If you’re considering getting ceramic coating for your car, you need to know the pros and cons of this type of finish. Read on to discover this new technology’s cost, water repellency, and swirl marks. You’ll also find out about its durability and benefits.
Cost of Ceramic Coating
If you are looking for a way to protect your car’s paint from fading and scratches, you might want to consider it. While the process is unnecessary for protecting your car’s paint, it can make it look better. Unlike wax and sealants, a ceramic car coating adheres to any flat surface and won’t peel off or discolor. This type of finish is also extremely thin and almost invisible.
This won’t detract from the appearance of your vehicle’s paint job. The basic package of this type of finish from a company usually includes one layer of “light” covering and is guaranteed for 24 months. However, to maintain your new covering, a professional coating dealer will recommend a booster product, called a silica-based topper.
This booster typically costs between $50 and USD 75 and extends the life of your ceramic covering. This booster lasts for approximately two to three months. A DIY ceramic coating kit is available for DIY enthusiasts. This option requires significantly less financial investment but will require professional installation.
However, it is important to understand that a professional ceramic covering installation requires specialized training and certifications. In addition, these certifications can cost thousands of dollars. This is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to protect your car’s paint from chips and scratches for years to come. The pros and cons of DIY ceramic covering are outlined below.
Durability
Car owners can increase the lifespan of their ceramic coating by taking care of it properly. Regular cleaning with car shampoo and citrus pre-wash is crucial. A deep cleaning should be done every six months to maintain the coating’s water-repellency. To ensure that your ceramic covering lasts as long as possible, you should hand wash your car at least once a month.
For best results, do not use high-pressure automatic washers or detergents. It is also a good option if you’re tired of your car’s paintwork looking dull and dingy. This covering is highly durable and prevents paint oxidation by absorbing heat, but you should read more before deciding on making the change. Moreover, it can be applied anywhere and provides all-around protection for your vehicle.
The ceramic covering can be applied to virtually any surface of the car, extending its life. By extending the durability of the paintwork, you can save money on the paint job and car washes. This type of finish will last for years, depending on the maintenance you provide to the car. In ideal conditions, ceramic coatings can last for five or even ten years.
If you do not drive your car much or park it in the garage, you can expect it to last for as long as 10 years. As it ages, however, it will slowly start to wear away, affecting the hydrophobicity, slickness, and protective characteristics of the paint.
Water Repellency
Ceramic coating is the ultimate invisible shield for your car’s paint. These coatings are made of tiny particles called nanotechnology that form an invisible layer, sealing pores and making them highly resistant to water, UV, and chemicals.
Plus, some of them are also self-healing, so they can even improve the lifespan of your car’s paint job. The wax of the future? Not quite, but they’re worth considering. While ceramic coverings have been extensively studied for their potential performance, they’re currently being used for textile finishing applications as a means of imparting flame retardant, anti-bacterial, and anti-abrasion properties to textile fabrics.
Researchers have developed fluoro-free water-repellent finishes to assess the water-repellency of textile fabrics. Testing for water repellency has included water contact angle, water uptake, and drop tests.
Swirl Marks
If you have a car with this type of finish, you may be wondering how to prevent swirl marks. Swirl marks are caused by a variety of factors, most commonly by washing and drying the car improperly. Using a microfiber towel will make swirl marks less likely, but not eliminate them. You must follow certain guidelines when washing and drying your car.
Using the correct washing and drying techniques can help you avoid swirl marks and other paint damage. Using a clean microfiber towel or wash mitt will also help. Washing your car with an automatic car wash can also leave swirl marks, so make sure to rinse your vehicle afterward.
Although this will not prevent water spots, it will help to prevent damage caused by acid rain, bird droppings, road salt, and tree sap. A combination of wax and polish can cover swirl marks and other defects on the surface. However, the process can cause damage to the car’s paint. While wax and polish will temporarily fill in these marks, they will wear off after a few washes.
After a few washes, the swirl marks will return. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of constantly trying to remove swirl marks, use a nano-ceramic covering instead. This type of finish will help your paint finish look better and last longer. It is difficult to remove swirl marks in this type of covering without stripping the clear coat.
Final Words
A professional ceramic covering job will guarantee results that are both durable and long-lasting. Swirl marks caused by ceramic covering can ruin the paint job, or make it unique and creative designs. By getting an expert to do the job, you will be able to save time and money and avoid the hassle of repairing your car.
Ceramic coatings are not scratch-proof. However, they can minimize the risks of swirl marks and scratches. Because they are extremely thin, they enhance paint correction. You can use an electric polisher and professional buffing to remove swirl marks and scratches, while it will retain the showroom-like look for years to come.
