For the longest time, the best type of car paint protection was thought to be carnauba wax. While professional grade car waxes are good products if used properly, wax does have some limitations. A revolutionary new category of paint protection has begun to replace wax. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what this new process entails.
Latest in Paint Protection
When car owners hear the term ‘car paint coating’ or ‘paint protection coating’ they sometimes assume the term refers to some form of sealant, Teflon or similar products. But this term actually refers to a specific class of products which bond to the paint at the molecular level, providing a hard layer of protection, impenetrable to biological contaminants, while minimizing scratches and scuffs. These coatings, also known as ceramic coatings, employ nano-technology to fill in the pores in the car’s surface to produce a glass-like sheen.
Take a look at the differences between wax, sealants and ceramic coatings:
Carnauba Wax: Provides a warm shine that typically lasts 1 to 3 months. It can be broken down by detergents. It does not protect against scratches, scuffs and rock chips. It provides minimal protection against chemicals.
Sealants: These are synthetic polymers or resins that provide a protective layer that binds to your car’s painted surface. They are also easily removed by detergents and other chemicals, and last only a few months.
Ceramic Coatings: These are manmade materials, also called nano-coatings, but do not apply like sealants or waxes. The layer is thinner yet stronger due to the chemical bond formed with the paint. They last for years and can only be removed through abrasion. They resist UV rays, chemicals, scratches and are super hydrophobic. Not only do they provide excellent protection, they make the vehicle easier to clean since dirt wipes or washes away easily.
What makes a ceramic coating so much more effective than any other type of sealant or paint protection product is the molecular bond which provides permanent protection. Let’s look at how these coatings go beyond the surface level to protect your car’s paint.
Powerful Bonding
In simple terms, a ceramic coating forms a powerful bond with your car’s paint which can withstand normal wear and tear. There are many advantages that ceramic coating offers over traditional paint protection techniques, such as:
Ceramic coatings provide a shiny finish that takes away years from your car’s appearance, giving it a showroom gloss and keeping it looking that way for a long time.- The coating lasts far longer than any wax or sealant. Most waxes last for months and have to be reapplied, whereas ceramic coatings last for years. This saves not only time but money. For a comparison of wax vs. ceramic coatings, check out this article.
- The coating is all the protection you need against harsh contaminants. Whether your car encounters chemical spills, dirty rainwater or bug splatter, all it takes is a simple wipe down or wash to remove dirt and contaminants.
- If you’re worried about the light scratching that come from routine car washes, ceramic coatings will help to minimize minor scratches. They are several times more scratch-resistant than factory clearcoat.
So, when you’re researching the best paint protection coating for your car, don’t be confused by the different terms used for paint protection. Ceramic coatings are the latest in coating technology. Their glossy shine, superior protection, and hydrophobic properties have made ceramic coatings the top choice of car enthusiasts and luxury car owners.
At Details Matter, our professional detailers will help you decide which level of protection is right for your car. We also take the time to properly prepare your car’s paint for a ceramic coating, which allows us to achieve the very best results. We are proud to be certified installers of both Ceramic Pro and Opti-Coat Pro and have years of experience applying these products from our shop in Melbourne, Florida. Give us a call today for an appointment.