Ceramic coating has become a popular choice for customers considering car detailing services, but what exactly does it do? When applied to a vehicle’s paint, this protective layer helps maintain its appearance by keeping the surface cleaner and more resistant to damage. Demand for ceramic coating services has surged by 15% in the past year as more car owners recognize its long-term benefits.
Learn how ceramic coating works, its advantages, and why it’s becoming a go-to solution for preserving a vehicle’s finish.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a type of protection car detailers can apply on your vehicle to shield it from corrosion, weathering, and wear and tear. Often called glass coatings, they give treated vehicles a glossy, shiny appearance.
A ceramic coating formulation consists of three essential ingredients:
- Resin. The coating’s core ingredient, resin, is typically made from silicone-based polymers like PDMS or silicone dioxide (SiO₂). These materials give the coating a glossy finish and hydrophobic properties, which means they repel water and prevent streaks or water damage on your vehicle’s surface.
- Additives. Most ceramic coating formulas include additional ingredients such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) for increased UV protection or compounds to boost water repellency. These additives improve the coating’s protective capabilities, make the surface easier to clean, and simplify the application process.
- Solvents. The solvents in a ceramic coating keep it liquid during storage. After application, the solvents evaporate, allowing the resin and its additives to bond to your vehicle’s clear coat. This forms a thin, durable layer that increases the clear coat’s protection while boosting its gloss and shine.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating is part of a comprehensive, premium car detailing service. It’s one of the treatments designed to shield your vehicle from wear, tear, and environmental damage. A professionally applied ceramic coating offers benefits such as:
- Water resistance. Ceramic coatings cause water to bead and slide off your vehicle’s surface, preventing water spots and damage.
- Protection from environmental damage. A typical ceramic coating includes additives that protect your paint from fading due to UV rays and scratching from bird droppings, leaves, and other debris. Many coatings also contain anti-static agents, preventing the car from attracting dust, dirt, and small particles, helping it stay clean for longer.
- Enhanced gloss and long-lasting shine. Some additives improve your vehicle’s aesthetics, such as gloss enhancers. These additives make your paint color pop, giving it a more reflective finish.
- Minor scratch resistance. Ceramic coatings provide some protection against swirl marks and minor scratches. However, they don’t replace thicker, more protective layers like paint protection films.
How Ceramic Coating Differs from Wax and Sealants
Unlike waxing and sealing, which are temporary treatments, ceramic coatings are more durable and considered semi-permanent. Here’s how ceramic coatings compare to traditional wax and sealants:
| Treatment | Ceramic Coating | Wax and Sealants |
| Durability | Highly durable, bonds with the clear coat | Moderately durable but does not bond with the paint or clear coat |
| Longevity | Most coatings last around five years.Premium detailers offering ceramic coatings in Charleston, SC, can provide even more durable formulations capable of lasting up to seven years. | Last weeks to a few months, depending on product quality |
| Protection | Highly water-repellentExcellent protection against contaminants and UV raysSome protection against minor scratches | Moderately water-repellantGood but less durable protection against contaminants and UV raysMinimal protection from minor scratches |
| Ease of Application | Requires professional application and prep work from an experienced car detailer | Can be DIY or applied by a professional |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, standard washing, and car care help maintain the coating | Requires frequent reapplication |
Application Process
Getting a professional ceramic coating is a detailed and thorough process designed to deliver long-lasting protection and a flawless finish. Here’s what a premium ceramic coating service usually involves:
- Deep wash. Professional car detailers will thoroughly clean your vehicle to remove all dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface.
- Clay bar decontamination. After washing, detailers use a clay bar treatment and chemical decontamination to remove any remaining residue that a regular wash might miss.
- Paint correction. Detailers will polish your car’s paint to remove imperfections like swirl marks or light scratches, leaving the surface smooth with little to no flaws.
- Surface prep and coating application. After prepping the surface, detailers use an isopropyl alcohol wipe to ensure it’s free of any remaining contaminants. Then, they’ll carefully apply the ceramic coating to the car’s surface, working in sections to provide an even application and a strong bond with the clear coat.
- Curing. After applying the ceramic coating, it must cure for at least 24 hours in a clean, enclosed space.
Get Long-Lasting Paint Protection With Gloss Boss
If you want to keep your vehicle looking factory-fresh, consider investing in a ceramic coating service from a professional car detailer. When combined with regular cleaning and maintenance, the ceramic coating offers long-lasting protection against contaminants or fading due to UV rays.
Are you looking for premium-grade car detailing services in the Charleston area? The team at Gloss Boss is a locally owned business operated by car care enthusiasts. We offer drop-off detailing and mobile ceramic coating in Charleston, SC.
Book a service with us today and experience our exquisite car care services!