What’s a Car Ceramic Coating and What does it do / What are the Benefits?

Continuous use of your car will lead to wear and tear, especially to the paint. Whether it’s as minor as scratches or as major as dents, the paint may come off. Your car may not look as good as it once did and even lose power.

So, to keep your car paint looking as good as new, you have to regularly wash it and wax it every few months. Washing will remove stains, dirt, grime and water spots. Waxing makes your car sparkle.

This seems like a simple solution to keep your car paint intact. But are there other ways to also protecting the paint from damage? Yes there is and it’s called ceramic coating.

Ceramic coating:

Ceramic coating is a sealant made of liquid polymers. It acts as a protective layer when applied to your car. The sealant chemically bonds to your car paint, protecting it from UV rays, chemical stains and scratches.

The sealant contains silicon dioxide,titanium dioxide and other components that improve the durability of the coating layer. It also creates a hydrophobic surface that can repel dirt and water. The repellent properties of this coating make washing and cleaning easier, giving you both protection and functionality.

The coating makes your car look better by adding a glossy shine. The transparent coat has great reflective properties that make your car stand out under sunlight and streetlights.

What are the benefits?

1. Longevity
   
   Though car polishing and waxing procedures are effective, they don’t last long. You have to redo the process regularly to maintain the shine and protection. However, that’s not the case with ceramic coating as it protects the paint for longer. Once you apply this coating, you can enjoy its longevity for many years. You get years of shine and protection with a single investment.
   
   Though the coating process is costly compared to other procedures, you can reap its benefits longer, allowing you to save money in the future.Some companies also offer a warranty for this type of coating.
   
   
2. Protection
   
   Weather is the enemy of your car’s paint. From colour-fading in summer to moisture absorption in humidity and leaving water spots on the surface, your car’s paint will look less appealing over time. Also, when water is evaporated, it leaves a residue of salts and dirt that can become etched into your paint. It not only makes the paintwork dull but is also difficult to wash off.
   
   But when you apply a layer of coating which is hydrophobic, it repels water and dirt, keeping the surface clean. It also provides protection against corrosive chemicals that can make the paint bubble or fade. It acts as a shield against UV rays, protecting the surface from damage and oxidisation. It also keeps your car’s paint safe against pollutants like gasoline and brake fluid.
   
   The coating also doesn’t allow the moisture from the bird droppings and mud to go into the deeper levels of the surface. Also, as the coating makes the paint's surface smooth, you can easily wash away the stains without much effort. You can save your car paint from the permanent damage caused by some pollutants.
   
   
3. Resistant to scratches
   
   It’s inevitable to get some small scratches when you use your car for daily commute. This often happens when you’re parking or reversing the vehicle. But with the coating, you can reduce this damage greatly. The layer acts as a shell and decreases the chances of scratches whenever you drive your car.
   
   
4. Improves the paint
   
   Finally, besides the many functional benefits, the ceramic coating also looks great. The coated layer adds a high gloss finish that looks spectacular. It can improve the paint colour giving a deep and sparkling effect. You can enjoy your car’s improved looks for a long time as the coating lasts for years.

How to do you apply the coating

Whether you seek the help of a professional or make it a DIY project, there are certain steps to follow to complete the process correctly:

• Wash the car

Before you jump into the coating, ensure that your car is clean, and free from dirt and stains. For this, use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to wash away the dust and grime. While washing, always start from the top and then move down to the bottom half of the car.

• Removing stubborn stains

Now, it’s time to deep clean the surface to remove any stubborn stains and marks. Use a clay bar and knead it onto the surface after applying a lubricant. Work in small sections and clean each part with the clay bar until the surface is clean.

• Correcting the paint and cleaning

In this step, look for any scratches, faded paint or swirls, and correct them by using rubbing compounds, car scratch removal products, or even polishing. Doing this will give a deep and shiny finish after you apply the sealant.

After you correct the paint, clean the surface again and make sure that you removed any remaining polish, oils, waxes and contaminants.

• Apply the coating

The final step is to spray the sealant and spread it evenly using a soft, microfiber cloth. Work in small sections to avoid missing any part of the car. After applying, leave the coating for 10 minutes for the sealant to bond with the paint.

Finally, your coated car is ready to show off and protect your paint from scratches.