To help keep your car in condition, it can take more than just regular washing. Every time you drive your vehicle comes into contact with dirt, debris, water, and chemicals in things like bird droppings. Over time, exposure to these things can wear down the finish on your car, impacting aesthetics, and when this is happening often, handling the maintenance can become time-consuming and costly.
Ceramic coating is a great way to help protect your car’s appearance. When you’re not constantly having to get your paintwork repaired, you can save yourself time and money, all while keeping your vehicle looking sleek and shiny.
At KLF Detailing, we’ve worked on a range of different vehicles, offering high-quality ceramic coating application services. You can expect us to perform the task with a careful, professional approach, to give you the best and long-lasting results possible.
What does ceramic coating actually mean?
So, let’s take a look at what ceramic coating actually means; many people may think that it’s just another form of wax, but this is not the case. Ceramic coating is able to provide an advanced protective layer as it chemically bonds to the car’s paintwork rather than sitting on top of it. Ceramic coating products are typically applied with an applicator pad to ensure a smooth, even finish and a high-gloss look once the coated surface has cured and hardened.
Sol gel technology is used to create many modern coatings, which is what allows them to harden and create a protective barrier and provide the paintwork with long-lasting protection. Advanced sol gel technology can help to enhance durability such as durability further.
With ceramic coating, your car’s exterior looks smoother, and the depth of the paint seems enhanced. In addition to appearance, a ceramic-coated car has a protective barrier that shields the paintwork from environmental factors such as direct sunlight and rain.
Ceramic coated vs wax and sealants
There are various types of coating available, including ceramic, wax and sealants; but what are the differences and which is better?
Wax coatings offer short-term shine and minimal protection, but they can quickly be broken down when faced with heat, chemicals and weather conditions. On the other hand, sealants are slightly more long-lasting, but can still wear quickly when exposed to the elements. The strong barrier of ceramic coating is what sets it apart from the two other options.
The strength of the ceramic coating offers unparalleled durability, allowing it to last for a very long time, even when it comes up against the weather, chemicals, dirt and washing products and equipment. As dirt struggles to cling to the surface, you may find that it is easier to clean as there’s less to get off.
One of the big benefits offered by ceramic coating is the extreme hydrophobic properties. This means that water is able to bead and slide right off the surface rather than sitting around, which can cause grime to build up and unflattering water spots to form. So you don’t have to worry about whether washing your car or driving in the rain is going to ruin your paintwork
In addition to hydrophobic properties, the ceramic coating also tolerates high temperatures and offers great chemical resistance. Things like bird droppings can be very acidic, and when your car is parked outside or on the go, there’s a very high likelihood that you will get at least some on your car, and this can eat into the vehicle’s coating and affect the paintwork. With a chemical-resistant coating, you can protect your car’s exterior and maintain its appearance.
So, if you’re wondering whether ceramic coating is worth the investment, you can see here that the properties it possesses are a great way to ensure your vehicle’s appearance retains an enhanced gloss and stays protected from external factors.
Our real-world experience with ceramic coated cars
Having worked on many different cars with a range of paintwork issues, we have had plenty of experience and opportunities to hone our skills so we are able to produce top-quality results.
Why preparation matters before getting ceramic coated
In order to get the best results, good preparation is key; applying the ceramic coating with proper preparation may result in reduced effectiveness, both aesthetically and functionally.
Once the coating is applied it will lock in anything that is underneath it, already sitting on the surface. This means that any debris, dirt, or other contaminants stuck or laying on the paintwork is going to be trapped leading to an imperfect finish, so removing these defects first is crucial before beginning the application process.
By clearing and inspecting the paintwork prior to applying the ceramic coating, professional detailers can identify areas that require decontamination. A clay bar is then used to lift the contaminants from the paintwork, followed by a machine polishing service to refine the paint work and repair defects such as light scratches – deep scratches may not be more intensive repair services. We’ll also check that the clear coat is in good condition and keep it that way throughout the process. Any remaining residue from the cleaning and preparation process is removed to make sure that the ceramic coating is able to bond properly.
There are many ceramic coatings that suggest that they have an easy application, and you may be tempted to perform the task yourself. However, as we’ve shown there is more to the process than just putting the coating, so going to a professional makes sense if you want a high-quality finish.
How long does a ceramic coated finish last?
The life span of ceramic coating can differ and can be influenced by various factors.
Firstly, there are different ceramic coatings, so depending on the quality you may find that it lasts longer or fades more quickly. Longevity can also vary between vehicles that have been professionally worked on and those that were a DIY job.
While ceramic coatings do offer a high level of durability, they are not infallible, good maintenance to help keep your vehicle looking good, can go a long way to improving the life span of the coating. It’s important to remember that when you are washing your car ensure that you are using high-quality products and equipment; applying snow foam during the pre-wash stage helps to loosen dirt so it’s less likely to cause scratches when you wipe the car down.
Proper products, preparation, application, and maintenance are key to having a long lasting protective and high gloss finish.
What it feels like to live with a ceramic coated car
So what is it like to have a ceramic coated car? Is there a notable difference?
Well, first and foremost, the visual of your vehicle is enhanced significantly. The slick surface helps to deflect dirt and water, leaving you with a brighter and sleeker car that you can take more pride in your ownership of.
Investing in ceramic coating and the glossy results it produces can also be a good motivator for people to continue maintaining their car. There can be a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when you wash your car and get a result that looks glossy and high quality, rather than doing all the work only for your vehicle to still look dull and dirty.
Common myths about ceramic coated paintwork
There is some information around that can give the wrong idea about ceramic coating, so let’s take a moment to address some of the myths floating around and set the record straight about ceramic coating.
Firstly, once ceramic coating is applied, it makes the paintwork scratch-proof. While the coating does offer a protective barrier and high durability, this doesn’t mean that the coating will prevent debris impact and other physical damage completely.
Secondly, some people believe that applying a ceramic coating to your car means eliminating maintenance. The stated car can stay clean for longer and easier to wash. It’s important for you to take care of it to make the most of your investment.
Thirdly, while the coating does provide fantastic paint protection, it doesn’t mean that it’s infallible. The coating is a protective layer providing long-lasting but temporary protection.
Who should consider getting their car ceramic coated?
Ceramic coating can be a good solution for a variety of people and vehicles offering benefits that can be enjoyed by many.
When you have a busy life and other responsibilities, such as work and family, it may be difficult to find time in your busy schedule to clean cars and perform maintenance tasks frequently. With ceramic coating while some maintenance is still required it is a lot less than it would be without it. People who put in a lot of work washing and maintaining my car but still end up with a dollar and dirty appearance soon after may also benefit from Sarah coating so their hard work is not for nothing.
If your car stays outside all year round rather than being parked in a garage you may benefit from ceramic coating that can offer UV protection. UV rays oxidise the paintwork creating a dull appearance.
Why choose KLF Detailing for ceramic coated protection?
Having your ceramic coating professionally applied helps you to get the best result and at KLF detailing we are here to provide high-quality services.
We’re not here to just apply the product and send you on your way. We take the time to assess the vehicle, identifying its condition And the best way to approach the defect. We don’t skip the preparation phase ensuring that the surface is ready to apply the ceramic coating so we can achieve the best results.
We are happy to speak with our customers to answer any questions and offer advice and information when it comes to properly maintaining the car for example safe washing methods and products. By giving people the information they need to properly maintain that car, it can help to protect their investment.
We take our time completing the task not cutting corners so that we know everything has been done properly to the highest standards so that it looks and performs to the best of its ability.
By taking our time using high-quality products and equipment and carrying out the process in a careful precise manner we are able to achieve top quality results when performing our ceramic coating services.
Ready to have your car ceramic coated?
If you think having a ceramic coating applied to your car is the right option for you then you can get in touch with the team at KLF detailing today.
You can expect to deal with a team that is knowledgeable, experienced and offers exceptional customer service from start to finish.
Our team has had specialist training, and we use premium products and equipment to make sure that we are producing the best results possible.
Contact us today if you have any questions about our services and would like to book your vehicle in for a ceramic coating.