Unlocking the Benefits of Ceramic Coatings
Are you considering installing a ceramic coating on your car but unsure of what it really is and what it can do for you? Look no further! In this post, I will provide you with the right information so you can make an informed decision with realistic expectations. As an expert in the industry, I want to ensure that you have a better understanding of how ceramic coatings work and what they are not. With this knowledge, you'll have confidence in your decision and enjoy the many benefits of a ceramic coating on your car.
The Science Behind Ceramic Coatings' Super Powers
So, what is a ceramic coating?
In simple terms, a ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of a car, boat, or another object to protect the underlying surface from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, chemicals, and scratches.
For science nerds like me who love a little bit more info, read on. 🤓
Ceramic coatings are chemical compounds typically made of a blend of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), which are both naturally occurring minerals. These minerals are ground into extremely fine particles and mixed with various solvents and additives to create a liquid ceramic coating that can be applied to a surface.
In addition to SiO2 and TiO2, ceramic coatings may also contain other ingredients such as silanes, polymers, and resins to help improve the performance, durability, and ease of application of the coating.
When the coating is applied to a car's paintwork, the solvents evaporate, leaving behind a layer of SiO2 and TiO2 particles that bond with the surface of the paint.
The bonding process occurs through covalent bonds, which are formed between the silicon dioxide particles and the molecules in the paintwork. Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, and they are known for their strength and stability.
In the case of ceramic coatings, the SiO2 and TiO2 particles are able to form covalent bonds with the paint molecules by sharing electrons. This creates a strong, durable bond that is able to withstand a range of environmental factors like UV radiation, chemical stains and oxidation.
Nanotechnology takes this a step further by ensuring the SiO2 and TiO2 particles are extremely tiny- typically in the range of nanometers, which is one billionth of a meter!
This means the ceramic coating particles can penetrate deeper into the microscopic pores and crevices of the paint substrate being coated. This allows for better bonding between the coating and the car’s paint, resulting in an even stronger and more durable bond.
The nanotechnology also helps to create a smooth, uniform surface on the car's paintwork, giving ceramic coatings their hydrophobic properties. Because the surface is so smooth, water and other liquids are unable to penetrate it and instead bead up and roll off the car. This also makes the car easier to clean, as dirt and grime are less likely to stick to the surface.
There you have it!
Applying Ceramic Coating Is Not for the Faint of Heart
I always feel sorry for clients who work in our shops following a poor ceramic coating installed elsewhere. That’s why I always recommend you go to a professional and certified installer every single time.
Here are a few reasons why:
Surface preparation: Before applying a ceramic coating, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to remove any contaminants, such as dirt, oil, or wax. Any imperfections, scratches, or swirl marks on the surface must also be corrected before applying the coating.
Application process: The application process for a ceramic coating involves using precise techniques to evenly apply the coating to the surface of the object. This requires a steady hand, attention to detail, and a good understanding of the product and its properties.
Curing time: After application, the coating needs to cure for a certain period of time to fully bond with the surface. This can take several hours or even a full day, depending on the specific product and conditions.
Multiple layers: In some cases, multiple layers of the ceramic coating may need to be applied to achieve the desired level of protection and durability. This can add to the complexity and time required for the installation process.
On top of that, mistakes during the installation of ceramic coatings can be costly:
Incomplete protection: If the ceramic coating is not applied evenly or thoroughly, there may be areas that are not fully protected. This can leave the underlying surface vulnerable to damage down the line.
Appearance issues: If the coating is not applied evenly, it can result in an uneven or blotchy appearance on the body of the car. This can be quite unsightly!
Difficult to remove: Once the ceramic coating has cured, it becomes very difficult to remove or correct. Any mistakes made during the installation process may be difficult or impossible to fix without removing the entire coating and starting over.
Wasted time and money: If mistakes are made during the installation process, it can result in wasted time, effort, and money. This is especially true if the coating needs to be removed and re-applied.
So how do you find a certified installer? Simple — check with the ceramic coating manufacturer. The top tier ones will maintain a list of approved installers for their products. Ceramic Pro, for example, provides a list of its elite dealers in each state. You can easily find the recommended installer in your area here.
Ceramic Coating Lies You Might Have Believed
I’ll be quick to admit that not everyone in our industry is ethical. In this world of fast cars, flashy exteriors, and pizzazz, it's easy for the true facts and details to get lost in all the marketing hype.
Is ceramic coating a revolutionary, product? YES!
It is an end-all-be-all? A definite NO.
So, let’s quickly debunk two myths about ceramic coatings:
Myth #1: You don’t have to clean a ceramic-coated car.
Ceramic coatings have some self-cleaning abilities, but not in the literal sense. One of the key attributes of a ceramic coating is its hydrophobicity. When the ceramic coating is applied to the paint surface, it forms a thin protective layer that has a high contact angle with water. This means that water droplets bead up and roll off rather than spread out. This has the advantage that any water poured on the car will encapsulate dust or other debris, so the combined dirt and water will bead off the car together. This makes it easier to clean and maintain the car. However, it does not eliminate the need for cleaning! If the car is left unattended, dirt, dust, and other contaminants can still build up and damage the coating or even the underlying paint.Myth #2: Ceramic coatings are scratch-proof.
Marketers love playing with words. So let’s quickly differentiate two terms. Scratch-proof means a product can withstand any kind of abrasion and not bear any scratches. Scratch-resistant means a product has a certain level of hardness that makes it less likely to be scratched or damaged when it comes into contact with other objects or surfaces.
Ceramic coatings are scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof.
The industry standard for measuring the scratch resistance of a coating is the pencil scale. Pencils come in a variety of hardnesses, from 10B (very soft) to 10H (very hard). The ceramic coating we offered for a couple of years in our detailing shop, Ceramic Pro 9H, has a hardness of 9H (hence the name) This simply means that a 9H pencil wouldn't scratch the coating. The new one, ceramic Pro ION, has a hardness of greater than 9H, i.e., it offers superior protection.
If you want to get your car as scratch-proof as possible, this is what I recommend: Get Ceramic Pro ION installed on the entire exterior of the car and Full Front PPF (Full Front Bumper / Full Hood / Full Fenders / Front Side Mirrors / Headlights and Fog Lights). We offer this as a package, Ultimate Armor, which also includes glass and wheel protection and a lifetime warranty for the full car. It simply doesn't get better than that! Watch this video to see for yourself.
Give me a call or drop me an email if you have questions or need more information. I love talking to vehicle owners about why Ceramic Pro is hands down the best paint protection coating for cars in the market!
