Ceramic Coating

What is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic Coatings – the most talked about product in the Detailing world today. But what exactly is a ceramic coating, and how does it work? This post will cover the real science behind the working of a nano-ceramic coating

What is a ceramic coating?

Ceramic coatings are also known as nano coatings, glass coatings and quartz coatings, are semi-permanent coatings applied on different surfaces to protect them against environmental damage and make them easier to clean & maintain. Different variants of these nano coatings are used in different industries like automotive, textiles, marine, heavy equipment, construction and many more.

Ceramic coating for the car is a sacrificial layer that is applied on the car’s exterior paint (& other surfaces) in order to protect it from environmental debris, UV rays, dirt, and minor swirls and scratches.

The science behind ceramic coatings

Ceramic coatings are a liquid polymer. It mainly consists of a Resin (which provides the hard, hydrophobic & gloss characteristics) and a solvent. The most commonly used resin in a ceramic coating is Silicon Dioxide (SiO2).

Silicon dioxide: SiO2 is a main component used in the production of Glass. Therefore, ceramic coatings are also known as liquid glass or glass coating.

The Silicon Dioxide is melted and brought into a liquid form, which is then inserted into the solvent. So, when you buy ceramic coating, you get a bottle that is a mixture of Silicon Dioxide and solvent.

Purpose of solvent: The purpose of the solvent is to ensure that the Silicon Dioxide remains in the liquid state. Without a liquid state, it would not be possible to apply a coating to the car.

How to determine which ceramic coatings are better?

There are different factors to know which ceramic coating is better when the coating is made of Silicon Dioxide. You will find many different types of ceramic coating products available in the market, which is why it is difficult to find the best ceramic product for your car.

Naturally, the quality of the output depends on the quality of the input. Therefore, the quality of ceramic coating depends upon:

The volume of SiO2, i.e. what is the % of SiO2 in the bottle

Grade of SiO2 used: The  purity of SiO2 determines the quality

Why is it also called a Nano Coating? The process of crystallisation

Ceramic coatings are based on Nanotechnology. All the ceramic solvent products are made using nano modules and particles (nano is smaller in size than micro). Hence, it is also known as nano-ceramic. Nanotechnology has been used in many products, ceramics being one.

Nanotechnology is used for a very specific purpose in ceramic coatings. The car’s paint has micropores. When nano-based ceramic coatings are applied over the surface, the nanoparticles go inside these pores. As the solvent, which keeps SiO2 in a liquid state, evaporates, the liquid glass starts to harden. This process is called crystallisation.

Thus, after some time, the ceramic coating creates this layer of glass on the vehicle’s clear coat. Since it mechanically locks in (not chemically) with the clear coat, it provides semi-permanent protection, chemical resistance from 2-12 pH, and hydrophobicity, which is actually an outcome of the coating being based on nanotechnology.

What does ceramic coating do?

Ceramic coating is an additional protection layer for your car’s exterior, and helps it look brand new with minimal maintenance. The science behind coating is nanotechnology, and due to that, it makes your vehicle more resilient and easier to clean. Here are some other benefits that coating offers:

  • Protection from UV damage
  • Protection from chemical stains and etching
  • Enhanced gloss
  • Long-term paint protection for your car
  • Hydrophobicity, i.e. water repellence

Long-Lasting Protection

 

The main reason ceramic coatings became popular is because of its long-lasting protective properties. A ceramic coating is essentially a hard glass-like shell that protects your vehicles from things such as the following:

Water Spots: Water, even in its purest form can contain traces of minerals, salts, acids and more. These contaminates in the water can very quickly and easily be deposited on to the surface of your vehicles paint as the water in which it is dissolved in evaporates. Leaving behind the harmful contaminates which damages your vehicles paint.

Bird Droppings: Bird droppings ruin vehicles paint because they are very acidic. With PH levels between 3.5 – 4.5, the acid begins to burn and etch the paint until it is completely washed off the vehicle. In many cases, this will leave behind a permanent spot on your vehicles paint in which the only method of repair this is by repainting the damaged area.

Harmful UV rays: The sun can make your vehicle look amazing. However, like your skin, automotive paint can very easily be damaged by ultraviolet rays when exposed for too long. Ultraviolet rays cause your paint to oxidize fast, making your vehicle look worn out and older than it might be. 

Industrial Fallout: Industrial fallout is essentially very hot microscopic shards of metal. Because the metal is so hot, it easily embeds itself into the top layers of your vehicles paint. Over time, this can cause a variety of things to happen to your paint, such as rust, corrosion and oxidation. Industrial fallout is usually caused when metal comes in contact with metal such as a train breaking, warehouses cutting metal, shipping yards, etc. 

Every time your vehicle is moving, it is exposed to a variety of harmful contaminates. This is where a wax or ceramic coating comes in to play. These add a layer of protection keeping all of the above and more, from making its way into your clear coat and or paint, although wax generally provides inferior protection when compared to a ceramic coating.

Cost Effective:

Ceramic coats are very cost effective when compared to alternative solutions. Although the upfront cost of a ceramic coat can be expensive, ceramic coats are much more durable and long lasting than any form of wax or other protective layers. Ceramic coatings can last anywhere from 3-10+ years when applied correctly, while a wax can last anywhere from a couple weeks to a month, or even until your next wash. These smaller transactions can add up quick, costing you more in the long run!

Easier to maintain cleanliness:

The protective layer of a ceramic coat is extremely hydrophobic, and slick. Because of this, it is much harder for dirt and debris to collect on your vehicle as there is not enough friction to keep the contaminates on the vehicle. The lack of contaminate build up combined with the hydrophobic properties of the coat make it extremely easy to clean, dry and protect!

Stage 1 Paint Correction

Superior Gloss & Shine

Super-Hydrophobic

Years of Durability

Water Spotting Reduction

High Density Formula

Chemical Resistance

Scratch Resistance

Weather Resistance

Oxidation Resistance

Simple Maintenance

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