Do Ceramic Coatings Wear Out?
With the best paint protection sealants lasting up to a year, how much longer can a ceramic coating last? The simple answer is a few months to a lifetime and everything in between. This may sound confusing, but that's exactly why we have the long answer!
In many ways, a ceramic coating is the most misunderstood paint protection option on the market today. The often conflicting information on the internet has done very little to help buyers in making their purchasing decisions. Yet the longevity of a ceramic coating is one of the most important factors. Today we are going to cut through the jargon and give you the answer.
Spray-on Ceramic Coatings
A spray-on ceramic coating is a more affordable, easier to apply, but less effective alternative to the traditional nano-ceramic coating. There are two common blends in the spray-on ceramic coating category.
Teflon-based - This formulation contains Teflon ( popularized by its use in non-stick cookware) and other ingredients that coat the top substrate layer of the vehicle surface. They do NOT penetrate the microscopic imperfections and impart only a slight hydrophobic property and gloss to the vehicle.
Silicone-based - This coating contains SiO2 and TiO2, usually suspended in some type of polymer or resin. This is an improvement in protective performance over Teflon sprays. However, they do not penetrate as deeply and do not cure as much as nano-coatings.
DO SPRAY COATINGS WEAR OUT?
>> Well-applied spray-on coatings last up to 8 months before their effectiveness wears off. So who is this product for? It is for people who:
Want only some of the gloss and water-repellent properties of professional coatings.
Are not interested in protective properties such as scratch resistance and UV protection.
Enjoy applying new paint protectants to their vehicle every few months.
DIY Nano-Ceramic Coatings
The next level of paint protection is DIY nano-ceramic coatings. This is basically a watered-down version of professional nano coatings. Unlike nano ceramic coatings, these entry-level coatings can be purchased by anyone on auto detailing websites and Amazon.
They are designed for easier application than long-lasting protection, but still carry the greatest risk of turning into a detailing nightmare. So you need to have some detailing experience before applying them, or you'll likely end up doing more harm than good to your car's paint.
At best, they can protect against minor scratches, swirl marks and marring, but not at the level of professionally applied coatings.
WILL DIY NONCERAMIC COATINGS WEAR OUT?
>> Most DIY ceramic coatings offer 1 to 3 years of protection. This is far less than professional ceramic coatings, but far more durable, glossier and protective compared to spray-on coatings.
Professional Grade Nano Ceramic Coatings
The highest quality ceramic coating for cars is professional nano-ceramic coating. This type of product is applied only by certified and professional detailers, in a controlled environment and only after extensive preparation work.
A true nano-ceramic coating (like Ceramic Pro) meets three important criteria:
#1: It fills microscopic imperfections
A car's paint is porous by nature. This means that the top layer is not perfectly flat. With a powerful microscope, you can even see peaks and valleys in the substrate. The ceramic coating uses nanotechnology to penetrate the microscopic imperfections, filling these gaps and forming strong chemical bonds with the paint molecules.
#2:Cures to 9H hardness
A nano-ceramic coating with a hardness of 9H has the ability to withstand the scratch from a 9H pencil, the sharpest and hardest pencil in the world. This does not mean you should grab your kid's art supplies and test out 9H by scratching the shit out of your car. Instead, know that the hardness of a ceramic coating correlates with its projected longevity, hydrophobic properties, overall UV resistance and its ability to minimize scratching to your car's paint.
#3: Has carrier solvents that allow for multiple layers
The best ceramic coatings allow for several layers to be applied on top of each other. The downside, however, is that the margin for error is very low, so installation should be done only by a professional detailer. At VIP Auto Spa, depending on the package you choose, you can have 1-4 coats of Ceramic Pro 9H applied to your car's paint. It goes without saying that each additional layer helps to give the coating more depth - with each layer becoming stronger and reinforcing the protective function of the coating.
DOES A PROFESSIONAL NON-COATING WEAR OFF?
Yes, but to varying degrees. It really depends on the package you choose. Take Ceramic Pro 9H, for example. It comes in three packages:
Bronze package - provides two years of protection. This is achieved by adding a layer of Ceramic Pro Light (top coat). This is a good option for short-term leased vehicles.
Silver package - offers five years of protection. It includes 1 layer of 9H coating plus 1 layer of Top Coat. This is a good option for those who trade in their vehicle every few years. The Silver+ package includes an additional layer of Ceramic Pro 9H and provides 10 years of protection.
The Gold package offers a LIFETIME of PROTECTION. That means it will not wear off. Ever! This is possible by applying 4 coats of Ceramic Pro 9H, an additional coat in exposed areas and Ceramic Pro top coat for that extra eye-catching gloss and shine. You just need to follow the recommended inspections and aftercare.
Final Thoughts
To briefly summarize: Spray-on coatings only last a few months. A DIY ceramic coating will last 1-3 years, while professional nano-coatings will last 2 years to the life of the vehicle.
One of the outstanding features of Ceramic Pro 9H compared to other nano coatings is its inclusion in your vehicle's Carfax service report. This will remain for the vehicle throughout its ownership, adding value to your vehicle if you decide to trade it in or sell it. That's something spray-on coatings and DIY ceramic coatings simply can't offer.
Applying a ceramic coating is an investment in the protection of your vehicle. If you're serious about protecting the exterior or interior of your vehicle, request a free estimate for your vehicle here.
