The Complete Guide to Choosing a Ceramic Coating for Your Car

Finding the right ceramic coating to keep your car looking new requires knowing your options. Here is a guide to choosing a ceramic coating for your car.

With over 80% silica dioxide concentration, ceramic coatings add a rock-hard level of protection to car surfaces. They are also known to be self-healing and water repellent.

Consider ceramic coating if you would like your car to look as good as it did when you bought it. With this detailing solution, you won’t have to apply a new coat every few months. Your vehicle’s exterior will also be free of stains, chips, and swirl marks.



However, choosing a ceramic coating for your vehicle needs adequate research to get the most value. No one would want to do another paint correction after this coating is installed on a car. As you review your options, here are seven tips to guide you through the process.

Understand Its Limits

One common myth about ceramic coating is that it eliminates ongoing car maintenance needs. The truth is that it only reduces these needs while preserving your vehicle’s exterior.

Take time to learn the pros and cons of ceramic coating. This will help you resist false advertising campaigns that consider the product a super-cure solution for any car problem.

Always note that ceramic coating isn't a substitute for chip or scratch protection. It also doesn't reduce the need to wash a vehicle properly. You have to wash your car frequently to maintain its appearance.

Check Its Strength and Hardness Level

The thickness levels of ceramic coatings vary in many degrees. They also determine the overall strength and hardiness level of the product.

Basically, a harder coat is less prone to minor denting, abrasion, and scratching. A good example is a coat with a 9H hardness level. This will keep your vehicle's paint in the best shape for years.

The hardness and strength level also factor in your vehicle's exposure to the sun. A harder coat will protect the auto paint from damaging UV rays. It also offers protection against etching and chemical stains that reduce a vehicle’s exterior appeal.

Choosing the strength and hardness level by yourself can be tricky. It's, therefore, wise to consult with a credible collision repair and paint provider. With their help, you'll be confident about getting the right coat for your car.

Look At Its Water Behavior

While most ceramic coatings are highly hydrophobic, some form beads or sheets when in contact with water. It's important to consider the level of water protection when buying one. Do this by considering how water beads on the coat's surface.

A good coat will form water beads when it rains. And these beads burn any deposits and minerals in the water to the car’s paint.

It’s also common for water to evacuate quickly into sheets after it has rained on the coat. This effect is known as sheeting.

Both sheeting and beading give a car more protection from different water sources. They give water droplets more surface tension to roll away.

Does it Enhance Your Car’s Reflective Properties?

Ceramic coatings are a sure way to make a car’s paint pop with gloss. They can boost the reflective properties of your vehicle’s paint to different degrees. This, in turn, adds to the clarity and depth of the auto paint.

Besides surface protection, you also need to look at the gloss factor. You have various ceramic coating options for a candy-like gloss on your car. Whichever you choose, ensure that it brings the most out of the original auto paint job.

Confirm from the detailer whether the coating will look closer to new or shine for a longer time. Inquire about their level of prep work before applying the coating. This is because prep work greatly affects the reflective properties of your car's paint when this coat is installed.

Review Its Lifespan

The lifespan of a typical ceramic coating differs in many ways. This is because your vehicle might come into contact with various elements. These elements, including pollen, UV rays, mud, salt, or rain, may impact the coat negatively.

Good ceramic coatings last between two and three years. Some can even go up to five years with the proper maintenance. Either way, you should understand that the coating isn't a permanent solution.

The level of maintenance your car's exterior gets will determine the lifespan of the ceramic coat. Take your car to a professional detailer for service at least once a year.

Look Into the Cost of the Coatings

You'll notice many different ceramic coating products, services, and brands as you shop around. Along these lines, finding a cost-effective solution in the market can be a bit tricky.

If you are new to the auto detailing world, it might be challenging to understand the reasons behind these cost differences. One thing to note is that detailers charge depending on the product and labor needed. A cheaper ceramic coating won't last long compared to a more costly commercial-grade one.

So, as you budget for ceramic coating, factor in the coat purchase costs and labor costs. Comparing coating prices from at least three detailers will help you estimate the costs.

Hire the Right Installer

Hiring a ceramic coating installer should be part of choosing a coating. This is because a ceramic coat is as good as the expert installing it. Also, the quality of the results depends on the installer's level of preparation and skill.

If you choose to do it yourself without professional experience, you may end up with bad results. The coat will result in scratches, swirls, and ugly high spots. It will also have a shorter lifespan leaving an unsatisfactory look.

Considering one that everyone recommends and reading online reviews will help you find the right one. Ask the detailer lots of questions regarding ceramic coatings and auto paint. This will help you understand what to expect from their service.

Need Professional Help Choosing a Ceramic Coating

It’s no secret that ceramic coating creates a long-lasting bond with a car’s paint. And choosing a ceramic coating shouldn’t be a rushed process. This is especially true if you would like to get great value from the investment.

Count on Solar Shade Window Tint for a wide range of window tinting solutions. We operate as an authorized 3M and LLumar dealer serving the Lace City and Jacksonville areas. Get a free window tinting estimate from us today.