What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a protective layer applied to a car’s paint to shield it from various environmental elements. This coating is comprised of nano-sized particles of ceramics, which are durable and resistant to most forms of damage, including UV radiation, dirt, grime, and hard water. These particles fill in the microscopic pores in the paint, creating a glass-like finish that enhances the car’s gloss and makes it easier to clean. The ceramic coating offers a stronger protective layer than the car’s factory paint. First of all, it is important to know that the H in 10H means hardness. It is not measured by the MOHS scale as many people thought. For automotive ceramic coatings, it is the pencil hardness scale that measures it. As for ceramic coatings with 9H and 10H hardness, it only means that they could withstand a pencil scratch with up to a 10H scale.
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?
One of the biggest advantages of ceramic coating is its durability. Unlike other forms of car protection, such as wax or sealant, ceramic coating can last for years without needing to be reapplied. Depending on the quality of the ceramic coating and the conditions the car is exposed to, the coating can last between four and five years. To ensure that the ceramic coating lasts as long as possible, it’s essential to maintain the car correctly. This includes washing the car regularly and avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the coating. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid scratching or scraping the car’s paint, as this can damage the coating and reduce its lifespan.
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.