Ceramic Wax on New Car

[pvs2487]

We just took delivery on a 2026 Lexus RX 350H, in red mica. It's a beautiful color.
I politely refused the F&I offerings (wheel and tire protection, extended warranty, prepaid maintenance) and the 'ultimate crystal ceramic paint coating'
Does the finish require any protection at this time? We are on the Jersey Shore, and the car will be parked outside. Our 2011 RX 450 H had 227,000 trouble free miles, and the only issues were a couple spots where the clear coat was peeling.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[dkryan]

Are you able to perform your own detailing on your new ride?

As in “wash, clay, polish, and a quality sealant” or are you of the “simply wash, then slap some wax on it” mindset?

“Outside” and the “Jersey Shore” are both eyebrow raising.

 

[pvs2487]

As we tend to keep our cars forever, I want to protect the finish as best we can.
My detail skills are amateur at best, so I'm happy to have a professional do what's required to set us up for the future.
For my older cars, I wash, polish and wax them.
Is the 'quality sealant' to which you refer a ceramic wax/coating?

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Boodro1]

If you have the money then a correctly done, quality ceramic coating can last for years.

Not sure I can justify spending a couple grand on that when a bottle of ceramic spray wax is $15 a year.

 

[buster]

Hello fellow New Jerseyan

If you can polish, I'd recommend doing a quick one step and then apply a coating of your choice (Mohs and Can Coat I think are two great values).

Or, just wash and apply a sealant of your choice after each wash or when protection diminishes.

I went down the detailing rabbit hole. There are no standardized tests or "best" in this industry. It's mostly all snake oil.

 

[dkryan]

As we tend to keep our cars forever, I want to protect the finish as best we can.
My detail skills are amateur at best, so I'm happy to have a professional do what's required to set us up for the future.
For my older cars, I wash, polish and wax them.
Is the 'quality sealant' to which you refer a ceramic wax/coating?

Thanks,

Peter

I would disagree that “it’s mostly snake oil.”

Peter, the “wash, polish, and wax” steps are fine for most people most of the time.
It somewhat depends on how often you detail the paint in any given year.

I prefer to use a clay-type product between the washing and polishing, but only if I am performing a full detail.

If you want to save the cost of a professional detailing, I would suggest washing, the using a Mother’s Speed Clay 2.0 to prep the paint for polishing.

Find an “easy on, easy off” polish, then use a sealant.

I use Jescar (Menzerna) Power Lock + (Plus) sealant. The Power Lock Ultra with ceramic is definitely not as good as the Plus.

You help yourself and will make your effort literally shine if you follow the product directions on the label. You would be surprised at how many people don’t read and follow the directions, then whine about the inferiority of the product.

With your SUV sitting outside, I would use a sealant instead of a wax.
You will get more durability from a properly applied sealant than a wax, especially if the ride is constantly exposed to the elements, especially the sun.

The only wax I would consider using in your situation if you’re inclined to go that way is Collinite’s 845 Insulator Wax.

And I have used that wax to apply a “topcoat” following a full detail using Power Lock Plus. The durability was really good!

Either way, I find it easy to maintain the SUV’s finish having performed a full detail and hand washing it whenever possible versus beating up the paint in an automated car wash.