What is a Ceramic Coating?
There was a time when paste wax was the go-to solution for boosting your vehicle’s shine while offering some protection against elements like rain, bird droppings, dirt, and more.
Fast forward 20 years, and thanks to advancements in science, we now have ceramic coatings—far more durable and effective protection for your vehicle's paint.
Unlike the “wax-on, wax-off” technique, a ceramic coating isn’t something you just rub on and buff off. It’s a semi-permanent liquid layer that chemically bonds to the surface of your vehicle. Often referred to as a "sacrificial" layer, it absorbs the impact of environmental elements like rain, dirt, and snow, thereby shielding the paint underneath.
Analogy:
Think of wax as a tent providing basic shelter in the forest, while a ceramic coating is more like a brick house. Both offer protection from rain and dust, but one is far more robust and long-lasting than the other.
Is a Ceramic Coating Right For You?
A ceramic coating is an excellent choice for enhancing gloss and providing strong paint protection, but it’s not the right fit for every situation.
For example, if you have a work truck that’s constantly exposed to branches, heavy boxes, and rough handling on job sites, a ceramic coating might not be the best option. The coating is designed to protect against environmental elements, but if the vehicle faces frequent physical damage, it might not provide the durability you need.
On the other hand, if you use your work truck for long-distance travel or cross-country trips and want to safeguard it from dirt, rain, road salts, and other environmental factors, a ceramic coating would be a great choice for protecting its paint while maintaining a clean, shiny finish.
Many coating companies make big claims about what their products can do. While some of these claims are valid, I prefer to keep things realistic and not oversell the capabilities of a ceramic coating. So here are the actual benefits you can expect:
👍🏽 **Long-lasting protection**: A durable layer that can protect your vehicle for 3 to 6 years.
👍🏽 **One-time application**: Unlike other forms of protection that require reapplication every few months, a ceramic coating only needs to be applied once.
👍🏽 **Deep gloss**: It creates a level of shine that far surpasses traditional wax or sealants, giving your vehicle a rich, glossy finish.
👍🏽 **Unmatched hydrophobic properties**: The coating repels water, making your car easier to clean and keeping it cleaner for longer.
👍🏽 **Versatility**: It can be applied to paint, glass, wheels, vinyl film, and even paint protection film for comprehensive coverage.
Preparation Is KeyBefore the ceramic coating can be applied, your vehicle must undergo proper preparation, including paint correction services. This ensures the surface is flawless and ready to bond with the coating. Skipping this step means you won’t get the full benefits of the coating.
This is where a professional ceramic coating installer comes in. Without proper installation, you could end up with **"high spots"**—visible smudges or streaks that occur when the coating is applied improperly or left to dry too long without being wiped off.
The Installation ProcessAs a general rule, the more durable the coating, the harder it is to install. For instance, a 1-year coating is easier to apply than a 9-year coating. Weather conditions can also significantly impact the installation process, making it crucial to get the timing and technique just right to ensure the best results.
In summary, when installed properly, a ceramic coating provides long-lasting protection, a stunning finish, and hassle-free maintenance. But proper prep and installation are critical to getting the full benefits.
Common Myths About Ceramic Coatings
While ceramic coatings are incredibly durable and long-lasting, they’re not a magical shield that will protect your vehicle from every possible damage. It’s important to understand the limits of what a ceramic coating can and cannot do.
Here are some common misconceptions about ceramic coatings:
1. "The coating makes my paint scratch-proof."
Myth: Many people believe the coating will protect against all scratches and swirls.
Truth: The coating will resist light swirls and scratches that may occur during proper washing or drying, but it won’t make your paint completely scratch-proof. If you drag a dry, dirty wash mitt across the paint or accidentally rub against the vehicle, scratches will still occur.
2. "The coating will prevent rock chips."
Myth: Some think the coating will protect their paint from rock chips.
Truth: Ceramic coatings will not protect your paint from rock chips. The only reliable protection against rock chips is paint protection film (PPF). No coating, no matter how many layers you apply, can stop the impact of a rock hitting your vehicle.
3. "I don’t need to maintain the coating."
Myth: Once applied, the coating will last forever without any upkeep.
Truth: Like anything else, a ceramic coating requires proper maintenance to maintain its durability. If you don’t wash and dry the vehicle properly or boost the coating as needed, it will degrade over time. A coating designed to last 6 years could break down after just 3 years if not cared for.
4. "The coating makes my vehicle completely maintenance-free."
Myth: People often think the coating eliminates all cleaning effort.
Truth: While the coating makes it easier to keep your vehicle clean, it doesn’t mean you can neglect regular washing and maintenance. The coating’s hydrophobic properties will help repel dirt and water, but regular care is still essential to preserve its protective qualities.
In summary, while ceramic coatings offer excellent protection and convenience, they aren’t invincible. They can resist light swirls and water spots, but they won’t prevent all physical damage. Proper care, maintenance, and understanding the coating’s limitations are essential to getting the full benefits over time.
System X Pro+ / 5-6 year Ceramic Coating + Paint Correction Package
Coupes & Sedans - $1299+
SUVs & Trucks - $1599+
Estimated Time - 1-2 days
System X Pro+ is a durable 6 year coating that protects your vehicle from the elements. It imparts a color-enhancing gloss to your paint, and is protected for years to come.
List of Services included in this package
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Full Exterior detail and chemical decontamination
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Clay Bar Service for removal of embedded debris
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Paint Correction Service
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System X Pro applied to all visible paint, wheels faces
**Wheel Application can be removed for a discount. Please request during consultation/quote.
System X Max G+ Ceramic Coating + Paint Correction Package
Coupes & Sedans - $1599+
SUVs & Trucks - $1799+
Estimated Time - 1-3 days
System X Max G+ is our best coating. Taking all the great qualities of their current lifetime coating System X MAX, it redefines professional-grade ceramic coatings featuring a 30% glossier finish, significantly improved gloss retention, and exceptional slickness. It provides previously unachievable levels of durability, hardness, and chemical resistance. Our thickest coating, it’s ready to protect in the most extreme environments. MAX G+ can be applied to any paint, gel-coat, wraps, and PPF.
List of Services included in this package
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Full Exterior detail and chemical decontamination
-
Clay Bar Service for removal of embedded debris
-
Paint Correction Service
-
System X MAX G+ applied to all visible paint, wheels faces
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System X MAX G+ applied to door jambs, trim, lights
**Wheel Application can be removed for a discount. Please request during consultation/quote.