Your vehicle’s paint probably looked amazing when it was brand new. Most vehicles are subject to intense heat and cold, salt, flying debris, gravel, slush, dirt and mud, bird poop and all sorts of scratchy and nasty stuff. PPF and ceramics are the two most common products to offer protection to your vehicle’s paint and lenses. Each does different jobs. Urethane PPF film is like a flexible and resilient screen protector for your car. It protects your car form stones and debris that would otherwise damage paint or lights. Your car’s paint needs to be protected fro the elements. Here is the low-down on paint protection, keeping in mind that the beauty and value of bare paint and lights are short lived. Below we will explore a quick history of paint protection coatings.
Wax.
Let’s take it from the top. If you’re old enough you’ll remember the strong petroleum smell jumping at your nose when prying the lid off a metal can of wax on a hot summer day. That was followed by one million hours of rubbing, a tremendously sore elbow, and a sunburn on one shoulder. Guys greased their hair and everyone who had a car waxed their car. Wax provided a shiny and lustrous glow to almost any paint. But after a few washes and a bunch of hot or rainy days, the wax would need to be reapplied to maintain the shine.
Polymer sealant.
Some clever people developed synthetic waxes, or polymer sealants to replace old-school wax products. Polymer sealants offer similar attributes to traditional wax but perform better in every way. Sealants last longer than wax, handle more extreme temperature, and provide better self-cleaning properties, and offer a higher-quality shine. Sealants can last up to six months and are great for daily drivers, commercial vehicles, and enthusiast car owners alike.
Ceramic.
Ceramic coatings will make your life easier. Your car will be a a million times easier to wash with a ceramic coating. Your soapy wash mitt will glide effortlessly over the car’s features with minimal effort. Washing a ceramic-coated car is a real pleasure. Our modern ceramic products offer an entirely new level of simple and reliable paint protection performance, easily out-classing the durability of sealants.The ultra-slippery performance of our ceramic products will prevent tree sap, bird droppings, road tar, road paint and bugs from sticking to your paint. Ceramic materials applied to a well polished paint or glass surface will improve the visual and water-shedding characteristics of your vehicle’s paint and glass. Ceramic coatings offer an extremely thin, very hard coating which separates your vehicles exterior surfaces from the environment. The primary component in is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which creates a hydrophobic surface to repel water, dirt, and other contaminants for a long duration over many wash cycles.
Why Invest in Ceramic Coating for Your Car?
- Long-lasting Protection: Ceramic coatings can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on the product and maintenance. This longevity far surpasses that of traditional waxes and sealants, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Superior Hydrophobic Properties: The hydrophobic nature of ceramic coatings causes water to bead up and roll off the surface, preventing water spots and making it easier to clean your car.
- Enhanced Shine and Appearance: Ceramic coatings provide a deep, glossy finish that enhances the color and clarity of your vehicle’s paint, making it look new for a longer period.
- UV Protection: Just like Paint Protection Film, ceramic coatings protect your vehicle’s paint from harmful UV rays that can cause fading and oxidation.
- Chemical Resistance: Ceramic coatings are resistant to various chemicals, including road salt, bird droppings, and tree sap, which can damage your vehicle’s paint. This makes your car easier to maintain and keeps it looking clean.
- Reduced Maintenance: With a ceramic coating, your vehicle requires less frequent washing and detailing. The slick surface repels dirt and grime, making it easier to keep your car clean.
- Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained car with a ceramic coating can command a higher resale value, as it shows prospective buyers that the vehicle has been cared for.
Invest in a ceramic coating for your new vehicle. The best time to apply a ceramic coating is immediately after a complete polish. New cars usually require some polishing service prior to coating. Ceramic coatings and common sense car care will help preserve the high value of your vehicle’s OEM paint finish.