Everything Orlando car owners ask about wax / sealant — honest answers, no upsell.
Wax or sealant — which?
Wax (carnauba) for depth and warmth on dark cars or show cars; lasts ~3 months. Synthetic sealant for daily drivers; harder, lasts 4–6 months. We'll recommend based on your car and goals.
Why not just ceramic coating?
Ceramic is the right answer for long-term protection. Wax and sealant are right when you don't want to commit, want a softer look (carnauba), or want a quick refresh before sale.
How long does it last in Florida?
Carnauba: 8–12 weeks in Florida sun. Synthetic sealant: 4–6 months. Both fade gradually — protection drops before the look does.
Can wax cover scratches?
Light marring temporarily, yes — wax fills micro-scratches. It doesn't fix anything, but a black car with fresh wax looks far better than the same car bare.
Will you remove old wax first?
Yes. We always cleanse before applying new protection. Layering on top of old wax causes streaking and reduces bond.
How soon can I drive?
Right away. Wax and sealant are fully cured the moment they're buffed off.
How much does mobile wax or paint sealant cost in Orlando?
Hand-applied wax or synthetic sealant starts at $99 for sedans, $119–$149 for SUVs and trucks. Premium carnauba and synthetic sealant tiers available. Always paired with at least a wash and clay bar pass so the protection bonds properly.
Is wax or sealant better in Florida?
Synthetic sealant lasts longer (4–6 months vs carnauba's 8–12 weeks) and handles Florida UV better. Carnauba is preferred for show cars and dark paint because of its depth and warmth. We recommend sealant for daily drivers and carnauba for weekend cars.
How long does wax or paint sealant last in Florida?
Carnauba wax: 8–12 weeks under Florida sun. Synthetic sealant: 4–6 months. Hybrid ceramic sealants stretch to 6–9 months. Real-world life depends on wash frequency, garage time, and exposure to sun and rain.
Can I wax over my ceramic coating?
You can but you shouldn't. Wax on top of ceramic doesn't bond properly and just washes off in days. If your ceramic is failing, get a maintenance polish and re-coat instead of waxing over it.
Is Drip Mobile Detailing insured?
Yes. Drip Mobile Detailing carries full general liability insurance and is bonded. We provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) on request — required by some gated communities, HOAs, marinas, and commercial fleet contracts in Orlando.
Do you bring your own water and power?
Yes. We are fully self-contained. We arrive with our own water tank, water-recovery system, generator, and all detailing products. You don't need to provide a hose, an outlet, or anything else — just a parking spot. We can detail in driveways, condos, parking garages, and gated communities.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and cash. Invoices are sent on completion. For commercial fleet contracts and ceramic coating jobs, we also accept ACH and bank wire.
How far in advance should I book?
Most Orlando appointments are booked 2–5 days out. We often have same-day or next-day availability for standard washes and exterior details. Ceramic coatings and multi-day paint correction jobs typically require 7–10 days lead time so we can schedule the right weather window.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. If you're not satisfied with any part of the detail, we'll come back and re-do it free of charge — typically within 24–48 hours. Ceramic coatings carry manufacturer warranties (5–10 years depending on product) tied to your VIN and registered to your name.
Do you detail in the rain or heat?
We work year-round in Orlando. Light rain doesn't stop us — we set up portable canopies. Heavy rain or thunderstorms get rescheduled at no charge. We schedule ceramic coatings and paint correction during low-humidity windows, often early morning, to maximize cure quality.
Can you detail my car at an apartment, condo, or office?
Yes. We routinely detail at apartment complexes, condos (with HOA permission), office parking lots, and parking garages across Orlando — Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, Maitland, Baldwin Park, downtown, and beyond. We bring our own water and operate quietly without runoff.
Do I need to be home during the detail?
No. Most clients leave us a key or garage code and head to work. We send before/after photos and a text when finished. For exotic vehicles or ceramic coating projects we recommend being available at the end for the walk-through.
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