Can Ceramic Coating Improve the Overall Longevity of Your Car’s Paint?
Ceramic coating is all the rage, but does it really improve the overall longevity of your car’s paint?
A quick Google search will reveal tons of glowing reviews that say ceramic coating makes your vehicle look great and lasts a long time. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. The truth is that ceramic coating is not a magic bullet, and there are vehicles that will benefit from the protection more than others.
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First, it’s important to understand what a ceramic coating is and how it works. The coating is a silica-based liquid polymer that’s applied by hand and cured to create a hard, smooth surface. This layer acts as a barrier between your paint and everything that could damage it. Road grime, bird droppings, pollen, and other contaminants will no longer be able to stick to the paint. Instead, they’ll be repelled by the surface and bead up on the water’s surface. The same is true for bug residue, tar, and other environmental fallout.
The ceramic coating can also increase the overall shine of your car’s paint, making it look newer and more polished. This is a great feature if your vehicle is in need of some extra TLC after years of aging and exposure to the elements.
However, it’s important to note that while a ceramic coating can boost the shine of your paint, it won’t actually protect it from swirl marks or other defects. Those will still need to be corrected with approved polishing compounds and power buffers, just like they would on any other car. A good ceramic coating, on the other hand, will do wonders for preventing small scratches and scuffs from cutting into or embedding in your clear coat.
Another aspect of a ceramic coating that’s often overlooked is its ability to drastically reduce the amount of work it takes to keep your car looking clean. For instance, a ceramic coating is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This means that when you wash your car, the water and dirt will just roll off the vehicle instead of getting stuck in microscopic pockets on the paint. This significantly cuts down the amount of time it takes to get your car looking clean after a drive in inclement weather.
On the other hand, ceramic coating can also prevent the formation of water spots and stains. This is a big deal if you frequently park your car outside or drive on roads that are heavily salted or covered in ice and snow. Lastly, a ceramic coating can help to reduce the oxidation of your car’s paint by absorbing UV rays and dispersing them into the atmosphere.
If you’re considering a ceramic coating for your car, it’s recommended that you go with a professional application service. Unlike a traditional wax, a ceramic coating needs to be applied and cured properly in order to achieve the desired results. A reputable professional will take the time to inspect your vehicle’s paint and ensure that the surface is ready for the coating. This prevents mistakes that may ruin the results and will save you a lot of money in the long run.