Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

Protection from Oxidation

You probably know that UV rays are harmful to your skin, and may have gotten your windows tinted for extra protection. Did you know that UV and heat exposure can also do damage to your car's paint job in the form of oxidation? Simply speaking, oxidation is a chemical reaction that causes the oil to be sapped from car paint, which in turn causes the paint to fade or wear away. 

Not only does this diminish the appearance of your car but it can also expose the frame to rust growth. While a little bit of rust on the hood or near the tires is reversible, it can also spread to the undercarriage of your car and cause serious damage.

Easy Cleaning and Care

The elements can do a lot of damage to your car, particularly when you're dealing with a lot of acid rain and pollution. Even things like bird droppings can lead to stains and wear and tear if you aren't getting your car washed on a regular basis.

Getting a ceramic coating for your car makes it much easier to wash away organic contaminants, from dust and debris to bird droppings and bugs. Plus, ceramic coating is hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water. This will help to minimize water stains and make it easier to wash away hard water stains when they start to build up.

Improved Appearance

When you imagine a brand-new car, you probably imagine a glossy, even coat of paint. Adding a ceramic coating can restore that gloss. Plus, you won't have to wax your car every few months to maintain that gloss.

This is another area where ceramic coating and PPF differ. Oftentimes, PPF gives vehicles a matte appearance, meaning that the paint will look flat and dull. While some vehicle owners prefer the matte look, most want their cars to shine in the sun.

How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last?

Don't believe any car detailer that tells you that ceramic coating provides a permanent solution. The truth is that with proper maintenance, you can expect to get the most out of ceramic coating for several years. However, exposure to chemicals like degreasers will start to have adverse effects on ceramic coating, and that glossy finish will fade eventually, indicating that it's time for a new coat.

Can Ceramic Coating Fix a Damaged Paint Job?

Some people believe that applying a ceramic coating to a car with paint damage will eliminate or hide that damage. The truth is that if you have peeling, flaking, or faded paint, you may want to get that fixed before you apply a ceramic coating. In fact, applying a ceramic coating to a damaged paint job just means that you're sealing the damage, and it will still be visible through the clear coat.

Will Ceramic Coating Increase Car Value?

Should you get ceramic coating before selling your car in order to increase its value? This is a tricky one to answer because ceramic coating doesn't inherently increase your car's value, but it can preserve the resale value over time. By protecting the paint and the body of the car, ceramic coating can prevent some damage that can reduce your car's value.