The Different “Kinds” of “Ceramic” Coatings

Ceramic Coating Technology

A ceramic coating creates a slick & hydrophobic barrier on the surface. Modern ceramic coatings incorporate nanotechnology into their formulas. Tiny nanoceramic particles fill in minor surface imperfections, smoothing out the surface and leaving a layer of protection almost as strong as quartz (scoring above the 9H scale). With these tiny imperfections filled in, grime, oils, traffic films, and other contaminants have more difficulty sticking to a surface. This shields the surface and vastly improves cleaning. Read more on ceramic coating technology…

What’s A True Ceramic Coating?

A true ceramic coating has a ceramic nanostructure, is often stored in a glass bottle, and is typically applied via a microfiber applicator. The installer will saturate the applicator with coating drops and then evenly apply the ceramic coating on a panel. The solvents evaporate after a certain period, and a permanent bonding process is underway. A well-made ceramic coating of this type will provide the most durable form of protection a ceramic coating will offer. But not all “true” ceramic coatings are made the same…

True ceramic coatings are for individuals who wish to preserve their car’s condition and value throughout their ownership.

What Are Some “Other” Types of Ceramic Coatings?

“It's not what you sell that matters as much as how you sell it!” — Brian Halligan, CEO & Co-Founder, HubSpot.

“Ceramic Coating” has become very well known as the technology has grown more friendly and robust. All is well when this term is used to label true ceramic coatings. However, this term has become synonymous with a different kind of protection technology….a paint sealant. Have you heard of these kinds of products? Ceramic Spray, Ceramic Detailer, Ceramic Quick Coat, Ceramic Spray Wax, Ceramic Sealant, Ceramic Wet Wax, etc. These products are all types of paint sealants and not a ceramic coating.

A “paint sealant” contains synthetic polymers that create a temporary protective layer when they stick to the car's paint. Many have silica (si02) technology, the same silica that’s abundant in ceramic coatings, which is why many make it “acceptable” to use “ceramic” in these products’ names. The problem is that these products are composed differently and do not offer the same results.

What’s the Difference Between Paint Sealants and Ceramic Coatings?

The difference lies in durability and overall protective abilities. A true ceramic coating will offer the most robust protection in all categories, such as hydrophobicity, resistance to chemicals, stains, UV, corrosion, rust, very light scratches, etc. Additionally, it will endure the longest with products lasting from 1 to 5+ years.

In contrast, paint sealants are often rated for 3-6 months and offer only a light form of the protection a ceramic coating offers. Paint sealants are sprayed on and do not form the permanent bond of a ceramic coating. Thus, they can be broken down very quickly.

Paint sealants come in different forms: Some are applied with a microfiber towel, and others are sprayed and rinsed with water to activate the product. Both have their respective uses depending on the application.

So…..What’s the Point of a Paint Sealant?

Paint sealants are excellent products when treated as such. They are a fantastic alternative to wax, and using some form of protection on your paint is better than none. Therefore, a paint sealant makes an excellent maintenance product for the unprotected car (not ceramic coated) AND the protected car.

• On the unprotected car, it will add a layer of protection your car’s paint needs to stay healthy. A paint sealant can be reapplied every wash or every few washes to ensure consistent protection on the vehicle.

• On the protected car, it adds a “little bit more” to the robust protection you already have. This will maximize the life of your ceramic coating and further protect your paint from degradation. Regularly using a paint sealant on a protected car offers the best protection for your paint (aside from PPF.)

BONUS: It Can be a Drying Aid, too!

A lot of paint sealants make excellent “drying aids” (check manufacturer instructions/label first to see) - they aid the drying process in these two ways:

1. Drying time. Decrease the time it takes to dry your car and

2. Marring & swirls Protection. It’s a little-known fact that most paint marring (creating “swirls” or “spiderwebs” on the paint) happens during the drying process. It occurs when only pure water is on the paint surface while drying. Water isn’t much of a lubricant, so you can see how the drying process can introduce marring to the paint as the towel drags particulates around the paint surface. Adding a paint sealant to the mix after the final rinse will add lubrication to your drying process, minimizing paint marring.

A Note To The Consumer

Everyone’s car life is different. This means how you protect your car is entirely up to you, and to make an informed decision, it’s great to know about the options available.
We hope this helps you decide what type of protection is best for you. Happy car life!

Image by senivpetro on Freepik

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