The Magic Of Ceramic Coating

2022-04-02 07:29:28 By : Mr. Jeffery Zhang

Wax all you want; it won't do any good. The only way to really protect your ride is with ceramic coating.

Ceramic coating is an alternative to waxing and buffing, which was considered the only way to keep your car looking fly for a long time. The wax and buff protects paint and clear coats from damage caused by the elements. The downside, of course, is that regular application is needed for those benefits to continue.

The coating is created by using a chemical polymer solution applied to your vehicle's external components. This protection acts like wax on steroids as a permanent solution to the constant application and purchase of said waxes. It covers any part of the car that needs protection, even the wheels.

As the ceramic is applied, the chemical polymer binds with the paint to create a hydrophobic barrier. The polymer is often applied by hand, adding to the luster and cost of the coating. As a result, dirt and water slide right off, leaving a clean, sparkling car in every type of weather.

Popular ceramic coating brands, sometimes also called nano-ceramic coating, include big names like Modesta, Nanolex, Cquartz, and Ceramic Pro. Read with us to explore the real magic of ceramic coating.

Related: Ceramic Coating Your Car Explained And If You Should

Ceramic coating provides protection for more than simply a shiny image. Though that certainly can be the point, it offers excellent protection against other elements such as dirt, grime, and stains. These elements can harm the clear coat and paint underneath if not adequately protected.

Additionally, unseen elements also impact your car's paint and overall look. For example, UV rays cause color fading, especially if it's parked outside instead of in a garage. Plus, cities with pollution problems have acid rain and abrasive air that damages paint. Ceramic coating protects against these seen and unseen threats.

Not only does ceramic coating protect against damage from the elements, but it also makes cleaning a breeze. The hydrophobic nature of the coating allows water to bead right off, shaving time at the car wash. Plus, ceramic coating is a more permanent solution to waxing, saving time in the application.

The benefits continue with the overall look of the car. Once the ceramic coating is applied, the vehicle has a glossy shine that really makes vibrant colors pop. Imagine having a fresh wax job every day, minus the wax. That's the magic of ceramic coating, protection, and looks.

While it may seem like ceramic coating can do no wrong, there are some noticeable kinks in the armor. For example, unlike PPF, the ceramic coating doesn't protect against rock chips and severe scratches. Some may claim the contrary, but the fact is, the coating is a chemical barrier, not a physical barrier.

Applying a ceramic coating can make your car really shine, but if there are imperfections in the paint or bodywork, you'll need to get those fixed first. Not fixing problems in the paint will make the whole process a waste, as the paint and clear coat will still deteriorate. Because of the additional bodywork, this raises the cost of ceramic coating.

Even though ceramic coatings are a more permanent solution to wax, it doesn't last forever. Both the high-gloss nature and hydrophobic properties fade after a while, requiring maintenance and even reapplication. Further, if body damage occurred while the original ceramic coating was on, those imperfections will need to be repaired once again.

Finally, the application of a ceramic coating is complicated. The whole process is quite involved, from repairing imperfections to quality application, and DIY can get complex quickly. On the other hand, professional application is expensive, so weighing the options is a tough decision.

Related: 9 Best Car Wax Brands

Because of the intense application process, ceramic coating is a costly endeavor. For example, the whole process starts with paint repair and detailing. Then, an invasive car wash is performed to remove anything that will bind to the ceramic. This deep clean is finished with a clay bar to remove every bit of dust hiding on the paint.

DIY ceramic coating costs around $100 per bottle for a professional-grade solution, and for larger vehicles, expect to use a couple of bottles. Further, other chemicals like cleaners and clay bars must be purchased to ensure the application is done correctly; otherwise, what's the point?

On the professional side, an application can run up to $3,000 depending on the make, model, and services applied. In addition, a quality shop will charge more than the backyard mechanic, but the results are well worth the extra costs.

The ultimate question remains, is ceramic coating worth it? The short answer - yes. Unless you have the time to apply wax every week, the permanent feature of ceramic coating alone outweighs the benefits of wax. We recommend that it be applied as one aspect of protecting the car, with PPF adding protection to high damage areas.

More importantly, keeping your car looking incredible feels good and maintains the value of the vehicle - a vital component for those who lease. Further, protection prevents costly repairs down the line when the paint begins to fade. The costs may pause some, but the hydrophobic protection from the elements provides peace of mind.

Michael Stroup is an emerging author with experience writing for academics and personal portfolio pieces. Articles featuring JDM cars have been popular on his website. His love for cars combined with a passion for writing creates content that is engaging and fresh! Michael's hobbies include snowboarding and family time.