Should you ceramic coat your vehicle? We look at does a ceramic coating do and how it can protect our car bodywork.
Your car is probably important to you, and you want to keep it looking as fresh and glossy as the day you got it. You've heard a lot about waxing, sealants, and ceramic coatings, and you don't know which one will benefit you.
Look no further, as we aim to educate you on what will be best for your car.
Should You Ceramic Coat Your Vehicle?
Some companies will attempt to make you think that getting a ceramic coating will benefit you and your car, no matter your situation. This is wrong, as getting a coating isn't the answer to every solution. There are instances where an individual will benefit from receiving a sealant or wax, and a coating will not help.
For others who keep their car in top condition and regularly clean, a coating can benefit them immensely.
If your car is part of your business image, if you rely on your vehicle to get you around for your job, then getting a glossy ceramic coating will boost your appearance.
You can also find that cleaning your car will become easier after a coating is performed, as any contaminants, dirt, and grime will simply slide off whilst you're driving. You're also protected from other drivers, as scuffs and scratches happen regularly, and a coating will act as a form of armour for your car.
With that being said, getting a ceramic coating can be expensive. Make sure you do your research beforehand because you don't want to spend money on a coating when it isn't necessary for you and your lifestyle.
If your car is simply for getting from point to point, then possibly this isn't for you. If you don't regularly clean your car with the correct chemicals, products, and methods, then again, this may not benefit you.
If, however, you care and wash your car regularly and want to experience having the look of a new car once again, you should consider a ceramic coating.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
The science behind Ceramic Coating isn't as complicated as you may believe and works via a liquid polymer that is applied to the paintwork of your car. This is a precise and delicate matter, which results in a chemically interconnected bond giving your car extra protection.
This can last for 12+ months, whereas a wax will only last around a month, depending on your travel.
A hardened, crystallised, glossy exterior will prevent scratches and dirt from building up on your car, and if you keep a regular washing schedule, it will help make that process more efficient. This protection will eventually need topping up and renewing, but the process is worth the money for the longevity it provides.
The chemical polymers that exist within the ceramic coating mean that it exists on top of your paintwork and remains untouched. The semi-permanent solution will be measured in hardness, and the product is sometimes called 9H Ceramic Coating. This simply means how hard the exterior will be and how strong it'll be against scratches and scuffs.
What Does a Ceramic Coating Do?
As we've discussed, a ceramic coating acts as an additional layer of paint protection for your car. It can also provide a showroom aesthetic, bringing out the colours and glossiness of the paintwork.
Let's break down how this protection works to benefit your car.
UV Damage
As we drive our cars around, they become oxidised in the sun and can get damaged by UV rays. This can make the paintwork begin to fade.
This, by itself, isn't a large issue, but the resale value of your car can significantly decrease because of this alone. Also, a clean and bright car can make a strong impression on your business. Ceramic coating can protect against this, slowing the oxidisation process and stopping the car's paint from dulling.
Chemical Stains
Your car will also be at risk of staining from naturally occurring acidic elements, as the rain and different areas can have contaminants that prove dangerous.
A coating can protect against chemical stains and etching, as it stops them from bonding to the paintwork as easily. A ceramic coated car will still need to accompany regular cleaning and maintenance.
Ease of cleaning
A large selling point of getting a ceramic coating is the ease at which it makes cleaning your car. This is because the compounds used have hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water.
When you wash, using soap and water, you are liable for marks and swirl marks, but a coating will make that a thing of the past. This is the same for rain and dirt as you drive, as it'll glide right off the paintwork.
Increased Gloss
When you first purchased your car, the paintwork was probably pristine and clear, but it's faded over time. This is inevitable. Ceramic Coatings can help enhance the reflective nature of the paint, which will add greater depth to the colours.
This means it will not only provide protection against further fading but will help make the colours pop as they once did. This can make your resale value greater, as a large part of the car is the aesthetic and how it looks, not just the performance.
As you can see, there are multiple protection benefits from getting a ceramic coating done on your car. However, it's worth noting that this won't make your car invincible, and you are still able to get light scratches on the paintwork. If you notice dirt, grime, and bird droppings, for example, affecting you regularly, then this can help combat those.
How Does A Ceramic Coating Differ From A Paint Sealant?
Ceramic Coatings do differ from waxes and paint sealants, and this is why different methods are prescribed to different drivers, as we're all unique.
When comparing waxes and coatings, it all comes down to longevity. Waxes will not last as long as a ceramic coating and will not offer as much protection. You will get a level of protection against various contaminants but less so than coatings.
Also, waxing doesn't offer bonding in the same way that coating does, meaning that the wax will wash off much quicker than a coating will and won't become hardened against the elements.
This means you'll be waxing much more often and find yourself losing more money on the upkeep. A ceramic coating will bond to the paint and remain on the car much, much longer.
If comparing paint sealants and coatings, then you're looking at a similar problem of longevity.
A sealant will typically be a polymer-based compound, meaning it will bond to the paintwork much more than wax will, but a coating offers further protection and strength. However, you're looking at replacing this and re-doing the procedure every six months, whereas a coating can last twelve easily. They can weigh in cheaper than a coating, but repeatedly applying will only balance these costs out.
If you're still unsure of where you stand and haven't had any of these before, then we consider getting a sealant. Waxing will provide a quick fix, and you'll notice an improvement, but a sealant can get you used to notice longer effects and protection. A ceramic coating will always be stronger and last longer, but it can be expensive to invest in. However, you can make your car look brand new and be assured you have protection.
Be sure to contact a professional today and talk through your options. These procedures should be conducted in controlled situations, where the light and temperature can be maintained, so it's best to not try this yourself. A professional-grade and a clear coat can be properly applied, so you're not revisiting weeks later unnecessarily.
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.
