is the best paint protection for a car?

The best paint protection depends on how long you want protection to last. Ceramic coating offers the longest protection, lasting 1 to 8 years, while wax and SiO₂ protectants are short-term options.

What is the difference between ceramic coating and wax?

Wax provides temporary shine and protection lasting weeks or months. Ceramic coating chemically bonds to the paint and provides multi-year protection, stronger UV resistance, and easier maintenance.

How long does ceramic coating last?

Ceramic coating lasts between 1 and 8 years, depending on the package selected and how well the vehicle is maintained.

Does ceramic coating protect against scratches and rock chips?

Ceramic coating helps reduce light swirl marks but does not prevent rock chips. For impact protection, Paint Protection Film (PPF) is required.

How long does Express Wax last on a car?

Express Wax typically lasts a few weeks and is designed for quick shine and basic maintenance rather than long-term protection.

How long does Carnauba Wax protect my vehicle?

Carnauba Wax provides protection for approximately 4–6 months, offering a warm, deep shine and moderate UV resistance.

What is Ceramic Wax and how long does it last?

Ceramic Wax is a hybrid wax that lasts about 8–10 months, providing higher gloss and better water repellency than traditional wax.

What is an SiO₂ protectant?

An SiO₂ protectant is a ceramic-infused spray coating that delivers strong shine, water beading, and UV protection for about 3 months.

Is SiO₂ protectant the same as ceramic coating?

No. SiO₂ protectants are temporary and do not bond to the paint like true ceramic coatings, which last years instead of months.

Which paint protection option lasts the longest?

Ceramic Coating lasts the longest, with available protection ranging from 1 year up to 8 years.

Which paint protection is best for a new car?

Ceramic coating is the best long-term option for new cars, especially when combined with PPF on high-impact areas.

Get a Quick Quote
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our Newsletter for exclusive deals and the latest blog updates.

Sign up now and enjoy
a 15% discount

Scroll to Top
EXTERIOR

DETAIL

6 Months Paint Protection

  • We gently hand wash with microfiber towel and foam cannon soap your vehicle
  • Clay service is a “facial” service for your car’s exterior. Clean the pores of your vehicle’s paint – creating a clean and smooth finish with deep shine and gloss “The Wet Look” everyone is looking for.
  • Light bug and tar removal
  • 2 Coats of a hybrid cleaner Polish Carnauba Wax (6 months paint protection)
  • Degreasing and cleaning of fenders and wheels
  • Tire dressing
  • Clean wheel wells
  • Door handle scratches polished
  • Exterior trim dressed
  • Exhaust tip polished (If applicable)
  • Window cleaning