Ceramic Coating: What is it? 5 Key Factors You Should Know

Let me guess – you’re a car person. If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for every way possible  to protect a new car and keep it looking shiny, brilliant and brand new for as long as possible. Good thing you’ve come to the right place. I’ll break down everything you need to know about ceramic coating and how it can help keep your car looking its best.

Five Key Factors You Should Know About Ceramic Coating

Here’s the deal: if you’re wanting to protect that new-car glow for as long as possible, there are a few main things you should know about how a ceramic coating car protectant can help. I’ve outlined them for you below:

1. It’s low maintenance – not no maintenance
2. It protects against a lot – but not everything
3. It’s permanent – almost
4. You can apply it yourself
5. It’s affordable

Now let’s take a closer look at these important things to consider.

Ceramic coating is low maintenance – not no maintenance

You’ll never have to wash your car again if you apply a ceramic coating, right? Well, not so fast. While a ceramic coating may dramatically reduce the level of maintenance your car will need, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get your car dirty enough to need washing. What do I mean? The protective coating likely will mean you can go longer between car washes, but your car still will eventually get dirty and need a good washing. The bottom line? Plan on washing your car a little less frequently than without a ceramic coating car protectant, but don’t rule out car-washing altogether.

But guess what else? If you normally wax your car every time you wash it, you can scratch that one off your list. Your ceramic coating will eliminate the need for waxing your car throughout the life of your coating.

Ceramic coating protects against a lot – but not everything

Let’s face it: there’s a lot of stuff you come into contact with that can wear down or damage your car’s finish. Bird droppings, sunlight, flying rocks, tree limbs and other sinister items in your environment can scratch or otherwise wear down the finish on your vehicle. A ceramic coating for cars goes a long way, for example, in protecting your paint job from wear and tear associated with sitting outside in the sun. And it can also help provide an extra layer of defense against minor scratches and staining. 

But make note: even the best ceramic coating isn’t likely to offer much defense against rocks flying at your car at high speed, or against intentional scratching. There are limits. Remember – I said defense against minor scratches, etc.

It’s permanent – almost

Here’s the deal: you’re going to hear and read a lot of info about how ceramic coating is permanent. But what’s a more accurate description? Semi-permanent. And what does this mean for you? It means that, while a ceramic coating forms a bond with the surface of your vehicle, even the best ceramic coating won’t last forever. You won’t have to touch it up or reapply it very often – in most cases, the best ceramic coating can last as long as three or five years. But the last time I checked, five years isn’t forever, so it’s not permanent.

You can apply it yourself

You can always go the route of having a ceramic coating professionally applied, but today you also have several options when it comes to top-quality DIY ceramic coatings. How do you do it? First, make sure your car is cleaned, buffed and dried, and that you’ve completed any paint restoration your vehicle needs. At that point, you can follow the directions specific to your particular ceramic coating kit. Depending on the product you choose, you also may have access to customer support that can help answer any questions you have and walk you through the application process. Then voila – you’re done!

It’s affordable

A DIY ceramic coating kit can run anywhere from $20 to $150. Or you can choose to have a ceramic coating for cars professionally applied, which can cost you between $500 and $3,000. Bottom line: you have a wide range of prices to work with, depending on your own DIY skill level and how perfect you want the application to be. But the best news? Any of these options are less expensive than getting a whole new paint job because your paint has been damaged.

FAQs

What is ceramic coating? 

A ceramic coating for cars is simply a liquid polymer that is applied to the outside of your vehicle. As it dries, it creates a chemical bond with your existing paint, which results in an extra protective layer. Because it’s usually semi-permanent, it doesn’t have to be reapplied and it won’t quickly wash away or break down.

How to apply ceramic coating?

If you’re going to apply a ceramic coating yourself, the first step is to read and make sure you’re following the directions specific to the DIY kit you’ve chosen. Then you need to make sure your car is clean, buffed and dried, and that you’ve made any paint corrections that need to be made before following the application directions from your kit.

How long does ceramic coating last?

The best ceramic coating can last up to three or even five years. That’s assuming you’re dealing with a high quality product that’s been well applied – and that you take good care of your car in general.

How much does ceramic coating cost?

It depends on whether you apply your coating yourself or have a professional do it for you. DIY kits can cost between $20 and $150, while professional applications usually start around $500 and go as high as $3,000.

How to remove ceramic coating?

Removing a ceramic coating is more complicated than applying it, so be warned. Where to start? You could use a specially formulated stripping agent to remove your ceramic coating, but you run the risk of damaging the paint underneath. Some experts advise waiting until your ceramic coating is wearing thin and then scraping off what’s left of it with a clay mitt or bar.

Conclusion

Ceramic coating is a good option if you want to prolong the life of your car’s glossy paint job and keep it looking its best as long as possible. But is it a miracle that protects against everything? Absolutely not. You should make sure you know these key factors and understand the benefits and limitations of a ceramic coating for your car before you commit.

If you’d like to learn more, reach out to us here at Freedom Classic – our team can talk you through your options and help you decide your next steps. Our team of professionals have served the Kissimmee area since 1993 and are experts when it comes to auto detailing and ceramic coating services. We can help you keep your car looking brand new!