You hear the words “ceramic coatings” tossed around everywhere now a days. From car dealerships, to car washes, on shelves, professional detailers and even ceramic coatings for your home. This article will try and answer the most common questions around ceramic coating your car and let you know if it’s right for you. If you already know you want a ceramic coating from Tabula Rasa Fine Auto Detailing, check out our Ceramic Coating Service Page from our detail shop in Chantilly, VA.
What is ceramic coating
In the most basic terms, a ceramic coating is a layer of protection for a surface on your vehicle. Most commonly people opt to ceramic coat the paint on newer vehicles or vehicles that just underwent a paint correction process to protect a restored finish. However, you can also ceramic coat your wheels, fabrics, leather, glass and more with the right products. This layer of protection is a physical barrier that helps protect and preserve the surface it is applied to. Ceramic coatings are stronger than other forms of protection, such as sealants and waxes, but will not protect and preserve your vehicle as well as paint protection film.
HOW LONG DOES CERAMIC COATING LAST?
This question is difficult to answer as it depends on so many factors:
- Which ceramic coating was used?
- Was the car properly prepped when it was applied?
- Did the installer follow the proper curing procedures?
- How often is the car driven?
- How is it stored?
- How often do you wash the vehicle?
- What techniques are used to wash the vehicle?
- Is it driven in bad weather?
- What climate and temperature does the vehicle see?
- And many other factors!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CERAMIC COATINGS WEAR OFF?
The short answer is that you lose your barrier of protection from the elements. Essentially, as time goes on and other factors, your layer of protection will deteriorate. With enough time, you will expose that surface directly to the elements which can cause temporary or permanent damage to that surface. At that point, water will stop beading on that surface and will tend to pool up and cling to the surface. You will lose the hydrophobic characteristics that a ceramic coating provides. You will start to build up dirt and debris on the surface you were once protecting and will need to be washed off properly. Your best bet is to reapply protecting to the surface so you can enjoy your vehicle to it’s fullest.
ARE YOU READY FOR A CERAMIC COATING ON YOUR VEHICLE?
We encourage you to visit our ceramic coating services page to get a better understanding of our offerings and pricing. Or if you are ready to speak with someone or book an appointment, use the button below to contact us!
