In the world of automotive detailing, ceramic coating has gained immense popularity and has become a buzzword among car enthusiasts. This innovative protective solution promises to enhance the appearance of your vehicle while providing long-lasting and durable protection. If you’re curious about ceramic coating and how it works, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of ceramic coating, its benefits, and the process involved in applying it to your vehicle.
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating, also known as nano-ceramic coating or glass coating, is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with the paintwork of a vehicle to form a protective layer. This coating creates a durable and transparent barrier that shields the paint from various external elements, such as UV rays, dirt, chemicals, and minor scratches. Unlike traditional waxes and sealants that sit on top of the paint, ceramic coating becomes a part of the surface itself, offering long-term protection.
How Does Ceramic Coating Work?
The secret behind the effectiveness of ceramic coatings lies in their molecular composition. These coatings contain nanoparticles that form a chemical bond with the vehicle’s paintwork through a process called cross-linking. Once applied, the coating undergoes a curing process that transforms it into a hard, transparent layer that is resistant to environmental contaminants.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating:
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Superior Protection:
Ceramic coatings provide exceptional protection against UV rays, oxidation, bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental contaminants that can damage the paintwork of your vehicle.
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Enhanced Gloss and Shine:
The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings create a glossy and reflective finish, making your car look brand new and showroom-ready.
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Ease of Maintenance:
The smooth surface created by ceramic coating makes it easier to clean your vehicle. The hydrophobic nature repels water and dirt, reducing the need for frequent washing.
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Longevity:
Unlike traditional wax or sealant, ceramic coating lasts significantly longer, with some products offering protection for several years. This means fewer applications and cost savings in the long run.
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Chemical Resistance:
Ceramic coatings are highly resistant to chemical stains and etching caused by acidic contaminants, such as bird droppings or bug splatters.
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Scratch Resistance:
While ceramic coatings cannot prevent all types of scratches, they do provide an additional layer of protection against swirl marks and light scratches.
The Application Process:
Applying ceramic coating is a meticulous process best left to professionals. Here are the general steps involved:
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Washing & Detailing:
In this first step the vehicle is thoroughly washed with specialized foam shampoo, alloy wheels & engine deeply cleaned and the paint surfaces gets decontaminated with clay bar & iron remover spray treatment to ensure a clean and smooth surface free from impurities.
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Paint Correction and Polishing:
Paint correction is a meticulous process that involves removing imperfections from the surface of the vehicle’s paint. These imperfections can include swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, water spots, and other forms of damages. After correction paint surfaces are polished with specialized Nano Polishing Compounds to get dezired gloss on paint and which is free from all imperfections.
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Surface Preparation with IPA:
The use of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for surface preparation is highly beneficial. IPA wiping effectively removes oily residues, fingerprints, and other contaminants which may remain from the polishing process. This process ensures a clean surface, opens the pores of the paint, and readies it for subsequent treatments, promoting optimal adhesion and ensuring the long-lasting performance of ceramic coatings.
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Ceramic Coating Application:
The ceramic coating is carefully applied to the vehicle’s paintwork in small sections using a soft applicator and pseudo cloth. It is evenly spread to ensure complete coverage. After flashing time of coating the excess coating residues will be removed by soft microfiber cloth to ensure smooth coating application.
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InfraRed Curing:
After perfect application, the coating will be cured with short wavelength InfraRed (IR) Lamps. After IR Curing vehicles will be kept in a dust free room for a minimum 12 hours to ensure the coating gets totally dry and cured which allows it to bond with the paintwork and achieve the hardness of Ceramic Coating.
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Final Inspection:
Once the coating has cured, the vehicle is inspected to ensure proper coverage and any necessary touch-ups are done.
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Delivery Consultation:
At the time of delivery a specialist or technician shares some important tips to customers related to proper care and maintenance of ceramic coated vehicles.
Conclusion:
Ceramic coating offers a revolutionary solution for protecting and enhancing the appearance of your vehicle’s paintwork. Its ability to form a durable, transparent layer that bonds with the paint creates a shield against various environmental factors, making maintenance easier and prolonging the longevity of your car’s finish. While ceramic coating does require an investment and professional application, the benefits it provides make it a worthwhile consideration for any car enthusiast looking to maintain their vehicle’s aesthetics and value in the long term.
Are you tired of spending countless hours maintaining and protecting your vehicle’s paintwork? Look no further! Autotriz is here to transform the way you care for your car. With its cutting-edge technology and superior performance, we offer a range of automotive detailing products that will take your car care routine to the next level.