Protecting The Paint On Your Car Or Truck With A Ceramic Coating
Buying a new car is exciting, and protecting the exterior to keep the vehicle looking great is essential. While washing and waxing is an excellent solution to keeping the outside of the vehicle looking good, adding some additional protection from auto ceramic coatings will ensure the paint is protected better than washing and waxing alone.
Ceramic Coatings
Auto ceramic coatings are clear coatings that are applied over the paint to create a protective shell that is hard and durable but still allows the paint to show through and look as good as the day the car was new. The coating is typically made using silicon dioxide or silica and is a liquid material applied over the existing paint.
Once the liquid cures, it hardens to create an extremely durable surface to protect the paint under it. Auto ceramic coatings can be waxed and buffed to produce a shine and make the car look great, but it doesn't require as much maintenance as a car without the coating.
If the auto ceramic coating is scratched, it can be buffed and repaired. Typically, unless the scratch is deep, there will be no effect on the paint underneath.
Applying Ceramic Coating
Getting the best results from auto ceramic coatings typically means taking your car in for a professional application. It is also critical that the vehicle is clean and prepared before the application of the auto ceramic coating begins. Removing wax and other coatings from the car is critical for the adhesion of auto ceramic coatings.
Once the body has been properly prepped, the technician will begin applying the material in small areas, working carefully over the entire car until the job is complete. This process can take several days to complete, but when finished, the vehicle will look great.
While it is possible to apply some car ceramic coatings at home, you need to have a covered space to work and to keep dust and dirt out of the coating. You should install the coating inside a garage or shelter that blocks wind and dirt from blowing in. Applying the ceramic coating is also a long and meticulous process, so most people opt to take their car to the shop and pick it up after the ceramic coating is complete.
Lifetime Of Ceramic Coatings
Auto ceramic coatings are durable and a great protectant, but they will not last forever. Often, the manufacturer recommends reapplying the coating yearly for the best results and the most protection.
Professional installation can cost a few hundred dollars depending on the coating and shop. While that sounds expensive, spending a couple of hundred dollars a year to protect the paint on your new car with auto ceramic coatings could be less than you spend on car washes and wax, sealants, and other car care products yearly. Keep these tips in mind as you look for auto ceramic coating services near you.