Ceramic coating is the industry standard for paint repair on a global scale. The world’s most varied paint protection product is also the one that receives the most misunderstandings. And if we’re being completely honest, it’s also the market area that has the most fakes and deceptive goods that just don’t live up to the expectations.
A ceramic coating is a car detailing compound that is used to shield interior and exterior surfaces from substances that frequently cause blemishes. Together, silica and titanium dioxide, which make up the majority of the material, establish a covalent link that is hydrophobic in nature and creates a nano-ceramic barrier over the clear coat of the car.
There are several grades of ceramic coatings on the market today. It’s also a statement of fact that a lot of myths and inaccurate information exists on the internet – such as comparing ceramic car coating with wax or a paint sealant. That’s not remotely relevant. So, let’s travel down the rabbit hole and provide an in-depth and honest review about ceramic coatings.
What Kinds of Ceramic Coating Are There?
The world of ceramic coatings used to be rather straightforward. Only accessible through licensed installers, it was a professional-grade, high-quality silicon dioxide or SiO2 based formula. Nanotechnology was used in the formulation’s scientific engineering so that it could pierce the minuscule flaws present in any porous solid surface.
The ceramic coating market is now saturated, with alternatives ranging from professional-grade solutions like Ceramic Pro to Teflon-based spray ceramic coatings on automobiles that mimic many characteristics of actual coatings but fall short on durability and protection. There are also vehicle wax products with ceramic infusion that adhere to the paint and mimic some of the properties.
Over the painted surface, products like carnauba wax act as a sacrifice layer. Paint sealants also aid in preserving a painted surface. The ceramic coating, on the other hand, is the greatest liquid option for shielding the car’s surface.
Spray Coatings
This is the starting point for the field of automotive ceramic coating. It resembles a dilute solution that is simple to spray on a painted surface, remove with a cloth, allow to dry, and observe the effects. There are several grades and unique formulas in this category, including:
Sprays with a teflon base – Of all the spray-coating products, this one is growing the quickest. Teflon and silicones, which are “ceramic in nature,” are used to make it, although they are different materials from those used to make Ceramic Pro, for instance. They are designed to mimic characteristics like hydrophobicity, a slippery appearance, and improved gloss. However, because these goods are made of delicate ceramic materials, they are vulnerable to swirl marks.
SiO2 Boost Sprays – Although still quite diluted, they are closer to professional-grade coatings. They are composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide to a degree of 15 to 20. Spraying the vehicle’s surface, buffing it off, and allowing it to dry for 24 to 48 hours are the next steps. They provide properties comparable to those of Teflon-based sprays, but with superior UV protection. Although it is superior to carnauba wax, it should not be mistaken for a long-term fix.
Ceramic Nano-Coatings
Nano-coatings are highly concentrated solutions that are applied to paint, glass, chrome, carbon fiber, vinyl, and paint protection film to offer exceptional protection.
It makes use of nanotechnology to repair tiny flaws or faults on solid and porous materials that include minute holes. The coating offers an extraordinarily flat and strong layer of protection after filling those flaws.
The phrase “9H ceramic coating” is applicable in this situation. On the pencil hardness scale, the 9H is the highest rating. The closest comparison would be to a solid quartz crystal.
There are two classes of nano coatings, much like spray coatings.
DIY Ceramic Coatings: Designed for the typical auto enthusiast to install, the nano coating is not as durable as professional-grade coatings. The SiO2 content of these items ranges from 50% to as high as 80% in some cases.
These items typically don’t come with warranties and their quality and outcomes are difficult to predict. Even some DIY coatings that promise to last for a long time use terminology that is quite ambiguous.
The professional SiO2 Infused ceramic coating, like Apex Ceramic’s flagship product, is the Cadillac of ceramic coatings. With SiO2 percentages more than 90%, these precisely manufactured ceramic nanoparticles are very concentrated.
To assure the best prep work, application, and lifespan, our ceramic coating application is only provided by skilled and qualified installation specialists in a controlled environment.
Professional ceramic coating products are supported by particular warranties, and enthusiastic automobile owners may choose a plan that best suits their unique requirements. It outperforms conventional wax and may be applied to automotive paint, used as a glass coating, a protective layer over vinyl or PPF, etc.
What distinguishes DIY ceramic coatings from Apex Ceramic?
Apex Ceramic and a DIY nano coating are comparable to a Nissan GTR and a Nissan Leaf on a quarter-mile drag strip. Although they are both autos, one will stomp the other.
In general, the fundamental distinction between a professional-grade ceramic coating and a DIY ceramic coating is control over the many factors that affect the outcome, as well as the product’s suitability for shielding the paint of the car.
The preparation, adhesion, application, and removal of a nano-ceramic coating must all adhere to strict standards. Since these factors cannot be controlled with a DIY coating, outcomes are always variable. Both function to shield the car’s paint, but they are quite different in terms of quality, strength, and longevity.
The 9H hardness factor is the next. The majority of nano ceramic coatings will reach this degree of hardness on a pencil scale. But a professional-grade ceramic coat like Ceramic Pro’s just last for a long time. It functions as a stronger sealer, lessens tiny scratches, has greater wear resistance, and aids in preventing brake dust from adhering.
The Benefits of Expert Ceramic Coatings
There are a number of elements that should be taken into consideration when making a selection when looking closely at professional quality solutions like Apex Ceramic goods.
Benefits and Drawbacks of DIY Ceramic Car Coating
Let’s be clear: Some DIY coatings work well, but others are blatantly fraudulent. It’s challenging to classify them all together, which is maybe the major issue with this kind of covering. In the market for items that promise a true ceramic paint coating for vehicles, buyers should exercise caution. Advantages of DIY Coatings Cheaper than Products of Professional Grade: A DIY coating typically costs around $70 per bottle. To make sure you get one that is suitable for your degree of comfort, you must conduct your study. While some kits are dishonest about what they offer, others include installation materials.
Applying a product like this is an excellent Do It Yourself endeavor. This is a terrific approach to learn by doing if you’re trying to acquire expertise with autobody maintenance, hand washing a car properly, and polishing.
Can Generate Excellent Results: Sincere to say, there are several finishes that expert detailers use that look fantastic. The change in look, however, is more due to the preparation and hard work done before the installation than it is the coating itself.
Cons of Do-It-Yourself Coatings: Numerous Poor Results Based on the temperature of the surface, the outside temperature, humidity, and the kind of surface material, the ceramic coat will flash or initially cure to the surface. Lower SiO2 percentages increase the margin of error, yet there is a very high chance that mistakes might still occur.
Unreliable application Every DIY coating comes with unique “general usage” guidelines. Some even prescribe a certain time and temperature for application. However, each person will have a different understanding of what is meant when they are told to use a few “drops.” While some people use five drops per application, others use ten. This affects the coating’s thickness and, thus, the curing process.
Premature Removal: Most do-it-yourselfers strive to complete jobs as soon as feasible. This covers the removal of automotive ceramic coatings. People frequently remove the coating too quickly, which decreases the coating’s efficiency and lifespan.
Lack of warranties Only one DIY coating has come with a guarantee, and it only covers “anticipated lifespan” for two years.
A Nano-Ceramic Coating’s Function
So, we’ve spoken about the many kinds of ceramic coatings for vehicles and even shown the distinctions between various grades and application techniques. But just what benefits can a ceramic coating provide to the automobile industry? Well, this is where a lot of misunderstandings and outright lies come into play. A ceramic coating is designed to PROTECT the top layer or finish of various materials used on a motorbike, truck, SUV, or other piece of machinery. It does this by producing a translucent shell that resembles quartz on the top layer, which shields the base material from UV radiation, chemicals, tree sap, brake dust, and other impurities. The car’s hydrophobic skin makes it very slippery, allowing water to simply sheet off.
The primary function of a ceramic coating is that. The degree of this protection and the characteristics or traits that this sort of coating creates are now where the misunderstanding arises.
Following the application of a ceramic coating for vehicles, some benefits include:
Improved Hydrophobic Properties: This is the capacity to ward off liquids like water and mud as well as light particles like dirt and dust. There are many of interesting videos online showing water dripping or shedding off a newly painted car. Hydrophobic, then.
UV light protection: Our sun is wonderful because it gives forth warmth and promotes the growth of life. On all components of your car, it’s not that beneficial.Clear coatings on paint are penetrated by UV rays, which cause paint to fade and encourage oxidation, which in turn causes corrosion and the growth of rust. Paint with a ceramic covering prevents UV from doing this kind of harm.
Protection Against Chemicals and Animal Byproducts: Animal waste, such as bird poop and insect spatter, contains chemicals like salt and acids that can harm automobile parts. The ultra-slick surface of the ceramic coating prevents these pollutants from penetrating to the root finish.
Better Luster and Shine: When ceramic coating dries, it essentially forms a tiny and durable layer of glass. This enhances the sheen and luster of paint, gives the appearance of deep, rich matte finishes on plastic trim, and makes alloy and chrome wheels stand out.
Simplifies Cleaning: The non-stick qualities of a ceramic coating, which make it more difficult for dirt to stick and simpler to remove, are arguably its finest attribute. Because impurities are simply blown away by the wind created while driving, this function serves as a self-cleaning characteristic and keeps the car cleaner for longer. It may also be used on your wheels and brake calipers, making cleanup simpler.
What Can’t a Ceramic Coating Be Used For?
Are you prepared for some of the most popular automobile ceramic coatings myths? Cool, since the marketing promises and several false articles that are out there hurt the industry. The following are our top four automotive ceramic coating misconceptions.
You’ll see a ton of videos marketing ceramic coatings that protect your vehicle from fire. They will pour some lighter fluid on it, light it, quickly extinguish the fire, and then quickly wipe the leftover fuel with a microfiber cloth. Just to be clear, covering your car with a nano-ceramic coating or ceramic spray won’t make it fireproof.
Complete scratch resistance: Some coatings frequently wipe clean after being struck by a lighter, too. Although the majority of professional-grade coatings can withstand scratches, they are not completely scratch-proof. Although they can shield the surface, the coating itself could get damaged.
Paint protection film, such as Kavaca, produces the property of not being self-healing. When damaged, a high-quality PPF with nanotechnology infusion will practically fix the scratch in a matter of seconds. But a strong ceramic layer prevents this from happening.
You Don’t Have to Wash Your Car if It Has a Ceramic Coating: This statement is also illogical. Even though the covered automobile is slippery and dirt has a harder time adhering, it ultimately will. Additional pollutants will adhere to that dirt and debris when it does. Any automobile with a ceramic coating should be washed with a PH-neutral soap every two weeks.
What Has Been Said About Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a fantastic solution to safeguard your prized or everyday driving. However, it’s a product made of cutting-edge components that are challenging to use properly.
The proliferation of DIY coatings has increased possibilities for automobile owners, but it’s critical to realize that there are always disadvantages associated with application ease.
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