Your car is a huge investment, and you want the “new car” look to last! We get it. That’s why we’ve looked into the best ways to protect your car exterior—and mastered a few of them ourselves!
Beyond the massive expense of taking your car to the detail shop every year, there are several more affordable methods of car exterior protection that can help keep your car looking brand new. Let’s get into it. Read on to learn more in this article of shine armor blog!
related products in shine armor:
- Graphene Ceramic Spray
- Fortify Quick Coat
- Revive Car Scratch Remover
- Graphene Ceramic Nano Glass Coating
- Anti-Fog Hero
- Car Upholstery and Interior Cleaner
Car waxing is one of the most popular and effective ways of protecting your car's exterior. It helps protect the paint from fading and gives your car a shiny and glossy finish. Car wax forms a protective layer over the paint that can last for several months. It is an easy-to-use spray-on wax that provides a deep shine and long-lasting protection.
Cost: Wide range. $15 - $100
Longevity: Medium, about 3-4 months
Convenience: High, you can do it yourself or have a professional do it for you.
Efficacy: Medium, protects from hard water, sun, debris, etc.
Ceramic coatings are another easy method of car exterior protection. They form a hard, durable layer over the paint that is resistant to scratches, dirt, and UV rays. Ceramic coatings can last from several months to several years and require very little maintenance. However, they can be quite expensive and require professional application.
For ceramic coating protection that you can apply at home, try our Graphene Ceramic Spray. It’s affordable and easy to use, and the results last over half a year. And it doesn’t just protect your paint job—it also enhances the look of your car with a high-gloss finish.
Cost: Low, $30 - $40
Longevity: Medium, about 6 months
Convenience: High. Takes less than 30 minutes at home.
Efficacy: Medium, protects from sun, debris, dirt, etc.
Paint protection film is a clear film that is applied over the car's exterior to protect it from scratches, rock chips, and other types of damage. It is an excellent way to protect your car's exterior without changing the way it looks. Most are also self-healing, which means that they can repair minor scratches and swirls on their own when heat or sun is applied.
Cost: High, between $900 and $2500
Longevity: Medium, about 6 months
Convenience: High, must be done by a professional
Efficacy: High, truly protects from the elements.
- Paint Sealant
Paint sealants are a very effective way to protect your car from sap, sun, and debris, and give your car a glossy shine. A paint sealant will usually last for about 6-8 months before fading. One downside to paint sealants is that they generally have toxic chemicals and need to be applied and removed by a professional, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Cost: Medium, $40 - $100
Longevity: about 6-8 months
Convenience: Low, best if applied by a professional.
Efficacy: High, bonds with your paint to fully protect.
Car covers are an excellent way to protect your car's exterior from the elements, especially if you don’t have a garage or covered parking. They can help protect the paint from sun fading, scratches, and other damage caused by the sun, rain, and wind. Plus, they come in dozens of materials and sizes, so you can choose one that best fits your car best.
Cost: $30 - $100
Longevity: Very good, car covers can last years.
Convenience: Low. Removing and replacing can be a time drain on your everyday.
Efficacy: High, fully protects the car from sun, dirt, twigs, etc.
Any of these methods will help you keep your ride looking brand new all year long, and for years to come. Want affordable car protectants that you can apply at home quickly and easily? Browse our Exterior products page
