WHAT IS CERAMIC COATING?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied by hand to the exterior of a vehicle. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicle's factory paint, creating a layer of protection. A ceramic coating creates a permanent or semi-permanent bond with a vehicle's paint, meaning it doesn't wash away or break down. It also doesn't require repeated application every few months as a wax or paint sealant would.
WHAT DOES CERAMIC COATING DO?
A ceramic coating adds additional protection to your vehicle's exterior and helps keep it looking like-new with a lot of less maintenance. Here are the main benefits of coating:
PROTECTION FROM CHEMICAL STAINS AND ETCHING
Another danger for your vehicle's paint is chemical staining from naturally acidic contaminants. By adding a chemically resistant surface, a ceramic coating can keep some contaminants from bonding to your vehicles paint. With this layer of protection, your vehicle will be more resistant to staining and etching if the contaminant is removed in a timely manner.
EASE OF CLEANING
One of the best features of ceramic coating is its extreme hydrophilic properties which in short just means how well it repels water. This means that mud and grime will have a more difficult time bonding to your vehicle's surface. When you go to wash your vehicle the contaminants can be removed with less effort.
ENHANCED GLOSS
If you want your paint to have a radiant glow to it, you will want to add a ceramic coating. A high-quality ceramic coating enhances the reflective properties of your vehicle's paint and clear coat adding to the depth and clarity of the paint.
WHAT DOES CERAMIC COATING NOT DO?
For the reasons listed above a ceramic coating does preserve our vehicle's exterior and reduce ongoing maintenance needs. Therefore, if you choose to have a ceramic coating applied, you will be adding value to your vehicle. However, despite the claims of some manufacturers and detailers, a ceramic coating is not a miracle, super-cure product that will solve any and every problem for your vehicle which makes it important to know what it doesn't do.
ELIMINATE THE DANGER OF SCRATCHES, SWIRL MARKS, OR ROCK CHIPS
The scratch resistance of a ceramic coating is often over exaggerated. Some small scratches, swirls, can be repelled by a ceramic coating, a coating will not be completely resistant to the risk of rock chips or parking lot scratches. Improper car washing techniques or automated car washes will still create swirls marks on your vehicles surface. It is important to know that ceramic coating is not a substitute for more serious scratch or chip protection like paint protection film. Ceramic coating nor PPF eliminates the need to wash your car with proper techniques to avoid swirls.
ELIMINATE THE RISK OF WATER SPOTTING
A normal drop of water contains a certain amount of dirt or minerals. When water evaporates on your vehicle's surface, the minerals are left behind, creating visible spots. Detailers and consumers may assume that the hydrophobic quality of a ceramic coating will eliminate water spotting since water slides off the coated surface. While it is true that some water will be repelled from the hydrophobic surface, other water droplets will bead and remain on the vehicle, creating the opportunity for water-spotting.
ELIMINATE THE NEED TO WASH
Notice above it was stated that a ceramic coating keeps your vehicle looking like-new with comparatively minimal maintenance, not no maintenance. Let's face it, roadways are a dirty place. If you are driving your vehicle, it will get dirty, even with a ceramic coating, you will still need to wash your vehicle regularly in order to maintain its look. The benefit of a ceramic coating is that the cleaning process will be easier. Having a ceramic coating means that you will no longer have to wax your vehicle every few months, eliminating a significant part of maintaining your vehicle's exterior. A ceramic coating does not make your vehicle maintenance free, but it does mean that with less work you will be able to maintain better results.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
It is important to be educated about a product before making a decision about whether it is right for your vehicle. Will ceramic coatings benefit your vehicle and add value? Absolutely! Are ceramic coatings a miracle, one-stop shop solution for all your vehicles exterior problems, no! It is also important to realize that ceramic coatings are not a substitute for the more comprehensive protection you find in a quality paint protection film. For ultimate protection, add a layer of PPF to the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle, then have that ceramic coated.