What is a ceramic coating?  Ceramic Coatings are a liquid polymer coating that is applied by hand. It is applied in liquid form, allowing the coating to fill in microscopic pores on the surface. After curing, the coating bonds with the surface, creating a hard, semi-permanent barrier. Ceramic coatings provide extreme gloss to the surface, giving a glass like look. Ceramics create a hydrophobic (water beaading) or hydrophilic (water sheeting) surface.

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Why are ceramic coatings so expensive?  Ceramic coatings are labor intensive.  Your installer needs to hand-wash, chemically decontaminate, and clay bar the surface to remove any surface impurities and contamination.  Followed by paint correction, and prepping the surfaces to ensure a proper bond of the coating to the substrate.  In addition, the installer has gone through training to be a certified installer of the product to guarantee the life expectancy of the coating for warranty purposes.

 

What is the difference between a ceramic coating and wax or a paint sealant?  Ceramic Coatings are designed to fill in the pores of the paint or gelcoat, bonding with the surface to create a hard barrier. A Ceramic Coating enhances the gloss of the surface, while also providing protection far superior, and longer lasting (months and years) than wax or a paint sealant. On the other hand, when a wax is applied, it simply sits on top of the surface, which only provides short term protection. After wax is applied, each time the vehicle is washed, the wax begins to deteriorate and come off the surface. In warm climates, wax starts to evaporate at 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  While a paint sealant is longer-lasting (4-6 months) it breaks down as it is washed and exposed to the elements.

 

Are ceramic coatings permanent?  Nothing is permanent. Ceramic coatings come off through abrasion (sanding or compounding). Obviously, the life expectancy of a ceramic coating, is based on a lot of factors, including: storage, seasonal, year-round, exposure to UV, driving time, storage, and climate to name a few. Following the manufacturers maintenance program though, will significantly increase the overall performance and life span of the coating.

 

Will my vehicle look brand new again?  Unfortunately, ceramic coatings are not a miracle coating. With the right preparation though, the vehicle will look new or as close to new as you can get given the age and condition of the surface. On new vehicles you will get a 10-15% bump in the gloss and shine from factory new. On older vehicles readings on a gloss meter (it measures shine by reflecting a light off the surface) go from single digits to north of 90 GU, which is substantial. 

 

Will a ceramic coating eliminate water spots?  A normal drop of water contains a certain amount of dirt or minerals. When water evaporates on your vehicle’s surface, the minerals are left behind, creating visible spots. Detailers and consumers may assume that the hydrophobic or hydrophilic quality of a Ceramic Coating will eliminate water spotting, since water slides off the coated surface. While it is true that some water will be repelled from the hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface, other water droplets will bead and remain on the vehicle, creating the opportunity for water spotting. As long as the vehicle is rinsed with clean water and wiped down, with a chamois, spots will be eliminated.

 

How long does a ceramic coating last?  A ceramic coating comes with a rating in months and years. It is important to follow the maintenance regimen from the manufacturer. Like anything else, if the coating is neglected, it will not last. If you follow the maintenance regimen from the manufacturer, it is highly likely that the coating will exceed its rated lifespan.

 

Do ceramic coatings peel off?  Ceramic coatings will fill the pores on the surface, however small, and then bond directly to the surface making it hydrophobic or hydrophilic. It does not peel and is only removed through abrasion. 

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