If you have read online or watched videos about Ceramic Coatings, you may have come across some competing claims. Some manufacturers and detailers have made outstanding promises about the performance of their Ceramic Coatings. Others, commentators have offered opinions that may be false.
What is the truth about automotive Ceramic Coatings? What are their benefits? What are their limitations? What will be best for your vehicle? I will start by saying a ceramic coating is the second "best" form of protection, paint protection film (clear vinyl film) is the first choice of "best" protection. What is a Ceramic Coating: A Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that is applied by hand to the exterior of a vehicle. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, trim, plastics, wheels and glass creating a layer of protection. A Ceramic Coating is not a substitute for paint protection film. Rather, I describe it as a wax alternative. A Ceramic Coating creates a semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s paint, meaning that it does not wash away or break down and does not require repeated application every few months like a wax. What does a Ceramic Coating do: A Ceramic Coating adds additional protection to your vehicles exterior and helps keep it looking like-new without the need for repeated waxing. It protects against such things as uv rays, bird droppings, salts, dirt and chemicals. The coating achieves this result by creating an extremely slippery (self-cleaning) surface making your vehicle more resilient and easier to clean. Main Benefits: Protection from uv damage If a vehicle is daily exposed to the sun, its paint will begin to oxidize, resulting in dulled and faded paint. A layer of Ceramic Coating protects a vehicle’s paint from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the amount of oxidization. Protection from Chemical Stains and Etching Another danger for your car is chemical staining from naturally acidic contaminants. By creating a chemically resistant surface, a Ceramic Coating can keep some contaminants from bonding to your vehicle’s paint. The result is that your vehicle will be more resistant to staining and etching, provided the contaminant is removed in a timely manner. Ease of Cleaning One of the most significant features of a Ceramic Coating is that it is hydrophobic, which is a fancy way of saying it repels water. When a vehicle has a hydrophobic Ceramic Coating, water will bead on the surface and slide off more easily. This means that mud and grime will have a more difficult time bonding to your vehicle’s paint, and when you wash your car, contaminants can be removed with less effort. Enhanced Gloss If you want your paint to stand out with a high gloss finish, you will want to add a Ceramic Coating. A good Ceramic Coating enhances the reflective properties of your car’s paint/metallic flake and clear coat, adding to the depth and clarity of your paint. Value A Ceramic Coating will add value to your vehicle. At Final Finish Detailing LLC, we are a certified installer for Owners Pride Ceramics made in Omaha Nebraska for Wausau, WI and the surrounding area. Owners Pride carries the only nation wide, certified with the Federal Trade Commission of the Untied States (FTC) compliant warranty that is also transferable in the US. And it appear on CarFax reports adding legitimate value to your vehicle at time of resale. Hit the link below to learn more and to schedule an appointment. Thank you for reading and following!
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After your vehicle has been polished (paint correction) and protected with a wax or ceramic coating service it is important to take a proactive role in maintaining the condition of your vehicle. Coated vehicles are much easier to maintain, especially since you will not need to frequently polish or wax the paint in order to keep it protected from the elements. However, it is important to note that no ceramic coating is bullet proof and the finish will begin to degrade if neglected or improperly cared for.
Here are some tips that will help you keep your vehicle looking its best for as long as possible: Recommended maintenance procedure for our coatings:
Washing at Home Method: Items needed: 5 gallon pail Wheel cleaner Grit guard Old wash mitt/brush for cleaning wheels High quality high lubricating soap Microfiber towels for wiping out door jams Soft microfiber wash mitt Larger soft microfiber drying towel Leaf blower (works great for drying) *Grit guard is a plastic screen/grate that sits in your pail and traps debris keeping your wash water cleaner. 1. One at a time rinse your wheels, spray wheel cleaner, scrub and rinse thoroughly. 2. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly from top down ensuring that you're pushing dirt and dust down off your vehicle and onto the ground. 3. Use the recommended directions on soap bottle to mix your bucket of soapy water. Start with one section at a time and wash from top down, left to right motion gently with little to no pressure wash your vehicle. 4. Do not allow soap to dry, you may have to rinse each section after scrubbing. 5. If you have a leaf blower use it now to dry the majority of the vehicle off and don't forget all the cracks/crevasses around mirrors, handles, window trim, emblems, etc. 6. Finish drying with your microfiber drying towel. Make sure to dab not wipe as back and forth wiping motion may cause unwanted marring. Maintaining your vehicle using safe wash methods, as described above, will help you preserve a flawless finish and extend the useful life of your ceramic coating for years of enjoyment. We have wash kits filled with the products we use to be purchased along with a Maintenance Program for our existing customers to take part in. |
AuthorOur mission at Final Finish Detailing LLC is to deliver unmatched exterior and interior detailing and ceramic coating services to the Wausau, Schofield, Rothschild, Weston and surrounding areas. Archives
January 2024
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