Ceramic coating is a protective layer that forms a semi-permanent bond with your vehicle’s paint. It offers a range of benefits, including increased shine and luster and improved durability.
It is a popular choice for car owners because it extends the life of your vehicle’s paint. It can also help protect your resale value.
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a silica-based polymer applied to the top of your car’s paint, forming a crystal-clear protective barrier. Once cured, it creates a deep candy-like gloss that amplifies the luster and shine of your vehicle’s paint.
It also prevents water and dirt from clinging to your car’s paint, making it easier to clean. This helps keep your vehicle looking its best for extended periods and saves you money on washings and waxing services.
However, you can still wash or wax your car regularly. The hydrophobic properties of a ceramic coating make it easier to remove contaminants.
This is why it is a good idea to install professional Ceramic Coating by an experienced detailer. Unlike DIY products, professional ceramic coatings are controlled for optimal results with precise tolerances for prep work, adhesion, application, curing, and removal. This ensures you receive a quality product that will protect your car’s paint for years.
How Does Ceramic Coating Work?
Ceramic coatings create a semi-permanent bond with your car’s paint. This bond protects against light surface scratches, harmful UV rays, graffiti, dirt build-up, and oxidation.
The best ceramic coatings are formulated with silica, which forms a rigid, water-repelling barrier between the car’s paint and the elements. This makes your vehicle easier to keep clean and prevents acid rain stains, bird droppings, and brake dust.
But just like any other paint element, ceramic coatings will wear out over time. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your ceramic coat with a high-quality spray booster or topper.
These sprays contain microparticles that tighten the ceramic coating surface and replenish its hydrophobicity. These products can be effective as a stand-alone or as a supplement to a wax or sealant.
What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are a great way to keep your car looking newer and more extended. They are especially good at protecting your car’s paint from damaging environmental factors like UV rays, oxidation, and chemicals.
Another significant benefit of ceramic coatings is their improved hydrophobic properties. You’ve probably seen videos of water beading up and shedding off of new ceramic-coated cars.
That’s because a ceramic coating forms a complex, durable chemical bond with your car’s factory paint, blocking UV rays, acid rain, and chemicals from reaching your vehicle’s surface. It also keeps dirt, grime, and salt from tarnishing your vehicle’s finish.
How Does Ceramic Coating Cost?
The cost of ceramic coating will vary depending on the size of your vehicle, its paintwork condition, how often you wash it, and how long you want the coat to last. However, you can expect the average professional to charge between $1,500 and $5,750 for a ceramic coat.
Ceramic coating can add durability and protect your car from micro scratches, oxidation, brake dust, and more. It also has super hydrophobic qualities that help repel water from the surface and make cleaning easier.
While a ceramic coating costs more than you think, it’s worth the investment. Not only will it protect your car’s paint, but it will give you a beautiful shine and help keep the color of your car fresher and longer!
One of the biggest reasons people struggle to justify the costs associated with a pro ceramic coating is the prep work involved. Typically, a professional detailer will spend five days decontaminating your vehicle, removing all traces of dirt and wax from its paintwork, repairing any scratches and nicks that may be present, and finally, applying the protective coating.
