Ceramic Coatings Overview
How Ceramic Coating Nanotechnology works.
The easiest way to understand ceramic coatings is to think of them as a second layer of skin, or a sacrificial layer of protection, over your car’s clear coat. They utilise nanotechnology, which is essentially tiny particles that form a very fine, thin layer completely invisible to the eye. Because these particles are so small, when applied to a surface, they seal all the pores making the surface hydrophobic (water-repellent), but also resistant to UV, scratches, chemicals, extreme heat and even graffiti.
What are the benefits of a Ceramic Coating?
The ceramic coating creates a semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s surface, resulting in a 'sacrificial' layer that does not wash away with cleaning or rain and does not break down quickly, unlike waxes that degrade within weeks. This coating effectively repels dirt and water, making the vehicle easier to clean. Additionally, its hardness helps prevent swirl marks and marring that can occur during washing. The coating sits on top of the clear coat, providing protection against acidic bird droppings and bug splatter, which can be harmful to the clear coat. By taking the brunt of the damage from these substances, the coating ensures that the clear coat remains untouched.
Will my paint surface appear different?
Ceramic coatings significantly enhance the appearance of your vehicle's paint. The coating's pore-filling properties make reflections appear clearer, resulting in slick and smooth surfaces. Dark colours look deeper and more vibrant, while metallic paints shimmer and flicker in sunlight like never before. Lighter colours gain an added dimension, making them more visually interesting even in low-light conditions. Because ceramic coatings are completely transparent, they do not alter the primary colour of your vehicle; they only enhance it.
Is a Ceramic Coating a "get and forget" product?
Absolutely not. Despite being very durable, coatings still require maintenance. Be cautious of the hype surrounding many car treatment systems that promise “no polishing” and “lifetime protection” without any maintenance involved. We have worked on countless vehicles with various coating systems applied, and we have yet to find any that live up to the often extravagant claims made by the industry. It is simply not feasible to coat a car, wash it occasionally, and expect it to remain glossy and free of contaminants for several years. That's where we come in. We provide you with all the necessary information to care for your coating, so you can maximize your investment. Additionally, we offer heavily discounted maintenance services, where we will take care of the required processes to maintain your coating.
Surface preparation is KEY to the longevity and performance of your coating.
Before we can apply the ceramic coating, the surface must be free of blemishes and contaminants, even on brand-new vehicles. Avoid being persuaded by cheap paint protection systems where the applicator simply washes and dries the vehicle before applying the coating; these methods won't last. This is why we emphasise the importance of thorough paint preparation before applying the ceramic coating. This preparation involves in-depth chemical and physical paint decontamination, machine polishing, and paint cleansing. Even a new vehicle can have a significant amount of contamination and imperfections caused by the dealership. If a coating is applied over these imperfections, it is likely to fail prematurely and will not deliver the glossy finish that the brand promises.
We have two different Ceramic Coating options available to our clients.
