A ceramic coat is a top-choice car protection product for owners.
It is desired because it offers a long-lasting hardcover that prevents harmful substances from reaching the car’s paint.
However, opting for a ceramic coat requires serious consideration as there are some major cons to its use. Jump on this article as it discusses 5 major problems with a ceramic coating.
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What Is a Ceramic Coat
A ceramic coat is an alternative is a chemical polymer solution applied to the exterior of a car that gives it solid protection against harmful substances. A ceramic coat is a widely preferred alternative to car wax because of its chemically intrinsic properties.
Ceramic coat doesn’t easily fade in harsh weather. It is also commonly referred to as permanent or semi-permanent nano ceramic coating. However, before we discuss the benefits of this coat, let us talk about its weakness, as it is the focus of this article.
Problems Associated With the Use of Ceramic Coat
Here are common issues with ceramic coating:
Not 100% Scratch Resistant
Paying over $1000 just to get a cover that is not 100% resistant to scratches can be discouraging. The best a ceramic coat will fight against is a spider web kind of scratch.
It is a big misconception that a ceramic coat will prevent all scratches. To an extent, this is true, but it will be a very minor scratch.
Anything with a sharp or hard edge will cut through a ceramic coating. Any harsh treatment on the body of the car will not also stop it, for instance, hard scrubbing/washing of the car.
It is then very important to treat your car with care regardless of what wax or coat is applied to it.
Vulnerable to Water Spotting
Water spots come because of minerals in the water that touch the car. These natural minerals create spots on the body of the car.
Unfortunately, a ceramic coating does not prevent this issue. The best is that it will make it easier to remove water spotting, but won’t outrightly prevent it.
Removing a ring spot on a vehicle is an extremely hard process that might require a professional to handle. The best advice to avoid water spots is to dry the car with a microfiber cloth.
It Is More Complex
Applying a ceramic coat can be a Herculean task compared to the conventional wax or paint sealant.
The application requires more skills and techniques, or else it will be applied wrongly, especially because its application is done manually (by hand).
The main problems that could arise from a wrong application are high spots, cloudy light reflection and streaks on the car’s body.
Another problem is that some areas can be missed or over-coated. DIY (do it yourself) application is not generally advised because of this wrong application. It is best to take it to a professional to apply it for you.
Professional Application Is Expensive
This is another discouraging side to a ceramic coat.
First, it has to be done manually, which would require skillful handling, and second, having a professional sort can just be really expensive.
However, this high expense has its own fair share of benefits. It’s worth the money, after all.
Gloss and Hydrophobic Properties Dull Overtime
A ceramic coat gives the car a glossy and attractive finish, but it fades quickly.
The protective layer that covers the car will last for years, but that glossy outlook might not. The good side is that most manufacturers offer maintenance products to apply from time to time to boost the glossy look of the car.
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Any Imperfections Must Be Removed Before the Coat
Any defects or swirl marks on a car must be corrected or removed before adding a ceramic coat to it.
This is because the defects will be locked underneath the coat and it will have to be removed all over again before you can correct them.
They Do Not Prevent Rock Chips
As emphasized earlier, a ceramic coating will not prevent a hard scratch, including rock chips. A typical rock chip in front of your vehicle is inevitable unless you apply a more robust paint protection.
The best ceramic coat will probably prevent smaller rock chips, but not the vast majority of them.
However, there are some alternatives to a ceramic coat. Some are less expensive and do not have the exact hard cover, while some are almost the same or even better than a ceramic coat. Below are the various alternatives to a ceramic coat.
Paint Protection Film
The paint protection film is really in competition with a ceramic coat. They are relatively more expensive and give a more solid cover against rock chips.
It is 8 mils thick clear flexible film made from polyurethane with a solid adhesive that glues to the body of the car. However, these films do not have the glossy outlook of a ceramic coat and they also can’t hold up stains as well.
You should never do a paint protection film yourself. Get a professional to handle it for you
Paint Sealant
Paint sealant is a synthetic wax product applied to the body of the car. They are much similar to the conventional car wax, but they last much longer than them.
However, a paint sealant offers little or no protection against scratches, swirls, or rock chips.
Graphene Coating
This coating is just as similar to a ceramic coat, or should we call it an upgrade? They are made up of the same ingredients but with the graphene added; it enhances the durability of the coating on the car.
Related: Do All Cars Come With Clear Coat Paint?
How to Maintain a Ceramic Coating
Here are 5 major tips to keep that coat in good shape. They include:
1. Wash Your Car Weekly
Washing your car weekly or bi-weekly helps to remove any sort of contamination on the car. It kicks out any other defects that the coat could not and would prevent water spots from showing up.
2. Use the Two-Bucket Method
The two-bucket method literally means using two buckets to wash the car. One bucket contains the shampoo for the car while the other contains plain water for rinsing.
This method has been proven to reduce swirl marks and give the best finish. Dropping your wash mitt into the water helps to decontaminate before using it on the surface.
This should be done every time the mitt gets brown or dirty.
3. Do Not Wash Under Direct Sunlight
To avoid water spots and to get the best results, find a shade to scrub your car or wash when the sun is down.
This is one best way to completely avoid spots because the sun causes the remnant drops of water to dry up on the car’s body, which over time would eat into the paint and form spots.
4. Use a Specific Ceramic Coat Shampoo
As there are recommended soaps for cars, in the same way, there are specified shampoos for ceramic coats.
Using a normal car wash shampoo may contain high abrasive agents and high PH levels that can entirely damage your ceramic coat.
A ceramic coat shampoo not only washes the car better but also boosts the gloss of the car.
5. Use a Separate Washing Material For Your Tires
Tires and wheels are the dirtiest part of the car because they collect road grime and dirt faster.
Since you started a good job, finish it by getting another washing tool for your tires to avoid spreading this filth to other areas of the car.
Related: Do All Cars Rust Eventually? (Here’s What To Expect)
