Ceramic coating is a great way to protect your car from scratches and oxidation. It also helps to keep your paint looking shiny and new.
But, a little like wax, there are some downsides to this type of protection.
While ceramic coatings can help your car look better, they don’t completely hide things like scratches, scuffs, swirl marks, or obscenities drawn on the paint with a permanent marker.
- It is expensive
Ceramic coating is a protective layer that sits on top of your car’s clear coat. This layer protects your vehicle’s paint from scratches, fading, and oxidation. It also provides a shine and gloss that waxes cannot provide.
However, it is important to note that ceramic coating is not cheap. This is because it is a labor-intensive process, and a lot of time must be put into each application. It is also expensive because of the high-quality products that are used.
Your car type also determines the cost of a ceramic coating. For example, a lighter-colored car will require less work than a dark-colored one. Moreover, the amount of surface area that needs to be coated and polished will also affect the cost.
A ceramic coating is a silica-based polymer that acts as a layer of protection for your car’s paint. It is durable and can last for three years or more. It also helps prevent rust and scratches.
But it is also important to note that ceramic coatings do not remove stains like chemical and hard water stains; they may create spots on your car’s paint. So, you still need to wash your car regularly.
This is because ceramic coating does not offer a complete barrier against scratches and dents. Stones, rogue shopping carts, and tree sap can still scratch your car’s paint and dent the fender. So, you will also need to protect your car’s paint using a sealant or wax. Maintaining the ceramic coating by washing your car with water and pH-neutral car shampoo is also important. It is also important to avoid rubbing the coating too much, as this can cause swirls and scratches on your vehicle’s paint.
- It is difficult to apply
Ceramic coating can be difficult to apply if you are not familiar with the process. Getting the right application done takes time and a lot of skill. It is also very important to follow the instructions that come with the product you are using so as to not damage your paintwork or the vehicle.
There are many different types of ceramic coatings on the market. Some are easier to apply than others, and some take longer to dry. It is recommended to use a professional detailer to apply the product to ensure the job is done correctly.
The best ceramic coatings are the ones that have a high percentage of silicon dioxide (SiO2) concentrate. These products are harder than wax or poly, making them more resistant to light scratches and paint swirls.
Besides being more durable, these coatings are also hydrophobic. This means that they repel water, which is one of the biggest threats to your car’s paint.
These properties can make it much easier to clean your car as the water will not have the chance to cling to your car’s surface. This can save you a lot of money on cleaning costs.
However, you should know that washing your car can still leave water spots on the surface of your car. You should always towel dry after every wash to prevent the water from causing any damage to your paintwork.
It is important to note that ceramic coating can be a bit costly to apply, especially if you want it applied professionally by a professional. Nevertheless, it is worth the investment if you are looking for a long-lasting and affordable way to protect your car’s paintwork.
- It is not scratch-resistant
While ceramic coating can offer some hard protection, it does not make your car scratch-proof. It will protect your vehicle against minor scratches but does not withstand rock chips and major scratches that would damage your car’s paint.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to have your car coated, it is still important to keep your car clean. This will help to avoid scratching and swirl marks on the ceramic coating. You can do this by washing your car with a good car wash and using hand washing techniques when possible to avoid damaging the ceramic coating.
However, this will not prevent your car from getting scratches or swirls in the future. This can happen if you do not have your car properly maintained or if you take it to the wrong wash facility.
You should also remember that it does not have to be a big rock or pebble to scratch your ceramic coating. Small rocks and loose gravel will do just as much damage to your paintwork as bigger rocks or pebbles.
Many people think that ceramic coating is self-healing, but it is not. This is because your car will be exposed to dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants that slowly break down the protective layer.
This is especially true if you drive in harsh conditions or take your car to a dirty parking lot. This will eventually cause the protection of your ceramic coating to wear down.
This is why using a spray booster or topper is important if you want to restore your ceramic coating’s protection. These products contain SiO2 microparticles that tighten the coating and replenish its hydrophobic properties.
- It is not weather-resistant
Many people believe that ceramic coating can protect their cars from the effects of the weather. However, this is not the case. This is because ceramic coating does not provide a permanent bond to your vehicle’s clear coat. It is only a protective layer that will prevent dirt, sand, salt, and other debris from bonding to the surface of your car.
If you want to protect your car from the elements, you should consider getting a paint protection film instead of ceramic coating. This will provide your car with a layer of protection that is more durable and easier to clean.
While ceramic coating is not completely weather-resistant, it has many positive features that make it an appealing option for many people. This includes its ability to withstand rusting and oxidation.
This is especially true for cars that are regularly exposed to harsh driving conditions. In addition, it is also highly effective at protecting your car from road salt.
Lastly, it can help you save money on your monthly maintenance costs. This is because it is easy to clean and does not require regular waxing.
If you have a small budget, ceramic coating might be a good option for you. However, if you have multiple vehicles that are expensive to maintain, it might not be worth your time or money.
Another downside to ceramic coating is that it can be finicky. This is because its curing process depends on temperature and humidity levels. Therefore, you need to control these factors as much as possible to ensure that your ceramic coating is effective. Additionally, you need to avoid direct sunlight for at least two days after applying a ceramic coating.
- It is not easy to clean
Ceramic coatings can be easily scratched, so knowing how to clean them is important. Besides, you can also get some tips from a professional detailer to make sure that your car is not damaged.
The first thing you should do is avoid using abrasive brushes or sponges when washing your car. These products can degrade the ceramic coating, making it unfit. Instead, you should use a soft cloth or an applicator sponge when washing your vehicle.
Secondly, you should avoid leaving your car in direct sunlight. This can cause the outer layer of the ceramic coating to chip away. You can prevent this by parking your vehicle in the shade as much as possible.
