Ceramic Car Care Explained

Ceramic Car Care Explained

We have all heard about them, but what are they and how do they work. These coatings are called Ceramic Coatings or Nano-Ceramic Coatings and they are designed to become a protective layer between your vehicle and the elements. They can help stop fading or dulling of paint which can add value to your vehicle.

If you’re considering investing in one of these coatings, it’s important to get the facts straight. So we have taken some time putting together some questions and answers for you. About the truth around automotive Ceramic Coatings. What are they? What are their benefits? How long do they last? Can I DIY apply these coatings? and why would you choose a Professional Installer?

What are they?

A Ceramic Coating such as CArPro cQuartz, cQuartz Finest or Nanolex Si3D is a liquid polymer that are applied by hand to the exterior of a vehicle. This coating chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, creating a layer of hard protection. In many cases, the coating will be several times harder than the clear coat that has already been factory applied to your vehicle.

What are their benefits?

It is a premium wax alternative. A Ceramic Coating creates a permanent or semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s paint, meaning that it won’t wash away or break down and does not require repeated application every few months.

A Ceramic Coating adds additional protection to your car’s exterior and helps keep it looking like-new with very little maintenance. Here are the main benefits.

Cleaning made easy – One of the best features of Ceramic Coatings is that it is hydrophobic, which is the technical way of saying it repels water. This means that the chemical bond of the coating that is applied to the vehicle is tighter and more compact than water or dirt chemical compounds. When a vehicle has a hydrophobic Ceramic Coating, water will bead on the surface and slide off more easily. This also means that dirt and dust will have a harder time bonding to your vehicle’s paint. And when you wash your car, contaminants can be removed with less effort and less risk of damaging your paint.

Protection from UV/Sun damage – A vehicle that is often exposed to the sun will be subjected to its harmful UV rays. Over time these rays can break down the finish causing dull paint, this known as oxidisation. 

Protection from chemical etching – Chemicals present in naturally occurring substances such as bird droppings and tree sap can cause permanent etching or ghosting in the clear coat, Ceramic Coatings are resistant to these chemicals and will keep your paintwork pristine.

Deep Glossy Shine – Everyone wants their paint to pop, with a deep glossy shine. A good Ceramic Coating enhances the reflective properties of your car’s paint and clear coat, adding depth and clarity of your paint.

How long do they last?

Typical wax products offers gloss and the hydrophobic effects to but in most case, not the longevity. Ceramic Coatings, depending on brand can last for years. Traditional carnauba wax normally last 6-10 weeks. More expensive ceramic waxes can last up to six months.  Wax although offer gloss tend not to look as sharp as Ceramic Coatings and wax’s do not provide the same level of protection from bird droppings or tree sap.

Can I DIY apply these coating?

Yes, there are many products available on the market for those DIY owners. CarPro cQuartz UK and Nanolex Si3D are both available to purchase online and can be applied at home. Just be sure to follow the instruction and make sure your paint in cleaned and prepped before application. If you choose to go the DIY route, consider that you will not be covered by any warranty which most professionally applied work would offer.

We would recommend you to check out this video on YouTube, showing step by step on HOW TO APPLY CQUK COATING.

Why would you choose a Professional Installer?

The main reason to choose a brand approved Professional Installer is that they apply these coating every day. They know how to work with them, and they know how to get the best looking finish to your vehicle. Often the preparation of a vehicle is overlooked when considering professional installers. If your paint is dull or scratched, you do not want to put a strong protective coating on it. Locking in those damaged or affect areas. 99% of all cars have some defects that a Professional Install would have to address before applying the Ceramic Coating.