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What is Ceramic Coating?

Industry-grade ceramic coating is a chemical polymer solution that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle to protect it from external paint damage. Typically applied by hand, it blends with the paint of your car and creates a hydrophobic (water repellent) layer of protection. This coating, which is clear and doesn’t alter the vehicle’s paintwork, helps to protect against wear and tear, weather and other various issues

Essentially, think of a ceramic coating as a shield against common problems that often degrade the appearance of a car.

How does it work?

 Ceramic Coatings utilize nanotechnology, where tiny particles harden together to create an exceptionally fine, thin layer that’s invisible to the naked eye. As for what these particles consist of, the coating’s liquid formula will usually include ceramic, quartz, or glass. The use of such materials helps to explain why the coating offers a much better protection than a standard clear-coating from many things such as:

  • Etching or Light Scratching

  • Chemicals that cause stains 

  • Oxidation

  • UV Rays

  • Bug Damage

  • Fading of plastics

Of course, that’s only the start of what the coating can do (more on that later). The ceramic coating will bond to the paint when applied. Its actually a semi-permanent bond, but it can last for ten years or more given the amount of layers and proper application.

Why your car needs a ceramic coating 

When you purchase a new car, you have one goal in mind: to keep it looking as fresh as it did when you drove away from the dealer’s lot. Yet despite your best efforts of washing and maintaining the vehicle, stains and chips begin to appear. Then you also have to factor in the sun, which will cause the car’s paint to dull and fade. 

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Your vehicle is constantly under attack from various different threats, and the damage can cause you heartache while also depreciating your car’s value if no proper paint protection is applied.

This is where ceramic coating steps in. 

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Dust, mud, loose stones, acid rain, ice, bug splats, and so on – the roads and environment throw many different things at your car in an attempt to damage its look. When a car ceramic coating is applied, you can rest easy knowing those threats are negated.

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That’s not all. A car ceramic coating is a multi-faceted product that also assists with keeping your car exterior clean. Face it: nobody really enjoys the monotonous and time-consuming nature of washing a vehicle. Automatic car washes are an option, but they can lead to scratches and chemical damage. You can even wax your vehicle to give it shine and a small level of protection, but applying it each month is a time killer. With a ceramic coating, your vehicle maintains its clean and glossy appearance year round.

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The previous point also extends into the third big reason why your car needs a ceramic coating. Remember the opening sentence of this section, talking about how you want your car to retain the look it had when you drove it from the dealer’s lot? A ceramic coating ensures your vehicle keeps its “showroom shine” for years. 

What a ceramic coating can and cannot do?

What can it do-

  • It’s hydrophobic: This means the ceramic coating is essentially self-cleaning. The result: your car paint remains cleaner for longer in between washes. 

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  • It is anti-stick: Mud and dirt can cling onto a vehicle. This isn’t an issue for cars that have a ceramic coating, as it is a repellent for both mud and dirt. 

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  • It darkens plastics: Uv rays can cause fading for un coated cars this can be corrected and prevented with a ceramic coating.

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  • It lasts for years: Instead of waxing or other methods that last a couple of months at best, you can be safe in the knowledge that a ceramic coating lasts for a number of years. 

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  • A waxed look at all times: You don’t miss out on that shine and gloss, which is typically associated with wax. 

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  • Protection against UV rays, oxidation, and stains: The ceramic coating ensures a number of potential issues are stopped in their tracks. You no longer have to worry about the sun or chemicals causing stains. 

 

What can it not do- 

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  • Last forever: As the saying goes, ‘nothing lasts forever,’ and that’s also the case with ceramic coating. While it can last over a decade depending on the amount of layers and how it’s installed, you will need to reapply a coat when the time comes. If you come across a company claiming it will, in fact, “last forever,” keep in mind they will require you to get a top-up sealant each year.

 

  • Protect against deep scratches and heavy rock chips: Even though some manufacturers will claim differently, a ceramic coating does not prevent deep or aggressive scratches.

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  • Eliminate the need to wash your car: Unfortunately, and although the frequency is cut down, you will still need to wash your car from time to time. 

The advantages of a professional coating over DIY coating 

Here are the main advantages of going with a professional coating instead of a DIY coating:

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  • Longer durability: A professional ceramic coating will last longer and provide greater protection. While a DIY coating can have a lifespan of one or two years, a professional coating has the potential to last over ten years.  

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  • No chance of semi permanent damage: Professonal have been trained and certified. Improper application can cause semi permanent streaks and/or yellowing of the coating,

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  • Better gloss appearance: This aspect isn’t simply down to the ceramic coating, but also due to the paint correction that a professional will apply. The result is a car which has a greater shine than before.

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  • Warranty: When you apply a ceramic coating on your own, there is no warranty in place. This is a different story with a professional coating. 

Warranty terms 

With a professional coating, you receive one big bonus: warranty. This means if your ceramic coating develops a fault you are covered. There are some myths that circulate about ceramic coating warranties. 

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Some will say it is mandatory for you to visit your installer at least once a year for a “maintenance/inspection service” and that this service will typically cost about $150. While this might actually be the case with other providers, Emerald Coast Mobile Detailing does not require such services. 

 

Another myth is that you are required to use an installer’s branded shampoo and wash mitt. If you don’t use their branded products, the warranty will be voided. This is certainly not the case. You can use any shampoo and mitt you want. There is no risk of voiding your warranty. 

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It is also said that a warranty will not cover anything worthwhile. For example, the warranty will state that “your coating will not peel, bubble, and yellow”. This, ultimately, means it won’t cover anything valuable like loss of gloss or hydrophobicity. At Emerald Coast Mobile Detailing, the warranty does cover loss of gloss or hydrophobicity. We will also re-coat up to three panels at no charge if you are involved in an accident that requires paint correction or new panels

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