Car surfaces see a lot during their lifetime. Finnish conditions bring snow, water, sand, mud, insects, and salt, and none of these get along well with a car's paintwork. So, it's better to protect the surfaces!
We have compiled a list of the three most common ways to protect a car's paintwork. They all essentially do the same thing, but they differ in durability and method of application.
1. Spray-on protectants
The fastest and easiest car protection on the market are spray-on waxes and sealants. Their durability ranges from a week to a few months. These also come in two versions: some products are sprayed onto a wet surface and rinsed off, while others are sprayed onto a dry surface and wiped off with a microfiber cloth. In terms of durability, these protections are not top-tier; they are more about ease of application. Once the protection has worn off, you simply spray on a new layer. These products cost from around €10 and are easy to apply yourself.
Pros and cons
+ Fast to apply
+ Provides a nice gloss
+ Covers minor scratches
– The least durable of the three
– Cannot withstand strong detergents or solvents
For this, we have our own Fure Quick Wax, which provides protection for 2–3 months!
2. Hard wax
Waxing a car is certainly the most common way to protect the paintwork. Car waxes have existed for decades, and many have experience with them. There are thousands of different waxes on the market: some offer incredible gloss, while others provide long-lasting protection. In terms of durability, waxes range from 1 to 12 months.
Waxing a car is often perceived as a time-consuming chore, and many have experiences where car wax has dried on the paint surface, leading to three hours of grueling scrubbing and the thought: "Never again!" However, modern waxes have improved significantly, and by following the instructions, application is very effortless. The biggest part of the work in waxing is washing the car clean of all impurities before waxing. Professional car waxing starts at around €100. See instructions for doing it yourself: Car waxing step by step.
Pros and cons
+ Easy to apply
+ Provides a nice gloss
+ Covers minor scratches
– Mid-range durability of the three
– Cannot withstand strong detergents or solvents
3. Coating
In recent years, durable coatings have come onto the market that promise to protect a car's paintwork for 3–5 years. The coating forms a very hard protective layer over the car's own clear coat. Coatings have gained great popularity, and more and more cars are being coated. The biggest advantage of this method is the durability of the protection compared to wax or spray-on protectants, as well as the fact that the coating withstands strong detergents much better. This makes it easier to wash off, for example, salt that sticks tightly in winter.
However, durable coatings also have weaknesses. A coating does not hide scratches in the paintwork, so they must be machine polished away before the coating is applied. Furthermore, the best and most durable coatings are only available to professionals and require training. Professional coating costs from around €750, depending on the car size and the condition of the paintwork. Also read: Car buffing, i.e., paintwork polishing.
Pros and cons
+ Best durability
+ Withstands strong solvents
– Requires a professional
– Expensive
– Does not cover scratches