Does Ceramic Coating Really Work? What You Need to Know

Have you been hearing a lot about ceramic coating lately and wondering if it’s really all it’s cracked up to be? As the owner of a new car, you want to keep that showroom shine for as long as possible. But between weather, scratches, stains and the general wear and tear of daily driving, that’s easier said than done. Ceramic coating promises to protect your car’s paint and make it look brand new for years. But does ceramic coating really work or is it just another product preying on our desire to keep our cars pristine? In this article, we’ll explore what exactly ceramic coating is, how it works and if it can deliver on its promises to keep your car looking fresh off the lot for the long haul.

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What Exactly Is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer sealant that is applied to automotive paint. It bonds to your vehicle’s clear coat and creates a durable, glass-like coating. Ceramic coating works by filling in microscopic pores and valleys in the clear coat, and then hardening to form an additional layer of protection.

This protective coating makes washing and maintaining your vehicle easier. It’s highly hydrophobic, meaning water beads and sheets off the surface. Mud, grime and contaminants have a hard time bonding to the slick coating. While ceramic coating does offer some protection from scratches and swirl marks, it’s not impervious. Harsher chemicals and abrasive polishes can still damage the coating.

Ceramic coating does provide some heat resistance, which can help prevent sun damage and fading. It also enhances the depth and clarity of the paint, giving it a showroom shine. A professionally-applied ceramic coating can last 2-9 years, while DIY ceramic coating kits typically last 6-12 months. Reapplying a ceramic coating revitalises the protection and gloss.

The advanced polymers in ceramic coatings are highly durable, but not indestructible. Proper maintenance is still required to keep your vehicle looking its best. Wash and dry your vehicle regularly, using a high-quality car wash solution and microfiber mitts and towels. Avoid using abrasive polishes, as these can dull the coating over time. For the ultimate protection, consider using a ceramic coating in combination with paint protection film.

Ceramic coating may require an initial investment, but for many vehicle owners the results are well worth it. When properly maintained, ceramic coating keeps your paint looking glossy and pristine for years while resisting damage from environmental factors. Your vehicle remains easier to clean and care for, allowing you to spend less time washing and waxing.

The Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Your Vehicle

A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied by hand to the surface of a vehicle’s paint. Once cured, it bonds to the paint to create a durable, protective coating. If you’re on the fence about getting a ceramic coating for your vehicle, here are some of the key benefits to consider:

Protection from Environmental Damage

Ceramic coating acts as an extra shield against things like UV radiation, water spots, and pollution that can degrade your vehicle’s paint over time. It helps prevent oxidation and fading for a lasting, glossy finish.

Easier Cleaning

The slick, glass-like surface of a ceramic coating causes water and dirt to bead up and slide right off. This means less dirt and grime will stick to your vehicle in the first place, making washing and cleaning a much quicker process. You’ll save time and elbow grease.

Scratch and Swirl Resistance

While ceramic coating won’t necessarily prevent scratches, it does provide an added layer of hardness and protection for your vehicle’s paint. It can help prevent minor scratches, swirl marks and spider webbing in the clear coat. For deeper scratches, it may help reduce their visibility.

Long-Lasting Shine

If you want your vehicle to glow, a ceramic coating is the way to go. It leaves behind an incredibly glossy, slick finish that makes colours pop. And unlike a coat of wax, a ceramic coating lasts for years with proper maintenance. Your vehicle will look freshly detailed for a long time to come.

In the end, a ceramic coating is an investment that will help keep your vehicle looking its best while reducing maintenance. For many vehicle owners, the benefits are well worth it. If you want to protect your vehicle’s paint and keep it shining like new, consider a ceramic coating.

How Ceramic Coatings Protect Your Paint

Ceramic coatings work by forming a durable, protective coating over your vehicle’s factory paint. Here’s how ceramic coatings shield your paint from damage:

Chemical Bond

Ceramic coatings create a chemical bond with your paint, fusing to the surface to form a rock-hard, glossy coating. This coating is much harder than factory paint alone, protecting the underlying paint from scratches, swirl marks, and fading.

Hydrophobic Protection

The coating is also naturally hydrophobic, meaning water and liquids bead up and roll off the surface. This protects your paint from water spots, hard water stains, and road grime. Dirt and debris have a harder time sticking to the coating, making your vehicle easier to clean.

Reduced Brake Dust

Ceramic coatings can help prevent brake dust from adhering as strongly to your wheels and paint. The slick, glossy coating causes brake dust particles to slide off more easily. While brake dust may still land on the coating, it wipes away without as much scrubbing, preserving your paint finish.

Long-Lasting

A professionally-applied ceramic coating can last 2-5 years, depending on the specific product used. During this time, the coating protects your paint and helps it look shiny and new. While wax or sealant may only last weeks or months, a ceramic coating provides years of durable protection with little maintenance required.

Ceramic coatings shield your vehicle’s paint through an impenetrable barrier, hydrophobic properties, reduced brake dust adhesion, and long-term protection. By chemically bonding to your paint, ceramic coatings keep your car looking showroom new for years to come.

What to Expect When Getting Ceramic Coating

Once you’ve committed to getting ceramic coating for your vehicle, what should you expect from the process? Here are the basics of what will happen when you bring your car into be coated:

Application

The ceramic coating is applied in several stages. First, your car will be thoroughly washed and decontaminated to remove any dirt or debris. Next, the paint surface is polished to eliminate swirls, scratches or oxidation. Finally, the ceramic coating is applied in small sections and buffed off..

Curing time

After the ceramic coating has been applied, it needs time to fully cure. With Gtechniq Crystal Serum ceramic coatings this typically takes 8 hours, however it is considered fully cured after 1 week and during the curing period, it’s best to avoid washing the vehicle. The coating hardens as the solvents in it evaporate, creating a durable glass shield over your vehicle’s paint.

Initial maintenance

Once cured, the coating will be hard but may still be susceptible to water spots or stains for the first few washes. Use only pH neutral car wash soap and microfiber mitts, drying the car with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots. Avoid automatic car washes. Over time, the coating will become more resistant to stains and scratches.

Long-term care

To maximise the lifespan of your ceramic coating, continue to wash and dry your car properly using the methods above. Some professional detailers may recommend an occasional boost or topper product to enhance the slickness and protection of the coating over years of use. With proper care and maintenance, a quality ceramic coating like Gtechniq’s Crystal Serum Ultra can last up to 9 years before needing to be reapplied.

Ceramic coating works by creating an durable, glassy shield over your vehicle’s paint that protects against environmental damage while enhancing the appearance. With the right application and care, a ceramic coating can keep your car looking showroom new for years to come.

Does Ceramic Coating Really Work? The Verdict

So does ceramic coating really work? After years of testing and real-world use, the verdict is in—ceramic coatings absolutely work to protect vehicle paint.

Ceramic coatings are not some magical potion that will make your car indestructible. However, they have been proven to provide a durable layer of protection for a vehicle’s factory or custom paint job. Ceramic coatings work by creating a semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s paint, forming a protective layer up to 100 times thicker than a layer of wax.

Protection From Environmental Damage

Ceramic coatings shield paint from environmental damage like:

• UV radiation that causes fading
• Water spots
• Oxidation that leads to dulling
• Chemical stains from pollution and bird droppings

With a ceramic coating, water and chemicals bead right off the surface instead of clinging and causing damage.

Easier Cleaning

Ceramic-coated vehicles are much easier to clean since dirt and grime have a hard time bonding to the slick surface. Mud, dirt and debris can simply be sprayed off with a hose. For stuck-on messes, a simple wash with soap and water is typically all that’s needed.

Long Lasting

A professionally-applied ceramic coating can last 2-9 years, even with minimal maintenance. Reapplication only requires a quick polish to prepare the surface and a new top coat of ceramic protection. For the ultimate in long-term protection that’s nearly permanent, multiple coats of ceramic protection can be layered and reapplied over time.

The bottom line? Ceramic coatings absolutely work to protect vehicle paint. When professionally applied, a ceramic coating provides a durable, long-lasting shield against environmental damage and the hassles of frequent washing and waxing. For car enthusiasts who want the best in paint protection, a ceramic coating is the way to go.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Ceramic coating isn’t some magical, scratch-proof forcefield for your paint, but it can provide some real benefits if you go in with realistic expectations. For casual drivers looking to add some extra protection and shine to their vehicle’s finish without frequent waxing or polishing, ceramic coating may well be worth considering. Just do your research, find a reputable detailer, and commit to the routine maintenance to keep your coating looking its best. At the end of the day, ceramic coating works for many people and has the potential to give you several years of protection for your vehicle’s paint. If that sounds good to you, it may be time to give it a try.

Best Ceramic Coatings on the Sunshine Coast!

We’d toot our own horn and say that a car ceramic coating from Paint Protection Pro is THE BEST on the Sunshine Coast!

You can easily view our pricing and availability to book online or give us a call on 0413 853 100.