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Frequently asked questions
What Are Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coating is a chemical polymer solution designed to protect a vehicle’s exterior paint from damage. Applied by hand, it bonds chemically with the car’s paint, forming an additional hydrophobic layer that safeguards the factory finish without altering it.
Often mistaken as a substitute for paint protection film (clear bra), ceramic coating is better described as an advanced alternative to waxing. It helps prevent dirt, grime, and stains from adhering to the paint, ensuring the clear coat remains pristine.
This coating, also known as nano-ceramic coating, is highly durable and can be permanent or semi-permanent, depending on the formulation and type of polymer used. Thanks to its chemical properties, it resists breakdown under normal environmental conditions, providing lasting protection against rain, heat, and other elements.
Ceramic coating offers car owners a low-maintenance solution for preserving their vehicle’s appearance while enhancing its resistance to everyday wear and tear.
Benefits of Ceramic Coatings
Many coating companies make bold claims about what their products can do. While some of these claims are true, we prefer not to oversell what ceramic coatings can achieve. Here are the real benefits you can expect from a professional ceramic coating:
- Long-lasting Protection: Ceramic coatings provide durable protection that lasts between 3 to 5 years, far longer than traditional wax or sealant.
- One-time Application: Unlike other protection products that require reapplication every few months, a ceramic coating only needs to be applied once.
- Enhanced Gloss: The coating creates a deep, rich gloss that far surpasses the shine provided by wax or sealant.
- Superior Hydrophobic Properties: The coating repels water, keeping your car cleaner for longer and making it much easier to wash.
- Chemical & Environmental Protection: It resists chemicals, oxidation, UV damage, and corrosion, keeping your paint safe from a wide range of contaminants.
Before a ceramic coating can be applied, your vehicle must undergo proper preparation. This typically includes paint polishing or correction to ensure the surface is flawless. Without the correct prep work, the coating won’t deliver its full benefits.
This is where professional ceramic coating installers stand apart. If the coating isn’t applied properly, you may experience issues like “high spots”—smudges or streaks caused by uneven application or allowing the coating to dry without wiping it off.
As a general rule, the more durable the coating (e.g., a 5-year vs. a 1-year coating), the more challenging the application process becomes. Installation is also affected by weather conditions—temperature and humidity can influence how the coating reacts and how effectively it bonds to the surface.
Myths About Ceramic Coatings
While ceramic coatings are durable and long-lasting, they’re not invincible. Just because your vehicle is coated doesn’t mean you can neglect its care and expect the coating to protect it from everything.
It’s important to understand the limitations of what the coating can actually handle. Too often, we see customers who have unrealistic expectations about the protection it provides, only to be disappointed when they notice swirls or etching in the paint.
A ceramic coating doesn’t make your paint scratch-proof. When we say the coating resists light swirls and scratches, we’re referring to very minor imperfections that can occur from proper washing or drying techniques.
If you drag a dry, dirty wash mitt across the surface, you’ll scratch the paint. Similarly, dragging your hand or clothing across the paint can also cause scratches.
The coating won’t protect your vehicle from rock chips either. For that level of protection, you need paint protection film (PPF). No amount of wax or ceramic coating can prevent the impact of a rock hitting your car.
To maintain the coating’s effectiveness over time, regular maintenance is key. Like anything else, if you neglect the coating, it will degrade faster than expected. A coating designed to last five years could start breaking down after just three if not properly maintained.
For optimal durability, you must wash, dry, and periodically boost the coating. Without proper care, the coating won’t reach its full lifespan.
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