Do You Still Need to Wax a Car With Ceramic Spray?
If you’ve just applied ceramic spray—or are thinking about it—you might be wondering:
Do I still need to wax my car?
Short answer: No. In fact, waxing after applying a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell is not just unnecessary—it can actually reduce the effectiveness of your protection.
Here’s Why You Can Skip Waxing
- ✅ Ceramic spray already creates a strong hydrophobic barrier
- ✅ It bonds better than wax and lasts longer
- ✅ Wax can interfere with the ceramic’s performance
- ✅ You’re wasting time and product by layering wax on top
Unless you love applying wax for the experience, there’s no benefit to using it once you’ve applied ceramic spray.
What If You Already Waxed—Then Want to Use Ceramic Spray?
That’s a different story. You’ll need to remove the wax first.
Why? Because wax can act as a barrier that prevents ceramic spray from bonding to your paint.
How to Remove Wax Before Applying Ceramic Spray:
- Wash your car thoroughly with The Super Soaper
- Use a clay mitt or clay bar if the surface feels rough
- Optionally, wipe the paint down with an IPA solution or panel prep spray
Once the surface is clean and bare, you’re good to go with Tough As Shell.
Wax vs. Ceramic Spray: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Wax | Tough As Shell (Ceramic Spray) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Duration | 2–4 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Application Time | 15–30 mins | 5–10 mins |
| Water Beading | Moderate | Extreme |
| Safe for Matte Paint | No | Yes |
What to Do Instead of Waxing
Instead of waxing, just reapply Tough As Shell every 4–6 weeks. It stacks beautifully, so each layer reinforces the last.
This keeps your paint:
- ✔️ Looking clean and glossy
- ✔️ Protected from UV, bird droppings, and grime
- ✔️ Easy to wash and dry
Related Blog Posts You Might Like
- Ceramic Spray vs. Wax: What’s Better?
- How to Layer Ceramic Spray for Longer Protection
- What Does a Ceramic Spray Actually Do?
Recommended Products
- The Super Soaper – Removes dirt and wax buildup before ceramic application (Amazon)
- Massive Drying Towel – For streak-free drying before or after protection (Amazon)
- Tough As Shell – Modern ceramic protection that replaces waxing altogether
Customer Review
“I used to wax every month, but after switching to Tough As Shell, I’ll never go back. It’s faster, lasts longer, and beads like crazy.” — Leo F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply wax over ceramic spray?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. It reduces beading and adds no real benefit.
Should I apply ceramic spray over wax?
No. Remove the wax first so the ceramic spray can bond properly to the paint.
Is ceramic spray as good as waxing?
It’s better. It lasts longer, protects more effectively, and takes less time to apply.
Can I use both if I want extra protection?
Use ceramic spray only—and reapply monthly to stack layers instead of adding wax.
Conclusion
Ceramic spray replaces the need for wax entirely. If you’re using Tough As Shell, you don’t need wax—you just need a clean car, a soft towel, and 10 minutes.
Ready to simplify your routine and level up your protection? Get Tough As Shell today or grab it on Amazon and leave waxing in the past.
