What are the pros and cons of ceramic coating a car in Denver? Does it protect your car's paint from water spots, UV rays, scratches, swirl marks, and chemical stains?
Are the benefits really worth it? Or is car wax a more cost-effective solution?
How long does applying ceramic coating take? And how long does it last?
We get it. You have a lot of questions about ceramic coating for cars.
Lucky for you, we're going to answer them all right now. Below, we list all the pros and cons of ceramic coating a car that you need to know. Keep reading to learn all about it.
- What Is Ceramic Coating?
- The Pros of Ceramic Coating a Car
- The Cons of Ceramic Coating a Car
- Remember These Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coating a Car in Denver
What Is Ceramic Coating?
First, it helps to know precisely what ceramic coating is and what makes it unique from other protective car coatings. Ceramic coating is also called a nano-ceramic coating because it consists of microscopic particles mixed into a liquid polymer base.
This technology is similar to asphalt, which consists of gravel in a base of tar. The result is a semi-permanent, transparent paint protection film that's about as strong as a thin layer of asphalt and has excellent surface protection.
In contrast, car spray waxes are much softer and are not permanent. It must be re-applied a lot more often than ceramic coatings.
The Pros of Ceramic Coating a Car
Next, let's look at what this protective film does. Here are six advantages of ceramic coating a car.
1. Keep Your Car Looking Like New
Is your car still somewhat new? As long as the exterior is in excellent condition, applying a ceramic coating can keep it that way.
The hard shell formed by the coating protects the paint underneath from:
- Scratches
- Dirt
- Chemical stains
- Rust
- Fading/UV rays
It also offers some amount of protection against rock chips.
2. A Newer-Looking Paint Job
So, then, what if your car's exterior is looking not so new? As long as the paint has no significant scratches or damage, ceramic coating can refresh its appearance.
Namely, it adds that new car sheen. And it preserves what's still great about your paint job under a hardy layer of protection.
3. Long-Lasting Protection
Do you currently wax your car to keep it protected and shiny? This is better than applying no protection at all. Still, wax is significantly inferior to ceramic coating.
Namely, wax is softer, so it doesn't protect against scratches. It also isn't permanent at all.
To keep the benefits of waxing, you have to re-apply every 3 or 4 months. But a top-of-the-line ceramic coating like Ceramic Pro should last 7 years or more.
4. Cost-Effective Protection
That last point demonstrates how ceramic coating saves you money on the cost of exterior maintenance. However, it can indeed be a bit expensive to apply.
But it's so permanent that it lasts seven years. So, compared to the cost of re-applying wax during all those years, you can save a lot of money with ceramic coating.
Besides, it protects against scratches, fading, and other exterior damage much better than wax and other solutions. Thus, you don't have to pay as frequently for paint touch-ups, either.
Furthermore, consider how all this preserves a car's resale value. As a car owner, you must realize that, someday, you will sell or trade-in your car. When that day comes, your car will be worth a lot more if you've kept the exterior protected. So let's make a protection plan for your vehicle.
5. Your Car Stays Cleaner
Also, the ceramic coating resists water and other liquids as well as dirt. So your car stays clean for longer in between washes.
Free Download: What is Ceramic Car Coating? [Ultimate Guide]
6. Easy Washing
That last point also means that washing your car is more manageable because nothing sticks to it. To illustrate, it's the same as how nonstick frying pans are easier to clean than regular frying pans.
The Cons of Ceramic Coating a Car
Lastly, let's take a look at what ceramic coating can't do. Here are the most common complaints you'll hear.
1. It Doesn't Remove Existing Flaws
While ceramic coating preserves the look of your car's exterior, it doesn't cover anything up. It's transparent, remember?
Thus, it won't fix any scratches, rust, remove swirl marks, or any other marring that already exists on your car's exterior. It will preserve them permanently. That's why you must fix these issues before applying a ceramic coating.
2. It's Not Invincible
You know that ceramic coating is highly durable and resistant to damage from minor hazards and general wear and tear. This doesn't mean that it's invincible.
Namely, your paint can still be damaged by runaway shopping carts, car accidents, and intentional vandalism. Also, the coating does protect against rock chips but is not 100% effective at it every time.
3. It Doesn't Replace the Need to Wash Your Car
Your car will stay cleaner with a ceramic coating. But that doesn't mean you never have to wash it.
As with a nonstick pan, leaving it soiled will eventually take its toll. The unwashed dirt, grime, and chemicals will start to deteriorate the coating. Then, you'll have to re-apply the coating sooner.
4. Water Spots/Swirl Marks Are Never 100% Preventable
Water spots are remnants of minerals and other matter left behind when the water evaporates. A waterproof coating doesn't change this.
It does, however, make water spots less likely and easier to clean. Most beads of water will roll right off after washing, which minimizes the likelihood of water spots. Plus, any spots that are left behind can be simply wiped away with a dry cloth.
Similarly, the formation of swirl marks on your car is minimized by ceramic coating. Like water spots, these are also inevitable.
5. Application
The application of a ceramic coating is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and somewhat expensive. As we've proven, though, all of these disadvantages are made up for by the long-term benefits of ceramic coating.
6. It Doesn't Come Off
The only real downside of ceramic coating stems from its primary benefit. Namely, it's incredibly permanent/durable.
We mentioned how existing scratches and rust stains would be preserved beneath the coating for years. The same is true of any mistakes made during the application process. Of course, this is why you should always have it applied by a professional.
Remember These Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coating a Car in Denver
We hope that these pros and cons of ceramic coating a car in Denver have given you a lot to think about. Even better, we hope you're ready to enjoy the benefits of ceramic coating for yourself.
If you are, we can help. Please fill out our contact form to inquire about our ceramic coating services and to get an estimate.
