Vi är här för att berätta för dig alla detaljer om vad keramisk beläggning är, och för att hjälpa dig att avgöra vilken typ av keramisk beläggning som passar dina behov bäst.
Låt oss först börja med grunderna. Keramisk beläggning beskrivs bäst som ett extra lager (eller skal) som du kan lägga ovanpå ditt fordons befintliga lackering. Detta hjälper till att både förlänga och skydda bilens yta genom att bilda ett klart, hydrofobt lager över ditt fordon.
Så, vad är ett hydrofobt lager? Om du googlar "hydrofobisk ” kommer du att se definitionen som ”tenderar att stöta bort eller misslyckas med att blandas med vatten ”. Det är precis vad keramisk beläggning gör, men det har också många andra fördelar. Formeln för en keramisk beläggning, som vi kommer att gå igenom senare, används för att lägga till ett extra lager av lackskydd utan att ändra färgen på din bil.
Okej då. Låt oss förklara vad som är keramisk beläggning i termer som vi alla kan förstå. Kommer du ihåg när du först köpte din bil och den såg helt felfri ut?
Färgen var inte bara glänsande, utan den hade ett fantastiskt glansigt/vått utseende som du inte kunde sluta stirra på? Denna glans var förmodligen en av anledningarna till att du blev kär i din bil.
Med åren, när den glänsande looken börjar blekna, börjar de flesta bilägare undra hur man får tillbaka den. I det här fallet är en keramisk beläggningsprodukt ditt svar, inte bara för att få tillbaka denna look, utan också för att behålla den där.
Keramisk beläggning används för att skydda din bil från slitage och för att stoppa de irriterande, men naturliga, vardagliga elementen du stöter på från att förstöra dess utseende. Verkar det inte ibland som att allt på vägen är ute efter att sakta attackera din bils vackra exteriör och minska dess värde?
Så om du någonsin undrat vad keramisk beläggning är för bilar, här är ditt svar. Tänk på det som den ultimata regnrocken. Ett plåster som fungerar som ytterligare ett lager av hud eller skölden som används av Captain America ... du förstår! Eftersom keramisk beläggning är en klarlack, kommer den inte att ändra den ursprungliga, fantastiska färgen på ditt fordon.
När det kommer till keramisk beläggning för bilar HAR DU ALTERNATIV och det finns flera olika vägar du kan ta. Du kan söka professionell hjälp ... vilket naturligtvis kommer att vara det dyrare alternativet. Alternativt kan du ta DIY-rutten beroende på din nivå av komfort och skicklighet.
Det finns videor på YouTube som du kan titta på för att hjälpa dig med processen, eller så kan du läsa bilvårdsrecensioner för att se vad andra föredrar. Flera företag erbjuder också produkter som hjälper dig att få en professionell look till en bråkdel av priset.
Innan vi dyker in i produkterna i den här guiden, kostnadsuppdelningar och de små detaljerna, låt oss först prata om varför ditt fordon behöver keramisk beläggning.
Om du har läst vår förklaring hittills för "vad är keramisk beläggning? ”, den här nästa frågan är som att fråga:”varför behöver jag ett paraply när det ösregnar? ”
Är du bekymrad över livslängden på ditt fordons utseende? Ser du det verkligen som en investering? Då måste du ta en djupare titt på keramiska beläggningar och sprayer.
Du vill inte se din bil försämras genom att ignorera ett problem som enkelt kan lösas. Att använda en lackskyddsprodukt är det enda sättet att hålla din bil snygg och keramisk beläggning är det absolut bästa sättet att göra just det.
Nedan är bara några anledningar till varför du bör lägga till en keramisk beläggning på din bil, lastbil, motorcykel, husbil eller vilket fordon som helst som har färg!
Nu när du förstår fördelarna med en keramisk bilbeläggning, låt oss gå igenom appliceringsalternativen. Om du inte vill spendera en mindre förmögenhet och gillar att göra saker själv, då är keramiska sprayer och gör-det-själv-keramiska beläggningssatser perfekta för dig. Låt oss bryta ner det.
Eftersom vi kommer att prata mycket om keramisk beläggning och alla dina alternativ, låt oss reda ut något (ordlek)! Först och främst är keramisk spray en TYP av keramisk beläggning.
Om du går ner för gör-det-själv-rutten, kanske du vill titta på några av de olika keramiska sprayerna som finns. Många företag erbjuder också keramiska beläggningssatser för att göra processen idiotsäker.
Med SÅ många alternativ på marknaden idag kan det bli riktigt förvirrande för någon som precis har börjat. Ingen vill sitta där och läsa om en miljon olika produkter och sedan slösa tid på att använda en medioker. Och det är precis därför vi startade CarCareReviews.net.
Den här sidan byggdes för att svara på alla dina frågor om vad keramisk beläggning är, olika typer av keramiska beläggningar på marknaden och andra gör-det-själv bilvårdsprodukter. När jag började, hade jag en miljon frågor... "Behöver jag ett kit? ”, “Hur mycket spray behöver jag köpa ?", "Vilka delar av min bil kan jag använda den på? ”, “Vilken håller längst? ”, “Vilken har den starkaste formeln?” , "Vilken är det bästa värdet ?” och mer.
Tur för dig, vi har rankat och granskat de bästa tillgängliga keramiska sprayerna som du kan klicka här för att se. Du kan också se hur vi beräknar dessa betyg genom att besöka sidan Hur vi rankar.
En av de viktigaste sakerna vi kommer att titta på är kostnaden, vilket i allmänhet är det första som alla tänker på. Sedan kommer vi att bryta ner vetenskapen och tekniken bakom keramisk beläggning och varför den är så effektiv.
Efteråt går vi igenom alla frågor som kan dyka upp under din sökning som "hur applicerar jag en keramisk beläggning? ”, “vilka ytor kan jag använda en keramisk beläggning på ?", "vad är skillnaden mellan en keramisk beläggning och andra detaljprodukter ?” och "hur länge kommer en ansökan att pågå? ”.
Det finns en ENORM prisskillnad på keramiska beläggningar, beroende på om du gör det själv eller går till en professionell bilhandlare.
Att ta in din bil för en professionell keramikapplikation kan kosta dig allt från $450-$2400. Professionellt installerade beläggningar håller längre än en keramisk spray och en DIY keramisk beläggningssats (mer om det senare).
När det kommer till vad som är en professionell keramisk beläggning, och vem den är till för, måste du tänka på:detta är något för dem som verkligen vill ha det absolut bästa, oavsett kostnad.
Många professionella detaljhandlare kommer att erbjuda dig en garanti, vanligtvis mellan 5 och 7 år, men det kan också finnas många dolda kostnader bakom att ta din bil till en professionell. Vissa kommer att berätta för dig att den keramiska beläggningen kommer att kosta 700 USD, men inkluderar bland annat inte förberedande arbete.
En annan sak att tänka på är att en professionell keramisk beläggning kan ta allt från 1 till 5 dagar eftersom den måste bakas på med UV-belysning. Därför kan du behöva hyra en ny uppsättning hjul medan din bil är i butiken, vilket ökar kostnaden ännu mer.
Nu, om du vill undvika att spendera alla de pengarna och kan följa enkla anvisningar, överväg att skaffa en gör-det-själv-keramisk beläggning och applicera den själv. Vissa av er kanske tycker att det här kan vara för svårt, men vi är här för att berätta något annat! Vi visar dig också några av våra favoritkeramiska sprayer för en ännu snabbare appliceringsprocess.
En bra produkt håller i genomsnitt 2-3 år. Vissa hävdar dock att de håller i upp till 5 år! Oavsett om du väljer att ta din bil till ett proffs eller göra det själv, vet att keramisk beläggning INTE är en permanent lösning och resultatet kommer att blekna med tiden. Så låt inte en professionell detaljhandlare övertyga dig om att deras keramiska beläggning kommer att hålla under ditt fordons livstid!
Eftersom de flesta professionella keramiska beläggningar också kräver underhåll, finns det en annan fråga du måste ställa dig själv. Vill du verkligen ta dig tid att ta in din bil i detaljisten en gång om året för underhåll? När allt kommer omkring kan du lätt bara ta lite tid och göra det själv.
Innan vi går in mer i detalj på vad en keramisk beläggning är gjord av och hur den fungerar för bilar, låt oss se en kostnadsfördelning mellan dina alternativ.
Säg att du väljer en professionell keramisk beläggning som ska hålla i 7 år. När du delar upp detta till den högre prislappen på $2500 dividerat med 7 år, får du cirka $358 per år. $2500 är en ganska stor summa att hosta upp för något som sakta kommer att försvinna precis framför dina ögon.
Du kanske tänker att $358 inte låter alltför orimligt. Men när du tittar på kostnaden för en professionell beläggning, ett DIY-kit och en keramisk spray, är prisskillnaden svindlande!
En annan sak att tänka på är att många typer av professionell keramisk beläggning är en mycket längre process och kommer att kräva att du tar tillbaka din bil varje år för maximalt skydd. Återigen beror detta på att din beläggning skulle behöva bakas på med ett UV-ljus, vilket gör det till en mycket längre process. Du kan också bli övertalad till att köpa ett större keramiskt beläggningspaket. Men se upp! De kanske säljer dig tanken att det kommer att hålla längre och se bättre ut.
Låt oss visa dig nu vad fördelen med att använda en gör-det-själv-keramisk beläggningsprodukt är genom att titta på kostnaden för en av våra topprankade keramiska sprayer.
Nexgen Ceramic Spray kostar $19,95 per flaska. Det kommer att täcka ditt fordon 4 gånger. Eller möjligen till och med 6 gånger, beroende på storleken på din bil. Dessutom håller den upp till 4 gånger längre än andra keramiska sprayer på marknaden. Hur länge skulle du säga att färgskyddsfilmen håller?
Vi granskade Nexgen och efter 2 månader såg vi att det fortfarande fick ett av våra fordon att se ut som om det precis hade blivit detaljerat. En spray med dessa egenskaper kan hålla dig mellan 4 och 6 månader!
Låt oss räkna ut...Nexgen varar i 4 till 6 månader med bara en applicering. Anta att du använder en flaska Nexgen om året. Detta skulle betyda att du verkligen satte din bil igenom den, bjöd på den mycket och på något sätt bara fick ut 3 appliceringar ur sprayen. Om 7 år, om man jämför det med den tid proffs hävdar att deras beläggningar håller, skulle du använda 7 flaskor för en enorm summa på cirka 140 $.
Om du vill bryta ner det ytterligare talar vi om $5 per genomsnittlig applikation. Nu är vi inte matematiker, men det är ganska lätt att se att detta är betydligt mindre än $2500.
Så, sammanfattningsvis, att applicera en keramisk spray är MYCKET billigare och nästan lika effektivt som att ta din bil till en professionell. Vi kommer in på fler skillnader senare, men vi ville få kostnadsfördelningen ur vägen.
Nu, innan du tappar fokus och börjar googla på keramiska färgskyddsprodukter, SLÅ NED! Vi guidar dig genom dina alternativ och ger dig en beskrivning av de bästa keramiska sprayerna som finns. Låt oss gå tillbaka och gå in på vetenskapen bakom keramisk beläggning.
Om du vill veta vad som är den främsta ingrediensen du bör leta efter i en bra keramisk beläggning, det är Silicon Dioxide eller SiO2. Ju högre innehåll av SiO2, desto starkare formel.
Men vad är SiO2? Kiseldioxid är en kombination av två naturliga material, kisel och syre. Folk känner främst till kiseldioxid som kvarts, vilket för vissa människor kan vara lite förvirrande. Tänk bara på SiO2 som den väsentliga ingrediensen i keramiska beläggningar.
If you are looking to add a ceramic coating to your car yourself then you must purchase a ceramic spray with a high SiO2 content. Our favorite and top rated ceramic spray, Nexgen, is made of 13% silicon dioxide, which is more than any other product on the market.
Other common ingredients found in ceramic coatings are deposited aluminum dioxide, deposited chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, and several others. Don’t let all these fancy terms fool you though. Remember, you want to look for what is the SiO2 content. This is the key ingredient, even if some ceramic coating brands may try to fool you. Remember to check out our rankings to see which ceramic sprays contain the highest levels of SiO2.
You’ll notice how when you start researching about ceramic coatings, the words “nano coating” and “nanotechnology” come up quite often. This is because ceramic coating uses nanotechnology to pack all these chemical components into a big punch, giving your car that sheer level of protection.
Then, what does nano coating mean? Nano coating, sometimes referred to as nano sealing, is just a fancy way of saying the same. If you are applying ceramic coating to your car, you are nano coating it, so don’t let fancy jargon confuse you!
Since ceramic coating is a semi-permanent bond, it’s made of some pretty powerful ingredients. Now, let’s go all Bill Nye the Science Guy and really dig into how ceramic coatings work chemically.
You might be thinking, “ok, ok I get it, it’s a clear coat.” However, rather than thinking about it as just a clear coat, it’s better to understand that ceramic coatings are literally a semi-permanent, clear BOND that protects your vehicle.
The bonded molecules inside ceramic coatings compound themselves to form polymers. The polymers then bond to form a structure. The result is nanocoating – (the clear layer coat) which binds to your vehicle’s paint to create that additional layer of protection, TA DA!
Think of it this way…Remember when you were growing up and you had K’NEX to play with? All those K’NEX linked together to create something spectacular! That’s what nano coating/ ceramic coating does. All those connected polymers result in a beautiful, clear, hydrophobic liquid that’s then applied to your vehicle for a solid, sheer layer of protection.
If you add a screen protector to your iPhone or Android, don’t you think you should do the same for your car? Just let that sink in for a second. Isn’t it more satisfying to understand how ceramic coatings work rather than just hoping for the best?
You are now packed with insights and information. Why not start narrowing it all down, and dive into the specifics? Let’s look at how durable ceramic coating is, how it works, and what the “shell” really does!
Before we talk about what the normal expectation for a ceramic coating’s durability is, you have to understand the hardness, toughness and muscle behind ceramic coatings.
How are ceramic coatings tested and how can you trust a product? This is another common question and something you’ll come across a lot. Do know many companies out there falsify their hardness levels, so be mindful when purchasing.
Many professional ceramic coating brands will make a statement of having the hardest or toughest layer of protection. Of course, this sounds like something you would want, right?
Several different manufacturers claim that their ceramic coatings for cars are a level “9” or commonly referred to as a “9H” coating. What is a “9H” rating you ask?
Let’s take it back to our school days when we all had to sharpen pencils…if you were around for that. Yep, you guessed it, the hardness scale used for ceramic coating is the same scale used for pencils.
Remember making ceramics in art class, and your teacher had to keep it overnight for it to cure? Well, that applies here. Once a ceramic coating is cured to your car’s surface, you can determine its level of toughness and durability. This will be its hardness level (determined by the pencil test.)
In other words:The highest possible hardness level of a ceramic coating is 9 or 9H. Varför? Because that’s the highest level of hardness on the pencil scale.
When looking for a ceramic coating, you are going to come across many products claiming to be the “strongest” formula. But what does it mean? A 9H ceramic coating is applied only by professionals. With a little help from us, we’ll show you some of the strongest do-it-yourself ceramic sprays out there.
We’ve talked about the hardness level of ceramic coatings as well as SiO2 formulas. So now that you are aware of these two VERY important factors, how do you know which product to buy?
This can get confusing, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ll show you one from each category based on our industry knowledge and hundreds of reviews out there!
When it comes to what is the longest a ceramic coating can last, know this is really circumstantial and based on many factors. Your car comes across many different elements on any given day. Rain, salt, mud, UV rays, pollen, and airborne particles you can’t see, are just a few of these.
For example, a ceramic paint sealant will last a long time in Southern California, where there’s virtually no humidity, no bugs, no salt in the air, and it very rarely rains. Compare that with South Florida (the complete opposite) and you’ll see how, in those conditions, the same ceramic coating may last only a fraction of the time.
If you are taking your car to a professional to have a ceramic coating applied, you can expect it to last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, sometimes even 7. This will depend on the package you choose, and how much you are willing to spend. Best-case scenario, it will last 7 years, but your car will still need maintenance once a year.
There are “professional” DIY kits stating they can last up to 2-3 years. However, that’s also assuming you follow the directions well, focus on doing a great job during the application process, and prep your car before applying.
Don’t be fooled when you see or hear people say that it’s a “semi-permanent bond.” Again, it all depends on what you put your vehicle through and how you care for it on a daily basis. You can’t just apply ceramic coating once and then neglect any aftercare or maintenance.
One issue we see with professionals is that if/when you start to notice that some areas of your ceramic coat are fading, you can’t really just touch it up. In the end, you are basically tied to them, costing you more time and money.
This is where we see a huge benefit in ceramic sprays and DIY products. Although they may not last as long, it’s easy to see the cost-benefit. As having the ability to make necessary touch-ups is a huge plus, ceramic sprays become a no-brainer. We’ll go over this a little more when discussing the types of product applications.
Below is a short list of three ceramic coating sprays and their longevity just to give you an idea:
You can see that ceramic coating products vary in longevity. Obviously, it will last the longest if applied by a professional, but be aware that it’s going to cost a pretty penny.
You’ll see a lot of websites out there telling you it’s difficult to apply a ceramic coating yourself. But what is the truth?
Well, we are here to tell you that as long as you follow the correct steps and take your time, you CAN apply ceramic coating to your car simply and safely!
Obviously, professional detailers are going to steer you towards having it done professionally since it’s a more costly process, and makes you dependent on them. But if you do your own research and choose a high-quality do-it-yourself ceramic spray, you can apply a perfect ceramic coating in no time. The trick is to know what you need.
The main thing to take into account if you want to do the job yourself, is you must be willing to do the prep work. If you don’t take the time for this, you won’t get the best possible results.
One of the best ways to prep your vehicle is to perform a clay bar detail on your exterior surfaces to remove any excess contaminants. This will give your ceramic spray the perfect surface to bond with.
Here’s a good video on how to do a clay bar detail, even if you’ve never done it before:
We recommend sticking to one line of products since generally these are made to be used together, hence why DIY kits are so popular. If the brand you select doesn’t offer full kits, car wash products, clay bars, etcetera, then choose high-quality products.
Since we’ve shown you that ceramic sprays and DIY kits are a totally viable option, we’ll now walk you through the steps to apply a ceramic kit yourself, as well as how to use some of our favorite sprays.
Now we are getting into the fun stuff! Who doesn’t like that feeling of putting in some work, using that elbow grease, and then stepping back to see the final result?
You may think this sounds like it’s going to be way too difficult, too many steps, and that you might be afraid of royally screwing it up. But what is the process of applying ceramic coating all about actually?
Let’s go through two different types of products to show you how some DIY kits work as well as one of our favorite ceramic sprays.
Adam’s Polishes is a company we have both used and reviewed for you! Their Ceramic Coating Kits are said to last 6-8 months. Since you’d have the kit, you can touch up with their Boost Spray if necessary. For $119 they have a UV Ceramic Spray Coating Kit which includes:
We also recommend purchasing a microfiber applicator!
Since you may have already looked into ceramic coating applications before reading this, you may be thinking one of two things:
1.) This seems like way too long of a process.
2.) This seems too easy for it to really work.
We are going to debunk both of those myths for you!
As a general rule of thumb, regardless of what paint sealants you are using, you’ll want to start off with the same steps to get the best results.
Prep your vehicle first by washing it. For best results, we recommend using the same line of products. To put it simply, lines of products are generally designed to be used together and will in turn yield the best result. You want to start with the cleanest surface possible. Try to get rid of as much dirt, tree sap, pollen, grime, dust, etc. Remember to use the two-step solution when washing your car.
What is it and why should I use it? Many people and experts out there recommend using a clay bar treatment after washing and drying your car. For the ceramic coating to really bond to your car’s surface, you need to clean up any mineral deposits, imperfections and contaminants in your existing clear coat.
This will help make your ceramic coating last longer and look flawless! This step can also help remove any additional contaminants, and it’s recommended to use before any type of polish or carnauba wax treatment.
Remember, ceramic coating isn’t going to fix your paint, but will help protect it. So, it’s a good idea to do whatever possible to get your car looking its best before applying a ceramic coating.
Since we chose to use Adam’s DIY Kit as an example to walk you through this product, for step three you’d then use the 12oz Surface Prep Spray.
Very important! This step stays the same regardless of what products you use.
The surface prep spray is an Isopropyl Alcohol solution that will remove any trace of polish residue, cleaning residue, etc, think of it as a primer. You prime before you paint to get the best result, right? Same concept here!
It’s very important to have your car well protected during this process. If you washed your car outside, make sure it has had time to cool down. Ceramic coating must be applied in a cool, dry and shaded area.
Using the microfiber applicator or folded microfiber towel, you can choose to spray the ceramic coating directly onto your vehicle or add it to the applicator first if you’d rather work in smaller, more controlled sections.
Different types of ceramic coatings will give different directions on how exactly to apply. Some will say to use small circular motions, some would indicate more of a criss-cross or cross-hatch fashion. All in all, what matters most is to follow the instructions!
Always keep multiple microfiber cloths nearby as you should continue to use a clean cloth to avoid over-saturating the area.
Wondering what is the importance of working in small sections when applying ceramic coating? Working in small sections is important for a few reasons, and you’ll want to work panel by panel. This is because after applying the ceramic coating and working it into the area, you’ll have to wait a minute or two (as per instructions), and then buff the area to see if any more work is needed.
As you apply the ceramic coating, it will begin to cure and create a hazy rainbow effect. This is when you must start step 5 in conjunction with step 4.
The last step of the application process is buffing. The reason for buffing is you should remove any additional oils that might be resting or that have settled on the surface of your car.
The more meticulous you are in this step, the better your results will be. Now, since ceramic coating sets rather quickly, you’ll want to take the time to buff while applying as discussed in step 4.
You’ll sometimes see a rainbow effect as described by Adam’s Polish. They recommend that you buff to a high shine within a minute or two of application. This is why it’s so important to work in small sections and not get trigger happy.
A lot of people will say to go panel by panel, but by splitting each panel in half, you can enable yourself to avoid rushing and focusing on great results. If you choose to spray the ceramic coating onto the towel first, you’ll have to work a little faster as this means the ceramic coating will begin to cure in the air.
Wondering what curing is and what role does it play in ceramic coating? By definition, curing is “a chemical process employed in polymer chemistry and process engineering that produces the toughening or hardening of a polymer material by cross-linking of polymer chains”.
In simple terms, this is the step where the ceramic coating hardens and binds to your vehicle. While you’ll notice that this starts to happen immediately, it’s generally recommended to let your car sit for one to two days after application. This guarantees the coating has completely cured to the surface.
Depending on the kit or products that you purchase, you’ll have the option to perform touch-ups as needed over time.
This is where products like the “Ceramic Boost” from Adam’s step in. Your car doesn’t get dirty evenly. Parts of it will dull and fade faster than others and you’ll want to touch up as needed.
Again, it’s best to use the same line of products as they are meant to be used together. Using a product like this can add around 3 to 6 months of added protection against paint damage to your ceramic coating. This is a simple spray-and-wipe process and can be used as needed.
Ceramic coating won’t eliminate the need to wash your car, but will reduce the time between washes. If you really want to make your ceramic coating last as long as possible, we recommend washing your car every two to three weeks.
**Adam’s UV Ceramic Spray Coating Kit says it will last 2-3 years**
Not all ceramic coatings are applied the same way although they generally follow the same steps. What differentiates ceramic coating applications is the products that you choose to use and your vehicle’s specific needs.
If you are using a UV protection ceramic coating, you may have an extra step. Remember, not all ceramic sprays/coatings are the same! So think about what you really need, and the elements you want to protect your car against. You should also check the product’s application process before deciding for one.
As you probably know by now, the Nexgen Ceramic Spray is our top-rated product and, as it’s very user-friendly, we are going to walk you through how to use a ceramic spray like this.
The Nexgen Ceramic Spray provides the fastest application available on the market today. Like other sprays, it’s best to apply Nexgen in a cool, covered area. Since Nexgen is a professional grade seal and has one of the highest SiO2 formulas, a little goes a long way! This spray uses a quick, three-step process that’s shown and outlined on their website.
With Nexgen, there’s no need to purchase an additional boost, saving you both time and money as opposed to other products. Nexgen’s ease of use and glowing reviews prove they are a top choice for professionals and DIYers alike! Their price is hard to beat and their customer service is top of the line.
Check out these great videos from a professional detailer showing the application process, and the results one month after using Nexgen Ceramic Spray:
Check out these two videos to see how easy the application is, and understand the longevity and strength of this product after a single application!
This is another area where there’s a HUGE difference between doing it yourself or taking it to a professional. You’re probably sitting there thinking to yourself “ok so, how long is this going to take me?” This will depend on the size of your vehicle, your products, and your level of perfectionism.
Let us walk you through what is the time difference between having a ceramic coating applied by a professional vs. applying a professional-grade ceramic coating by yourself.
If you are taking your car to a professional to have a ceramic coating applied, on average, it would take 2 to 3 days. This may vary depending on what type of package you choose, as professional detailers generally have different ones. These packages generally add different layers of ceramic coating onto your car, claiming to make the coating last longer.
When applying a do-it-yourself ceramic spray, you can coat your entire vehicle in 10 minutes or less, depending on size. When you add in the prep work of washing and then clay bar detailing, it can take a couple of hours. This is still much less than the several days it will take a professional detailer.
However, do yourself a favor and don’t rush this process! Take the time to do it right, and you won’t be disappointed with the results. Worst-case scenario, if you take one day every couple of months, the payoff is still well worth it.
Ceramic coatings and ceramic sprays can be applied to all the exterior surfaces of your vehicle. They are safe for all painted surfaces, headlights, trim, fiberglass, vinyl wraps, wheels, glass, chrome and even the liner of truck beds.
Let’s break down each of these surfaces so you can see better what is the benefit of using a ceramic spray or coating on every surface of your vehicle.
Since ceramic coatings are hydrophobic, they are optimal for use on your windshield as they’ll make water literally bounce right off. Raindrops will bead and roll off of both your car’s surface and your windshield. Adding a ceramic coating here will also help protect it from bird droppings, bug guts, tree droppings. It can even help build an extra layer of protection against rock chips.
Since this is a clear layer, it won’t affect visibility. You’ll still be able to clean up your windshield as usual and can also use boost sprays as needed. In conclusion, cleaning your windshield will be easier than ever. Plus, you won’t have to clean it as often!
Ceramic coatings will help protect your headlights. There’s nothing worse than driving on the highway and ending up with a million dead bugs stuck to your headlights. No one likes scraping dead bugs off of any surface, let alone having to crouch down and scrape them off of your freshly washed car.
It’s also extremely frustrating to see water spots on your headlights after rain or a quick wash. Ceramic coatings will work on headlights just like they will on the windshield, and even on your plastic trim. They’ll also help prevent oxidation and corrosion.
Plastic trim, like headlights, are magnets for water spots and dead bugs. This is very true for dark cars as water spots and any other elements become extremely noticeable.
Wondering what is the role of ceramic coating in protecting trims? Just like how ceramic coatings protect other surfaces of your car, they’ll do the same for the trim. Plus, they can be applied the same way.
When you are applying ceramic coating to the trim of your vehicle, notice how it will give off a little sheen, almost making it look brand new. This is just another added bonus!
Ceramic coating will mostly help protect your wheels from dirt/mud and debris. Brake dust is the number one enemy to keeping your wheels clean, and it’s not easy to remove. Wheels are also tough to clean due to all the small grooves and tight areas.
Since ceramic coating will help stop brake dust from bonding to the surface of your wheels, they’ll naturally become a breeze to clean.
“Can I apply a ceramic coating to chrome?” is a question that comes up a lot in regards to motorcycles and exhausts, intakes, manifolds, etc.
Svaret är ja. We’ll also add that ceramic coatings and sprays can be applied to aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron and carbon steel as well. The reason to use ceramic coatings on these surfaces is to protect them from high heat corrosion and deterioration.
Ceramic coatings are NOT scratch-proof! This is a very common myth and one that we want to reiterate to you. Although ceramic coatings can help protect against small scratches, they won’t make your truck bed invincible. Your liner will be protected and have the same result as your trim.
There are products out there claiming to protect the bed of your truck. However the inevitable might still happen and it will get scratched up. However, adding a ceramic coating will definitely help protect your liner just like it will all other areas of your truck.
You CAN apply ceramic coating to vinyl wrapped cars and over PPF, although it’s not really recommended to put it over PPF. Vinyl wrap is a film that’s applied over the panels of your vehicle. Some people choose to add a vinyl wrap for an extra layer of protection to help prevent rock chips.
Applying a ceramic coating over a vinyl wrap is possible. However, it won’t be as good as if it’s applied solely to your car’s surface. Remember, since ceramic coating is a clear coat, it won’t alter the color or overall look of your vinyl wrap.
Simply put, ceramic coating isn’t going to hurt any part of your car, truck or motorcycle. It can really only help. As long as you take the time to select the right product for your vehicle’s needs, you’ll be perfectly fine! This brings us to our next point, how do you choose which ceramic coating to use?
Lucky for you, we have reviews for many different ceramic sprays to help you take the guesswork out of the selection process. Since ceramic sprays are the easiest to use, we think it’s important to highlight some of the best products on the market.
We’ll take these four topics into consideration when choosing a ceramic spray:longevity, strength, value, and customer service.
When it comes to what is the best value ceramic coating for cars, Nexgen Ceramic Spray has really caught our attention. This is a product we believe everyone should have on hand.
To learn even more about different companies selling ceramic sprays, be sure to check out our full ceramic coating rankings. In these, we compare the most important factors across all major brands.
Below are a few notes and highlights from some of our favorite products. You’ll also find the three brands that rank highest in terms of longevity, strength, customer service, and value.
It’s never too soon to start using a ceramic coating of any type on your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, Razor, 4-wheeler, or any other vehicle you can think of!
To be quite honest, the earlier you start using a ceramic coating, the better. Some people apply a ceramic coating the day they purchase a new car. This is actually the best way to do it!
By caring for your vehicle from the beginning, you’ll prolong its exterior longevity right away. What’s more, you’ll save yourself some time since ceramic coatings help extend the time between car washes.
If you drive your car a lot, live in an area with lots of smog, sun, rain, or any harsh conditions, then we recommend applying a ceramic coating ASAP.
Think of it like this:what is the point of walking around outside when it’s raining holding a closed umbrella? Do you wait 5 minutes under pouring rain and then open your umbrella, or do you open it right when you step outside? If you protect yourself from the rain immediately, why wouldn’t you do the same for your car?
People often ask, “what time of year should I use ceramic coating?” Well, you don’t want to apply ceramic coating in direct sunlight or when it is too hot. You want to get this done when weather conditions are mild.
Since ceramic coating creates an extra layer of protection, take that knowledge and use it LITERALLY! You protect your skin from the sun in the summer, right? You protect yourself from rain in the spring and snow in the winter, right? So, do the same for your car! Do yourself and your car a favor by being proactive instead of reactive.
In terms of when to actually apply a ceramic coating or spray, experts recommend starting the process in the morning. This allows your car to cool down from any driving or use from the day before. Then when you are finished, let it sit overnight and apply any touch-ups the next morning.
It’s also a best practice to let your car sit for a few days if possible before jumping back on the road. If you don’t have a few days, then it’s not the biggest deal. Only know waiting a bit will extend the life of your new ceramic coating.
At best, a high-quality wax will last you, at a maximum, 2 months. The length of time right there is enough to show you that ceramic coating is better than wax.
Wax basically just sits on the surface of your car. It doesn’t bond to the paint as ceramic coatings do and also needs to be applied much more frequently than ceramic coating.
For best results, you’d have to reapply wax every 4-6 weeks. This means you’d be waxing your car up to 12 times a year instead of about max 4 times our favorite ceramic spray, Nexgen.
Wax is most often used if you are wanting to show off your car short term, like a photoshoot, car show, etc. On the other hand, a ceramic coating is in it for the long haul and is meant to help protect your vehicle from everyday wear and tear.
The process of applying wax can end up taking you longer than applying a ceramic coat to your car. Not only do you need to wash your vehicle, dry it and prep it. After applying the wax you are going to need to buff if. And I mean BUFF IT. You are going to put way more muscle into this than applying a ceramic coating.
The strength, longevity and value of a DIY ceramic coating really knock wax out of the ballpark.
You can, but what is the reason to do it? If you are going to do this anyway, it’s best to apply the ceramic coating, give it a day or two to cure, and then add the wax on top of it.
The issue here is that the hydrophobic layer will be affected. And then, the wax will also have a hard time sticking to the clear layer you just applied to your vehicle.
There’s really no need to apply wax on top of your ceramic coat. If you put wax under a ceramic coating, then you are basically wasting your time. If you take the time to use the clay bar before application, then you are already doing yourself a HUGE favor.
Wax and ceramic coating are two different products, used for two different reasons, so it’s best to just keep them apart!
Let’s get one thing straight regarding what ceramic coating is supposed to do for your car. Ceramic coating is not going to make your car invincible. Before you add ceramic coating, dirt, pollen and other pollutants will gather into all of the tiny pores of your vehicle’s surface. The results? You need to wash your car ASAP.
Ceramic coating will prevent that from happening. Aka:less washing! It will protect your car from UV-Rays, small scratches, chemical pollutants, and will add a layer of gloss to the surface. However, ceramic coating isn’t going to protect against rock chips, swirl marks left behind by automatic car washes, or serious scratches.
Since a ceramic coating provides that extra layer of protection, it may help prevent more serious scratches from happening, but won’t stop them from happening altogether.
Rocks don’t hit your car slow and soft. Generally, when a rock is coming at your car, it’s flying off the tire of a vehicle in front of you. This means it’s traveling with speed and force. If rock chips are your main concern, then there are some additional products you can look into as well.
The answer here is yes and no. Your vehicle stands a better chance of defending itself against scratches with ceramic coating than it does without it. Ceramic coating can help protect against minor scratches, but won’t save you from someone keying your car.
This is a common misconception with ceramic coatings. Ceramic coatings help water to roll off of the surface of your vehicle by creating a water beading. However, there are areas of your car that are harder for water drops to roll off of. Thank gravity for that!
You might be thinking, so then what’s the point? Ceramic coating will help protect your vehicle from the chemicals and dirt that are sitting in those areas. If you notice any on your car, it’s important to remove the water spots from your car as soon as you can.
Like scratches, the answer is yes and no. Light swirl marks can be prevented with ceramic coating, but harsh ones don’t. Do yourself a favor and avoid automatic car washes for this exact reason!
Wondering what is the main thing to do when applying ceramic coating and helping it last?
Ceramic coating maintenance is a very important factor when trying to make your ceramic coating last for as long as possible. Having a ceramic coating on your vehicle will definitely cut down the time required to maintain your vehicle. It will also reduce the number of washes needed.
If you notice any droppings on your car, whether it be from rain, a tree, a bird, or who knows what else, it’s best to take care of it sooner rather than later. It will be much easier to clean that up right away rather than just before applying ceramic spray. The good news is it will take you far less time to clean your car after a ceramic coating is applied.
You’ll be truly amazed at how your car’s paint will be protected by this additional clear coat!
To maintain your vehicle’s ceramic coating, it’s best to wash your car out of the sun and heat. Also, avoid using any abrasive materials, just like when you originally applied it. Be sure to use quality wash products to extend the life of your ceramic coating. If you are using a spray, you can touch it up as needed. Microfiber cloths will also help collect any dust that may settle on the surface.
If you are out of town and need a wash, we recommend going to a full-service, hand car wash, as opposed to an automatic one. Automatic washes can cause damage such as swirls marks and scratches, and trust us, that’s the last thing you want to worry about.
Whether you have your ceramic coating done by a professional, or choose to do it yourself, it’s best to not wash your car for at least 7 days. Ideally, wait two weeks after applying your ceramic coating. After that, to help avoid any contaminants piling up on your car, it’s best to wash your car every two weeks.
As we have said a few times, do everything you can to avoid washing your car in the sunlight and out of any extreme temperatures.
The two-bucket-method for washing your vehicle is also important. If you are not familiar with this, the two-bucket-method is this – Use one bucket for soaking your microfiber cloth, wash mitt or whatever your preferred washing tool is. Then, use the second bucket to clean your washing tool after using it on a particular section or panel of your car.
There are plenty of videos out there to help you with this if you have any questions! We recommend using a high-quality wash product for your vehicle. You really don’t need to use any products with additional components. Just a good quality car wash soap will do the trick.
Since your wheels are arguably the dirtiest part of your car, wash them separate from it, otherwise you are just wasting your precious time.
Although it will definitely take a while for you to notice any changes in your ceramic coating, continuous exposure to harsh elements such as UV rays, tree sap, etc. will begin to take a toll on your vehicle. One of the first things you’ll notice is that the glossy, wet-looking shine will eventually start to fade. The more you neglect your car and put off washing it, the faster this will happen.
Another common result of improper maintenance will be the loss of the hydrophobic capabilities. Aka water, dirt and other elements will no longer fall off your vehicle on their own.
Remember how we talked about how the surface of your car is similar to pores on your face? Ceramic coating closes those pores. But, as your vehicle gets sabotaged by harmful UV rays as well as dirt, tree sap, water and more, that protective layer begins to thin. In the end, those pores will start to clog again, directly affecting the hydrophobic properties of your coating. In short, do yourself a favor and maintain your car to protect your investment!
All good things must come to an end, right? Well, as with most things, if you do your research ahead of time it will be a lot easier, more effective, and you’ll avoid doing any damage to your vehicle! That is, if you take the time to remove your ceramic coating the right way.
The question remains, why do you want to remove your ceramic coating? Generally, people remove their ceramic coating so that they can apply a new one. This is likely going to be about 3 years after the initial application if you followed our maintenance steps.
Any time you are removing something, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the product you applied and see if there are specific removal instructions. This applies to any type of coating that you put on your vehicle. If there aren’t instructions given by the manufacturer, have no fear, we are going to break it down for you.
Remember the clay bar that you used before applying your ceramic coating? Guess what, you can also use a clay bar to remove it. Since your ceramic coating has had lots of time to wear off, it has had time to thin. So you won’t have to put a whole lot of muscle into it.
Have you noticed that almost every step has started with washing your car? Tja gissa vad? Same goes for removing your ceramic coating. If you start the removal process by washing your car with a wax-stripping wash, then the coating will come off even easier.
After washing, it’s the time to use the clay bar treatment that we just discussed. You’ll be doing exactly what you did to apply the ceramic coating. So, it’s basically muscle memory at this point, right?
Once done with the clay bar, simply rinse your vehicle thoroughly. And then, use your microfiber towels to completely dry your vehicle. Your car is now basically prepped to add a new ceramic coating!
This is an easy one! Nowadays, most people turn to the internet for purchases and the same goes for ceramic coating products. On the list of ceramic sprays we’ve reviewed for you, you’ll find links to the products’ websites that will assist you in purchasing a ceramic spray.
The same goes for DIY kits! You can also buy many ceramic coatings and sprays on Amazon, just be wary of who you are ordering from. Some ceramic sprays are exclusively sold on Amazon which helps provide easy, fast shipping.
You can also find ceramic sprays and coating at your local hardware and automotive stores. Hell! You can even find them at Walmart. Just remember, if you are getting a price that seems too good to be true, be wary of that product. Luckily, you have our reviews to help you out!
What is this question? You bet it is! Ceramic coating will help provide the best line of defense against daily wear and tear on your vehicle’s surface. It is definitely worth the price and will help you protect your investment.
Again, why spend tens of thousands of dollars on something and then not take care of it? Ceramic coating is going to protect your car better than waxes and other sealants.
For the low cost of $19.99 for Nexgen Ceramic Spray, it’s pretty hard to make an argument against when using a ceramic spray. You can’t do any harm by adding a ceramic coating and it’s really not hard to do! Especially with so many step-by-step guides and YouTube videos out there.
Ceramic coating is 100% worth it and will help keep your car looking its best!
Why spend money every few weeks to have your car washed? Why waste your own time washing your car?
Whether you chose from our favorite ceramic sprays or decide to go for a full-on DIY kit, you are only helping your investment, and prolonging the life of your vehicle’s exterior.
If you enjoyed our post on what is ceramic coating for cars and are determined to try it out, remember to check out our reviews of many different ceramic sprays before purchasing one!
