Independent buying guides for home car detailing

Protect & Shine

Protection keeps paint glossy and easy to clean. Waxes, sealants, spray coatings and graphene or ceramic coatings trade ease of application against durability.

Close-up of a worker buffing red car paint for shine and maintenance
Photo: Khunkorn Laowisit on Pexels

How to choose

  • Choose wax for warm gloss, sealant for longer life.
  • Choose coatings for the longest protection with more prep.
  • Prep paint properly, since protection seals in whatever is underneath.
  • Use a compatible maintenance spray.

Common questions

How long does car wax last?

Carnauba wax typically lasts a few weeks to a couple of months. Synthetic sealants and spray coatings last longer.

Is a ceramic coating worth it?

If you keep a car for years and wash it regularly, a well-applied coating makes cleaning easier and protects longer.