Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

Solar Shade Blogger • Jul 03, 2023

Are you wondering whether or not ceramic coating is worth it for your vehicle? This is what you need to know about these resistant coatings!

In Jacksonville, the average household owns two cars. With the cost of new and used cars on the rise, it's becoming increasingly important to protect your vehicle and your investment.

As a car owner, you know how important it is to get a mechanic under the hood now and then to make sure the mechanics of your car are in good shape. Are you giving as much attention to the exterior?

Ceramic coating is one way to protect the exterior of your car, particularly the paint job and frame. However, not all car owners are convinced that ceramic coating is important.

So, is ceramic coating worth it? Read on to find out.

What Is Ceramic Coating?

First, let's talk about what a ceramic coating is (and isn't). Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that, when cured, provides a hard and glossy protective layer over your car's existing paint job. A quality ceramic coating actually penetrates the clear coat your vehicle already has to create a strong, smooth bond.

Some car owners confuse ceramic coating with paint protection film (PPF), and while they provide some overlapping benefits, they are not the exact same thing. For example, both protective layers can provide protection from elements like acid rain and excess heat. However, PPF is a removable substance that can start to peel away after impact (think hitting another car), whereas ceramic coating is much more durable.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

It's one thing to know what ceramic coating is and it's another to understand what it can do for your car. Ceramic coating functions as great preventative vehicle maintenance that can save you money and effort down the line. Let's take a quick look at the top three benefits of ceramic coating.

Protection from Oxidation

You probably know that UV rays are harmful to your skin, and may have gotten your windows tinted for extra protection. Did you know that UV and heat exposure can also do damage to your car's paint job in the form of oxidation? Simply speaking, oxidation is a chemical reaction that causes the oil to be sapped from car paint, which in turn causes the paint to fade or wear away.

Not only does this diminish the appearance of your car but it can also expose the frame to rust growth. While a little bit of rust on the hood or near the tires is reversible, it can also spread to the undercarriage of your car and cause serious damage.

Easy Cleaning and Care

The elements can do a lot of damage to your car, particularly when you're dealing with a lot of acid rain and pollution. Even things like bird droppings can lead to stains and wear and tear if you aren't getting your car washed on a regular basis.

Getting a ceramic coating for your car makes it much easier to wash away organic contaminants, from dust and debris to bird droppings and bugs. Plus, ceramic coating is hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water. This will help to minimize water stains and make it easier to wash away hard water stains when they start to build up.

Improved Appearance

When you imagine a brand-new car, you probably imagine a glossy, even coat of paint. Adding a ceramic coating can restore that gloss. Plus, you won't have to wax your car every few months to maintain that gloss.

This is another area where ceramic coating and PPF differ. Oftentimes, PPF gives vehicles a matte appearance, meaning that the paint will look flat and dull. While some vehicle owners prefer the matte look, most want their cars to shine in the sun.

FAQ About Ceramic Coating

You may have a few more pressing questions about ceramic coating. Our goal is to make sure that you're well-informed so that you can decide for yourself if ceramic coating is worth it. Before you leave, read through some of the frequently asked questions we get from our clients at Solar Shade Window Tint.

How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last?

Don't believe any car detailer that tells you that ceramic coating provides a permanent solution. The truth is that with proper maintenance, you can expect to get the most out of ceramic coating for several years. However, exposure to chemicals like degreasers will start to have adverse effects on ceramic coating, and that glossy finish will fade eventually, indicating that it's time for a new coat.

Can Ceramic Coating Fix a Damaged Paint Job?

Some people believe that applying a ceramic coating to a car with paint damage will eliminate or hide that damage. The truth is that if you have peeling, flaking, or faded paint, you may want to get that fixed before you apply a ceramic coating. In fact, applying a ceramic coating to a damaged paint job just means that you're sealing the damage, and it will still be visible through the clear coat.

Will Ceramic Coating Increase Car Value?

Should you get ceramic coating before selling your car in order to increase its value? This is a tricky one to answer because ceramic coating doesn't inherently increase your car's value, but it can preserve the resale value over time. By protecting the paint and the body of the car, ceramic coating can prevent some damage that can reduce your car's value.

Come to Solar Shade for Vehicle Care

With the cost of cars on the rise, many car owners are looking for ways to preserve the value and function of their current vehicles. Ceramic coating is a great addition to any car that comes with a ton of unbeatable benefits.

Looking for ceramic coating and other vehicle care in Jacksonville? Contact us at Solar Shade Window Tint for expert care.

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