The Science Behind Ceramic Coating: How it Works and Its Benefits.

fortworthautodetailing • January 27, 2023

Ceramic coatings are a popular paint protection option that can be applied to the exterior of a vehicle to provide a range of benefits. These car coatings are made up of a liquid polymer that forms a hard, durable layer on the surface of a vehicle when cured.



In this article, we will explore the science behind car ceramic coatings and explain how ceramic coatings work and the benefits they provide.

A close up of a dna strand on a white background.

What Is Ceramic Coating?

The primary component of a ceramic coating is a liquid polymer. This polymer is made up of long chains of molecules that can be cross-linked to form a hard, durable layer on the surface of the car. The ceramic coating is applied as a liquid, and then cured using heat or UV light. This curing process causes the polymer to cross-link and form a solid layer on the surface of the car.



At Fort Worth Auto Detail, we use professional-grade ceramic coatings for cars. These ceramic coatings do not require IR-curing lamps and have a two-stage curing process after they are applied:

  • Stage 1: You must wait 4 hours to expose your vehicle to water. If your vehicle is exposed to water within 4 hours after getting a ceramic coating, it will disrupt the curing process.
  • Stage 2: You must not wash your car for 4 days after the ceramic coating is applied to your vehicle. It must not be exposed to water, soaps or any other chemicals to maintain your ceramic coating.

 

What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coatings?

A red sports car is driving down a road in the woods.

There are 5 amazing benefits of ceramic coatings that will make you want to book a ceramic coating for your car right now:


1. Extra Protection for Your Car’s Paint

One of the key benefits of car ceramic coatings is their ability to provide a high level of protection for the car’s paint. The hard, durable layer that is formed by the cured polymer is resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage. This helps keep the car looking new longer, reduces the need for frequent washing, and eliminates the need to wax your vehicle. You should NEVER wax a car with ceramic coating.


Why Is Waxing a Car Bad?

If you use a traditional carnauba wax on top of a ceramic coating, the wax is doing all the heavy lifting protecting your vehicle. Ceramic coatings will do the same job so much better than a traditional wax. If you are one of those people who yearns for the old days of waxing your vehicle, then there are specific ceramic coating toppers that you can apply on your ceramic-coated vehicle. These products work in conjunction with your ceramic coating rather than fighting against it.


What Are the Best Ceramic Coating Toppers for Your Car?

The best ceramic coating topper for your car is a SiO2 quartz spray sealant. This will enhance rather than cover up your ceramic coating.

If you are interest in the best ceramic coating toppers, ask your auto detailer which products are safe to use for your particular car ceramic coating. We are always happy to answer any product questions or give recommendations.


2. Car Ceramic Coatings Repel Water

A close up of the hood of an audi car with water drops on it.

Car ceramic coatings also have hydrophobic properties, which means they repel water. This helps prevent water spots and stains on the car’s paint and make it easier to clean.


3. Prevent Car Paint from Fading

Additionally, ceramic coatings provide UV protection, which can prevent the car’s paint from fading or yellowing due to exposure to sunlight.This is so incredibly important especially on newer vehicles.

If you are purchasing a vehicle 2020 or newer, we highly recommend installing a ceramic coating on your vehicle because of the UV protection. Car manufacturers continue to cut costs and we objectively measure vehicles that are being produced with less and less paint year after year.


What does this mean for your vehicle? It means if you do not protect it these new cars with very thin paint are going to oxidize at a record pace.

An orange corvette zr1 is parked in a driveway.

4. Improve Appearance of Your Car

Another benefit of car ceramic coatings is that they can improve the appearance of your car. The high-gloss finish that is created by the cured polymer can make the car look more vibrant and new.


5. It’s Easier to Keep Clean

Additionally, the coating can also create a smooth, glossy surface that is resistant to dirt and grime, making it easier to keep the car clean.


The average new car price in 2022 was $48,681, and if you were in the luxury market the average new car price was $67,050. If you are going to pay that much for an item most of us will use nearly every day for the next 7 years, is it not worth protecting it and keeping it looking new as long as possible by adding a ceramic coating to your car?


We love to help our customers add a ceramic coating to their auto detailing plan.



If you are in the Fort Worth area, be sure to take a look at our ceramic coating options.

BOOK NOW

Can’t find the right fit? Please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop by our shop for a free consultation. Every vehicle is different. We can customize our packages to fit your exact desires and budget. We look forward to hearing from you!

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