Ceramic coatings can be applied to:
– Paintwork
– Glass
– Alloys
– Painted callipers
– Exhaust
– Metal trim
– Black plastic trim
– Leather
– Interior plastics
Different ceramic coatings are used for various surfaces to ensure the best performance. For example, the properties of a glass coating are slightly different to the properties of an interior trim coating.
Ceramic coatings last for 3 years on average but can last for 1-7 years. The durability of the coating depends on the type of coating itself, how it was applied and how it is cared for.
The grade of the coating affects the durability, which is affected by how much silicon dioxide is in the formulation. It is also essential to prepare the surface properly before coating it as otherwise the coating will not bond. Caring for the ceramic coating properly is also essential to ensure it performs properly for its intended lifespan.
Here is a link to an article with more information on the durability of ceramic coatings.
It is essential that a ceramic coating is cared for properly to ensure it performs to the highest standard and does not become damaged.
It is recommended that a ceramic coated vehicle is washed at least monthly, but ideally every couple of weeks especially if the car is driven frequently and stored outside. This prevents the coating from becoming “clogged” which masks the hydrophobic and slick properties.
Here are some key rules to keep in mind when washing and maintaining a ceramic coated car. If you are looking for more detail, please read this article.
Never take a ceramic coated car to an automatic car wash or cheap roadside hand-washing station. This will cause the coating to become scratches and aggressive chemicals will degrade the coating.
– Always pre-wash the vehicle before making contact with a wash mitt. This can be with a citrus pre-wash spray or snow foam.
– Use a pH neutral, pure shampoo to wash the coating. Do not used wax-infused or gloss-enhancing shampoos, or any household products which will damage or clog the coating.
– Use microfiber mitts to wash the car, and never use sponges or brushes.
– Don’t scrub at the paintwork with your wash mitt. Use plenty of lubrication and wipe gently to avoid scratches.
– Don’t wash the car in direct sunlight because the water and chemicals will dry on the surface very quickly.
– Use a microfiber towel to gently dry the car. Never water blades (squeegees), chamois leather or bath towels.
It is also recommended to perform a “decontamination wash” roughly every 6 months on a ceramic coated car which involves using tar remover, iron fallout remover and an acidic shampoo to tackle mineral deposits which can clog the coating. This ensures the coating performs to its maximum capability.
If you do not feel confident washing the vehicle yourself then I offer a maintenance programme to keep the exterior and interior of the vehicle in check on a monthly basis. Please visit the valeting services page and view the “full vehicle maintenance” package for more information.
Auto Care HQ offers several ceramic coating packages to suit different budgets. These packages all include a minimum of a single-stage machine polish (and full decontamination preparation) prior to applying the coating to ensure the best finish and durability.
– 1-year paintwork ceramic coating: from £400
– 3-year paintwork ceramic coating: from £550
Extras:
– 1-year glass coating: from £40
– 2-year alloy (faces only) coating: from £80
– Exterior plastic trim coating: from £40
– Interior coating: from £60
Most of the steps involved in a ceramic coating service actually happen before the coating is applied. An extensive preparation process is required as otherwise the finish will be poor and the durability will be nowhere near the capability of the coating.
Here is a rundown of the steps involved:
– Pre-wash of the vehicle using a citrus-spray/ snow foam
– Hand-wash of the paintwork using a decontamination shampoo
– Iron fallout deposit removal
– Tar deposit removal
– Clay bar treatment to remove the remaining contaminants
– Drying stage using warm, filtered air and a microfiber towel
– Taping of any plastic trim surrounding the paintwork to mask it
– Machine polishing the paintwork to enhance gloss and remove clear coat defects
– Panel wipe solution to remove oils and residues
– Application of the coating by spreading with an applicator pad and then removing the residue with microfiber towels
– Inspection with an LED light to ensure there are no “high-spots”
– The coating is then left to cure and cannot get wait for the required time (4-24 hours depending on the coating)
The process of applying a ceramic coating typically takes 1-2 days to complete. There is some variability as it depends on how much paint correction the vehicle requires before the coating application process.
You also need to factor in any curing times. Some ceramic coatings must be kept indoors and dry for up to 24 hours after application in which case the detailer will usually keep the vehicle with them for this time.
To cut down the amount of time I require your vehicle for, I use very high-quality coatings which have a shorter curing time of just 4 hours before they can be exposed to the elements. This means I aim to complete the job within a single day, providing no extra services are required.
Ceramic coatings do not prevent scratches in a car’s paintwork and they do not protect the car against rock chips. However, they do provide a some level of protection against swirl marks and marring which can be inflicted when washing the car. Ceramic coatings also do not remove, hide or cover scratches. The paintwork must be polished prior to applying the ceramic coating to ensure the scratches are removed beforehand and not locked in by the coating.
