Ceramic coating

What Is A Ceramic Coating?

A Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that is applied by hand to the vehicle’s surface and may also be applied to other areas including Glass, Brake calipers, Plastic trim, Headlights and more. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicles clear coat, creating an extra layer of protection.

A Ceramic Coating creates a bond that last as long as the factory specs for that particular coating, which can range from 18 months all the way up to 9 years. This bond created minimizes the maintenance required on the vehicles exterior. Unlike waxes, which require applications every 3 months and are susceptible to breaking down due to the elements, a Ceramic Coating is durable and lasting and does not wash away or break down.

Hydrophobic effects of a Ceramic Coating

What Does A Ceramic Coating Do?

Basically, a Ceramic Coating is an extra layer of protection on top of the paint. It is much harder than clear coat and more hydrophobic, helping keep your vehicle looking like new for longer and makes it easier to keep clean. Below are the main benefits of Ceramic Coating.

ROTECTION FROM UV DAMAGE / OXIDIZATION

Vehicles begin to dull and fade from the paint oxidizing due to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Ceramic Coating provides incredible protection against minor scratches, swirl marks and harmful UV rays.

PROTECTION FROM CHEMICAL STAINS AND ETCHING

Chemical and minerals, acid rain and bird droppings wreak havoc on your vehicles surface. These can cause unsightly and very difficult to remove imperfections on your vehicles finish. A Ceramic Coating creates a chemically resistant surface, which can keep contaminants from bonding to your vehicles paint. While they cannot be prevented it is easier to remove.

EASE OF CLEANING

One of the most noticeable features of a Ceramic Coating is the incredible hydrophobic effect of the coating, which causes water to bead up, and roll off the surface. This also prevents most dirt, grime and mud from bonding to the vehicle’s paint, which makes it easier to clean off.

ENHANCED GLOSS

A vehicle with a good Ceramic Coating maintains a ‘wet’ look that gives great reflective properties bringing clarity and depth to your paint that keeps it looking new and beautiful. Some vehicles will require paint correction prior to being Ceramic Coated. This involves removing all contaminates by thoroughly hand washing the vehicle and then clay bar to remove any remaining contaminates on the paint. Next the paint is checked using a bright light to reveal any scratches or swirls and then buffing them out. Doing paint correction is necessary to prevent the Ceramic Coating from enhancing the appearance of any scratches or swirl in the paint and ensuring the ceramic coating has a good clean smooth surface in which to adhere.

What Does A Ceramic Coating Not Do?

ELIMINATE THE DANGER OF SCRATCHES, SWIRL MARKS, OR ROCK CHIPS

While Ceramic Coatings are scratch resistant, they are not scratch proof. This is often over stated by companies when explaining Ceramic Coatings. It is still very important to keep your vehicle clean to prevent scratching and swirls. Ceramic Coating manufacturers also recommend not taking your vehicle through automated car washes as they can cause scratching and swirls and are harmful to the protection. Hand Washing is recommended.

ELIMINATE WATER SPOTTING

Water holds minerals that can cause difficult to remove water spots when it evaporates on your vehicle. A Ceramic Coating will make it easier to remove the minerals that are left behind. Also, due to the hydrophobic properties of Ceramic Coating your vehicle will not hold as much water on its surface creating less opportunity for water spotting.

ELIMINATE THE NEED TO WASH

Ceramic Coatings help keep your vehicles finish like new. However, you do have to keep your vehicle clean to help prevent buildup and problems with excess wear. It is much easier to keep a well-maintained Ceramic Coated car looking beautiful than one that is not protected. Therefore, a Ceramic Coating does not make your vehicle maintenance free, but it greatly reduces the time and expenses related to ongoing care and maintenance.

The bottom line is a Ceramic Coating will add value and keep your vehicle looking great. If you would like to learn more click here to schedule a Free consultation.