Yes, ceramic coating is a worthwhile investment for many car owners, offering significant protection and aesthetic benefits. But is it right for you? While the short answer is a resounding yes for most, the long answer involves understanding your specific needs and priorities.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ceramic coating, including its many advantages, addressing common misconceptions and helping you determine if this protective layer is the perfect choice for your vehicle.
Table of contents
What is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior to form a protective layer. This layer chemically bonds with the paint, creating a strong and durable shield against environmental contaminants. The coating is hydrophobic, which means it repels water, dirt, and other debris. As a result, your car maintains a shiny, smooth appearance and is easier to clean and maintain.
In addition to traditional ceramic coatings, graphene ceramic coatings are also available. These advanced coatings contain graphene – a highly conductive form of carbon – enhancing durability and heat resistance. Graphene coatings provide an even higher level of protection, making them ideal for luxury vehicles that require extra care.
Why is Ceramic Coating Required?
You’ve worked hard to get your dream car. Now that you have it, you may realise that maintaining its shine is challenging. Without that shine, the car can lose its appeal and look older than it is. Now, ceramic coating for your car does help you maintain the showroom shine; but there’s a lot more to it. Let’s understand…
Protection from the Elements
Indian weather conditions can be particularly harsh on your car’s paint. The intense sun constantly exposes your car to UV rays, which can lead to oxidation and dullness. Over time, this weakens the clear coat, causing the paint to lose its shine and making the car look older.
The monsoon season presents its own challenges. Dirty water and airborne pollutants can leave stubborn stains that detract from your car’s appearance. Hard water deposits, common in many Indian cities, can also etch into the paint if not promptly cleaned. Because ceramic coating prevents water and contaminants from bonding with the surface, these issues are minimized, helping your car remain spotless even in extreme weather.
Bird droppings and tree sap are also a nightmare for car owners. These substances contain acids that can eat into the paint, causing irreversible damage if left unattended. A ceramic-coated car reduces the impact of these corrosive materials by preventing them from sticking, making them easier to wipe off without heavy scrubbing.
Ease of Cleaning
Keeping a car clean can be a challenge, but ceramic coating makes the process significantly easier. The hydrophobic nature of the coating means that water, dust, and dirt are less likely to stick to the surface. Instead, they bead up and roll off, keeping your car cleaner for longer and reducing the need for frequent washes.
When you do wash your car, the process is far less tedious. Dirt and grime come off easily with minimal effort, leaving behind a flawless finish. The slippery surface also prevents mud and road grime from clinging to the lower panels, which is especially useful during long drives on dusty roads.
Another often-overlooked benefit is the reduction of swirl marks caused by improper washing techniques. Many car owners unknowingly damage their paint by using rough cloths or dirty sponges, which can create micro-scratches that dull the surface. Ceramic coating hardens the exterior layer, reducing friction and making it less susceptible to scratches during cleaning. This ensures that each wash leaves your car looking as good as new.
Preservation of Value
Ceramic coating helps preserve your car’s original appearance for years, which is a major advantage when you decide to sell it. By preventing damage from sun exposure, air pollution, and road contaminants, the deep gloss and smooth finish remain intact. This keeps your car looking fresh and polished, even after years of use.
The protection against minor scratches and scuffs also contributes to preserving its value. Fewer visible imperfections mean your car stays in better condition, helping you get the best possible price when it’s time to sell.
Process of Applying Ceramic Coating
Applying ceramic coating is a meticulous process that requires expertise. Here’s how it’s typically done:
- Preparation: The car is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated to remove any dirt, grease, or wax residues that could interfere with the bonding process. This step is crucial because any contaminants left on the surface can affect the quality of the ceramic layer.
- Polishing: After cleaning, the paint is polished to remove any swirl marks or imperfections. This ensures a smooth, even surface, which is essential for the coating to adhere effectively.
- Application: The ceramic coating is applied in small sections using an applicator pad, ensuring complete coverage of the vehicle’s exterior. This is done carefully to ensure the coating bonds well and provides maximum protection.
- Curing: Once applied, the coating must cure. Depending on the product, curing time can range from 12 to 48 hours. During this time, the coating chemically bonds with the car’s paint, creating a long-lasting, durable layer of protection.
- Finishing: After the curing period, your car will have a glossy, smooth finish that enhances its shine. The ceramic coating is now fully bonded, and the car is well-protected from the elements.
Because even a small mistake can damage your paint, it’s best to get it done by trusted experts who can preserve your car’s original look.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Your Car
- Enhanced Durability: Unlike traditional waxes and sealants that offer only temporary protection, ceramic coatings last for years, providing a long-lasting shield against dirt, water, and UV damage.
- UV Protection: The UV-resistant properties of ceramic coatings block harmful rays, which can cause paint to fade and oxidize over time. This is particularly beneficial for luxury cars that need to maintain their vibrant, showroom-worthy appearance.
- Hydrophobic Effect: The coating makes your car’s surface water-repellent, causing water to bead up and roll off easily. As a result, contaminants like dirt and bird droppings are less likely to stick, and cleaning your car becomes much easier.
- Improved Shine and Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic coatings enhance the depth and clarity of your car’s paint, giving it an unparalleled glossy finish that helps it maintain a showroom-like shine, even after months of daily driving.
- Scratch Resistance: While ceramic coatings can’t completely eliminate the risk of scratches, they create a protective layer that helps resist minor abrasions and swirl marks, keeping your car looking newer for longer.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial application of ceramic coating may seem like a significant investment, it saves you money in the long run. With fewer car washes, less waxing, and fewer repairs needed due to the protected surface, you’ll save considerably over time.
Cost of Ceramic Coating
The cost of ceramic coating can vary significantly, typically ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000. For premium brands, specialised applications or larger vehicles, the cost can even reach up to ₹50,000. This range reflects the combined cost of the ceramic coating product itself and the professional installation.
At CarzSpa, we understand that every customer has unique needs and budgets. We offer a range of ceramic coating packages designed to provide the best value and protection for your vehicle. Please see the table below for our current product ranges and pricing details:
Ceramic Coating Cost at CarzSpa
| Car Type | Lite | Trinity 9H | Pentagon 10H | G10 IMPACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hatchback | ₹12,950 | ₹19,950 | ₹26,950 | ₹34,950 |
Sedan | ₹13,950 | ₹20,950 | ₹27,950 | ₹37,950 |
Luxury/SUV | ₹15,950 | ₹22,950 | ₹29,950 | ₹39,950 |
Note: It is important to note that these prices are for the ceramic coating itself and do not include the cost of application. The cost of application can change depending on the complexity of the job and the location of the applicator.
Myths About Ceramic Coating
We have been in this industry for 18+ years. Over the years, we have talked to a lot of car owners. These car owners have lots of myths about ceramic coating and that’s why we would like to debunk it for you here.
Ceramic Coating Makes Your Car Scratch-Proof
Ceramic coatings significantly reduce the risk of minor scratches but don’t make your car completely scratch-proof. Look there’s a difference between being scratch-resistant and being scratch-proof. Good quality ceramic coatings are resistant to light abrasions. However, deep scratches from impacts or sharp objects can still damage the surface. If you want to protect your car from scratches, consider PPF application on your car.
Once Applied, You Don’t Have to Maintain Your Car
Ceramic coatings make it easier to maintain your car, but they don’t eliminate the need for regular care. Periodic washing, proper maintenance and reapplication of the coating after a few years will ensure the protection lasts.
Ceramic Coating is Costly
The initial cost of ceramic coating is high. However, the cost of not getting it is even higher as you will need more professional cleaning sessions. Moreover, your paint might get damaged and impact your car’s resale value.
Ceramic Coating is not durable
This is not true for all ceramic coatings. CrystalShield Ceramic Coating by CarzSpa lasts for 7 years. So we cannot say ceramic coating doesn’t last long. It’s just that cheap ceramic coating doesn’t last long.
You Cannot Apply Ceramic Coating Over PPF
If you want to keep that showroom finish intact and ensure ultimate car paint protection, you can apply the ceramic coating. However, not all ceramic coatings are suitable for that. Only go for trusted products like Marvel coating from CarzSpa.
Why Choose CarzSpa?
When it comes to protecting your car with a premium ceramic coating, choosing the right detailing studio is crucial. CarzSpa stands apart for several key reasons, offering not just a service, but an experience that delivers lasting results.
Expert Detailers and Meticulous Process: Our team comprises highly skilled and certified detailers who are passionate about cars. They follow a meticulous, multi-step process to prepare your car’s paint before applying the ceramic coating. This includes thorough washing, decontamination, paint correction and other crucial steps to ensure the perfect bonding of the coating. This dedication to preparation is what sets a truly professional ceramic coating application apart.
CrystalShield: The Cutting-Edge Ceramic Coating from CarzSpa: We’re proud to offer CrystalShield, our exclusive line of advanced nano ceramic coatings, specifically formulated for the challenging Indian climate. Developed using Ultrasonic Dispersion Technology, CrystalShield ensures superior bonding of SiO2 and Silica Resins for enhanced durability and protection. With over 80% high-grade SiO2 content, CrystalShield hardens on contact with air, creating a smooth, protective layer that interlocks with your car’s clear coat. This semi-permanent bond means it won’t wash off like inferior coatings, providing long-lasting protection and an unparalleled glossy finish that even brand-new cars can’t match.
Unmatched Protection and Shine: CrystalShield goes beyond basic protection. It shields your car from the harsh elements, including UV rays, pollution, bird droppings and road debris. It also enhances the gloss and depth of your car’s paint, making it look newer for longer. CrystalShield also has an innovative PPF coating named Marvel, which has been formulated to be applied on a paint protection film to add a second layer of protection for the car’s paint along with great depth of colour and shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is it worth getting a ceramic coating on a car?
Yes, for most car owners. Ceramic coating protects your car’s paint from the elements, enhances its shine, and makes cleaning easier. While it’s an investment, the long-term benefits and reduced maintenance often make it worthwhile.
2.How long does a ceramic coat last on a car?
A professionally applied ceramic coating can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, or even longer with proper care. The longevity depends on the quality of the coating, application process, and how well the car is maintained.
3.Does ceramic coating devalue a car?
No, ceramic coating generally does not devalue a car. In fact, it can help preserve its value by protecting the paint and keeping it looking newer for longer, which is attractive to potential buyers.
4.Which is better, ceramic or PPF?
PPF (Paint Protection Film) offers superior protection against rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coating provides excellent gloss, hydrophobic properties, and protection from minor scratches and environmental damage. PPF is more expensive but offers greater impact protection. The “better” choice depends on your priorities and budget.
5.Can ceramic coating be removed?
Yes, ceramic coating can be removed by a professional detailer using specialised techniques like polishing or wet sanding. It’s not a simple DIY process and should be handled by experts to avoid damaging the underlying paint.
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