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 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 |
Best for quick shine and maintenance.
(Found in: Express Wax Package)
● Instant gloss
● Short-term protection
● Ideal for light upkeep
Classic warm shine with better durability.
(Found in: Supreme Detail)
● Rich gloss
● Moderate UV protection
● Great balance of shine & value
Hybrid wax with ceramic technology.
(Found in: Premiere Detail)
● Higher gloss
● Strong water beading
● Longer protection than traditional wax
Ceramic-style shine without long-term commitment.
(Found in: VIP Plus)
● High gloss
● Strong hydrophobic performance
● Excellent maintenance option
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.
● 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
● 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.
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.
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.
Ceramic coating lasts between 1 and 8 years, depending on the package selected and how well the vehicle is maintained.
Ceramic coating helps reduce light swirl marks but does not prevent rock chips. For impact protection, Paint Protection Film (PPF) is required.
Express Wax typically lasts a few weeks and is designed for quick shine and basic maintenance rather than long-term protection.
Carnauba Wax provides protection for approximately 4–6 months, offering a warm, deep shine and moderate UV resistance.
Ceramic Wax is a hybrid wax that lasts about 8–10 months, providing higher gloss and better water repellency than traditional wax.
An SiO₂ protectant is a ceramic-infused spray coating that delivers strong shine, water beading, and UV protection for about 3 months.
No. SiO₂ protectants are temporary and do not bond to the paint like true ceramic coatings, which last years instead of months.
Ceramic Coating lasts the longest, with available protection ranging from 1 year up to 8 years.
Ceramic coating is the best long-term option for new cars, especially when combined with PPF on high-impact areas.







