A detailer explains the honest differences, the costs and the marketing to ignore.
Polish corrects, wax and ceramic protect
Machine polishing removes a whisper of clear coat to level swirls and haze. Wax and ceramic add a sacrificial layer on top. Coating over uncorrected paint just seals the swirls in — correction always comes first.
Wax: cheap, warm, short-lived
A good wax gives deep gloss for 2–3 months and is perfect before a sale or a show. It needs reapplying and won't survive harsh washes.
Ceramic: the long game
A professional ceramic lasts 2–5 years, shrugs off dirt and UV, and makes washing dramatically easier. It won't make paint scratch-proof — anyone promising that is selling, not detailing.
What to ask before you book
Ask for paint-depth readings, before-and-after photos in the same light, and exactly which stages are included. A proper job takes a day, not an hour.
