Wax Is Dead Bike Ceramic Coating is is dirt repellent, prevents fine scratches and swirls, and makes it easy to clean your machine thanks to the hydrophobic coating that makes it hard for mud to stick. It's very expensive, but the effects are claimed to last two years and the bottle does multiple bikes.
Ceramic coatings are all the rage in the automotive scene, with the main advantage being highly durable paint protection. This bicycle-specific version is not the first on the market, but the intriguing thing is it can be applied to virtually your entire bike, as opposed to just the frame – which is what you do with a regular wax.
> Buy now: Wax Is Dead Bike Ceramic Coating from Wax Is Dead for £45
This coating offers scratch resistance thanks to its 9H hardness, which means it can resist the scratching strength of a 9H pencil (if you ride through a lot of pencils). It's also hydrophobic and makes it hard for dirt to stick/easier to clean, is chemical, oxidisation and UV resistant and adds much to the general shininess.
The makers say it lasts up to two years, and one bottle covers up to two bikes. It can be applied to all exterior surfaces, including matt or gloss paint, metal, plastic and titanium. It also works on top of existing frame protection, and is even said to help prevent it yellowing. Obviously there wasn't time to test either this, or the two-year longevity, during our review...
In the box you get a 15ml bottle of ceramic coating, an applicator pad, and a couple of stickers – though curiously no instructions. Personally, I feel that if you're spending £45 on a coating that needs to be applied correctly, you want the manufacturer to tell you how to do it. Thankfully, the website has a video showing you exactly how.
The hardest part is getting your bike properly prepped – you must remove any dirt or grease or the coating won't adhere or last properly. Even if your bike looks clean, you still need to thoroughly clean it: first a proper shampoo and degrease, followed by isopropyl alcohol (or similar) around the entire bike to ensure no oily areas remain. This is a fiddly and time consuming procedure, and you definitely don't want to do in a dark corner of your shed.
Thankfully, actually applying the coating couldn't be easier. You just place a couple of drops onto the applicator pad, wipe it on section by section, then buff it with a microfibre cloth. Every time you put more onto the pad it gets more saturated, so as you go along you find you need to add less. Once done, you leave it 24 hours to cure.
The pad is quite small and flexible enough to get into most nooks without any issue, and there's a strap on the back that helps you keep hold of it. The last thing you want is to drop the pad on a dirty, gritty floor halfway through... and I'm definitely not talking from personal experience here. Cough.
Panoramic ceramic
Wax is Dead says you can apply this all over, including on saddles, though I personally stuck to the frame, seat post, stem, handlebar and groupset. I avoided parts like seats, levers and rims.
Although Wax Is Dead says the bottle is good for two bikes, mine only used up about a third. It's a very large frame too, though I avoided my rim-brake wheels so saved some there.
> road.cc Road Bike of the Year 2020/21
With a claimed two-year life it's going to be a while before I can meaningfully update the review, though by that time you'll have either a) decided this isn't for you, b) bought some anyway or c) discovered your bike is now the last shiny thing on our smouldering planet and being worshipped by as many cackling survivors as will fit on the donkey bus. It's anybody's guess, really.
I've not been able to fully test the dirt-repelling nature of the coating, simply because I've been 'unlucky' enough to avoid particularly bad weather since applying it, but water simply sheets off the paintwork, which will take a lot of particles with it.
Value
Expensive though it is at £45, it's £10 cheaper than a 15ml bottle of Gtechniq's similar Bike Ceramic, and £15 cheaper than 10ml of IGL Coating's 8H hardness Ecocoat Bike, which also lasts for up to two years.
There are plenty of non-ceramic protectants that cost less, though. Fenwick's Professional Protective Coating is £11.99 for 100ml and suits all types of frame finishes (and components), though it only lasts six months per application and can do nothing against scratching.
Overall
Though this is a fair investment, it's cheaper than its main rivals and is better value than you might think – if you've just spent thousands on a shiny new steed, £11-odd per year isn't bad at all for decent extra protection.
Verdict
Easy-to-apply coating that works well enough to offset that initial outlay
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Wax Is Dead Bike Ceramic Coating
Size tested: 15ml
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Wax Is Dead says, "At Wax is Dead, we are known for creating professional ceramic coatings used worldwide by the automotive industry. We wanted to take our ceramic coatings one step further. Using our experience and good old-fashioned know-how, we developed a revolutionary ceramic coating that's specifically for bikes. Say hello to BIKE by Wax is Dead. A dirt-repelling, easy-cleaning, super slick, 9H hardness protecting ceramic coating that will keep your bike looking as good as new."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
WID lists:
9H Hardness
Slick to the touch
Scratch Resistance (9H)
Super Hydrophobic Effect
Weather & UV Resistance
Less need of cleaning supplies saving you money
Chemical Resistance
Oxidation & Corrosion Resistant
Muddy trails & Gravel roads no problem
Extend the life of your bike and resale value
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
It's cheaper than its ceramic rivals and actually works out at £11.25 per bike, per year. You can easily spend that on a regular bike wax.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Easy to apply, looks good, and has the potential to protect the paint for up to two years.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The scratch and swirl protection.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
No instructions in the box.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Expensive though it is at £45, it's £10 cheaper than a 15ml bottle of Gtechniq's similar Bike Ceramic, and £15 cheaper than 10ml of IGL Coating's 8H hardness Ecocoat Bike, which also lasts for up to two years.
There are plenty of non-ceramic protectants that cost less, though. Fenwick's Professional Protective Coating is £11.99 for 100ml and suits all types of frame finishes (and components), though it only lasts six months per application and can do nothing against scratching.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Definitely – cleaning/waxing bikes is tiring and time-consuming
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
This is a brilliant option for protecting your bike's finish. It's very easy to apply, is claimed to last up to two years, and makes cleaning your bike easier. It's initially quite expensive, though proves a worthy investment to keep your bike/s in the best condition.
Overall rating: 9/10
About the tester
Age: 39
I usually ride: Condor Italia RC custom buildMy best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: A few times a weekI would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, mtb,
FAQs
Wax Is Dead Bike Ceramic Coating? ›
Most will think that when it fails, it's going to fail like a clear coat, separating from the base coat. When a Ceramic Coating fails, just like when wax fails, you're not going to see it peeling. It simply just wears away and you're going to see water beading and the dirt shedding qualities decline over time.
How do I know if my ceramic coating has failed? ›Most will think that when it fails, it's going to fail like a clear coat, separating from the base coat. When a Ceramic Coating fails, just like when wax fails, you're not going to see it peeling. It simply just wears away and you're going to see water beading and the dirt shedding qualities decline over time.
Does ceramic coating shine more than wax? ›A layer of ceramic coating adds an element of shine to your car. More critically, it adds a long-lasting shield of protection far more durable than carnauba-based waxes. Chemically bonded to the clear coat during application, a ceramic coating resists UV rays and chemical contamination and repels water and soils.
Do I need to wax if I have ceramic coating? ›Ceramic coatings deliver incredible protection and durability to your car's finish, but they don't necessarily add the same eye-popping shine that you expect from a traditional car wax. That's why it's a great idea to wax your car intermittently even after you've protected it with a ceramic product.
What happens if you apply ceramic coating over wax? ›Here's the rule of thumb: ceramic coatings and wax simply don't mix! Ceramic coatings won't work well when applied over wax. The wax will prevent the ceramic from properly bonding to the paint, and limit its durability. You could also be left with a smeared or streaky finish.
Why is my ceramic coating not working? ›The most likely cause is that the coating is DIRTY!
The reality is that although a coated car (because of the hardness and slickness of the surface) is easier to clean, it will still get contaminated over time with many of the same contaminants that stick to factory paint.
Touching up your ceramic coating
The best way to spruce up a dull, ceramic coating is to use a spray wax that's free of polishing agents, like Hybrid Solutions Pro Flex Wax or ICE Spray Wax, to add an additional layer of protection and shine to your finish.
Ceramic coatings need to cure for around 24 hours before being exposed to rain. Your car will need to be garaged overnight unless the weather forecast is for no rain.
How many coats of ceramic wax? ›Two ceramic coating layers plus a layer of top coat are usually required. This number of layers is sufficient to bring out the ceramic coating's hydrophobic qualities. Using this simple procedure, you may keep dirt stains, dust particles, and other impurities at bay.
How long will ceramic coating last? ›How long does ceramic coating last? For the most part, ceramic coatings last between two and five years. In some cases, they can last up to a decade, but this is pretty rare. However, there are many factors that affect their lifespan and might force you to replace yours sooner than you'd expect.
Does ceramic replace wax? ›
It is typically assumed that a nano ceramic coating is a replacement for traditional wax. Although a coating will last about 10 times longer than traditional carnauba wax, it's not necessarily a replacement. It is, however, a superior option for protecting the substrate or surface where it is applied.
What should you not do after ceramic coating? ›The golden rule you should always stick to after a ceramic coating is Do not wash your car within 7 days of application! If you know the basic properties of these types of products, you will know that once they are applied they will begin to cure and harden.
How do you remove wax before ceramic coating? ›We recommend a wax-free, gloss-free soap like Clean Slate. Clean Slate isn't just wax-free, it will also strip away any remaining sealants, waxes or glazes. Only once the surface is residue-free will your ceramic coating be able to properly bond to your paintwork.
Can you ruin ceramic coating? ›Yes, it is possible to mess up a DIY ceramic coating application. Improper application may cause high spots, streaks, cloudy reflections or hazing. These mistakes won't permanently damage your vehicle's paint and can be undone.
Is it OK to polish over ceramic coating? ›Can you polish a ceramic-coated car? Unfortunately, no. Ceramic coatings are not standard finishes for vehicles, so polishes are not formulated to work with them. If you use polish on top of ceramic coating, you will strip the coating off of your vehicle, leaving it patchy and damaged.
Do you wax or ceramic first? ›You could lay the ceramic-based protectant down first, let it cure and then apply a wax.
What happens if ceramic coating gets wet before it cures? ›New Coating + Water = Failed Coating
But what if something were to penetrate the barrier before it fully cured? If it's rain water or tap water, the impurities present in both will destabilize the cross link bonds before they can fully form. That can lead to premature coating failure in many instances.
Flaking occurs when the metal does not adhere sufficiently to the surface of a ceramic or plastic substrate. The coating will lift and separate from the surface and peel away, often creating bare spots.
What breaks down ceramic coating? ›Using heavy cleaning soaps or cleaners on your coating will slowly break down the coating, because ceramic is extremely hydrophobic it does not need a heavy cleaning soap to wash it, therefore is it a must to use a soap or cleaner that is specific for ceramic coated vehicles.
What happens if you let ceramic coating dry? ›Once your ceramic coating has fully cured, you will be able to enjoy all its benefits for years to come! The tough surface will have a high gloss that will help prevent paint damage from the elements, such as acid rain and bird droppings.
Can you buff scratches out of ceramic coating? ›
Scratch-Resistant: Ceramic coating is scratch-resistant, but not scratch proof. The higher quality of a ceramic coating you use, the more resistance your car's finish will have to scratches, while small scratches can even be buffed out entirely.
Can you ceramic coat twice? ›Yes, You Can Put Too Much Ceramic Coating on Your Car
Most professionals recommend that you put multiple layers of the protective coating on your car.
Second Layer & Top Coat
Applying the 2nd layer of ceramic coating or a topcoat requires a minimum curing time. For ceramic coating 2nd layer, it is recommended to wait at least 4 hours between the layers. For the ceramic coating topcoat application, it is recommended to wait at least 12 hours before the application.
A ceramic coat layer, when applied correctly to a car's paint, can provide complete coverage in just two coats. Two ceramic coating layers plus a top coat layer are usually required. To maximize the hydrophobic properties of the ceramic coating, multiple layers are required.
Can ceramic coating be done in 1 day? ›Ceramic coat application typically takes between 2-3 days, depending on the size of the vehicle, whether the car is new, the level of ceramic being applied, and the condition of your paint. Ceramic coating application involves several steps, including preparation, application, and curing.
How often should you reapply ceramic wax? ›Applying every 3-4 months is usually enough to keep your coating in optimal condition.
How do I know if my ceramic coating is still good? ›Spray the car with water; as you increase the speed of the vehicle, water beads will gather into streams that will flow from your vehicle. In the absence of ceramic coating, the drops of water will cling to the car's surface. When the coating starts to lose its effectiveness, water beading will become less pronounced.
What is the best wax with ceramic? ›- Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Adam's UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax. ...
- SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat.
Yes, a ceramic coat is good for your car. With paint correction completed prior to application, it can improve the shine of the vehicle's paint, block UV rays, and provide a protective coating that can last years.
What are the pros and cons of ceramic wax? ›On the positive side, ceramic coating can help to prolong the life of your paint job and make it look better for longer. It can also help to protect your car from minor scratches and scuffs. On the downside, ceramic coating can be expensive, and it may require more maintenance than regular paint jobs.
How do you refresh ceramic coating? ›
Refresh is designed to be easy to use, first wash using Ceramic Shampoo, dry, then spray and buff Refresh to a high shine. Like anything else, Coatings will age over time. Refresh rejuvenates and refreshes Ceramic Coatings with each application.
How do you remove dried wax from ceramic? ›Goo Gone is a relatively safe grease and glue remover that works on candle wax. Pour a small amount of solvent on a soft rag and gently dab or rub onto the wax to dissolve it.
Does clay bar remove ceramic coating? ›Stay away from detailing clay
However, ceramic coating is designed to protect against scratches and scuffs and therefore resists being removed by a simple clay bar. Using a clay bar on a ceramic-coated surface can irritate the coating, leaving tiny scratches that will be visible over time.
It's always best to have a ceramic coating applied to your car, that way no matter what you use on your paint to wash your car, it'll stay permanently protected, even against dish soap.
Will morning dew affect ceramic coating? ›Morning dew will not affect a ceramic coating which has been properly cured. However, if it is allowed to form on a coating which hasn't properly cured, it could affect it.
Can you apply ceramic coating over old ceramic coating? ›Eventually, the ceramic coatings need to be removed after their lifespan is over so that the car's surface can be prepared for a brand-new application of the ceramic coating. For applying a new layer of ceramic coating on the car, the previous layer should be removed.
How long does it take for ceramic coating to cure completely? ›Ceramic coatings need to cure for around 24 hours before being exposed to rain. Your car will need to be garaged overnight unless the weather forecast is for no rain.
How long does it take for a ceramic coat to settle? ›In general, most ceramic coatings will reach 90% of their cure in just 72 hours! However, it is important to keep in mind that a full cure can take up to four weeks. During this time, it is best not to apply any pressure or blows to the coated area; for example, avoid washing your car with a high-pressure hose.
How do you check for high spots in ceramic coating? ›A cloudy sky is perfect for inspecting as it emphasizes the dark patchy areas and rainbow gleams. Direct sunlight gives the illusion that the coating is levelled perfectly. It also cures the coating FASTER, which you don't want if there are any high spots that you may want to fix.
How many times can you apply ceramic coating? ›For a 3-5 year lifespan, two coats of ceramic coating and a single layer of topcoat are usually sufficient. Your driving situations and the length of time you spend driving influence this component as well. However, how well you maintain your vehicle, in general, has a role.
Does ceramic coating need heat to cure? ›
Yes, but we must guarantee that the temperature is appropriate. A ceramic coating must only be applied if the temperature is high enough. Applying a coating below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.40 degrees Celsius) will not be effective. It will slow down the curing process and make the coating useless.
How can I speed up my ceramic coating curing? ›One way we like to ensure that our coating applications come out smooth and clean is by using an Infrared Curing Lamp. This tool helps to expedite the curing process by adding heat to concentrated areas of the vehicle's surfaces for a predetermined amount of time, allowing the coating to harden quicker.
What not to do after ceramic coating? ›Finally – Do NOT Use Spray Wax or Paint Sealants on Top of the Coating. If you use a detail spray or rinseless car wash, ensure it does not contain wax, paint sealants, or harsh chemical agents. Ceramic Pro recommends Americana Global Detail Spray for all between maintenance washes and detailing.
How many coats of ceramic coating is best? ›A ceramic coat layer, when applied correctly to a car's paint, can provide complete coverage in just two coats. Two ceramic coating layers plus a top coat layer are usually required.
Can I polish over ceramic coating? ›Can you polish a ceramic-coated car? Unfortunately, no. Ceramic coatings are not standard finishes for vehicles, so polishes are not formulated to work with them. If you use polish on top of ceramic coating, you will strip the coating off of your vehicle, leaving it patchy and damaged.