What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic Coating is a detailing process that coats a vehicle in a chemical polymer solution that is applied to protect its surfaces from damage

Ceramic Coating

RSRVD: Ceramic Coating Explained

What Does Ceramic Coating Do?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior to create a protective layer that bonds with the paintwork. This layer forms a hydrophobic surface, which means it repels water, dust, and debris. This makes a car easier to clean, and protects it from paint chipping and corrosion. It also enhances the vehicle’s shine, provides sun protection to prevent paint fading, and protects against road salts. Ceramic coatings also improve scratch resistance and help prevent water spots from forming, contributing to the long-term protection and preservation of the vehicle’s appearance.

Grey Charger in Driveway with Car Detailer using microfiber cloth to detail

How Long DO you Want the COat?

Types of Ceramic Coating

Different types of ceramic coatings are designed to meet various protection needs, offering varying levels of durability, gloss, and water repellency. The choice of coating depends on factors like how long you want the protection to last, the level of gloss you desire, and the specific needs of your vehicle’s surface.

SiO2 Coating

Si02 (Silicon Dioxide) Coating is the main ingredient in most ceramic coatings. It forms the hydrophobic barrier. This coating is the most common and additionally gives the glossy finish most people are looking for. The durability for this coating is on the lower end at 1-2 years and its cost in mid range.

Silicone Dioxide Ceramic Coating Spray, Sapphire V1

Polymer-Based Coating

These coatings blend polymers with silica for moderate protection. They’re easier to apply and more affordable but lack the durability. This coating brings the shortest durability period of about 6 months – 1 year. The price matches this and is in the lower range price.

Amazon Polymer Based Ceramic Coating small bottle

Quartz Ceramic Coating

Utilizing SiO2, quartz coatings offer superior protection, especially against scratches, pH imbalance, and UV damage. They also provide greater longevity compared to polymer coatings. With a 2-5 years range on durability, these coatings fall on the high range in price.

Custom Ceramic Coatings

These are specialized coatings formulated by brands and detailers. These coatings often combine Silicon, Titanium, and Graphene tough materials for long-term protection. These are custom fit for different paint finishes like matte or high-gloss finishes. The Durability is 3-7 years and the price reflects that as it is in the high-end price range.

Custom Ceramic Coating bottle from Adam Polishes

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings offer a wide array of advantages for vehicle protection and maintenance. From enhancing the appearance to providing long-term durability, these coatings ensure that your car stays cleaner and looks better for longer. Below are the key benefits that make ceramic coatings an essential investment for any vehicle.

Durability

Ceramic coatings last much longer than traditional waxes or sealants, offering protection that can range from 1 to 6 years, depending on the type and care.

Hydrophobic Properties

Water beads up and rolls off the surface, taking dirt, grime, and contaminants with it. This makes it easier to clean your car and helps maintain its shiny appearance.

UV Protection

The coating acts as a barrier to harmful UV rays, preventing oxidation and fading of the vehicle’s paintwork, keeping it looking fresh for a longer time.

Scratch Resistance

The hard ceramic layer offers increased resistance to light scratches and swirls, protecting your vehicle’s finish from minor abrasions.

Breakdown of Your Coat

What Weakens Your Ceramic Coat?

While ceramic coatings offer strong protection, certain factors can compromise their effectiveness over time. Harsh chemicals, improper cleaning methods, and environmental conditions can all weaken the coating. Understanding these risks will help you maintain the coating’s integrity and ensure it performs at its best.

Improper Application

If the vehicle was not properly cleaned, and polished before the coating application, the coating may not bond properly, leading to weaker protection, and air bubbles in the coat. Its important to screen your professionals.

Harsh Chemicals

Harsh detergents or strong cleaning chemicals can break down the coating’s protective layer, reducing its longevity and effectiveness. You should be aware of the soaps and conditioners used on your vehicles coat. Avoid Automated Car Washes.

Extreme Weather Conditions

While ceramic coatings are designed to withstand the elements, excessive exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), can break down the coating over time.

Tips To Keep Your Ceramic Coat Healthy

These tips come from experienced professionals and detailing experts across the web, offering valuable insights into how to maintain and preserve your ceramic coating. Following our expertise and other expert recommendations will help ensure your coating stays in top shape.

“Like brushing your teeth to keep those pearly whites shining, washing your car regularly is key. But hold on—not all washes are created equal. To protect your car’s paint, opt for a gentle, pH-balanced car wash soap that lifts away dirt without being too harsh on the surface.”

Chemical Guys

Use pH-balanced, gentle cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals that could strip away the coating. Never use abrasive sponges or scrubbing tools.

RSRVD Automotive

“Avoid Automatic Car Washes: The brushes in automatic car washes can cause scratches and degrade the coating. Opt for a hand wash to protect the ceramic layer.”

BestClearBra.com

“If you can, keep it indoors, away from animals that may imprint their paw prints on the surface while you sleep. Should you keep it covered with a cover? Preferably not. As this may cause an impression on the surface!”

IGL Coatings

RSRVD Mobile Detailing

We are a mobile detailing company which means we come directly to you with our auto detailing services. Our detailers are located in Camden County, NJ and service a 10 mile radius from our location. Check out our service area or give us a call to see if we service you!

Service Area for RSRVD Automotive in South Jersey 15 mile radius from RSRVD. Mobile Auto Detailing

How Our Clients Feel

Frequently Asked Ceramic Coating Questions

After applying a ceramic coating, it’s best to wait for at least 7 days before washing your car. This period allows the coating to cure properly and bond with your car’s paint.

For the best results, you should remove any existing wax or sealant before applying a ceramic coating. This is because waxes and sealants can prevent the coating from bonding effectively with your vehicle’s paint.

You might notice that your ceramic coating needs maintenance or reapplication when the following signs appear, Water no longer beads up and flows off the surface easily, the paint begins to look dull and loses its original glossy shine or
you can visibly see wear, scratches, or damage on the coating.

Ceramic coatings can indeed be applied to matte or satin finishes, but they can slightly alter the appearance. Depending on the product, you may notice a subtle increase in shine or gloss. To preserve matte use a custom fit coating solution.

Ceramic coatings work excellently on wheels too, not just the vehicle’s paint. By applying a ceramic coating to your wheels, you help protect them from brake dust, dirt, and grime, making them easier to clean.