FORWARD DETAILING'S BLOG /
Common Ceramic Coating Myths (And What Is It?)
You're probably wondering if getting a ceramic coating applied to your vehicle is worth it. If done right, it'll actually save you money.
You're probably wondering if getting a ceramic coating applied to your vehicle is worth it. Well, if done right, it'll actually save you money. Ceramic coating is the best form of paint protection from your vehicle.
What is ceramic coating?
Ceramic coating is a chemical polymer solution for your vehicle's paint. When it's applied correctly, it bonds to the paint and becomes a hydrophobic layer of protection. With a proper ceramic coating application, it will provide your vehicle protection against contaminants and debris that could otherwise cause scratches in the paint.
Does your vehicle deserve/need ceramic coating?
Ceramic coating is absolutely, positively, the best form of vehicle paint protection. Second comes waxes and sealants. If your vehicle is your pride and joy, and you keep it in great condition, ceramic coating is the option for you. Even if you drive it daily, as long as take care of its appearance with proper washing maintenance. If your car turns heads and you love taking it out, but you want it to look as good as it makes you feel, a ceramic coating also makes cleaning and washing the exterior of your vehicle easier.
On the other hand, if you drive your vehicle daily and don't care about the details of your car's appearance, but you still want some resale value in it, a ceramic coating will do the trick. But, so may a simple sealant or wax. Ceramic coating is generally for cars that don't already have too many exterior paint defects. But the ceramic coating service can also relieve minor paint defects as well.
Is ceramic coating worth it?
Most definitely. And we're not saying this because we offer a premium and expert application service. We mean it. Ceramic coatings often last much longer than traditional waxes and sealants, from 6 months to years. The smoothness and slickness of the coating can allow debris to come clean off as it hits the protection rather than being embedded into the paint. It'll also help with preventing paint swirls. Both of these will keep your vehicle's resale value up.
Common Ceramic Coating Myths:
Below is a list of common myths surround ceramic coating.
1. "A ceramic coating makes your vehicle scratch proof"
It doesn't.
It does, however, make your paint scratch-resistant. Harder debris at faster speeds and let's say, someone keying your car, will both need some repair work to it. When a ceramic coating dries, it hardens into a polymer and bonds to the paint. The coating isn't flexible and cannot absorb the impact of very hard rocks.
2. "It's the ceramic coating that makes your car shine"
This is what most ceramic coating manufacturers and appliers will want you to believe when in reality, it's the prep job of the ceramic coating that creates the shine. The shininess of your exterior will depend on how smooth the surface is already so that light can bounce more evenly off the surface. Swirl marks, wash marring, and embedded contaminants in the paint all make a car less shinier. Application of a ceramic coating done by an expert will be done with meticulous attention to ensure the coating is applied evenly, effectively, and smoothly. This smooth layer of protection may visually enhance the shine of your paint but only if the person applying the coating does a good job prepping the paint.
3. "Applying ceramic coating can be done by anyone"
At Forward, we're all about DIY. But sometimes, it's better to let the experts handle things because they have the experience and resources to do their best work. Proper lighting, a clean environment, and safety precautions are needed for a proper ceramic coating. Too much of the coating in one spot can cause a noticeably raised spot that's immediately fixable only by light buffing or compounding.
4. "You should only wash your ceramic coated vehicle with water and a towel"
If any detailer or shop tells you this, run of out there. This will almost always cause scratches to your paint, whether their visible or micro-scratches. You should always use soap when washing your vehicle for less friction, lubrication, and an all-around job well done. It's recommended on a general basis to use mild auto soap, or pH neutral soap. These milder soaps shouldn't strip your protective coating away. But, for a very dirt vehicle, you may need to use a soap that's strong enough to remove embedded debris, dirt, road grime, etc.
5. "Hydrophobic layer = paint protected"
In some cases this is true. However, dead insects, bird poop, and other natural contaminants to your vehicle's exterior can corrode your protective layers over time and even base layers.
What product does Forward Detailing use?
We're glad you asked, we want you to know how well we mean by the product line in our services. At Forward Detailing, we use products that are tried, trusted, and approved by both experts and enthusiasts. Specifically, we use Jade Ice and Jade Quartz. Our Ceramic Coating service uses a nano-crystalline product. That means, it can fill in gaps that are only a few nanometers small ensuring your entire exterior paint is protected. When applied, it finishes several microns thick as well to make sure the layer is protective and durable.
Our selected products of the Jade Ceramic line are rated at 9H Hardness. That's one level less than that of a diamond. Additionally, our expert application of the coating will leave your paint hydrophobic from liquids of up to 110°F. It's inert and strong nature makes it non-reactive and helps protect paint against chemicals.