Ceramic Coatings: An Introduction Part 2

What are the benefits, what are the downsides, and what are the alternatives?

What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coatings?

Ceramic coatings protect against oxidation, rain, dirt, environmental contaminants, UV damage, and light scratches. Compared to their earlier counterparts, modern ceramic coatings are incredibly long-lasting, meaning you can rely on their protective qualities for many years to come.

Compared to poly-sealers, ceramic coatings are thicker, so they protect better against scratches. The protective qualities of ceramic coatings are just better than the poly sealants of old, and the glossy finish they produce is unrivalled.

These new coatings are incredible at preserving the look of your vehicle, which is why the prep work is the most important part of the process. We put an incredible amount of work into prepping your vehicle for the application of the coatings. Once the coating has bonded with the surface of your vehicle, the insane amount of gloss produced by our prep work is amplified and preserved. The level of gloss is in a completely different category than can be achieved by wax or poly sealant.

Are There Any Downsides?

We understand that many car enthusiasts take pride in doing their auto-maintenance at home. The biggest downside of nano-ceramic coatings is just how difficult the prep work is. Before a coating can be applied, the car’s surface must be 100% free of any blemishes or dirt because any imperfections will be captured by the coating.

For every vehicle that comes in our doors, we provide a multi-stage paint correction service (included in the price of every coating) that includes washing the vehicle, claying, and buffing. The paint must also be kept absolutely pristine during the application process, which mandates working in a clean indoor facility.

Once the prep work is done, the application can begin. Uneven coating results in high spots that require buffing and re-doing. Many coatings have foul smelling fumes, so it is imperative that the application is done in a well-ventilated area. Coatings do not come cheap, so it is important that it go right the first time, which is why it makes sense to have it handled by a professional.

Are There Alternatives?

Waxes and sealants are definitely an option for dedicated DIYers, however they don’t provide near the durability, performance, or longevity of ceramic films. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a great way to protect the vulnerable areas (bumpers, hood, side mirrors) of your vehicle from chips and scratches, but pairing PPF with ceramic coatings is the only way to achieve ultimate protection for your entire vehicle. If you demand the absolute highest standard in gloss, or having to reapply and buff wax every month doesn’t sound like the best use of time, ceramic films might be for you.

If you are interested in what options are available to you, take a look right here or just send us a note.