This article asks: how does ceramic coating for cars work. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a daily driver, our expert insights break down the benefits of ceramic coating, from UV resistance to ease of maintenance.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings offer multiple benefits and serve as a popular paint protection option for cars. Made from a liquid polymer, these coatings, when cured, form a hard and durable shield on a car's surface. Comprising long molecule chains, these polymers form a sturdy layer on the car's exterior upon application and exposure to heat or UV radiation. The market presents a broad array of ceramic coatings today, ranging from professionally applied Ceramic Pro 9H nano-coatings to Teflon-infused ones that provide a remarkably water-resistant surface and moderate protection.
However, the main aim of ceramic coatings is to protect car surfaces from light scratches, UV exposure, road dust, bird droppings and insect smears. As the entry-level category, ceramic coating sprays strive to replicate the same benefits that higher-end 9H nano-ceramic coatings provide. Teflon incorporated combinations are frequently used, known for their heat resistance and non-stick properties. Upholding the next level of ceramic protection for car paints is SiO2 Ceramic Boost Spray – a blend of polymers and other substances infused with silicon dioxide or sometimes titanium dioxide. It aims to enhance the car's water-resistant qualities like Teflon sprays.
The key difference is, that SiO2-infused formulations are nanotechnology-based and upon use, allow SiO2 and TiO2 to penetrate minute flaws in paint and other porous exteriors. After laying the base coat like a Teflon spray or high-grade 9H nano-coating, additional layers can be sprayed. Most SiO2 sprays ensure six-month protection but are advised to be applied in intervals as part of regular maintenance after a comprehensive car wash.
For the highest level of ceramic coating protection, a nano-professional coating is recommended. When expertly applied - this potent blend of SiO2, TiO2, and solvents enhances the shielding layer. It provides protection against UV rays, swirl marks and other minor defects. The suppleness of nano-coatings allows them to adhere to and flex with softer materials like vinyl, plastic, and paint protection film.
What Are The Benefits Of Ceramic Coatings?
Vehicle ceramic coatings provide significant paint protection, a key benefit. Formed from a cured polymer, these coatings create a strong, resilient cover that resists stains, scratches and other damage.
This feature maintains the look of your vehicle, reduces the need for regular cleaning, and eliminates the necessity for waxing. A car with a ceramic coating should never be waxed. These coatings are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, facilitating easy cleaning and preventing water stains on the car paint.
These properties, combined with UV protection, prevent the car's paint from fading or turning yellow in sunlight, vital for newer car models. Your vehicle's aesthetics can remarkably improve with ceramic coatings. The high-gloss finish of the cured polymer makes your car look more vibrant and new.
Additionally, the coating creates a smooth, glossy surface that resists dirt and grime, making the vehicle easier to clean. While driving, car paint is exposed to various debris. The ceramic coating acts as a robust barrier, repelling dirt and grime and preserving the car body. It can withstand substantial wear and tear, without the car showing signs of fading, oxidation, or chemical stains.
Plus, it protects against UV rays that can cause oxidation. The hard surface of the ceramic coating forces debris to roll off rather than getting stuck in the small crevices of the car, thereby keeping it cleaner for longer. Ceramic coatings outlast conventional paint coats, being able to endure exposure to environmental elements such as weather, bird droppings, and other toxins for years before beginning to wear off.
This makes it a virtually permanent solution, relieving you of annual replacements. Although the initial cost may be higher, ceramic coatings are relatively affordable for vehicle owners compared to the long-term savings they bring. These coatings reduce expenditures on wax, car washes and other exterior detailing services, proving to be a cost-effective solution.
Does Ceramic Coating Really Work?
Ceramic coatings, akin to wax, are potent protective layers. While they can safeguard your vehicle, they won't entirely fend off severe dents and fractures. These coatings consist of an industry-grade chemical polymer solution. This substance is manually applied to the exterior of a vehicle with the intention of preventing damage to the paintwork. The solution seamlessly integrates with the vehicle's existing paint job and introduces an additional level of hydrophobic defence. While applying, the ceramic coating undergoes a chemical reaction that forms a new layer on top of the car's original paint. This ensures that the underlying paint remains untouched and intact.
Serving as an alternative to waxing, ceramic coating is primarily aimed at circumventing the deterioration of the clear coat often caused by accumulated dirt, grime, and imprint marks on the paintwork. Ceramic coating, sometimes termed nano-ceramic coating, can have either a permanent or semi-permanent effect. This depends on the specific kind of polymer and coating applied. A remarkable feature of ceramic coating is its inherent chemical properties which allow it to withstand conventional weather conditions such as rain and summer heat.
As an excellent barrier against various external factors, refusing to obliterate under normal circumstances, it reliably protects your car's paintwork. The added protection provided by the ceramic coating not only ensures your vehicle's superior appearance but also considerably extends its lifespan, making ceramic coating a worthy investment. Despite its prowess, the ceramic coating does not make your vehicle invulnerable. It's important to remember that while it is a powerful layer of protection, it does not provide an absolute shield against deep scratches or major impacts.
Consequently, regular maintenance of your vehicle is still highly recommended to supplement the effects of the ceramic coating. Nonetheless, the enduring defence provided by ceramic coating makes it an indispensable aid in vehicle upkeep.
Things That Ceramic Coating Cannot Do
It is important to understand the limitations of a ceramic coating when it comes to vehicle protection. The common threats to the surface of a motor vehicle, such as rock chips, swirl marks, and scratches, will not necessarily be thwarted by the application of this kind of protective layer.
Despite the technologically advanced nature of ceramic coating to adhere to your vehicle's paint, it still possesses the paint-like qualities that may make it susceptible to such damage. Therefore, even with a ceramic coating, your car may still encounter these frequent and unwelcome disturbances.
Another misconception is that ceramic coating prevents the occurrence of water stains. It is important to clarify that if water spots do appear, the ceramic coating will not have the ability to simply dissolve them.
A more hands-on method will be required to remove these blemishes. When the ceramic coating is deployed, water-borne contaminants will form droplets (a process known as beading) on your car's surface and subsequently slide off.
Nevertheless, the soluble particles and naturally occurring minerals within these water droplets will remain on the surface after the water has evaporated, potentially leading to stains. The act of having a ceramic coating doesn’t mean that the need to regularly wash your vehicle disappears. Even though your vehicle has a ceramic coating, it does not suddenly gain supernatural self-cleaning capabilities.
Quite the contrary, regular washing is as important as ever owing to the susceptibility to dirt and other pollutants. Even though a ceramic coating may reduce the volume of dirt collected by your car, this does not mean dirt accumulation is thwarted in totality. Therefore, maintaining a clean vehicle remains essential for optimum presentation and performance.
Are you looking for Ceramic Car Coating in Belfast? We supply and provide professional application of major ceramic coating products including Raceglaze, Carpro, CQuartz, Qjutsu and Kenolon.
If you like the idea of getting a car coating and having more protection for the future, then consider getting in touch today.
