Australia has a dramatic climate. The coastal winds carry salt, the sun feels intense, and the outback creates the storm. You can also expect sudden rain showers. These are some natural elements that can affect your car’s paint. No wonder every car owner wants to protect the paint from these natural elements, but these are unavoidable.
While there are several ways to protect a vehicle, ceramic coatings stand out as the most effective. Waxing is still used by some owners, but it simply cannot deliver the durability or performance needed today. Ceramic coatings have become the go-to modern solution for superior gloss and long-term protection.
The advanced formulation of ceramic coating performs well in Australian conditions. However, if you’re not sure whether to choose traditional waxing or ceramic coating, it is essential to understand the differences.
In this section, we’ll break down both options and explain how each one works. By the end of the blog, you’ll have a clear understanding of which choice is best for your vehicle.
What is ceramic coating?
Ceramic coating is a specialised formulation that bonds directly with the vehicle’s paint. Using advanced nanotechnology, the liquid polymer chemically bonds with the clear coat, strengthening it and creating a smooth, glossy finish. This reinforced layer helps the paint resist environmental wear far better than traditional methods. The high-quality ceramic coatings offered by Kovalent Coatings are engineered for harsh Australian conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-term protection and shine.
Ceramic coating serves as a robust protective layer, resisting heat, UV rays, chemicals, water, and oxidation. The primary reason many car owners choose ceramic coating is its ability to deliver durable, long-lasting performance that can protect the vehicle for years.
What is traditional waxing?
Traditional waxing can be defined as the use of synthetic wax or natural wax. Wax has a shiny finish, which helps the car get a glossy finish.. However, it remains weak against harsh environmental conditions and heat.
Car wax may be easy to apply and affordable, but it does not last long and offers limited protection in harsh weather or strong sunlight. Over time, wax softens and gradually melts away, which means it needs to be reapplied frequently. This repeated application increases the overall cost in the long run.
How does the Australian climate affect car protection?
The unique weather conditions of Australia can stress your car paint. The conditions generally include the following.
- Intense heat waves
- Strong UV rays
- Road dust
- Coastal salt air
- Sudden storm
- Acidic rain shower
These are certain elements that you cannot stop. However, you can certainly prevent your car from getting damaged with the right protective layer on top. Remember that these elements can cause scratches, stains, oxidation, and also fade your car’s paint. It weakens the clear coat, which makes protection a necessity.
A Side-by-Side Comparison |
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|---|---|---|
| Features | Ceramic Coating | Traditional Waxing |
| Durability | Lasts for years with general care | Last for a few weeks to a month |
| UV protection | Strong UV defence | Minimal UV protection |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent heat resistance | Prone to melting under heat |
| Water Repellence | Strong hydrophobic behaviour | Moderate water repellence |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | No chemical resistance |
| Maintenance | Simple washing with pH neutral shampoo | Requires frequent reapplication |
| Scratch resistance | Resists minor scratches | No scratch resistance |
| Gloss | Deep, long-lasting shine | Short-lived warm glow |
Let’s Dive Into The Details:
UV Ray Resistance
There is no denying that Australia receives the strongest UV radiation in the world. Such high radiation can fade paint and create dull patches on your car’s surface.
- Ceramic coating provides robust protection against UV radiation. The layer is formulated to block UV rays and prevent further oxidation. Therefore, the layer keeps the paint bright for years.
- Waxing provides only mild UV protection, and the layer breaks down quickly under strong sunlight. As the wax begins to soften and melt, its ability to protect the surface is significantly reduced. This is why frequent reapplication becomes necessary, as the effects often weaken within just a week.
Protection against road, dust, and coastal salt
Many Australian cities are located close to the ocean, where salt in the air can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s paint. Salt particles accelerate corrosion and can also create micro-scratches on the surface over time, especially when they settle on the paint and mix with dust or moisture.
- The unique formulation of ceramic coating creates a smooth layer. Therefore, it is able to prevent salt from sticking to the surface. The dust, thus, slides off in just a gentle wash, and the surface remains smooth.
- On the other hand, wax offers only limited protection. Dust and salt can easily cling to the waxed surface, causing the shine to fade much more quickly.
Ease of Care and maintenance
Maintenance is the key to ensuring that the car’s surface keeps looking good and does not get damaged.
- Applying ceramic coating on cars ensures that it remains cleaner for a longer period. This is because ceramic coatings have a strong hydrophobic effect, meaning the surface naturally repels water. Dirt will not bond with the paint, and a simple wash using pH-neutral shampoo and a 380gsm microfiber cloth is usually all it takes to keep the surface looking fresh.
- On the other hand, wax has a glue-like texture. It can attract dust and easily stick to the surface. It also loses its shine in a short time. Waxing would require higher maintenance, frequent cleaning and multiple waxing sessions in a year.
Ceramic Coating – The ultimate choice to protect your car from the diverse Australian climate
Ceramic coating has been formulated to protect car surfaces from harsh weather conditions. As the Australian environment can be extreme, ceramic coating can provide consistent performance. It is strong, stable, and bonds to the paint for a long-lasting protective layer.
Professional application of ceramic coating ensures a strong protection, heat resistance, long-lasting shine, protection against stains, a glossy finish and easy maintenance. The ceramic coatings offered by Kovalent Coatings provide advanced protection. These are known for premium hardness and clarity. Choosing a Kovalent Approved Applicator in your region ensures the coating is applied professionally, helping maintain the look and feel of your car for years to come.
Final words
No wonder waxing can give some protection to your car, but ceramic coating provides long-lasting protection. The Australian climate is tough as it includes salt, sun, dust, and rain. It requires a unique formulation that can work specifically with climate change. Professional application of ceramic coating can bring a glossy finish and simple maintenance.
