Are Ceramic Coatings Worth it?

The advent of ceramic coatings in the auto detailing industry has recently caused a flurry of excitement. While it offers a range of impressive advantages for your vehicle, some assertions about its capabilities need to be more accurate, while others are entirely deceptive.

Let's debunk some misconceptions about ceramic coatings. Any detailing professional asserting that a ceramic coating delivers any of the following benefits is misleading you!

Suppose such assertions influenced your decision to opt for a ceramic coating. In that case, we clarify that although it's not a magical cure-all, a coating can deliver considerable long-term benefits for your car.

Dispelling Ceramic Coating Myths

Self-cleaning Capabilities

Contrary to circulating rumours, a ceramic coating possesses no self-cleaning magic. Whilst it doesn't have self-healing properties, it does render your car significantly easier to clean in the future.

This results from the fact that road dirt and fallout find it challenging to adhere to the ceramic coating's surface. Hence, only a limited amount of grime can find its way onto your car.

Given this, we strongly advise applying a ceramic coating to your wheels, as they face the brunt of brake dust and other pollutants. Coating your glass is also advantageous.

Scratch Protection

This is somewhat misleading. While a ceramic coating can provide marginal protection against minor surface damage by absorbing some impact, any force capable of genuinely scratching your car will succeed in doing so.

For instance, if a shopping cart crashes into your car or your car is vandalized with a key, a ceramic coating will offer little protection, failing to prevent the damage from reaching the clear coat and paintwork.

A Complete Solution for Car Paintwork

A ceramic coating is not a comprehensive one-stop solution for all your car paintwork concerns. It does offer extended protection against weathering, fallout (if maintained correctly), and scuffing.

However, it can't safeguard your car from improper washing. Using abrasive chemicals on a ceramic sealant can degrade it, necessitating a reapplication if you wish to regain the same level of protection.

There are also many types and brands of ceramic coatings on the market, at Automotive Finesse we only use the most advanced professional products available, which we have tried and tested ourselves.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Extended Durability

If correctly applied, ceramic coatings can serve you for years. They can last between 1 and 5 years, depending on the coating that was applied and with the appropriate maintenance and cleaning of the car.

No other product currently available can match this longevity. Even the finest carnauba waxes, while a commendable choice, last merely a year at best, and the same applies to sealants.

Therefore, if you desire long-term protection for your car, a ceramic coating combined with regular maintenance is the optimal way to keep your car's paintwork and wheels secure for the longest possible time. Although not inexpensive, the investment will undoubtedly pay off when it's time to sell or trade your car.

Superior Gloss

Certain waxes can deliver the same level of gloss as ceramic coatings, but they are notably costly and need to be re-applied annually to maintain their effect.

In contrast, ceramic coatings can maintain this high gloss for years without requiring frequent re-applications. For many people, this lasting gloss is the key selling point of ceramic coatings.

If this is your primary consideration, the expense is undoubtedly justified. No other product, including graphene waxes, can rival the gloss of ceramic coatings.

Enhanced Protection Compared to Traditional Waxes

Although waxes are an economical option to protect your car, they cannot deliver the same level of protection as a ceramic coating. They are not as resilient and offer minimal protection against accidental impacts.

Ceramic coatings are durable and can withstand some impact. Whilst this may compromise the layer, it does serve as an effective barrier for your car.

Furthermore, they can resist harsh chemicals for longer durations. Waxes quickly degrade when exposed to a potent TFR mix, while ceramic coatings can withstand it as long as they aren't left on the car for extended periods.

Highly Water-Repellent

Ceramic coatings repel water exceptionally well. As soon as moisture hits your car's surface, it swiftly beads off. This property is crucial when considering the damage water can inflict on your vehicle if it remains on the surface during warm weather.

Water spots can seriously mar the paintwork. However, these new water-repelling coatings can help mitigate this issue.

Drawbacks of Ceramic Coatings

High Cost

The high price quoted for ceramic coatings often discourages potential customers. When factoring in the cost of routine maintenance, many prefer to wax their cars with a carnauba-based wax instead.

This is understandable, given that a quality ceramic coating can cost over £1000, a price many deem exorbitant.

These individuals often belong to the group that have leased a reasonably priced car for a four-year term. For them, the cost is simply unjustifiable.

However, more affordable ceramic options are available, such as 1-year coatings, which may be more appealing to specific customers.

Challenging to Remove

Due to their durability, ceramic coatings are tough to remove. Unlike wax, which can be removed with alcohol wipes or cleaning fluid, ceramic coatings typically require wet sanding for complete removal.

While you would not ordinarily want to remove a ceramic coating, you may need to if the car requires repairs. For instance, if your car gets scratched, you would need to remove the layer in the surrounding areas for a professional to work on the affected spot.

As discussed earlier, your car is still susceptible to scratches, even with a coating. This is a primary hidden consideration when deciding whether to opt for a ceramic coating. They are costly to apply and remove.

Professional Application Required

This is problematic primarily because many "detailers" offer this service, and it's impossible to verify if they have performed the job correctly.

They may claim to have applied a ceramic coating when, in reality, they've used a SiO2 ceramic wax, which is entirely different.

This causes market confusion, so you must be cautious when choosing a service provider to apply a coating. While some mobile detailers do a commendable job, it's advisable to check their ratings.

Often, your best bet is to engage a professional detailing shop. They operate in a controlled environment, have the time to do a thorough job, and can mitigate any unexpected issues that could compromise the quality of the job. Automotive Finesse in Doncaster are an Accredited Detailer with years of experience in applying professional coatings.

In contrast, wax can be applied as frequently as desired, and it requires no specific expertise. Following the instructions on the package, anyone can give their car a splendid shine.