Ceramic Coating FAQ

How Long Do Ceramic Coats Last?

It varies depending on the product and the way you treat your car during that period. I use a Graphene Ceramic Coating that will last 7 or 9 years with proper maintenance. Some manufacturers promise much longer longevity of their Ceramic Coating. If you are not properly maintaining the exterior of your car though, then deterioration of the ceramic coating might happen faster.

Is a Ceramic Coating a Shield?

No. Ceramic Coating is a paint protection product, and it does protect your car's paint to a certain degree. It is not some magical forcefield but it does have some amazing properties that help it do its job extremely well. Once fully cured, it bonds on top of the paint of your car. Usually, that is the clear coat layer of your vehicle's paint, and forms a hard, slick surface that has some resistance to damage and is fairly resistant to harsh chemicals, and has excellent resistance to heat, and can also help protect against permanent scratches. It is also resistant to UV radiation that we receive from sunlight and weather. It has amazing hydrophobic qualities, and the slick surface not only prevents water from sticking to it but also prevents particles, in general, from fully sticking to it, such as mud, bugs, or dust. And if they do not fall off while driving due to wind resistance then they should be easily washed off by rinsing them with water. 

Are Ceramic Spray Coatings a Scam?

Yes and no. Ceramic Coating Sprays usually do not perform nearly as well as their counterparts in bottled form. They are actually a different formula even though on first inspection, it might seem that they are doing the same thing. That is why you will likely find them at a cheaper price point than true Ceramic Coatings. Spray Ceramic Coatings have been invented as an easier-to-work-with alternative to Ceramic Coatings. They, indeed, are much easier to work with since they are mostly applied in a spray-on and buff-off manner, and it takes a significantly shorter time to coat a car. But they are really not designed to replace Ceramic Coating since they offer mostly the same properties but at a weaker scale and thus perform worse. Most notably, they will on average last as an Automotive Car Wax would since they deteriorate quicker and easier when dealing with any day-to-day activities.

How Can I Maintain My Coating?

 Wash the car regularly, do not let bird droppings or tree pollen sit on your car for a long period of time, use pH-neutral car shampoo and avoid abrasive towels but use microfiber towels to clean your car instead. The key tip here is to use pH-balanced shampoos. Avoid drive through or touchless car washes, as those can significantly shorten the life of the coating. 

Can I Clay Bar A Ceramic Coating?

No. A clay bar exists in the automotive detailing industry to remove contaminants that are stuck in the clearcoat, or in this case, in the coating. Now if you use a clay bar, which is abrasive, you might be damaging the Ceramic Coating to a point where it needs to be reapplied again.

Can You Ceramic Coat Wheels?

Yes. Coating your wheels can help with heat that comes from breaking, and they also help with brake dust that is notoriously difficult to remove if you do not know what you're doing. I do not coat wheels in my Ceramic packages, but if you would like that please let me know!