If you’re considering a ceramic coating for your vehicle, it’s important to understand what they’re capable of, and their limitations. In this guide we’ll be covering this topic in detail to help you decide if a ceramic coating is worth it for you.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
Before we jump into the pros and cons of ceramic coatings, let’s address what a coating actually is.
Ceramic coatings come in a liquid form in a small glass bottle which typically contains around 30-50ml of coating. The liquid is applied to a microfibre or suede pad which is then used to spread the coating across a small area. The coating residue is then buffed away (usually after around 15-60 seconds) to level the finish. The coating is then allowed to cure over the course of around 7 days, by which point it will have achieved its maximum hardness.
This hard and durable layer of protection helps to shield the paintwork underneath from general dirt and airborne contaminants. It also results in several surface characteristics including hydrophobicity and slickness, which keep the car cleaner between washes and make washing easier.
Ceramic coatings can be applied to a range of surfaces including paint, glass, wheels and plastic trim.
Why Choose a Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings have become incredibly popular since they became available in the 21st century in the automotive industry. The main reasons why many car owners choose to have their vehicle protected with a coating are because:
- Coatings offer protection against environmental contamination and provide light wash marring resistance.
- They produce a slick and hydrophobic surface which dirt is less able to bond to. Hence, they make maintaining the car’s appearance easier.
- Coatings can last for several years, whereas waxes/ sealants usually only last a few months.
- Having a vehicle ceramic coated can make it more desirable and even improve the resale value.
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these reasons.
Coatings Offer Protection
Probably the main reason why you are looking at getting a ceramic coating is to keep your vehicle protected from the elements.
A car’s paintwork is subjected to a whole host of contaminants on a daily basis including:
- Traffic film – dirt and oils from the road when driving in the rain.
- Iron fallout – from brake dust particles and if the vehicle is stored near a railway.
- Tar deposits – these get flicked up onto the paintwork by the wheels, and bond strongly to it.
- Mineral deposits and water spots – from rain water drying on the vehicle.
- Tree sap and bird droppings – especially common if parking near or under trees.
These contaminants can become embedded in a car’s paintwork causing it to feel rough and look dull, and in some cases can stain and damage the clear coat.
Think of a ceramic coating as a shield from these sources of contamination. The coating takes the brunt of the abuse, helping to preserve the paintwork underneath.
Coatings Preserve Gloss
Everyone wants a glossy looking car that turns heads, and having a ceramic coating professionally applied will mean your vehicle does just that.
Prior to a coating’s application, the paintwork must be properly prepared. This involves decontaminating and machine polishing the surface. Polishing the surface removes clear coat defects and enhances the gloss and depth of colour of the paint.
Once the paintwork has been polished to a mirror-shine, the coating is then applied to lock in that finish. The coating itself will also take the gloss levels up a notch, delivering a truly incredible finish.
Coatings are also harder than clear coat paint, so can help to offer some light wash marring resistance. Please keep in mind though that coatings are by no means scratch-proof, and proper wash technique (such as pre-washing and using the two bucket wash method) should still be used to keep the finish swirl-free.
Coatings Make Washing Easier
One of the most noticeable differences between coated and uncoated paint, is the level of slickness and hydrophobicity. Bare paintwork feels quite “grabby” and also clings on to water. This means when dirty water from the road gets kicked up onto the paint when driving, it sticks much more easily.
Ceramic coated surfaces on the other hand are extremely water-repellent and slick feeling. This makes it harder for dirt to stick between washes and keeps the car looking cleaner. It also makes the car easier to actually wash too, as contaminants like bugs and traffic film can be removed much more easily.
If you’ve had your vehicle professionally ceramic coated, most installers will also offer a place on their maintenance plan (ourselves included). You can choose between a weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleaning schedule, to ensure your vehicle looks incredible all year round.
Coatings are Incredible Durable
Ceramic coatings typically last between 2-5 years. The exact longevity depends on a few factors including:
- Which coating was applied.
- How well the coating was installed and is maintained.
- How often the car is driven.
- Whether the car is stored indoors or outdoors.
The key thing to know, is that ceramic coatings are far more durable than waxes and sealants. Most traditional waxes and sealants are only able to last for a few months on the paint, creating the need for frequent re-application. Once a ceramic coating has been applied, the process won’t need to be repeated for at least a couple of years.
Coatings Can Improve Resale Value
Having your car ceramic coated can also make it more desirable when it comes to sell it.
Many car enthusiasts will value having a vehicle which is already coated to a professional standard, but it also is a signal that the car has been well cared for. It’s a good sign to a prospective owner that the vehicle has been cherished and can certainly help when it comes to the desirability.
Ceramic Coating Drawbacks
Now that we’ve been through the advantages of ceramic coatings, we need to address the drawbacks too, so you can decide if it’s worth investing in one.
Ceramic Coatings are Not Scratch Proof
It’s important to know that although ceramic coatings are harder than clear coat paint, they are by no means scratch or stone-chip proof. They offer some light protection against wash marring, but it’s still important to wash the car using good practices like pre-washing, using a good-quality shampoo, and using soft microfibre mitts and towels.
If you’re looking for more protection against abrasion, then paint protection film (PPF) may be a more suitable option. We also offer a PPF installation service in Herefordshire if you are interested in this level of protection.
Ceramic Coatings Still Need Maintaining
Ceramic Coatings are Harder to Apply
Ceramic coatings take longer to apply than waxes and sealants because there is much more prep involved. The car needs to be thoroughly decontaminated and machine polished before even thinking about picking up the coating bottle. The preparation process itself can take anywhere from a day to several days to perform depending on the level of machine polishing desired.
It’s also vital to be methodical and careful when applying and levelling a coating to ensure a consistent finish and the absence of “high spots” which look very unsightly and can be difficult to remove.
Finally, ceramic coatings need to be applied in a controlled environment where the temperature and humidity are in the correct range to ensure the coating bonds and cures properly.
Ceramic Coatings Can Be Expensive
It’s also worth noting that ceramic coatings are more expensive than waxes and sealants. As the process requires extensive preparation, and the coating itself is more expensive, the overall package will cost more than a valeting service. Our ceramic coating packages using premium coatings start from £525 in the Hertfordshire area.
Are Ceramic Coatings Really Worth It?
Ceramic coatings are worth it if you:
- Want your vehicle protected for years to a high-standard and do not want to spend significantly more to have paint protection film applied.
- Want a vehicle that stays cleaner between washes and is easier to maintain.
- Want your car’s paintwork to be ultra-glossy and stay looking shiny.
- Are looking for protection that is much more effective and durable than a wax or sealant.
Choosing the Right Coating is Crucial
If you’ve decided that a ceramic coating is the right option for your car, then it’s imperative to choose the right specific coating. There are so many different coating brands on the market, and some ceramic coatings are better than others.
Here at Elevate Automotive, we offer coatings from the Gyeon range. Gyeon are leaders in the car detailing industry and offer several coatings to suit different budgets and requirements. Please visit our ceramic coating service page to find out more.
Get Your Car Ceramic Coated in Hertfordshire
If you are considering protecting your vehicle, exploring professional ceramic coating services is a great place to start. If you would like to discuss ceramic coating options with our team here at Elevate Automotive, then get in touch today.