The Definitive Guide to Ceramic Coatings in 2023

What is a Ceramic Coating?

A Ceramic Coating is a type of paint protection that helps protect your car from the elements.  It is made from a combination of ceramic particles, resins and other materials that are applied to the vehicle’s surface. The ceramic coating forms a semi-permanent bond between the paint and environmental hazards such as UV rays, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and road salt. The coating also helps repel water which can help prevent rust and corrosion.

Ceramic coating can also make it easier to clean your car since dirt and debris will not adhere to the coated surface as easily as an uncoated surface. This means you will have less scrubbing when you wash your car, resulting in less wear and tear over time and it is easier to dry.

Benefits of ceramic coating for cars

A Ceramic coating for cars & trucks has many benefits:

• Increased shine and protection against scratches and other damage.
• Help protects car’s paintwork from oxidation and fading
• Reduces the amount of dirt that sticks to the car
• Reduces water spots and hard water spots from ruining your paint.
• Gives the car a deep glossy shine
• Makes the pain hydrophobic so water beads up and falls off
• Makes your car much easier to dry.  A simple leaf blower can blow water off your car in seconds,
• Can last up to nine years depending on the quality of the coating and when properly maintained.
• Keeps your car or truck looking new for longer.
• Can be applied to PPF to give your car extra protection

How to Apply Ceramic Coatings to Your Car – DIY Ceramic Guide

Some companies like Adam’s sell complete diy ceramic coating kits that include the basic things you need.  Typically, true ceramic coatings come in a small glass bottle.  Ceramic spray coatings are an easy way to apply protection for your car, but they don’t last very long compared to a high-quality ceramic coating.  There are many options out there. Some are more difficult to apply than others.

Ceramic coatings cost anywhere from $50 to $250 a bottle for a DIY solution.  We have created a list of the best ceramic coatings for cars and trucks.  There are several ceramic coating manufacturers and ceramic car coating products, so the list will help point you in the right direction.

Preparation Steps For Applying A Ceramic Coating

When applying a ceramic coating, preparation is essential.  You should do this on a cloudy day or in a covered environment for the best results.

1. The surface should be washed with a mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. We like Mckees 37 Coating Prep Auto Wash.  It does an excellent job of getting your car clean. Do not take your car through a car wash.
2. We recommend using an Iron remover to further clean the paint.  We like Adams’s Iron Remover.  It doesn’t smell the best, but it does a good job of removing iron contaminants.
3. The surface should be clayed to remove any bonded contaminants. We like Geon Clay Lube. It does a great job of keeping the surface slippery.  Some like to use regular car soap as the clay lube.  Just make sure that soap doesn’t have any added protection in it as we just removed that in step 1.  If your paint feels smooth or you don’t plan on polishing the car, you might want to skip the clay bar.
4. Any time the car is clay barred, for the best results you should polish the paint with a fine grit compound or polishing pad to remove any imperfections. We liked 3D One Finishing Compound.  The car can still be polished without using a clay bar, but the clay helps take off contaminants that might fill up the foam pads.  Getting a quality orbital polisher will make the job safer and easier.  They can be quite expensive, so if you can borrow one from a friend and supply your own pads, that is a great and economical way to do it.
5. Finally, the surface should be wiped down with a prep solvent to ensure that all dust and dirt have been removed before applying the ceramic coating.  For this step, we like Ethos Car Care DETOX.

With proper preparation steps taken, you can ensure that your ceramic coating will have excellent adhesion and durability for years to come.

Expect this process to take roughly 2-5 hours depending on the level of polishing required.

Application Process for Ceramic Coating

The application process for ceramic coating is relatively straightforward after all of the prep work has been completed.

The ceramic coating can be applied in several thin layers in small sections. Each layer should then be left to cure before another section is added. Typically you will see a product “flash” or “rainbow” when it is ready to be removed.  Depending on your environment, this may take as little as 30 seconds or a few minutes.  Once ready, level the area off with a microfiber towel.  Do not apply a lot of pressure, the goal is to level it off, not remove it.  If you feel the coating is a little sticky when you level it off with a microfiber towel, you have left it a little too long.

Some coatings allow you to do an extra coat over the existing ceramic coating for added protection if desired.  Two coatings are not required until specifically instructed like in the case of ROAR ceramic coatings.

Once completed, every coating cures for roughly 24 hours and you should not get the car wet during this period if you want to ensure the best outcome.

Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Car’s Ceramic Coating in Good Condition

• Cleaning your vehicle regularly.  We recommend washing your car at least a few times a month. Wash it by hand and avoid the car wash.  Car washes use harsh chemicals and can break down your ceramic coating.
• Avoiding abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Make sure your car shampoo is formulated to be safe for ceramic coatings.  The majority are safe, but it’s always a good idea to check before trying a new car shampoo.  Companies like Ethos make quality ceramic shampoos that can keep your coating in top condition. They add increased protection with every wash and keep that high-gloss finish.  The downside is they are much more expensive than something like Adam’s mega foam. They will help extend the lifespan of the coating.
• Apply a ceramic boost spray every few months.  As your car get’s dirty over time, the hydrophobic properties can decrease.  The coating is still there, but a booster will restore the hydrophobic properties of the coating.  Products like Ethos Resist are excellent.
• It is up to you if you want to add a drying aid or topper to your car after every wash.  Products like bead maker are inexpensive, keep your paint safer when drying and keep the car slick as can be.  We typically use one every time to ensure maximum slickness and ensure your ceramic coating lasts.

Professional or DIY Ceramic Coatings?

In our opinion, the biggest reason to go with a professional ceramic coating is time.  Yes, the pro-grade ceramic coating product is better and it will last longer than a consumer-grade ceramic coating, but the amount of time it takes to do a coating alone might make it worth having a professional do it.  Also, if you make a mistake putting on the coating, it can be a lot of work to correct.

If you want to do it yourself, you can save a little money if you buy a diy ceramic coating kit.  Certain products like Gtechniq Serum Ultra require a professional ceramic coating installer, so if you have your eye on one of those, you will need to get an authorized dealer to install it.

What does a Ceramic Coating NOT do?

There are some common misconceptions about how much protection a ceramic coating provides.

A Ceramic Coatings isn’t the same thing as PPF.  A ceramic coating does not provide any form of protection against physical damage. It is simply a layer of protection that helps prevent dirt, grime and other contaminants from adhering to the surface of your vehicle. Additionally, it does not protect against extreme weather conditions such as hail or winter storms. It also won’t prevent fading or discoloration that can result from UV rays, though it may help slow down the process. The coating also will not fix existing scratches or dings; it is strictly a preventive measure.

Lastly, the ceramic coating will wear off in time and require reapplication to maintain its effectiveness. Therefore, while a ceramic coating can provide a beautiful glossy finish to your car’s paint job, it should not be thought of as an all-in-one solution for protecting your vehicle.

PPF or Ceramic Coating?

PPF (Paint Protection Film) and ceramic coating are two popular options for protecting your car’s paint. PPF is a transparent, self-healing polyurethane film that is applied to the surface of the vehicle in order to provide protection from scratches, chips, swirls, and other minor damage. Ceramic coating is an advanced nano-ceramic technology that bonds with the painted surface of the vehicle to provide a strong protective barrier against environmental contamination, UV damage, and corrosion. Both offer excellent protection but it depends on what you are looking for.

PPF provides a more invisible shield and is easier to repair if damaged, while ceramic coating adds a glossy finish and offers long-term protection against rust and fading.  Most people that PPF their cars will apply a ceramic coating on top of the PPF. This gives them the glossy-shine and hydrophobic properties that most car enthusiasts are craving.  You could also apply a ceramic coating on top of a vehicle wrap for the same reasons.

Ceramic Coating Vs. Ceramic Spray Coating

Ceramic coatings and ceramic sprays are both excellent products for protecting your vehicle from the elements. Ceramic coatings provide long-term protection, as they bond to the surface of your car, creating an extra layer of protection that will last up to five years or more. Ceramic sprays are a short-term solution that also protects against UV rays and dirt and debris, but must be reapplied as often as every month. They can also be used in combination with a ceramic coating to add an extra layer of protection.

Both options provide excellent protection, but ceramic coatings offer a longer-term solution that is better suited for those looking to protect their vehicles over the long haul.  Ceramic spray coatings are also more expensive in the long run vs. a bottle of ceramic coating if you are looking at doing it yourself.

Can you apply a ceramic coat to a car wrap?

It is possible to apply a ceramic coat to a car wrap. A car wrap is a vinyl material that is used to cover the exterior of a vehicle, providing protection from scratches and fading caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When applying a ceramic coat to a car wrap, it acts as an additional layer of protection on top of the vinyl film.

Ceramic coating can also help maintain the color and shine of your car wrap for longer periods of time. Additionally, ceramic coatings will give you protection against dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can damage the vinyl material over time.

Applying a ceramic coat to a car wrap is one way to ensure that your vehicle looks its best for years to come.

Is A Ceramic Coating Worth It?

The hype about ceramic coatings is big! Ceramic coating is a popular choice among car owners looking to protect their vehicle’s paint job. As you know, a coating provides a protective layer with a high-gloss finish that helps repel dirt, dust, and other contaminants. But is it worth the cost? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. While ceramic coating can provide superior protection against scratches and UV damage, it can also be expensive if you choose a professional-grade car coating and they do require regular maintenance – though it is pretty inexpensive.

Additionally, there are several myths surrounding ceramic coating that should be debunked before making a decision. These include the idea that it will make your car waterproof, and that it will last forever. In truth, the ceramic coating still needs proper care and maintenance in order to maintain its protective properties. Ultimately, the decision to use ceramic coating comes down to whether or not you feel the benefits outweigh the costs.

In our opinion, the ceramic coating benefits significantly outweigh the downsides and it is one of the best values out there.

Types of Ceramic Coatings

Nano-Ceramic Coating

Nano Ceramic Coating is a new and revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the way cars are protected. It is a liquid polymer that bonds to the surface of your car and forms an ultra-durable and glossy coating that protects it from dirt, dust, UV rays and other environmental factors, while also providing added gloss. This coating provides increased protection against scratches and swirls, making it ideal for those who want to keep their car looking brand new.

The Nano Coating also helps to reduce the amount of maintenance required for your car as it can repel water, dirt, oil and other contaminants with ease. The amazing thing about this product is that it can last up to three years with proper maintenance. Not only does this provide great protection but it also adds value to your vehicle by preserving its condition for many years to come.

Polysilazane Ceramic Coating

Polysilazane Ceramic Coating is a protective coating that is designed to provide superior protection for a variety of surfaces. This remarkable product can be used on everything from cars and boats to kitchen and bathroom tiles, making it an ideal choice for many homeowners. The coating is resistant to both UV rays and water, providing an extra layer of protection that helps to keep surfaces looking new longer.

Polysilazane Ceramic Coating also creates a hard barrier on the surface, which makes it difficult for dirt, dust and other debris to stick or accumulate. It also has excellent anti-corrosive properties, helping to protect against rusting or staining. Plus, it is easy to apply and easy to maintain over the long term, so you can be sure that your surfaces will remain protected no matter what.

Silicon Dioxide Ceramic Coating

Silicon Dioxide Ceramic Coating is an advanced protective coating that is used to protect many surfaces from corrosion and wear. It is a combination of silicon dioxide and an organic polymer that creates a thick, hard coating for metals, plastics, glass, stone and other materials. The ceramic coating forms a strong bond to the surface it is applied to, creating a barrier that prevents oxidation and abrasion. This barrier also helps to prevent the buildup of dust and dirt on the surface.

Silicon Dioxide Ceramic Coating provides excellent protection against UV rays, chemicals and temperature extremes. It can also be used in extreme environments without fear of fading or damage. The cost-effective technology makes it an ideal choice for many industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine and industrial manufacturing.

Graphene Ceramic Coating

Graphene Ceramic Coating is the newest technology in ceramic coatings and is used to protect automobile surfaces from wear and tear. It is made up of tiny graphene particles that are applied to a surface in a thin coating. Graphene has unique properties, making it resistant to scratches, abrasions, corrosion, and heat. The coating also provides excellent insulation from electrical interference and UV radiation. As an advanced material, graphene ceramic coating can be applied to virtually any surface and can last for many years with minimal maintenance.

With its superior performance characteristics, Graphene Ceramic Coating is becoming increasingly popular for use in automotive and industrial applications. It is also being used in consumer products such as cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices due to its durability and ability to protect against wear and tear.

Own an Auto Detail Shop?

We can help you triple your revenue from ceramic coatings.  Contact us today for a custom Ceramic Coating Marketing plan.