What is ceramic coating and is it really worth it? We answer all your paint protection questions.
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Welcome to ceramic coating.
What is ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car’s exterior. Once applied, it creates a bond with the vehicle’s factory paint, forming a layer of protection. They’re formulated with silicon dioxide but may contain other additives such as titanium dioxide for extended service life.
How much is ceramic coating?
Ceramic coating treatments are an easy DIY application provided you have some patience and do a thorough wash first and follow label instructions. Pricing is all over the map varying from around $50 for a single-vehicle container up to almost $200. The main difference is the concentration of silicon dioxide in the formula. Professional-grade coatings contain around 80% and often come in very small containers. A good quality treatment should offer protection for up to five years.
What is the benefit of ceramic coating?
What is the downside to ceramic coating?
That final water-beading feature can also provide one of the few downsides to ceramics. When liquids don’t adhere to a surface, they can easily run off of a vertical panel, but when they land on hoods and roofs, they will stay around until they evaporate in the heat often leaving noticeable water spots caused by the chemicals in the moisture that don’t evaporate but instead hang around.
What is the difference between nano coating and ceramic coating?
Nano coatings are often similar to ceramic coatings in terms of active ingredients, but are made up of much smaller particles. They can provide the same shine and gloss as ceramics, but are measurably less hard.
What is the difference between ceramic coating and ceramic wax?
There are ceramic waxes available and these are usually a hybrid of wax and ceramic coating but contain only a fraction of the silicon dioxide that true ceramic coatings have and don’t have the same bonding strength.
How to maintain ceramic coating?
Taking care of a ceramic coated vehicle is much the same as an uncoated one.
- Avoid harsh detergents and instead use only automotive use formulated soap.
- You still have to wash and dry your ride as often, but it will maintain its gleam between washings.
- Always avoid washing in direct sunlight and only use soft microfibre cloths.
- Check for any areas that show dullness indicating the coating has worn off and touch up as needed.
- Two of the top rated ceramic coatings are Chemical Guys Carbon Force and Adam’s Polishes Graphene Ceramic Coating Advanced; both available on Amazon and at auto parts shops.
Is ceramic coating worth it?
Is it really worth it? As most of the protection that ceramic coatings offer is cosmetic, their value is arguable. But in terms of reducing the amount of time and effort on body and paint maintenance and washing, they’re worth the cost.
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