Your car is a reflection of you. It has the same care and love that you show it, but apart from that, it represents your taste, style and sense of individuality. Instead of hiding these things, why not showcase them instead? After all, nobody wants to drive a boring car… right?
The right exterior design can give your car that finishing touch that makes it truly stand out from the rest. One way to achieve this is through the use of exterior coatings called ceramic car coating for your vehicles. If you’re unfamiliar with what this is, then read on as we explain everything you need to know about this incredible technology.
What is Ceramic Coating for Cars?
Ceramic coating is basically a layer of ceramic that is applied onto the exterior of a car to give it a glossy and high-quality finish. It can be used on paint, fiberglass or even plastic surfaces. Ceramic coating is one of the most advanced coatings available today and can be found on luxury cars such as the Bentley Continental, Lexus and Audi models.
This coating is made up of tiny ceramic particles that are mixed with a polymer binder, a low-temperature fusing agent and a hardener. The polymer binder is used to give the coating its versatility, as it allows the coating to be easily removed (with a solvent) so it can be repainted at a later stage.
Benefits of a ceramic coating
Ceramic coatings offer more than just a shiny exterior. These coatings are tough, durable and exceptionally high-gloss. This means that they look beautiful from every angle, which is why they are so popular.
High resistance to abrasion: Ceramic coatings can withstand considerably more abrasion than other coatings, which is great for keeping your car looking new for longer.
High resistance to chemicals: The toughness and durability of a ceramic coating make it resistant to a range of chemicals, including salt and petrol. This means that your car will remain protected from the elements and other harmful elements, such as dust and road grime and that you won’t have to worry about repainting it.
High resistance to heat: Ceramic coatings are particularly heat resistant, meaning that they will protect your car from the hot summer sun and cold winter weather.
Should you have your car coated?
Ceramic coatings are extremely durable and tough. As such, they make for a great exterior coating for cars and can provide excellent protection against harmful elements that can damage paintwork over time.
They are particularly resistant to heat and chemicals, making them ideal for keeping your car looking new for longer. Furthermore, they are highly polished, making them ideal for enhancing the reflection of your car.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind before you have your car coated. One is that they are expensive. Depending on the coatings you choose, it can cost up to $2,000 to have your car coated. However, this is often worth it, as a ceramic coating can boost the value of your car by as much as $3,000.
Costs and pricing of a ceramic coating
Coating costs will vary depending on the type of coating you go for and the car you choose.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) coatings are applied by the manufacturer of the car itself. This means that there are no additional costs for the coating, but it will require you to have your car repainted at a later stage.
Paint Protection Coatings are applied by the manufacturer at no cost, but they can potentially cause damage to your car’s paintwork over time. This is because the coating is applied onto a new layer of paint and it is difficult to repaint over it.
DIY coatings are applied by a professional and can cost as little as $200, depending on the type of coating you choose. DIY coatings generally last between one and three years, after which you will need to repaint them.
Ceramic coating pros and cons
Ceramic coatings are great for making your car look after-market, but they are not without their flaws. They are expensive and have a limited lifespan. They also must be repainted after a certain period of time.
Expensive: This coating is definitely among the most expensive coatings available today. While it can boost the value of your car by $3,000, this cost can add up if you have your car repainted every three years.
Limited lifespan: As mentioned above, ceramic coatings are not permanent. Once they are applied, it is difficult to remove them. This means that you must repaint your car at a later stage.
Repainting: Replacing your car’s paint is costly, but it is essential for keeping your car looking new. That is why you must repaint it every few years.
Conclusion
Ceramic coatings are an excellent way to give your car that finishing touch that makes it truly stand out from the rest. They can be applied to paint, fiberglass or even plastic surfaces, and they can be applied by a professional or DIYer.
They are durable and resistant to a range of chemicals and elements, making them ideal for keeping your car looking new for longer. However, they are expensive and have a limited lifespan, so it is important to consider these things before you decide to have one applied.