Ceramic coatings are hot on the market, and you might be looking to get your car pampered right now if you’ve read any of our other guides on ceramic coatings. However, one of the most common questions is: ‘’Can a ceramic coating be applied to any vehicle?’’.
Well, while the answer is pretty straightforward, there are considerations that need to be made.
Let’s get to the details.
The Short Answer
Simply put, your car isn’t going to turn to dust or explode if it doesn’t meet some mysterious requirement. Ceramic coatings are just fine for all cars, and for the most part, they’re amazing options for preserving the appearance and structural integrity of your vehicle. It’s not magic armor that prevents scratches if you bump into something, but the pros far outweigh any cons in most situations.
However, just because you can get a ceramic coating on any car doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider a few factors before choosing to go through with it.
Things to Consider Before Committing to Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coatings are great. They’re essentially permanent wax for your car and protect against all the same threats. However, consider the following.
1. It Is a Sizable Investment
Ceramic coatings aren’t nearly the most expensive thing you can do, but they’re also not the cheapest. It’s a complicated application process. When you consider a ceramic coating, you have to realize that it’s a long-term investment and that upfront cost does eventually pay for itself.
It does this by limiting more expensive maintenance such as paint touch-ups, constantly applying products like wax, etc. If you take good care of your car and keep it for a lengthy time, it actually goes above and beyond by not only paying for itself but also saving you money.
However, that initial cost can make some customers take a second glance. Just understand that it’s a commitment to a long-term investment rather than some immediate, short-lived, type of satisfaction.
2. Cheaper DIY Options are Risky
You can actually handle that first problem by applying your own ceramic coat for around $60 to $200 depending on the products you use and whether you have the equipment already or not.
However, DIY ceramic coating is extremely risky, and if you aren’t experienced with it, you can actually wreck your car’s coating.
So, even if you think you’ve found a cheaper alternative, it still might be a bad idea for certain cars.
3. It Isn’t Scratch Resistant
Finally, you have to be realistic about your expectations when you commit to a ceramic coating.
While a ceramic coating provides tons of protection, there are no coatings that can stop scratches and dings. Sometimes, you’ll have to do paint correction. The only reason we mention this is because the name, and the hype surrounding ceramic coatings, tend to create unrealistic expectations for those who are out of the loop.
If that sounds like you, dial back the expectations slightly, and think of it like this. What is truly ceramic coating, you might ask. Ceramic coating is more like a really good wax treatment, but you don’t have to worry about constantly reapplying. Sometimes, you never have to reapply it at all.
What Cars Benefit Most from Ceramic Coatings?
While every car can be ceramic coated, it definitely stands out as a better option for some than it does for others.
First, it’s an amazing option for classic cars that you’ve restored or maintained for decades. As the years creep by, those old classics continue to degrade. Even the best owner can’t fully stop the effects of time. However, a ceramic coating can greatly add to the longevity of the car if you’re willing to put in the time and money for it, and most classic car owners are. So, this is a great example of when to make that investment.
High-value cars are also prime examples even if they’re brand-new. If you just spent $90,000 on a truck, you certainly don’t want it getting messed up or fading just months down the line. A ceramic coating is perfect in this situation.
Cars that you want to avoid touch-ups on are also good candidates. Even if your car is a standard $30,000 family car, if you are a bit touchy about it getting water damage or the paint fading, an extra grand for a professional ceramic coating job can go a long way toward keeping that car in good shape. Of course, you also need to consider maintenance requirements, but it’s worth it if you can commit.
Finally, if you like car shows and have your own ride that you transport around the nation to show off, you need a ceramic coating. It makes maintaining the appearance you’ve poured so much time and energy into a breeze. Sure, you still have to wash it, but you don’t have to worry nearly as much about water and UV rays, and it adds a glossy finish for an added benefit.
What Types of Cars Aren’t Good for Ceramic Coating?
Every car can get the same great benefits from a ceramic coating. It’s not as if the value or type of car changes the chemical makeup of the coating.
However, you might want to consider whether you’re going to get a lot of use out of the coating before you commit. For example, if you’re still driving your run-down car from college and plan to replace it, it might be a better idea to have it detailed and shell out for a coating on the detailed car. You’ll get a lot more out of your investment that way.
Where to Get Your Car Ceramic Coated
If you’re interested in getting a ceramic coating for your car, do not do it on your own. There’s too much risk, and it is a complicated process. However, you don’t want just any service doing it. You want a truly professional service that uses the best products and has the best team to ensure that your coating is applied properly and works as it’s supposed to.
If you’re in the Carlsbad area, Finetactic Detailing is your best choice. We offer one of the best ceramic coating services out there and will pamper your car almost as much as you do.
Paint correction and auto-detailing are also services we pride ourselves on. We’ll give your car a treatment that keeps your car looking great and working well for years to come. Call us today!