Everything You Need to Know About Ceramic Coating for Cars: Basics, Benefits, and Cost

Your vehicle’s exterior is the first thing people will notice. If it is not representable, you will probably want to do something about it. But, of course, your most precious darling deserves to look shiny and new, so we come to the ceramic car coating.

Maybe you have heard of it before. Well, auto ceramic coating is the most common and semi-permanent paint protection product. It will create a long-lasting, hydrophobic layer as protection from environmental hazards, make your car easier to wash, and do not require repeated application.

This post will clear any doubts and clarify some of the confusion surrounding ceramic paint coating and inform automotive enthusiasts about its properties, benefits, and usage.

What is Ceramic Coating?

Car Ceramic Coating or Nano-Ceramic Coating has a highly complex formulation, typically composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), sourced from quartz and sand. When these chemicals bond with the car’s paint (cure), it forms a hard layer that is water-repelling.

Other ingredients commonly found in ceramic coatings include titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicone brightening particles, triethanolamine, polysilazane, activated fluorine, and water. These ingredients are carefully measured to achieve the perfect balance for the ultimate results.

Not only will it protect your car from the water, but also from other pollutants, like chemicals, excessive heat, harmful UV rays, dirt, and many others. With a quick rinse, they will slide right off, leaving a shiny and clean surface.

High-quality ceramic paint coating will even protect your car from light scratches and swirl marks, so the paint will look as if it had just rolled off the assembly line.

How does Ceramic Coating Work?

Nano ceramic coating is a silica-based polymer that, once cured atop a hard surface, forms a crystal-clear shell on the top of your car’s paint. “Nano” means “small.” It refers to the size of the particles within the mixture – the smaller the particles, the better bonding properties it will achieve.

SiO2 is an anti-static material that works on a molecular level to transform the surface. Once applied, the ceramic coating creates a chemical bond with the car’s paint, leaving the ultra-protective layer against most common pollutants and minor damage.

What does ceramic coating do? In simpler words, it blends with your original paintwork and protects it.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is not bullet-proof protection, but it will provide some benefits to your paintwork and certainly add value to your car.

1. The most crucial characteristic is undoubtedly protection. Ceramic car coating protects your car’s exterior from UV damage (oxidization), chemical stains, and etching. In addition, it will prevent the paint from fading, making it look new—even the probability of being scratched decreases.
2. Hydrophobic properties are also a convenient feature. It means that water molecules are repelled and easily slide off when they come in contact with the surface treated with ceramic coating.
3. Scratch resistance – it saves your car from minor scratches like those from parking lots, bushes, bikes, and others.
4. It is a semi-permanent Traditional paint coatings like wax can wear off much faster than car ceramic coating. When choosing ceramic paint protection, you can expect it to last for years, so it will save you the trouble of having your car waxed over and over.
5. The ceramic car wax will keep your car cleaner because any debris like grim, bird droppings, bug guts, mud, and others just slides off the surface. So even when your car needs a wash, it will take much less time than it usually would.
6. With ceramic coating, your car will have a candy-like gloss. It enhances the paintwork, keeping its appearance looking as good as new. It will also feel a lot smoother to touch.
7. It is costly-effective in the long run. Although the initial cost is a bit higher, applying ceramic coating will save you money on waxing, washing, and other exterior car detailing services.

What does Ceramic Coating NOT DO?

There are some myths and unrealistic expectations about ceramic car coating. Some of them include the following:

• The danger of scratches, swirl marks, and rock chips still exists.
• You need to wash your car regularly.
• It does not hide imperfections.
• It does not “self-heal” like some other film types because it is in a solid state.
• Water spotting can be present.

How to Apply Ceramic Coating?

While there are many DIY kits on the market, it is always advisable to hire a professional car detailer to ensure your car’s paint is appropriately taken care of. There are several reasons for that:

• We use stronger formulations to achieve the best results. A higher percentage of SiO2 and other ingredients create a super-strong bond with the paint underneath.
• We also use custom formulations because “one size does not fit all.”
• A fully controlled process is available in a certified installation facility to achieve optimal results. Starting from prep work, application, curing, and aftercare, we remove the factors that can impact the coating longevity.
• You can expect a warranty on the longevity of a professionally installed coating.

The process of applying the ceramic car wax starts with hand car washing. If it is necessary, we use a degreaser to remove any surface grime. Then, we rinse the vehicle thoroughly and apply clay bar treatment to restore the paint to a smooth surface and remove any contamination. Then we rinse the car once again thoroughly.

The next step is to dry a car completely using a blow-drier and microfiber cloth for the crevices. Removing any light surface imperfections and polish the car’s paint with a dual action buffer is the next in the preparation.

In order to remove any polishing oil residue from the surface, we use oil remover with isopropyl alcohol. The microfiber cloth must be brand new.

The last step is the car ceramic coating application, with a clean cloth and a circular motion or crosshatch pattern.

After the whole car has been coated, the vehicle must be parked for at least 48 hours in a protected area, with no water contact for at least 72 hours and no washing for a minimum of 2 weeks.

How Long does Ceramic Coating Last?

Although it is a semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s paint, it is not an indestructible layer. A well-made ceramic car coating product that is appropriately applied typically lasts for about 2 years, with the proper care and maintenance.

If the correct preparation work is performed, the ceramic paint protection will always bond better and cure harder. It will penetrate imperfections and porous areas much better when applied to a clean vehicle.

Also, the formula quality is an important factor in the coating longevity because not all formulas are created equal. Watered-down and high-end 9H formulas will not offer the same level of protection. The perfect formula must not appear too watery nor too gooey.

SiO2 percentage plays a vital role in coating durability. For example, the best bottle of ceramic car coating will contain at least 80% of SiO2. The higher the silica dioxide dosage, the harder the coating will cure. But one rule says you need to avoid products that contain 85% or above silica dioxide simply because too much of it will make the coating challenging to apply due to its viscosity.

How Much does Ceramic Coating Cost?

If you want the best results, it is advisable to hire a professional for the job. It will require the usage of an ultra-high-end sealant that highly skilled and certified professionals must apply. Apart from the highly trained staff, you pay for the professional equipment and the controlled environment.

Preparation time is time-consuming but also a crucial part of the work. In most cases, it is the most expensive part of the coating installation. This includes scrubbing down surfaces, cleaning, and polishing, which can add zeros to the bill. Prices are based on hourly work-time averages.

Exterior detail with ceramic sealant and clay bar treatment costs:

• For car or small SUVs – $225
• For SUVs – $275

21 Point wash with ceramic spray sealant costs:

• For car or small SUVs – $125 – $140
• For SUVs – $200 – $250

How to Maintain Ceramic Coating?

The most efficient way to maintain your freshly applied ceramic car coating is to regularly hand wash the car with water and pH-neutral car shampoo. What is important to remember is to avoid car shampoos with the added waxes or sealants.

High-quality SiO2 ceramic boost spray can boost the longevity of the ceramic coating. First, make sure you apply it to the freshly washed car. This type of sprays is quite diluted, containing no more than 15 to 20% of SiO2 and TiO2. It will maintain the shine between two coating applications. Drivers can even do it themselves.

How to Remove Ceramic Coating?

Removing the ceramic coating is not an easy job. However, there are chemical strippers on the market that are specifically designed for ceramic coating removal. Still, they must be used with caution because their acidic nature may damage softer surfaces like door moldings or tires.

There are several crucial steps we use in coating removal:

• The best results are visible when we wait until your coating is worn off.
• We wash your car with a wax stripping car shampoo to loosen up the coating and ensure debris removal.
• Then, we use clay mitt of clay bar treatment to scrape away the surface layer.
• After the treatment, we rinse the vehicle thoroughly.
• The next step is to dry it with a microfiber towel; we use a fresh towel for each panel.
• When finished, we use an IPA spray or ceramic coating prep to wipe down the car for the final preparation before the new layer application.

Final Verdict – Is a Ceramic Car Coating a Good or a Bad for My Car?

Ceramic coating is definitely a good choice if you want to keep your car in good condition, with durable paintwork and a high shine. When done by a skilled professional, it will keep your vehicle protected for years, saving you a lot of money on maintenance in the long term.

After all, everyone wants to ride in a car that looks exceptional.

Maximum Benefits and Extreme Longevity of the Ceramic Coating at San Diego

If you want your car to shine and avoid common mistakes associated with the DIY options, then the Pristine Mobile Detail is the right place for you.

Quick, efficient, and meticulous service exceeds even the highest expectations. Showroom-quality of your paintwork will be our top priority. The professional approach, together with highly educated staff, is the key to success.

Your car will receive appropriate preparation and installation of the ceramic paint protection, so those common pollutants will not affect the finish. This service will make your car look amazing!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Try the best Pristine Auto Detail San Diego has to offer; call us at 760-822-6363.

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