If you have recently purchased a new car, you must take appropriate measures to protect its aesthetic appeal and value. A ceramic coating can work wonders for your car and preserve its paint job effectively for years. It not only makes cleaning up easier but helps keep your vehicle looking shiny and new for longer. Visit Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center today to find out how you can elevate your car’s appearance to a whole new level with professionals who have the knowledge and experience to defend it from damaging elements. With attention to detail, the team of experts applies an advanced ceramic coating to safeguard your car from anything that can tarnish its paint and beauty.
Ceramic coating is considered the best way to protect car paint and retain its value. Not only does this clear coating ward off dirt and grime, but also shields it from bird droppings, sun rays, and other environmental contaminants, retaining your vehicle’s attractive looks and value. Read on to know if ceramic coatings are the right choice for your vehicle, how they help to preserve your car paint, and if they live up to their promise of being the best car protection solution.
What Are Ceramic Coatings for Cars?
A ceramic coating is a type of liquid polymer applied to the car exterior. It is an automotive paint treatment and protectant that contains silicon dioxide (SiO2). Some brands also use titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an additional hardening agent. Silicon dioxide comes from quartz crystals and sand and is a crucial part of ceramic coating because it combines silicon and oxygen. They make a strong film when mixed with polysilazane, titanium dioxide, water, and triethanolamine. The dense, liquid coating that forms is what auto detailing experts call ceramic coating.
When applied to the car’s exterior surface, the ceramic coating forms a protection film that keeps off contaminants like dirt, road grime, and tree sap from damaging the underlying surface. The coating is glossy and pleasing to the eye and keeps your car’s finish looking shiny for weeks.
What Is the Difference Between Ceramic Coating and Traditional Paint Protection?
As a car owner, you always want your car to look pristine and shiny, just like the day you got it from the dealership, but it is not easy. There are several ways to protect the paint on your car and keep it in the best shape.
They include:
Waxing
Waxing is a traditional paint protection technique that keeps the car paint look great. It is relatively cheap and easy to apply as compared to ceramic coating. Wax is made from natural products like carnauba wax and blended with chemicals to make it easy to apply. It can make your car paint look amazing, but it is not durable. It can easily wash off or evaporate if your vehicle is exposed to extreme heat and may need reapplication after every few months.
Paint Protection Film
A paint protection film is a clear film applied to the painted surface of the car to protect it from chips, cracks, and road dents. This film is made from polyurethane and is applied to the vehicle using an adhesive backing. PPFs are often installed on cars that travel on roads with a lot of debris, such as gravel roads. It is also ideal for cars in city traffic, especially in areas with higher risks of getting chipped or scratched by another car. The paint protection you choose will depend on your requirements and budget.
Related: Read This Before Buying Paint Protection Film
Differences Between Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Films
Ceramic coating and paint protection films may serve the same purpose and protect your vehicle from UV rays, but they vary in price and function.
Paint Protection Films Are Easy to Apply
Paint protection films are easier to apply than ceramic coating. This is because PPFs come in precut pieces that can be bonded to the vehicle. In contrast, ceramic coating products come in liquid form, and their application can be difficult.
Ceramic Car Coatings Offer Better Protection
Nano ceramic coating offers better resistance from scratches and swirl marks. It creates a hard, durable layer on the vehicle’s paint, which provides more effective defense than paint protection films.
Ceramic Coating Is Long-Lasting
High-quality ceramic coating lasts longer than traditional PPF as it forms a strong bond with the vehicle paint. It is much better at scratch resistance and maintaining its hydrophobic properties for years as compared to wax and PPF. It will need replacement as it degrades over time, but you can look forward to enjoying your car’s paintwork for almost a decade.
Related: What Is the Difference Between Paint Protection Films and Ceramic Coatings?
When Should You Use a Nano-Ceramic Coating?
Even though it offers numerous benefits, ceramic coating is not a one-size-fits-all paint protection solution. For some cars, it can be life-changing, and after getting it done, you may wonder how you ever lived without it, particularly after several washes. However, for some car owners, even the best ceramic coating may not deliver the desired results if their car condition is not good.
High-quality nano-ceramic coatings pierce deep into the microscopic pores of the clear coat, forming a chemical bond with the paint. As a result, the top dries into a smooth, hard layer, similar to a shell.
Once applied, ceramic coatings can shield your car against:
- UV radiation
- Chemical erosion
- Bird droppings, bugs, sap, acid rain, chemical contaminants, etc.
The best thing about ceramic coatings is that they are naturally hydrophobic. It means they repel water and ice, keeping stains to a minimum. They also prevent dirt, grime, and salt from ruining car paint, which keeps it in good condition for longer. As the bond is permanent or semi-permanent, ceramic coatings last for years, depending on how well you care for them.
Ceramic coating is the best option for your vehicle if:
- The paint is in near-perfection condition
- Your car care has not been neglected even though it was driven in different conditions
- You washed your car regularly with quality washing products and techniques
- You want to benefit from quick and easy washing solutions
How Much Does a Ceramic Coating Cost?
Costs for ceramic coating vary due to several factors. A top-quality, professional-grade coating may cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the condition and size of your car, the detailer’s reputation, and the quality of the nano-coating.
Also remember that a new car will be cheaper to ceramic coat than an older, larger one, as it would require more paint correction work. Also, there may be other hidden costs of taking your vehicle to a ceramic pro, including the prep work. It is necessary to take your car to a professional service provider with years of experience as well as advanced tools and equipment to ceramic coat your vehicle the right way for the highest level of protection and aesthetic appeal.
Does Ceramic Coating Really Work – Is It Good for My Car?
Yes. Ceramic coating may be something you have just come to know about, but it is the best protection option for your vehicle paint surface. It not only increases paint life but provides an amazingly glossy appearance that makes your vehicle look like it has just come out of a factory.
It may be harder to apply than ceramic car wax, sealant, and paint protection film, but as it dries, it creates a protective, transparent layer that can last almost a decade, keeping you stress-free for years. However, waiting till the ceramic coating is fully cured is important before driving your car to enjoy its benefits.
Is a Ceramic Coating Really Worth It?
Ceramic coating is worth every penny you invest in it. The clear coating makes your car surface easier to clean and offers excellent protection against environmental corrosion and damage. Opting for ceramic coating services is the best way to ensure your vehicle paint remains intact for a long time.
If you are searching for a reliable and experienced ceramic coating expert in New Jersey, Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center is there for you. It is one of the best places to get ceramic coating and protection for your entire vehicle’s appearance within a short time. Whether you have a truck, sedan, or minivan, you only have to wait and watch how ceramic coating works wonders for your vehicle.
