Nowadays, the term “automotive ceramic coating” is more popular with car buyers. Because most car owners are more active in protecting the shine of their cars. There are two processes that keep a car shiny. A very common and ancient process is car waxing. But ceramic coating is a modern process and is the best alternative to automotive wax.
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer coating. When applied to a car body, the liquid polymer or quartz forms a chemical bond with the paint to form a protective layer. Finally, this layer provides a long-lasting shine. It is easy to apply, maintain, and remove. If the coating is done perfectly, then it will last a lifetime on the body.
What are the best ceramic coatings for cars? Currently, there are several types of ceramic coatings available on the market. But it’s not easy to find the perfect one for your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the best automotive ceramic coating and detailing process. Not only that, but we’ll also learn how ceramic coatings work, how to apply and remove them, and their benefits.
Guide to the Best Automotive Ceramic Coatings: Why You Need the Best Automotive Ceramic Coatings
Basically, the ceramic coating provides a strong protective surface for the car body. The ceramic coating protects your car’s paint job by forming chemical bonds, making the paint look great. It also protects the car from chemical stains, UV rays, water, oxidation, bird droppings, debris.
1. ARMOR SHIELD IX DIY KIT – THE BEST CERAMIC COATING FOR CARS
Everyone wants to be one. The Avalon King Armor Shield IX DIY Kit is simply a ceramic coating that offers a variety of services in a single package. It is a high-quality clear coat that uses the latest nanotechnology and is essentially tiny particles that form a thin layer. This layer is so thin that it is invisible to the naked eye.
This clear coating is not only durable but also hydrophobic. It is resistant to scratches, sludge, UV rays, extreme heat, and many other environmental issues.
Why do we say Avalonking is a provider? Because it offers professional and protective safety gloves (remember safety first), applicator suede x3, microfiber cushioned towel, applicator sponge, and finally a cream 30ml Bottle Armor Shield IX.
Once upon a time, you might hear about a revolutionary automotive product, but Avalon king also delivers on its promises. If buying a cheap coating is your habit, then it won’t last more than a year (up to 2 years if you’re lucky). Even though your vehicle is used for everyday driving, the Avalon King warranties an average of five years.
If you want a Hollywood shiny car, then you should use it once as a test base. Avalon King also gives you clear instructions on how to apply the ceramic coating. If you follow these instructions correctly, then you will get a shiny car without paying for a professional fee. Avalon King Ceramic Coating is not only suitable for cars, you can also use motorcycles or motorcycles, boats. To view more information about Avalon King’s ceramic coatings, click on the product title.
Key properties of Avalon King ceramic coatings
- Innovative nanotechnology ceramic coating
- 5-year warranty
- To see more, click on the heading above.
- Designed for DIY enthusiasts
- Discount base products
- 24/7 customer support
- Easy to apply and remove
Benefits and highlights:
- Self-cleaning working mechanism with a complete DIY kit.
- Click on the title to see more features.
- Proper cleaning instructions with guides.
- 1 x Regular Car Kit, 2 x SUV/Truck Kits, 3 x Multi-Car Kits.
- Once you have finished the livery, you have to enjoy the mirror like the body of a car.
Drawbacks and defects
- Stupid preparation is required.
2. CarPro Cquartz Ceramic Coating – The essence of ceramic coating for crops
What are the best ceramic coatings for cars? If you’re a professional or consumer and you’ve been struggling to find the best paint for your car, then the CarPro Cquartz 50ml Kit is an excellent option you can consider.
It is a semi-permanent silica-based paint that ranks among the best among car owners. It is an improved version designed specifically for customers. You can use it on the surface of the car, especially in colder environments. In addition, you can use it in hot and humid climates.
Guide to the Best Automotive Ceramic Coatings: What’s more, it will last at least two years on your car’s surface. It comes in two variants: 30ml and 50ml. You don’t have to worry about the price because it’s competitive with other paint lines – $60 for a 30ml set and $78 for a 50ml set.
It comes at a relatively low price considering the performance you get. This product is a lightweight finish polish that is basically a primer for Sea Quart paint. Since I’ve used the product myself, I know how much benefit you’re going to get for your car.
What’s more, these coatings need to have a minimum curing period. They don’t want to get wet too soon. After applying them to the paint, they want to sit for a while. Because they don’t want to be exposed to heavy elements anytime soon. It is a product that takes at least 72 hours to rinse.
What’s even more interesting is that it still softens on the paint even after the second application. Therefore, it is not too difficult to have an impact on the behavior of the water. In addition, the coating does not lose any luster compared to regular wax.
When applying this coating, you will feel undisturbed because it works well and smoothly. Plus, it offers plenty of shine and self-cleaning power, so you can wash your car easily and quickly.
As a hard and shiny coating left on the paint has an extremely long life. In addition, it can keep the paint safe from acid rain, bird droppings, abrasive traffic lights, oxidation, and damaging UV rays for at least 2 years. In addition, it can withstand huge amounts of heat.
The self-cleaning properties result in more comfortable maintenance cleaning. It will retain a better gloss for several months as compared to wax. This product does not require a topcoat for hydrophobicity, while other coatings require a secondary topcoat.
It is best to let the application dry for at least an hour after applying it to the paint. For best results, you can wait 24 hours. Within the first hour, make sure to gently wipe off any water from the surface after applying the coat. Do not apply any chemicals or other solutions for at least 5 days after application.
So I have mentioned all the things you should know before using this coating based on my experience. If you use the product, I can guarantee that your money will not be in vain.
Key features of the CarPro Cquartz kit:
- Nanotechnology coatings.
- CQUARTZ FINEST – 70% quartz, 99.9% purity.
- Five pieces of suede microfiber cloth.
- The first action formula.
Benefits and highlights:
- It’s easy to apply.
- The coating can easily last for at least 2 years.
- The water droplets are special.
- It adds a glass-like shine and shine.
- The water droplets fall off beautifully.
- Bird droppings are easy to remove.
Drawbacks and defects
- You need to be prepared enough to apply it properly.
Benefits of Ceramic Coatings for Automobiles
Over the years, the automotive industry has made tremendous progress thanks to advanced technology. Automotive ceramic coating is another innovation that makes your car look stunning while providing additional protection for interior and exterior components. Let’s scroll down on why we should use ceramic coatings on our cars.
High security with a protective layer
The ceramic coating provides sufficient protection for the surface of your car. The car suffered a lot of attacks that hindered its body. The nano coating can protect your vehicle from all kinds of damage.
Dirt, grime, residues, chemicals, and other harmful contaminants are common substances that are always stored on paint. But when you use this protective coating, it ensures that your car is protected from adverse rust. On top of that, it protects the surface from UV rays.
Ensure durability
Of course, your car paint job will last longer than a typical wax. Even under UV rays or high temperatures, it does not fade as easily as wax. As a result, the surface will retain its lustrous appearance while protecting against acidic components and other objects.
Knock off dust and dirt
Dirt, dirt, rags, acidic water, and other objects may damage the paint surface. This nano-coating prevents dust and other contaminants from adhering to the paint surface. That’s why the surface of your vehicle is smooth and clean.
Easy to clean
The properties of ceramic coatings are amazing, they can keep dust and other harmful components from being stored on the surface of the car. When the car doesn’t have much dust, it will make your cleaning job easier.
No more car wax
Before the invention of ceramic coatings, car wax used to be an essential item for car owners. Car waxes are not as protective and durable as ceramic coatings. Ceramic coatings replace automotive waxes by offering more benefits and high durability.
Long-lasting glossy appearance
The shine does not fade quickly after applying the ceramic coating. Even after experiencing high temperatures or other adverse weather conditions, it will remain fresh and look like a brand new car.
Cost-effective
Car waxes won’t last longer, as you’ll need to repaint them within two or three months. So redrawing multiple times will increase the cost. On the other hand, a high-quality professional ceramic coating can last for at least two years if it is properly cared for. That’s why it’s always said that it works once better than many times.
Types of ceramic coatings for automobiles
What are the best ceramic coatings for cars? Different ceramic coatings work differently on various surfaces because of their unique properties. Each type has different formulations and ingredients specifically designed for some specific users. Some paints may require specialized application assistance, while others are easy to apply on their own.
Durability and quality standards may also vary for different ceramic coatings. There are three main types of ceramic coatings on the market: polymer, quartz, and hybrid.
Polymer
The polymer is one of the most popular types of ceramic coatings and provides strong adhesion to painted surfaces. When you use it on a painted surface, it creates a layer.
Removing that layer is a daunting task. You’ll need to polish the surface to remove the layer. It is a strong layer that protects the surface from damage and tough ingredients.
Quartz
Compared to other ceramic coatings, quartz or silica coatings are the strongest ceramic coatings in terms of hardness. It is not prone to chips or scratches. It prevents these particles from being stored on the surface.
This coating is suitable for a wide range of surfaces. It is also more durable because it is harder than other coatings. Plus, it won’t go away easily if there aren’t any duplicate apps.
Even after years of use and interference, you can still maintain the shiny look of your car. It also forms a protective layer that doesn’t break down easily.
Mix
This type of coating is a mixture of polymer and quartz coating. The hybrid coating claims to be the best one because it has two components: organic and inorganic. It contains both a protective cover and a harder layer.
The superior resistance of this coating makes it the first choice for car owners. However, this does not prove that it is the best option for extra protection and other aspects. But there is no doubt that it is a powerful coating because it is a combination of two ceramic coatings.
Guide to the Best Automotive Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic Coating Goes Wrong
Even a DIY high-quality ceramic coating can easily last for several years. And, if you do a professional-grade ceramic coating from the store, it might last 8-10 years.
It will make the surface of the vehicle look shiny while protecting it from dirt and road grime. Showcasing the best performance doesn’t have to be complicated for it. In addition to that, you will have no trouble cleaning the surface.
However, a quality coating requires a perfect surface finish. Even the simplest proposal can be a daunting task if you don’t have the proper experience and knowledge to apply it. There are a few steps you need to follow accurately and make sure it’s error-free.
One mistake can make the whole DIY session pointless. When an error occurs, you may need to redo the entire session. Removing the entire coating requires serious effort and care.
If you fail to follow the instructions accurately, you may make the situation worse rather than better. That’s why you need to know how to apply the ceramic coating perfectly, accurately, and precisely to get the best results.
Your ceramic coating can go wrong in a number of ways. Some of the most common problems people face when applying coatings are as follows:
High spots/streaks/smudges in the coating
One of the most common problems people face when applying coatings is high spots. It can happen due to a lack of lighting. When it comes to ceramic coatings, proper lighting is crucial so that you can get the job done with precision. It is best to paint outdoors during the day.
However, you may still make some mistakes at the high points of natural light. When a surface has a higher coating compared to the rest of the surrounding area, it is also known as a high point. Specifically, the paint does not have a balanced and uniform finish in all areas.
How to avoid high spots in the coating
When using a ceramic coating, make sure there is plenty of light. Using additional lights may make your task easier. Even if you make any mistakes, you can notice them before the high spots in the paint dry out and harden.
It’s best to work in a small area first and then move on to the next. Most people try to coat a large area at once. When they make any mistakes, this complicates their task because it is difficult to remove all the paint from a large area at once.
How to remove high spots in the coating
There are a variety of ways to remove high spots in the coating. I have mentioned some effective methods that are easy for most users.
When you identify the high point, immediately smooth the coating with a microfiber cloth so that it does not harden. A thin coating is then applied to the affected area. But don’t make the mistake of overdoing it. A small amount is enough to get the job done.
If these methods don’t work for you, you can polish the high points by hand to remove the coating. If hand polishing isn’t for you, a machine polisher can do the job too.
Why use ceramic coatings
No matter how old your vehicle is, ceramic coatings can increase the durability of exterior paints. It forms a thin layer on the surface of the paint that acts as a powerful protector against many harmful ingredients and the surrounding environment.
Most car owners, especially newbies, are likely to ask the question – with so many options on the market, why should they use a ceramic coating.
Better performance than wax
Using wax for a long time will increase your costs. Because you need to reapply them again and again. However, if you manage to do the ceramic coating professionally and precisely, it will take less time, only once or twice in 10 years.
Water repellent agent
Ceramic coatings tend to repel or fail to mix with water because it is only hydrophobic. It is lightweight, so it does not affect the performance of the vehicle. So it becomes easy to clean.
Protects from UV rays
Over time, UV rays may be exposed and disappear from your vehicle’s original paintwork. The protective thin layer protects your car paint by reducing the amount of oxidation from sunlight.
Good investment
Since the ceramic coating protects the interior and exterior surfaces of the car, you will be able to resell them at a higher price. Therefore, it is a good investment due to the reliable performance of your vehicle.
Permanent protection
If you apply the ceramic coating professionally and take proper care of it, you can use the ceramic coating in one go. However, sealants and waxes may need to be reapplied within a few months.
Better shine
Ceramic coating is another major innovation in nanotechnology. This technology ensures the gloss and reflection of the paint. It also includes the depth and clarity of the color.
How to apply a ceramic coating
We’ll help you step by step on how to apply a ceramic coating to your car. Once you follow all the tips and tricks that we are going to mention, you will be easy to apply it and you will get great results.
Step 1 — Wash your car
First, using a pressure washer, splash water onto the entire surface of the vehicle. Next, wash the car thoroughly using snow foam and foam cannons.
It’s best to clean the wheels first as they are the dustiest part of the car. The painted surface should then be thoroughly washed using a protective cleaning strategy.
These protective cleaning strategies include two bucket methods. You’ll use a bucket with only rinse water to wash it a little, and the wash liquid will be inside the second bucket. The top of the vehicle should be washed first, and then moved forward to the lower part.
Step 2 – Chemical cleaning
During the chemical cleaning phase, you’ll use a sarcastic file eliminator and a tar eliminator. When you spray these products on a transparent surface, they react by changing color. Then you need to wait for 3-5 minutes and then wash it off.
Step 3 – Clay sticks
You will need a clay rod and a clay stick lubricant for the second cleaning stage. This is a manual process where you will use these products to remove hazardous substances from the surface.
Spray the painted surface with a clay stick lubricant and apply firm pressure to the surface by moving in different directions. However, the pressure should not be too much, not mild.
Step 4 – Polishing the paint
Before applying a ceramic coating to the surface, you will complete the perfect paint with a high gloss finish. If you don’t make a perfect paint, it may leave defects on the surface.
For deeper swirls and scratches, you’ll need to mix two or more elements, including a double-action polish. This is done to have a smooth, shiny surface.
Step 5 – IPA wipe
Once the polishing task is complete, you can move on by spraying the isopropyl alcohol mixture on the surface. These spots are then dried with a piece of fabric to remove any unconsumed polishing oil. It will ensure the true chemical bonding of the ceramic coating.
Step 6 – Ceramic coating application
The ceramic coating comes with a whole set of different types of things. Use a foam applicator to wrap a micro-suede applicator around it.
Strictly ceramic-coated bottles are shaken well before use. Then make a line by pouring the coating over your micro-suede. The ceramic coating is then applied with parallel lines of intersecting groups in different directions.
In addition, the manufacturer recommends working in pairs and side by side in small sections. You don’t have to wait too much — 20-30 seconds is enough. A suitable cloth is then used to remove the remaining ceramic coating from the surface.
Step 7 – Finish wiping with silica spray sealant
After removing the ceramic coating, you need to wait for 30 minutes or up to 1 hour before spraying some silica on the surface. During the curing process of the ceramic coating, spraying silica does not allow any water stains to stick to the surface.
Once the curing process is complete, you will notice that the ceramic coating has more shine and glaze. So these are the tasks that you have to follow. Make sure to keep the coating on the paint for at least 12 to 24 hours and not in contact with any water.
Guide to the Best Automotive Ceramic Coatings: How Long Do Ceramic Coatings Last?
With proper care and maintenance, a typical ceramic coating can last for three to five years. However, specialized ceramic coatings may last for a decade or more, or even the life of a vehicle.
The longevity of the best ceramic coating depends on three factors. The first is to prepare tasks and applications. When you apply a ceramic coating to a contaminant-free and smooth surface, it sticks firmly to the painted surface and is more difficult to cure. So it will be very durable.
The second is the formula – the ingredients used to make the product. All ceramic coatings are not made of the same quality. You will find that many diluted ceramic coatings do not adhere effectively to the painted surface. A high-quality ceramic coating will form a thin layer on the surface of the vehicle while bonding to the surface.
The last one is the SiO2 percentage. The higher the SiO2 percentage, the stronger it is, the better. You’ll find at least 80% of the SiO2 formulation in high-standard ceramic coatings. So it will also last longer because it’s harder.
How do I care for my ceramic-coated car?
Proper maintenance of your ceramic-coated car is an essential task to ensure excellent and long-lasting results.
Wash your car every two weeks
Cleaning your car every two weeks can prevent contaminants from accumulating. Even if you don’t use it often, you should clean it regularly.
Do not wash your car in direct sunlight
It is best to wash your car in a garage or in the shade where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Because harmful UV rays can damage your coating. The best time to do laundry is early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is at its lowest.
Use car-specific car soap or shampoo
Some car soaps are perfect for your car wash because these products don’t contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals. You can use these soaps to easily clean the surface of your car.
Always use a separate wash bucket and gloves for the wheels
Tires and wheels are the dirtiest parts of a car because these parts are in contact with the ground. So it’s better to use gloves with separate washing buckets and wheels.
Best Ceramic Coatings FAQs: What are the best ceramic coatings for automobiles
Q1. What is a ceramic coating made of?
A: Ceramic coatings are made from special formulations that contain a variety of ingredients. This special formulation creates a thin, semi-permanent protective layer on the absorbent surface.
Silica or SiO2 is the main component of ceramic coatings. A higher percentage of SiO2 makes the formulation harder and more sticky to the surface. However, the layer is not thick. So be sure to pay attention when applying.
The perfect SiO2 is between 80% and 84%. The formula also contains hydrophobic titanium dioxide.
Q2. How many layers of ceramic coating do you need for a car?
A: If you can do the coating job correctly without defects, then a layer of protection is sufficient. However, you can apply a second coat to ensure that all surfaces are covered without missing any specific areas.
But don’t apply too thickly. And, make sure to wipe off any excess coating after application. Wait 30-40 seconds, whenever applied in a specific area. You can use a high-quality SiO2 ceramic enhancement spray to make the coating more protective.
Q3. Can you wax on ceramic coating?
A: Although it can be done, it is better to avoid it. When you wax a ceramic coating, you may lose the value of applying a ceramic coating. Because the layer will be under the wax.
You won’t get the benefits of using coatings. In addition, car surfaces collect more dust and pollutants from the surrounding environment. Therefore, you will have to wash it more often to lose its hydrophobicity. To protect the ceramic coating, you can use a high-quality SiO2 enhancement spray to form an additional protective layer on the surface.
Q4. Why are specialty ceramic coatings so expensive?
A: Professional ceramic coatings can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The service you get from any pro store is worth the money. In addition, they have extensive experience and use expensive equipment to apply ceramic coating on your vehicle.
Quality is one of the most important factors in ceramic coatings. A professional ceramic coating may last your vehicle for ten years or a lifetime. You can choose to consume ceramic coatings, but it is not as effective as professional coatings. In addition, it can save a lot of money by keeping the car’s surfaces clean and preventing harmful contaminants from entering.
Q5. Why use ceramic coatings?
A: You can use car wax to protect the surface of your car. But it doesn’t protect your vehicle’s surface from oxidation, discoloration, or spots. In addition, residues and stains may be stored on the surface of the car from wax. Most commonly, you need to use wax regularly between two and three months.
Ceramic coatings, on the other hand, can easily last for years with proper care and maintenance. What’s more, it protects your car’s surfaces while protecting against dust and hard components.
