How Does Ceramic Coating Work?

Nothing is more satisfying for vehicle owners than driving their brand-new gleaming vehicles around the town.  However, putting up with the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal comes with a hefty cost. Only effective paint protection for vehicles can help you not burn a hole in your pocket. The good news is with the advancement of nanotechnology one of the best paint protections is readily available on the market. Ceramic Coatings have taken a major leap forward in performance, durability, and achieving matchless levels of gloss. There are several grades of ceramic coatings on market, and many of them are total knockoffs and misleading products that form irrelevant myths such as – comparing ceramic coatings with wax or sealants. Therefore, a clear understanding of what exactly is ceramic coating and how it works becomes a genuine concern. Let’s take a closer look. 

What is a ceramic coating? 

A ceramic coating is a technologically advanced sacrificial layer that works on a molecular level when applied on the exterior and the interior of the vehicle surface. It has a highly concentrated formula that provides superior protection on metallic paint, glass, alloy wheels, Gelcoat, leather, vinyl, and even plastic. There are a variety of ceramic coatings you can turn to – while some require professional installation, others fall in the DIY category. Either way, ceramic coatings tend to form a bond with the paintwork that adds an auxiliary layer of protection to your vehicle and eases the hassle of maintenance in the long run. When it comes to performance the ingredients of ceramic coatings play a crucial role.  

What are the main ingredients of ceramic coatings?   

The composition of ceramic coatings widely comprises Silicon Dioxide (Silica for short or SiO2) and application solvents. Silica’s natural resistance to pollutants, UV, chemicals, and other anti-weathering properties makes it the perfect raw material for ceramic coating. When Silica nanoparticles are infused together with the application solvents it produces a ceramic coating that is transparent and enhances the reflective properties of the vehicle’s paint by creating a glossy look.  

The best part about professional ceramic coatings is their ability to customize Silica Nanoparticles. Kovalent Coatings Prolong is the best paint protection you can get. The key to Prolong’s incredible performance is the introduction of the revolutionary 5 nm Silica nanoparticles alongside 20 nm Silica nanoparticles that take care of superior gloss, durability, and hydrophobic effect. But how do these tiny particles facilitate protecting the vehicle surface? Let’s find out. 

How does ceramic coating work? 

The paintwork on the vehicle surface is porous in nature and prone to environmental contaminants that may sit on the imperfections of the paint and eventually deteriorate it. Ceramic coatings work at a molecular level as they utilize nanotechnology to fill in minor cracks or imperfections on the vehicle surface providing it with an exceptionally transparent and hard layer of protection. Thus, customized Silica nanoparticles provide an added advantage as they perfectly fit in the porous surface leaving no space for dirt or grime to settle in.  

After the professional installation, the ceramic coating forms a semi-permanent bond with the paint job. One of the most important steps before the application of the ceramic coating is paint correction. Professional detailers perform paint correction on the vehicle surface to prepare the surface for the application and then apply the ceramic coating which leads to better bonding of the paint and the coating. Kovalent Coatings qualify professional detailers based on their detailing skills and certify them as Kovalent Coatings Approved Applicators for car owners to get the best of both worlds. Before applying ceramic coating on your vehicle, it is essential to know what all benefits ceramic coatings can really offer. Here is a quick application video of Prolong to give you a better understanding of the application process. 

What can a ceramic coating do? 

The level of protection a paintwork reaches after the installation of the ceramic coating depends on the type of ceramic coating and its formulation. A professional-grade ceramic coating like Kovalent Coatings can offer the following attributes after application: 

Superior Hydrophobic Effect: This is the ability to repel water, dirt, grime, mud, and other water-based debris. The hydrophobic effect also induces the renowned “Self-cleaning” effect where the water beads and slides off on its own from the vehicle’s surface. That does not mean regular wash is not necessary to maintain your vehicle. The hydrophobic effect just makes the maintenance process hassle-free. 

Enhances Reflective Properties: Once the ceramic coating is applied it magnifies the surface underneath it which provides a glossy look to your vehicle and adds an aesthetic standpoint to it. Therefore, comprehensive detailing including polishing/buffing takes place before the application to avoid the highlighting of any swirls or scratches.    

Protection Against Environmental Contaminants:  

Sticky debris like bird droppings, tree sap, acidic rain, and bug splatter does not stand a chance to etch a vehicle’s surface all thanks to the ultra-slick properties of a ceramic coating. Therefore, maintenance becomes a breeze after the application. 

Protection from UV rays and oxidation:  

Frequent exposure to UV rays from the sun oxidizes the painted surface of the vehicle giving it a chalky look. Moreover, the chances of the paint fading or turning dull are becomes high. Only a true 9H ceramic coating like Kovalent Coatings Prolong is equipped with powerful UV blockers that create a barrier against harmful UV rays and does not allow them to penetrate the coated surface.   

Protection for Vehicle Interiors:  

Ceramic coatings for vehicle interiors are intricately formulated with anti-stain and anti-bacterial properties. Additionally, they are hydrophobic in nature to resist spills and stains.   

Easy Maintenance   

The water-repellent properties and the ultra-slickness of ceramic coatings make them an absolute favorite of car owners. The ceramic coatings not only save time but make the washing process a whole lot easy and enjoyable.  

What do ceramic coatings not do? 

It is time to address some of the common myths and rumors that negatively impact the industry.  

Scratch Proof Attributes: 

Ceramic coatings are not 100% scratch-proof. There may be instances of ceramic coatings surviving a little scar, but we a ceramic coating cannot be deemed totally scratch-proof. 

No Regular Washing because it is self-cleaning: 

The whole idea behind the self-cleaning properties is based on the hydrophobic effect of the ceramic coating. While most of the environmental contaminants slide off the slick ceramic-coated surface, some of the residual pollutants may form a fine layer of dirt on the coated surface, thus giving a quick wash to the car retains the longevity of the ceramic coating. 

If you are thinking about investing in ceramic coating to give your vehicle the much-needed protection and shine – we recommend doing your research. Ceramic coatings are a great way to protect your investment and retain their original showroom look. Kovalent Coatings provide you with the best return on investment in terms of quality, protection, and gloss.