Unlock the true potential of your car’s exterior with a ceramic coating at the car wash.
This innovative solution enhances the radiance and resistance of your vehicle’s surfaces, making them smoother, easier to clean, and more durable. By creating a lacquer-like layer of candy gloss, the ceramic coating repels road dirt, grime, and water, keeping your car spotless and shiny for longer.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of ceramic car washes, from their origins to their impressive benefits.
Discover why a ceramic coating may be worth it for your vehicle.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Boosts radiance and resistance
A ceramic car wash can do wonders for the appearance of your vehicle. The ceramic coating creates a smooth and hard surface that enhances the radiance of your car’s exterior.
It gives your paint job a glossy and reflective finish, making it stand out from the crowd.
Additionally, the ceramic coating provides resistance against everyday wear and tear, protecting your car from scratches, stains, and other damage.
Makes surfaces easier to clean
One of the major benefits of ceramic coating is its ability to repel dirt and grime. When applied correctly, the coating forms a hydrophobic layer that prevents dirt and contaminants from sticking to the surface.
This means that when it’s time to clean your car, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your ride.
The slick surface created by the ceramic coating allows water to bead up and roll off, taking dirt and debris with it.
Keeps surfaces spotless and shiny for longer
Another advantage of ceramic coating is its long-lasting effects. Unlike traditional waxes and sealants that wear off quickly, ceramic coatings can last for months.
The durable nature of the coating ensures that your car stays spotless and shiny for an extended period of time. Whether it’s rain, snow, or road debris, the ceramic coating acts as a protective barrier, keeping your car looking its best.
History of Car Coatings
Enamel paints and carnauba wax
The use of coatings on cars dates back to the 1930s when car manufacturers started using enamel paints to improve the durability and shine of their vehicles.
To further enhance the finish and protect the paint, carnauba wax, derived from Brazilian palm trees, was used. However, these coatings were temporary and required frequent reapplication.
Silicon-based polymers
In the 1950s, scientists began experimenting with silicon-based polymers as a more long-lasting solution for protecting military aircraft.
These coatings proved to be highly effective in preventing wear and tear. Over time, the technology behind these coatings was adapted for non-military applications, including the automotive industry.
Ceramic coatings in non-military applications
The development of ceramic coatings revolutionized the car maintenance market. These coatings, which contain silicon oxide and patented resins, offer superior protection and durability compared to traditional coatings.
Some brands even incorporate compounds like graphene to enhance the hardness and longevity of the coating.
Today, ceramic coatings are widely used to protect various surfaces on cars, from paint jobs to headlights and even interior materials like cloth and leather.
Composition of Ceramic Coatings
Silicon oxide and patented resins
The main components of ceramic coatings are silicon oxide and patented resins. These ingredients work together to create a protective layer that bonds with your car’s clear coat.
When applied and exposed to air, the mixture cures into silicon dioxide, which forms a hard and smooth surface that enhances the appearance and resilience of your car.
Addition of compounds like graphene
Some ceramic coating formulations incorporate additional compounds like graphene.
Graphene is a form of carbon that is known for its exceptional strength and conductivity. By adding graphene to the coating, manufacturers can further enhance its hardness, durability, and resistance to scratches and stains.
This means that your car will have even more protection against the elements and everyday wear.
Hardness of Ceramic Coatings
Comparison to pencil hardness scale
To understand the hardness of ceramic coatings, we can compare them to the pencil hardness scale. This scale is used to measure the scratch resistance of different materials.
Pencils with higher hardness ratings leave lighter marks when pressed against a surface.
Ceramic coatings offer double to quadruple the protection of clear coat
Most cars have a clear coat with a hardness rating of 2H-4H. In comparison, ceramic coatings typically rate between 7H and 9H on the pencil hardness scale.
This means that ceramic coatings offer double to quadruple the protection of a clear coat alone. The hard and durable nature of ceramic coatings ensures that your car’s surface is well-protected against scratches, swirl marks, and other types of damage.
Areas That Can Be Coated
Paint job, wheels, headlights, windshield, windows, glass surfaces
Ceramic coatings can be applied to various exterior surfaces of your car.
The most common area to coat is the paint job. The ceramic coating creates a protective barrier that shields the paint from environmental factors and keeps it looking fresh and vibrant.
Additionally, ceramic coatings can be applied to other surfaces like wheels, headlights, windshield, windows, and other glass surfaces.
This provides added protection and helps to maintain the overall appearance of your car.
Cloth, leather, vinyl seats
In addition to exterior surfaces, ceramic coatings can also be used on interior materials. This includes cloth, leather, and vinyl seats.
Applying a ceramic coating to these surfaces helps to repel stains and spills, making them easier to clean and maintaining their original appearance for longer.
Plastic trim and accessories
Plastic trim and accessories are often overlooked when it comes to car care. However, these areas can also benefit from a ceramic coating. By applying a ceramic coating to plastic trim, you can protect it from fading, discoloration, and other forms of deterioration.
This ensures that your car looks polished and well-maintained from top to bottom.
Protection Provided by Ceramic Coating
Harder, smoother surface with no dirt pockets
The ceramic coating creates a harder and smoother surface compared to the original clear coat. This means that there are no tiny pockets or imperfections where dirt and debris can accumulate.
The smooth surface makes it easier to clean your car and prevents the build-up of dirt and grime, helping to maintain a spotless appearance.
Resistance to extreme weather conditions
Ceramic coatings offer excellent resistance to a wide range of weather conditions. Whether it’s heavy rain, scorching sun, or freezing temperatures, the ceramic coating acts as a protective barrier against these elements.
It helps to prevent damage caused by UV rays, oxidation, and acid rain, ensuring that your car’s exterior remains in pristine condition.
Protection against various substances and damages
The ceramic coating provides protection against a variety of substances and damages.
It repels water and prevents permanent water spots from forming on your car’s surface. It also guards against chemicals, bird droppings, bug stains, tree sap, and road tar.
With a ceramic coating, your car is shielded from the everyday hazards of the road, keeping it looking fresh and well-maintained.
Easy Maintenance with Ceramic Coating
Hydrophobic properties repel water
One of the standout features of ceramic coatings is their hydrophobic properties. This means that they repel water, causing it to bead up and roll off the surface.
When water comes into contact with a ceramic-coated surface, it quickly and effortlessly removes dirt and contaminants, leaving your car clean and dry.
Prevents permanent water spots
Traditional waxes and sealants can leave behind water spots when water evaporates on the surface.
However, ceramic coatings prevent this issue by creating a barrier that repels water. This means that you won’t have to worry about permanent water spots forming on your car, providing you with peace of mind and a spotless finish.
Almost self-cleaning surface
The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings also contribute to the self-cleaning capabilities of your car’s surface.
When it rains or when you wash your car, the water easily removes dirt and debris, leaving your car looking clean and fresh. This reduces the need for frequent washing and ensures that your car always looks its best.
Regular Car Washing
Washing every 2-3 weeks
While a ceramic coating provides protection and makes cleaning easier, regular car washing is still necessary to maintain the coating’s effectiveness.
It is recommended to wash your car every 2-3 weeks to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that may accumulate on the surface.
By keeping your car clean, you ensure that the ceramic coating continues to perform at its best.
Avoiding abrasive scrubbing
When washing your car, it is important to avoid using abrasive scrubbing techniques or harsh cleaning tools. These can damage the ceramic coating and compromise its protective properties. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning techniques and use microfiber cloths or mitts to prevent scratching the surface.
Visiting a professional car wash for optimal results
To ensure that your car receives the best possible care and maintenance, consider visiting a professional car wash.
Professional car washes have the expertise and equipment to clean your car effectively without causing any damage to the ceramic coating. They can provide a thorough and efficient cleaning process that keeps your car looking its best.
In conclusion, ceramic coating offers numerous benefits for your car’s appearance and protection.
It boosts radiance and resistance, makes surfaces easier to clean, and keeps them spotless and shiny for longer. The history of car coatings has evolved from enamel paints and carnauba wax to silicon-based polymers and, ultimately, ceramic coatings.
The composition of ceramic coatings includes silicon oxide, patented resins, and sometimes the addition of compounds like graphene.
Ceramic coatings provide a harder surface compared to clear coat, offering double to quadruple protection. They can be applied to various areas of the car, including paint, wheels, headlights, and interior materials.
Ceramic coatings provide protection against extreme weather conditions, various substances, and damages. They also offer easy maintenance with hydrophobic properties that repel water, prevent water spots, and create an almost self-cleaning surface.
Regular car washing is still necessary, and visiting a professional car wash can ensure optimal results.
Overall, ceramic coating is a worthwhile investment that will enhance the appearance and durability of your car.