There’s a very good reason that ceramic coatings are all the rage in recent years. They offer a ton of benefits, and they’re cost-effective in comparison to repairing the damage they protect against. Pretty much anyone with a car they care about is getting a coating applied.
However, there are also some myths that have popped up. Some underestimate how good ceramic coatings are, and some overestimate them.
We want our customers to know what they’re paying for. Here are seven ceramic coating myths debunked so you can make an informed decision.
1. You Don’t Need to Wash It
This one’s a bit silly, but a lot of people who are newer to ceramic coatings fall for it all the time. You’ll still want to schedule periodic detailing sessions or give your car a traditional wash now and then.
The thought behind this myth is that you have such a great coating that all that road debris and dirt in the air can’t touch your paint and flies right off. While it does offer solid protection from sand, for example (especially when the coating is in good shape), the coating itself can still take a hit from the elements.
The coating can get dirty just like the paint job. In fact, you’ll still see water stains, because minerals in the water can be left behind as the water beads up and dries. Little particles can also jam into the coating and cause it to lose its luster.
However, washing it properly is just as important as washing it in general. The old-fashioned two-bucket method is best. It’ll remove the vast majority of contaminants and restore a lot of the coating’s luster.
2. They’re Meant for Valuable Cars
A valuable car, such as a classic that’s many decades old or a brand-new luxury ride, is what many people think about when they consider ceramic coatings, and some people will tell you that’s what they’re for.
Well, that’s not true.
Ceramic coatings are fairly cost-effective, and it’s worth putting them on practically any car. Even if you just bought a $20,000 standard SUV that’s a couple of years old, protecting it is going to be worthwhile in the long run.
There really isn’t a reason not to unless you simply don’t want it. The value of the car isn’t much of a determining factor.
3. They’re Impervious to Impact Damage
This myth is unfortunate because it sets a completely unrealistic expectation. The name “ceramic coating” inspires ideas of a rock-hard shell that can take pretty much anything, including rocks flying on the highway or similar hard debris.
That’s only true to an extent. Small particulates can be completely stopped by the coating. They’ll likely embed in the coating and need to be repaired, but they won’t reach your paint job.
With that being said, a good-sized rock flying out from a trucker’s mudflap is going to go through it fairly easily. There’s only so much a protective coating can do. However, the coating will help dramatically lower the amount of damage done if it doesn’t stop it outright.
4. Ceramic Coatings are Just for Scratches
There’s an idea floating around that ceramic coatings are just there to stop your paint from scratching. Well, that’s a big reason they were made.
Your car will still look scratched if the coating gets scratched, but a quick buff, and you find out the paint’s fine, and it was just the coating. It’s great for that. However, that’s not all it does.
While you’ll see water staining on a ceramic coating, it comes right off with a wash. Unlike your paint job, which can be permanently damaged by minerals left behind by water.
UV light is another major factor that ceramic coatings help protect against. Since constant sun exposure can quickly fade your paint, this added layer of defense is essential for Carlsbad drivers.
5. They Need Constant Replacement
This is a myth that tends to come from the DIY crowd. DIY ceramic coating products are only supposed to last about six months, and most of them degrade faster in adverse conditions.
A professional ceramic coating typically lasts between two and five years, and if you maintain it properly, it can last a lot longer.
There aren’t even many maintenance requirements. Wash your car regularly, and if there are any concerns about the coating getting a bit scratched up or contaminated, have it inspected. Repairs are done as needed.
This is meant to be a more permanent solution than wax or other common forms of protection for your vehicle. You certainly don’t need to replace it often.
6. It’s Hard to Apply a Ceramic Coating
First, you should always get a ceramic coating done professionally. It’ll last longer and be a lot easier to maintain.
However, even the DIY route isn’t overly difficult.
Ceramic coating doesn’t take too long to apply – a couple of days and some elbow grease, and you can get decent results. It’s still worth it to pay just a little more to have it professionally done with commercial-grade products, though.
7. It’s Just Wax
Ceramic coatings and normal old car wax are very similar in terms of what they do and what they protect against. They are not the same, though.
Wax will come off just as fast as you put it on, and it’s not nearly as good at protecting against debris and chips.
Ceramic coatings bond to your vehicle. They can still be removed, and over a matter of years, they’ll need to be redone, but you won’t have to worry about your coating coming off just because you washed your car.
It’s hard, it’s far more advanced, and you get far better results.
Get a Professional Ceramic Coating with Finetactic Detailing
So, there you have it – seven common ceramic coating myths debunked.
One of the most important things to remember is that you need a good specialist to apply your ceramic coating. At Finetactic Detailing, we make sure the results look flawless and back it up with expert aftercare to keep your coating in top shape for years to come.
If you’re in Carlsbad and want to protect your ride with a professional ceramic coating, premium mobile detailing, and paint correction services, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’re here to help you keep your car looking its best, mile after mile.