For many of us the appearance of our vehicles is just a part of the overall experience. However, if on the other hand you’re an enthusiast who obsesses over every detail and a potential lessee who is determined to getting rid of excessive wear and tear or you’re among the increasing number of people who drive less often due to a new work-from-home arrangement. Whichever side you are on in that spectrum will dictate the amount of time and money you’re willing spend, and whether or not a high-priced ceramic coating is a worthwhile investment.
What is Ceramic Coating?
To fully comprehend ceramic coatings, it’s beneficial to begin by looking at the most common paint-protection products.
Wax is a natural product that is most affordable product, and is available in a variety of types, from an old-fashioned paste to a simple spray. For years, “waxing” a car has been associated with keeping it looking fresh and fresh. The problem is that wax isn’t particularly robust and must be applied often throughout the year. Some companies claim otherwise but environmental toxins and even a harsh soap may easily break through that thin wax barrier.
However, sealants are made of synthetic material and designed to last several months. Therefore, they are easily applied, though they generally don’t provide the same quality shine you get from a high-quality wax.
Both are outmatched by the ceramic coating. The silica-based liquid polymer can be put on by hand and dried to form a protective layer which can, if properly maintained, is able to last for many years.
Advantages of Ceramic Coating
This long-lasting protection is the main reason that car owners select to use a ceramic coating over other options. A solid shell and ceramic coating will prevent water and road grime, bird droppings, and many other substances from affecting the paint. Instead, after a quick rinse, they’ll simply slide effortlessly off.
That brings us to the term “hydrophobic,” which is interesting. Typically, anything that’s “phobic” has a negative connotation, however in this case it’s all positive. A ceramic coating creates a hydrophobic layer that essentially repels water, meaning mineral deposits and dirt are less likely to damage the surface of the paint.
What Ceramic Coating Won’t Do
However, ceramic coatings are not ideal for everyone due to the cost. In contrast to wax, for instance, it is a ceramic coating bonded to and bonds with car paint and cannot simply be wiped off and reapplied. The process is more akin to applying stain on a piece of wood, and the application must be uniform, smooth and to ensure the best results done by a knowledgeable professional. If there is a mistake or something touches the surface before it has fully dried the entire surface of the vehicle must be wet sanded, and the coating is reapplied.
Although the cost of a ceramic coating kit is less than $100, proper preparation could result in an expensive undertaking. Since the coating can magnify imperfections, you must first laboriously clean the paint to get rid of any swirls, scratches, or discoloration. Experts have even said that it’s even necessary for brand-new cars just from a dealership’s lot since they’re likely to suffer minor scratch marks from going through an automatic car wash.
In this regard and with this in mind, you won’t be surprised to find out that a professional will charge $1,000 or more to apply a ceramic coating on your car. This is why we do not recommend the average do-it-yourself attempt on a car of any value.
More important than the cost of the expense of ceramic coating is the unrealistic expectations that people have regarding the outcome. Ceramic coatings provide unmatched protection However, your car isn’t going to suddenly have an impassable layer of protection. Stones will still chip the paint, rogue carts will completely scratch your car’s fender and tree sap that’s left to bake onto the hood will be laughing at the cost of your silica-based polymer, which is $1,000.
In addition, you need to ensure the longevity of a ceramic coating by ensuring that you use a brush for frequent washes (to avoid swirls and scratches) and occasional treatments with the right spray. owners can handle themselves.
