What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating forms a durable protective layer over a car’s paint, shielding it from environmental elements. Made of nano-sized ceramic particles, this coating resists damage from UV rays, dirt, grime, and hard water. These particles fill tiny pores in the paint, creating a glossy, glass-like finish that boosts the car’s shine and simplifies cleaning. With greater protection than the factory paint, ceramic coating effectively enhances durability.
A key point to understand is that the “H” in 10H refers to hardness, measured on the pencil hardness scale, not the MOHS scale as some assume. For ceramic coatings rated 9H or 10H, this hardness means they can withstand scratches from pencils up to a 10H level.
What is the Purpose of Ceramic Coating?
The primary purpose of ceramic coating is to protect a car’s paint from environmental damage. By applying this layer of protection, car owners can prevent the fading and oxidation of their car’s paint due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. Additionally, ceramic coatings prevent dirt and grime from sticking to the car’s paint, making it easier to clean. Ceramic coating also provides a level of scratch resistance. Although it is not entirely scratch-proof, it can prevent light scratches from damaging the car’s paint. Additionally, ceramic coatings enhance a car’s gloss, giving it a showroom finish that can last for several years. Some of the many benefits of the ceramic coating are:
- Less prone to water spotting
- Higher stain resistance against bugs, saps, droppings, etc.
- Higher scratch resistance during the washing process
- Increased depth and clarity to all surfaces
- Lower sliding angle with water evacuating at angles less than 10-15°
Learn more about the Benefits of Ceramic Coat here!
How Long Does it Last?
Ceramic coating offers impressive durability, often lasting years without the need for reapplication. Unlike wax or sealant, which require frequent touch-ups, high-quality ceramic coatings can endure between four and five years, depending on the coating’s quality and the conditions the car faces. To extend the life of your ceramic coating, make regular car washes part of your routine and steer clear of harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Also, take care to prevent scratches or scrapes, as they may reduce the coating’s effectiveness over time.
Can I install ceramic coating myself?
While you can buy ceramic coating, they have a long lifespan, of several years, and if you botch the application it is hard to fix. There is also a considerable amount of prep work involved to get the paint prepared for the ceramic application. If the application was done incorrectly and the coating needed to be removed it would need to be polished off by a professional and that could become costly or even result in damage to the paint. It is better to leave something like ceramic coating to a professional who has experience in detailing and application.
Conclusion
Ceramic coating is a protective layer applied to a car’s paint to shield it from environmental damage. Its primary purpose is to prevent the fading and oxidation of the car’s paint due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Additionally, the ceramic coating prevents dirt and grime from sticking to the car’s paint, making it easier to clean. The coating can last for several years, depending on the quality of the coating and the conditions the car is exposed to.