Are you planning to ceramic coat your car and you want to learn more about the types of ceramic coating that are there and how you can use this solution? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because, in this article, there will be quite a lot to cover on this topic.
Doing good and thorough research on a particular product is always the way to go. Since out there are a ton of products that are sold and each of these products promises a lot. But sometimes, it fails to deliver as it is marketed. And the same applies when it comes to automotive solutions for paint protection.
The market is basically full of these products. And you need to learn how to get the right product for yourself based on the reviews and opinions on the internet. So, online forums like Reddit, or forums specific to car detailing should be the way to go. But don’t worry. We are going to cover everything you need to know.
First, we are going to learn what is ceramic coating and the types of coating that are out there. Then, we are going to cover the pros and cons of using this product. As well as the best products that you can purchase out there. Lastly, we are going to learn how you can apply this product to your car. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
Ceramic Coating
Now before we dive into more complex topics like the pros and cons of this coating. Let’s first start with the basics and learn what this product is all about. There are a lot of people facing similar issues. So, we feel the need to cover the basics first before we dive into more complex stuff. So, what is this product all about?
Well, there is a lot of fuss around this ceramic coating in recent years. Everybody is talking about this product everywhere and calls it revolutionary. But is this really the case?
We can say that this is a fact. Ceramic coating has changed the game when it comes to protecting your vehicle’s paint. The latter is especially important once you understand the complexity of how to fix chipped paint on a car. Not to mention, the high cost to repair a paint chip on a car. As well as, when you need to figure out how to fix peeling paint on a car.
And not only paint, but this product can also be applied on plastic, other metal surfaces, and glass. It is basically a jack of all trades. The product simply works like nothing else out there.
You cannot compare the good old wax with this stuff. Waxes are good and protect the paint for a few months and then they end up washed out. But this is not the case with the ceramic coating. This product lasts quite a lot longer.
Visually, this product comes in very small packages. Mainly because it is a bit on the expensive side. And you also don’t need much of it. A little bit of this product will do the trick. And a whole bottle will last you for a few applications. But what are the different types of this ceramic coat? Let’s learn more about that next.
Types Of Ceramic Coatings
Now that we covered what is ceramic coating. From now on, we can slowly move on and learn more about the different types of this coating that exist out there.
What is worth mentioning is that there are a few types of this coating. And this is what a lot of people are unaware of. So, they think that all products sold as ceramic coats are the same. That’s why let’s cover the types in the following few chapters.
1. PTFE Based Spray
The first type of coating on our list is the PTFE-based spray. This solution is also known as Teflon spray.
PTFE stands for Polytetrafluroehtylene. This product is a synthesized fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon.
These Teflon solutions are the least durable compared to other coatings. This is why if you purchase a DIY kit to ceramic coat your car, then this is highly likely the product that you will get. So, what are the advantages of this product?
Well, they are easy to apply on any surface like glass, paint, or plastic. They make the paint more slippery and also improve the shine of the paint in the process. So, if you are a beginner, this is probably the type of solution that you are interested in. Now let’s move on to the next type of ceramic coat.
2. SiO Boost Spray
Next on our list of ceramic coat products are the SiO Boost Sprays. These products are also known as silicone products and they are probably the most widely used products out there when it comes to DIYers.
This product is infused with silicon dioxide, then this solution is mixed with polymers and other compounds that make the ceramic coat. This product similar to the PTFE is increasing the hydrophobic properties of the paint. But also, this product includes nanotechnology.
This nanotechnology makes the solution able to penetrate extremely tight areas and protect the paint a lot better. This solution would easily last anywhere between 7 to 8 months. Which is quite good for a product like this. Now let’s move on to the next type of ceramic coat.
3. Nano Coatings
Now let’s discuss the third type on our list. And this type is used by professionals. These are the Nanocoatings.
These solutions combine SiO with TiO technologies together with a lot of very secret compounds and deliver one of the best results when it comes to ceramic coatings.
And this allows the coating to work a lot better compared to the previous coatings that we covered. So, this coating has nano technology that allows it to penetrate extremely tight spaces, produces a hydrophobic surface that does not allow water to collect, and improves the gloss of the paint.
And lastly, this coating protects from swirl marks, and chips, and most importantly, it protects from UV rays. UV rays damage the paint and cause it to oxidize. So, when you have this type of coating, your paint will be well-protected. Now let’s move on to the last type of ceramic coat.
4. Graphene-Based Coatings
And the last type of ceramic coating that only the top pros in the detailing game are using is the Graphene based solution. Graphene is creating a lot of buzz lately in this industry because if you didn’t know, graphene is one of the strongest materials ever known to mankind.
This solution is really flexible and has really good hydrophobic properties. But as a graphene, this solution is not really effective. So, the material used is graphene oxide, a byproduct of the synthetization of graphene. Then, this material is mixed with the standard ceramic coating with nanotechnology in order to produce one of the best products out there.
So, we can say that this solution has much more advantages. Namely, water spot prevention (if you’re willing to learn how to get rid of water spots on car), anti-corrosion (unless you’re willing to learn how to fix rust on a car), high Ph resistance, glossy look, and high abrasion resistance (this means it does not scratch). The latter’s crucial, seeing the high expense of how much does it cost to fix scratches on a car.
And not to forget the longevity. This product is claimed to last 10+ years. So, you see why this new product creates a big buzz in the industry.
DIY vs Professional Ceramic Coating
Now before we discuss the pros and cons of using ceramic coats, let’s take a look at the DIY vs professional applications. Which one is the solution that you should be interested in?
Well, professional coatings come in bigger packages. You will not get a new bottle for each car that you do. And if you are a professional, you will need a lot of this solution. So, you see how professional solutions differentiate from the ones for standard usage.
And here the price is also a big factor. Let’s say that you want to purchase a professional coating in small packaging, for this, you can expect to pay up to $300. This is not the case with the cheaper options that can be purchased for $50 to $100.
So, you see how DIY coatings are much more affordable. Pro coatings can also be affordable if you buy them in bulk. But this means that you do detailing for a living and that is your profession. For more detailed explainers, head over to our resources on the detailing cost of a car, and how much to detail a car, as well as do you tip car detailers.
So, if you work on your car and you want to protect it, going for a DIY solution is the way to go. And honestly, there are a ton of products that we are going to discuss later on. Now let’s move on and cover the pros and cons of the ceramic coat.
DIY Ceramic Coating Pros And Cons
Now that we covered what ceramic coating is and what it does. We can slowly move on and learn more about the pros and cons of using this solution.
As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to anything. So, even though the ceramic coating has many positives, there are also some negatives that are worth discussing. So, let’s cover them in detail.
Benefits Of Ceramic Coating
Let’s start first with the pros of ceramic coat and learn more about what are the benefits of this solution.
The biggest benefit is probably its hydrophobic property. So, what is this property all about? Well, this means that the solution separates from water.
So, if you spray a coated car with a hose, the water will not stick. Only a few small drops will be left on the car. So, you will not have to experience those annoying watermarks.
Also, other contaminants like bird poop on your car and mud will not like to stick to this coating as well. Or if they stick, it will be really easy to wash them out with only a few sprays. So, overall, your car would be a lot easier to clean if you apply this solution to it.
In addition to this, the solution also has high Ph resistance. This means that different acids that are present in bird poop or rain, will not damage the paint.
Also, these solutions improve the finish of the paint. Your paint will look nice and glossy once you apply this solution to it. That’s particularly vital if you’re looking at the best paint jobs on cars, or the best car paint colors.
More advanced solutions like the graphene solution and other nanocoatings offer a lot of protection from harmful UV rays from the sun, as well as prevent creating swirls, prevent chipping, and so much more.
Overall the pros of this solution greatly outweigh the cons that this solution has. And in the following chapter, we are going to discuss them as well. Just for you to have a better idea of what to expect.
Disadvantages Of Ceramic Coatings
The only disadvantages of ceramic coat are probably the need for professional application and the price. So, what does this mean?
Well, this means that before you apply the ceramic coating, there should be extensive prep work. You just cannot apply this solution to any surface. And the paint is anything but perfect.
So, the paint first has to go through the process of cleaning with a clay bar (once you’ve learned how to clay bar a car). And then the paint needs to be buffed up with a buffer (ensure that you understand how to buff a car). Then cleaned with alcohol. And then you can apply the ceramic coating.
And this process might take hours and hours of work, depending on how much there is damage to the paint. So, before you buy ceramic coating, you should be aware of this.
And also, the next con is the price. Ceramic coating is somewhat expensive. It could cost anywhere between $70 to $300 for a bottle of this liquid. Especially graphene products are known for their high cost. But also they are really effective.
Now let’s move on and debunk some myths about these solutions before we learn more about the best products when it comes to ceramic coating.
Myths About Ceramic Coatings
Now before we dive into the products that you can get right now, let’s first learn more about the myths around these products. And honestly, there are more than a few of these myths concerning this solution.
The biggest myth is probably the idea that this liquid will make your car bulletproof. Which is not quite correct. The graphene coating might be tough, but it is not bulletproof.
Another misconception is the opinion that nanocoatings do not require maintenance. Which is also wrong. You still need to wash the car regularly. Cleaning the paint will make the coating last for a very long time.
For more insight, check out our guides on whether can you use Simple Green to wash a car, as well as the benefits of using a touchless car wash, in addition to the etiquette of tipping a car wash.
There is also the misconception that the coating is permanent. Another very wrong idea. Even though the coating lasts a long time, it will not last permanently unless it is some graphene coating that can last for 10 years or so. For more context, check out our guide on whether is PermaPlate a ceramic coating, and by extension, how much does ceramic tint cost.
Another misconception is that this coating is really easy to apply and this coating will hide the imperfections of the paint. Totally wrong!
Applying ceramic coating is really easy. But before you apply the solution, you need a well-prepped surface. The paint must be buffed out and turned into an immaculate shape. Only then you can apply this coating to the paint.
And this coating will not hide any imperfections that you left behind. So, cleaning the paint perfectly well before you apply the coating is essential unless you want to end up with a really bad result. But what are the most popular products when it comes to ceramic coat? More about them, we will discuss next.
Ceramic Coating Products
Now let’s take a look at some products before we learn how you can apply a ceramic coat on your car. We will cover the best-selling products on Amazon that have the most favorable reviews from customers.
We will cover some of the specs, as well as our honest opinion on them. So, if you want to learn more about what is the best product around, follow along.
1. Migliore Strata Coating
The first product on our list is the ceramic coating from Migliore. Migliore is an Italian company that makes car care products.
This is a silicone dioxide-based product, which means that it falls in the more affordable category of products that you can purchase.
The manufacturer claims that this product will offer 1 to 2 years of protection. Which is quite good. You can apply this product to cars, boats, or motorcycles. Also, you can apply it on glass, metal, or plastic. And will protect your paint from rain, salt, bird droppings, or sun.
The product has 298 ratings on Amazon and an overall score of 4.3 stars. Which is fairly good for a product.
2. Gtechniq – CSL Chrystal Serum Light Ceramic Coating
Next on our list is a very good product offered by Grechniq. This CSL Chrystal Serum Light is one of the best sellers when it comes to ceramic coatings.
The product comes in a 30ml bottle which is perfect for most DIY applications out there. Unfortunately, we could find any data on the ingredients used in this product.
As the manufacturer claims, this product offers the best protection against swirls as well as really good protection against chemicals. It prevents scratches and other types of damage. And most importantly, it delivers a perfectly looking glossy finish.
This coating is also quite thick. So, it is very durable and will last up to 5 years. The product has a rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon and that’s why we decided to add it to our list.
3. Adam’s Advanced Graphene Ceramic Coating
And last on our list is Adam’s Advanced Graphene Ceramic Coating. We kept the best for last. And if you followed carefully through the article, we mentioned that graphene coatings are the best in the game.
This technology is the best around, and not only that has all of the properties that cheaper coatings offer. But it goes a step ahead and offers UV coating. This means that your car will be protected from the sun or any type of weather conditions. Also, the solution prevents acids from bird poop or other contaminants to penetrate the paint.
In addition to this, graphene is really hard. It achieves 10H when it comes to hardness and is resistant to scratching. And most importantly, it lasts for 7 years with no problem. But it costs a bit more than the other solutions, starting at $113 and for the complete UV kit, you will have to pay about $155.
How To Apply Ceramic Coating
Now that we covered what is this coating all about and the best products that money can buy. We can now move on and cover the last topic. And that is how to apply this coating on the car.
You should know that this is a very demanding job. You will first have to wash the car, then pass with a clay bar, buff the car, and only then you can apply the coating. In the video, you can see all the steps involved in this type of work and what you need in order to get it done.
Ceramic Coat: In Conclusion…
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to ceramic coating. Firstly, we covered what this solution is and the pros and cons of using this product.
Then we discussed the most popular products that money can buy. And lastly, we discussed the ceramic coat process from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What Is Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a name given to protective solutions that are based on silicon dioxide, as well as some solutions based on graphite. What is important about these solutions is that they offer great protection on the car’s paint from most weather conditions out there and they prevent paint oxidation.
Is Ceramic Coating Worth It
Yes, it’s definitely worth it. But beware that this solution needs to be applied on an already prepped surface. So, the paint has to be cleaned with a clay bar, then polished, and only then you can apply the ceramic coat.
Benefits Of Ceramic Coating
There are many benefits of this solution. But the most important one is that this solution is hydrophobic. This means that this solution does not collect water and other contaminants. It is easier to clean and the solution protects the paint from scratches.
Disadvantages Of Ceramic Coating
There are disadvantages to using this solution. Namely, the complex prep work that is involved in this process. You need to pass the car with the clay bar, buff the paint with a buffer, and only then apply it. Which is really difficult, especially for beginners.
Ceramic Coating VS Wax
Ceramic coating and wax are totally different products. Wax is a much more forgiving solution compared to ceramic coating. The wax simply fills up the imperfections and leaves a good shine. The car does not have to be perfectly clean in order to apply it. Which is not the case with the ceramic coating. Which requires an almost perfectly smooth surface and then it can be applied.
Ceramic Coating Cost
The cost for the coating is between $70 and $155 for most DIY applications. But remember that you will also have to pass the car with a clay bar and also buff the whole car before you apply the coating.
