Ceramic Coating Magic: A Deeper Dive into Automotive Brilliance
In the pursuit of automotive excellence, innovation has reached a dazzling height - ceramic coating. These coatings go far beyond the standard wax and polish regimen, ushering in a new era of brilliance and protection. Ceramic coating has transformed the concept of car maintenance into something more than just a cosmetic update. Join us as we explore the transformative impact, unravel the technology behind the scenes, and discover the elegance of a vehicle enhanced by the magic of ceramic coating.
What is Ceramic Coating?
True ceramic coating is an exterior automotive paint treatment and protectant that is applied as a liquid and cures to form a hard layer on top of the paint. This type of coating shields a vehicle's paint against flaws and damage while also keeping it cleaner for longer. After application, it also makes subsequent car washes easier and protects the vehicle from damaging UV rays. The hard coating causes water droplets to slide off without leaving any marks. This gives a car a glossy finish.
The components of the coating typically include silicon dioxide (silica, Si02), a natural substance derived from quartz and sand. Titanium dioxide is an active ingredient in some types of ceramic coating.
Properties of Ceramic Coating
• The magic lies in the nanotechnology utilized to make them. Nanoparticles are extremely small, measuring typically less than 100 nm. The nano-ceramic coating forms a protective shield on the surface. This invisible shield is very hard, which helps to protect the car’s exterior without much trouble.
• The hydrophobic characteristic of the coating is one of its biggest advantages. This means they repel water and liquids, causing them to bead up and roll off the surface. This characteristic prevents water spots, mineral deposits, and grime from clinging to the surface, making it easier to clean and maintain your vehicle.
• Other properties include:
o Excellent wear, scratch, and abrasion resistance
o Due to the development of high melting temperature oxides, this material has a strong oxidation resistance.
o Excellent UV protection
o Good corrosion resistance due to the creation of a passive oxide layer
o Protection against chemical attacks
o Low permeability
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Protects Your Paint
Every time you drive your automobile, you expose the paint to pollutants that might damage it. Ceramic coating creates a strong, protective covering on the body of your car, preventing foreign particles from causing damage. It can withstand severe damage without causing obvious harm to your vehicle, such as fading, oxidation, and chemical stains. The coating can also help protect your vehicle from the UV rays that can cause oxidation. This is particularly useful if you park your car outside.
Keeps Your Car Cleaner
With the hard exterior that this coating provides, dirt and debris just roll off the surface rather than becoming trapped within the microscopic pockets of your vehicle's body. This means that your automobile stays cleaner, and when it does need to be washed, getting all of the dirt off takes considerably less time than it would otherwise!
Lasts Longer Than Other Paint Protection Methods
Wax-based paint coatings, for example, degrade significantly faster than ceramic coatings. The latter lasts for years without wearing off due to exposure to weather, atmospheric elements, bird droppings, or other potential contaminants.
Cost Effective
One of the best advantages of ceramic coating is that it’s a very cost-effective option for vehicle owners. While the initial investment may be substantial, the long-run cost implications will be less. Your expenditure on things like wax, car washes, and other exterior detailing services will be reduced.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Ceramic coating is a tried-and-tested method to protect your car’s paint. There are, however, some potential drawbacks that you need to consider before deciding.
• It is not a long-term solution. As the ceramic coating will ultimately wear away, you will need to have it redone every few years to keep the protection.
• It is not inexpensive. The initial investment can be substantial.
• It can be tough to eradicate. If you decide you don't like the look of your ceramic-coated car or wish to alter the colours, removing the coating can be difficult and costly.
• It is not foolproof. Ceramic coating is an excellent choice for maintaining your car's paint, but it is not without flaws. It can still be scratched or chipped, so you must be careful about how you use and care for your vehicle.
The Application Process
Whether you are a detailer, an aspiring detailing professional, or a DIY car enthusiast looking to apply a ceramic coating on your car, following the correct procedure is crucial for getting the desired results.
Step 1: The Prep Work
This is the most important stage for any car detailing work. If not done correctly, any car correction activity might end up damaging your car further. Prep work includes:
• Washing the vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and any other surface contaminants
• Using a clay bar, clay mitt or clay towel to remove contaminants that are stuck on the paint
• Paint correction & polishing
Step 2: Nano-based IPA cleaning
IPA, or Isopropyl Alcohol, used in ceramic coating is a nano-based IPA solvent with a degreaser. It is an effective solution to wipe all polishing oil and chemicals from the car’s body. Since the coating is based on nanotechnology, nano-based IPA cleansers should be used to remove all polishing oils before applying the coating.
Step 3: Applying a Ceramic coating
• Shake the bottle well before use.
• Wrap the suede cloth around the applicator sponge.
• Pour a few drops on the sponge.
• Spread the coating across the paint in a 2ft X 2ft area. Make sure you don’t leave out any area so apply in a criss-cross pattern (first apply horizontally, then apply vertically)
• Wait for 30 to 60 seconds (depending upon temperature) until you start seeing bubbles.
• Gently remove the excess and level up the surface using a microfiber.
• Use a separate microfiber and buff to shine.
After applying the coating, let your vehicle sit indoors for a few hours. It is important to avoid exposure to water and chemicals for a few days. The ceramic coating undergoes a process of crystallization. Once fully cured, it provides amazing features like hydrophobicity, shine & lustre, and protects against UV rays, colour fading, and other environmental hazards.
Conclusion
The incredible innovation of ceramic coatings has forever revolutionized the world of vehicle care. What was previously a mundane task has evolved into an artistic synthesis of science and aesthetics, offering automobile owners a transformative solution that improves both the beauty and longevity of their vehicles.
In the world of automotive detailing, ceramic coatings stand as a symbol of progress, encapsulating the art of preservation and the science of innovation.
