Ceramic Coating

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 “Wax is like waterproof sunscreen, a Ceramic Coating is like a rain coat” – Trisha Spoelder, GM Swissdetail Inc 

• Many have heard about it. But what is it really? “Ceramic” is used to describe materials that are characterized by their hardness, heat-resistance, and corrosion-resistance. Often made of polymers known as SiO2. A properly installed ceramic coating outlasts any wax. 
• What makes the difference? Wax and paint sealants have organic resins (made from plants), which are generally not heat or chemical resistant. Therefore, wax has less durability and protective strength than a ceramic coating. 
• Newer products described as being “ceramic-infused” or “spray-on, wipe-off” (or drive through car wash) are not true curable ceramic coatings. They are short term protectants lasting a few days to maybe a few weeks. A true coating has to cure for several hours to be long lasting. 
• What about Graphene Coatings? Ceramic SiO2 or Graphene, both work on nano particle level and have very similar properties. Technology keeps evolving and we keep testing products for our market. 

• The applied liquid transforms into a solid at contact with air. As the ceramic hardens, it creates a highly organized repeating three-dimensional pattern of molecules that are held together with strong chemical bonds. The result is a transparent glass-like super-thin film that is very strong and bonded to the paint. 
• It will be virtually impervious to insect acid, road salt and acid rain. A properly installed ceramic coating will help prevent micro-scratches and paint oxidation. It will enhance gloss, repel water and make maintenance easier, because the coated surface is so smooth that dirt simply has nothing to stick to. Some even call it “self washing”, as rain drops pick up and encase dirt and rinse it off the car. 
• To the naked eye, a clearcoat paint surface looks “solid” On a microscopic level, the surface is in fact full of peaks & valleys. Automotive paint and glass is permeable (porous). The first coat of a coating will fill in all the microscopic imperfections in the paint surface. The second coat goes over the top of that now-sealed surface, adding physical strength, visual depth, and enhanced gloss. 

 It is not scratch-proof. It will not make an oxidized, heavily contaminated, or heavily scratched paint surface look good. It will not eliminate vehicle paint care forever or make washing obsolete.  

Most ceramic coatings need 24-48 hours after application to fully cure. The initial cure is only a few hours, so the vehicle can be driven, but should stay out of bad weather and car washes for a few days if possible. Water (washing or rain) touching the coated surface can impact proper curing or lead to permanent water spots.

It is often thought that once you have a coating, you don’t ever have to do any maintenance anymore to the paint. For best results and longer durability, coated vehicles should get regular (every 6-12 month) maintenance to remove contaminants and to ensure that the coating is still performing properly. An annual service includes a thorough wash, decontamination (clay) and refresh of the coating with a coating topper. 

You have more questions about Ceramic Coatings? Feel free to reach out to our certified staff!