If you want to keep your car looking showroom-new for years to come, paint protection is a must. Two of the most popular options on the market right now are RestorFX and ceramic coating.
But with so many overlapping benefits, how do you choose between them?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between RestorFX and ceramic coatings. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each, along with real user experiences.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which paint protection best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | RestorFX | Ceramic Coating |
| Cost | Affordable, kits under $100 | Expensive, $1000+ professional install |
| Application | Easy DIY, spray and wipe | Meticulous prep work required |
| Curing Time | 1 hour | 12-24 hours |
| Durability | 12-36 months | 24-84+ months |
| Gloss Level | High gloss | Extreme glass-like gloss |
| Liquid Repellency | Good hydrophobic properties | Extreme “self-cleaning” effects |
| Maintenance | Reapply every 1-3 years | May need maintenance coat every 1-2 years |
| Heat Tolerance | Good | Excellent |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Ease of Removal | Easy | Challenging |
| UV Protection | Good | Excellent |
What Is RestorFX?
RestorFX is a polymer sealant that bonds to your car’s paint for protection against the elements. It forms an invisible layer that repels water, chemicals, UV rays, and more.
RestorFX is made by Guys Shine Shop, a company known for its high-quality detailing products. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and only takes about an hour to apply by hand.
Some key benefits of RestorFX include:
- Long-lasting protection for 12-36 months
- Repels water, mud, etc. to make washing easier
- Protects against UV rays, bird droppings, sap, and other hazards
- Deepens gloss and enhances paint color
- Can be used on paint, glass, metal, plastic, and wheels
- Easy DIY application – no professional needed
As you can see, RestorFX aims to make your vehicle more resistant to the wear and tear of daily driving.
The key is its flexible polymer formula, which forms a sacrificial layer on top of the clear coat.
This protects the underlying paint and allows minor scratches and swirls to be removed with claying or polishing.
RestorFX doesn’t technically add thickness or a coating to the paint.
Overview of Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings represent the new wave of paint protection. Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, ceramic coating formulas contain concentrated liquid polymers that cure to a glass-like state.
Reputable ceramic coating brands include Opti-Coat Pro, Cerakote Ceramic Coating, AvalonKing Armor Shield IX, and Gtechniq Crystal Serum. Professional installation runs $1000-5000, but DIY kits are also available.
The benefits of ceramic car coating include:
- Extremely durable protection lasting 2-7 years
- Significantly higher gloss and reflectivity
- Excellent stain, chemical, and scratch resistance
- Easier washing and cleaning between washes
- Repels all liquids for a hydrophobic effect
- Can be used on paint, glass, wheels, etc.
- More heat-tolerant compared to wax or sealant
The liquid polymers bond tightly to the clear coat layer for protection that holds up better over time than RestorFX.
Ceramic coating also lends a harder surface that resists swirling and etching.
However, ceramic coatings do have some downsides to consider:
- Very rigorous prep required for best results
- Difficult DIY installation without proper training
- Costly professional installation
- Cannot be applied in direct sunlight
- Long curing time before car can get wet
- Annual maintenance coats often needed
- Removal complicated if disliked
As you can see, ceramic coatings provide the most complete paint protection, but the process requires greater investment upfront.
Also Read: Differences Between Revivify And Ceramic Pro Coatings.
Key Differences Between RestorFX And Ceramic Coating
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each type of protection, let’s compare them across some key factors:
Durability:
- Ceramic coating lasts 2-7 years typically
- RestorFX protects for 1-3 years
Gloss & Depth:
- Ceramic coating gives extremely reflective, glass-like shine
- RestorFX provides nice gloss boost but not as dramatic
Ease of Use:
- RestorFX can be applied by anyone in about an hour
- Ceramic coating requires meticulous prep and ideal conditions
Price:
- Ceramic coating costs $1000+ for professional install
- RestorFX bottles start around $60 for DIY use
Heat Tolerance:
- Ceramic coating holds up better in extreme heat
- RestorFX may need reapplied sooner in hot climates
Maintenance:
- Ceramic coating needs topped every 1-2 years
- RestorFX can be topped whenever gloss fades
Self-Cleaning:
- Ceramic coating is extremely hydrophobic
- RestorFX also repels water but not to the same degree
Scratch Resistance:
- Ceramic coating offers the best scratch protection
- RestorFX still resists light swirls and scratches
UV Protection:
- Both ceramic and RestorFX shield against sun damage
- Ceramic coating blocks more over the long run
Versatility:
- Ceramic coating and RestorFX can both be used on paint, metal, glass, wheels, etc.
Environmental Resistance:
- Ceramic coating is best against chemical staining and etching
- RestorFX still protects against bird droppings, sap, bugs, etc.
As you can see, ceramic coating beats out RestorFX in some areas like longevity, liquid repellency, and gloss – but comes at a price. For many car owners, RestorFX offers excellent paint protection that’s easy to apply at a fraction of the cost.
Also Read: Comparison of Ceramic Coating And PermaPlate Coating.
Real User Reviews
Don’t just take our word when comparing RestorFX and ceramic coatings! Here’s what actual users have to say:
“I had RestorFX applied to my black Audi A4 about a year ago. The shine it gave my paint was unreal. A year later water, snow, and mud just slide right off – it’s amazing how it looks like I just drove it off the dealer lot.” – Adam D.
“I spent $2000 to get my Range Rover ceramic coated and it was 100% worth it. The gloss is ridiculous and it still looks freshly-detailed after going through the automatic car wash. I don’t have to wax it anymore.” – Brandon T.
“The RestorFX application was really easy and my white Honda Civic looks fantastic a year later. I just reapplied some last week since the water wasn’t beading as much. For the price, the durability is awesome!” – James R.
“I decided to try the RestorFX on my beloved black 68’ Camaro. For a classic car, it brought the paint back to life! I get compliments all the time asking if it’s a new paint job. Finding this product was a blessing.” – Don S.
“The ceramic coating on my car makes it stupid easy to wash by hand. Everything just slides right off with a pressure washer and I don’t have to scrub at all. The gloss and reflection are amazing too – well worth the money.” – Alyssa B.
As you can see from these real-world perspectives, both RestorFX and ceramic coatings make car washing easier and deliver outstanding gloss. Which option ultimately provides the best paint protection comes down to your priorities and budget.
Also Read: Comparison of Ceramic Coating And Jet Hot Coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still trying to choose between RestorFX and ceramic coating? Here are answers to some common questions for deciding:
Yes, RestorFX absolutely provides noticeable paint protection benefits. The hydrophobic polymer formula bonds to the clear coat and makes the surface slick, so water, mud, and grime slide right off. Users consistently report enhanced gloss and improved washability after RestorFX application. It’s an effective and affordable option for paint protection.
RestorFX typically provides 12-36 months of protection before needing reapplied. Factors like climate, mileage, wash frequency and the condition of the underlying paint all impact durability. In general, expect to get 1-3 years of longevity from RestorFX before renewal is needed.
RestorFX and ClearFX are both made by Guys Shine Shop. The main difference is application – ClearFX is wiped on while RestorFX sprays on for full coverage. They provide similar gloss and protection. RestorFX bonds a bit better to paint whereas ClearFX is also used on headlights, glass, and plastics. Both are user-friendly products that offer professional results.
Ceramic coating provides the ultimate in gloss and protection, but the rigid application process does have some downsides. The surface needs extensive cleaning and decontamination beforehand. You only get one chance to apply it correctly before full curing. Ceramic coating is also expensive, difficult to remove, and may require annual maintenance coats. For many, traditional options like RestorFX offer excellent durability without the stringent installation.
Choosing your ideal paint protection depends on your priorities. Ceramic coating offers the greatest durability and gloss, but requires professional application for optimal results. For most car owners, RestorFX provides excellent ease of use, affordability and long-lasting shine and protection. Consider your budget, desired longevity, and willingness to maintain the coating when deciding between RestorFX vs ceramic options.
The Verdict
When weighing RestorFX vs ceramic coatings, there’s no unambiguous winner – both have unique advantages. Here’s a quick recap of how they compare:
RestorFX
- More affordable DIY option
- Easy liquid spray application
- Durability around 1-3 years
- Great gloss and protection
- Repels liquids and contaminants
- Can be layered frequently
Ceramic Coating
- Most durable and reflective finish
- Strongest resistance to damage
- Extremely slick and hydrophobic
- Can last over 5 years
- Retains scratch-free gloss
- More heat and UV tolerant
For most vehicle owners, RestorFX delivers excellent performance and value. The ease of use, reasonable price point, and long-lasting protection provide great bang for your buck. RestorFX seals the paint from the elements while adding insane gloss.
However, for luxury or high-end vehicles where cost is no object, a professionally-applied ceramic coating takes paint protection to the max. If maintaining flawless gloss and rejecting all liquids for years appeals to you, ceramic is the way to go.
At the end of the day, keeping your paint protected is what matters most. Consistent maintenance with either RestorFX or ceramic coating will keep your car looking its absolute best. Evaluate your personal needs and budget, then choose the paint protection that fits your lifestyle.
