Having a perfectly clean car is the most critical component of getting the best finish possible with a ceramic coating-and we're not just talking about running your ride through a car wash. You will also want to wear and use personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator and gloves. This brings us to the most important part: The keys to success with ceramic coatings are careful preparation and meticulous cleanliness. But as long as you properly prepare your vehicle, have the patience to follow all instructions, and let the coating properly cure, you should have a quality coating ready to protect your vehicle for months or even years to come. And yes, it's semi-permanent should something go wrong, you're stuck with the results for a while. After doing a few ceramic coatings ourselves, we feel confident in saying that applying a DIY ceramic coating isn't as arduous a task as it appears. Whether you should apply a ceramic coating to your car depends on your confidence level, patience level, precision, and the space and tools you have available. See all the best deals on ceramic coatings for cars at amazonĪs with so many questions in the world of DIY, it depends. A diluted ceramic coating isn't necessarily inferior to more concentrated solutions, but it does, at least in theory, mean the coating won't last as long over time-an important detail that is at the heart of this very test. These are also called ceramic coatings by their manufacturers. There are other products on the market that have roughly the same chemicals but are far more diluted. Professional-grade ceramic coatings-the kind dealers apply before they deliver a car, or detail shops will apply for hundreds of dollars-are typically very concentrated (usually >80 percent SiO2) and come in very small bottles. While this seems straightforward enough, car-cleaning chemical manufacturers have (both literally and metaphorically) diluted the effect of the term "ceramic." No two ceramic coating products are identical, and the key differentiator among all of them is the amount of SiO2 used. After you apply and properly cure the ceramic coating, the result is a tough protective layer that should keep everything from bird crap to brake dust at bay. Once applied, it creates a bond with the vehicle's factory paint, forming a layer of protection on top of your car's clear-coat to add an additional level of defense against the elements.Ĭeramic coatings are primarily formulated of silicon dioxide (SiO2) but can also include other additives, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), to increase their protective qualities and longevity. So, you've heard the term "ceramic," but what exactly is it, in the context of automotive applications? A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car's exterior. ( Spoiler alert: It's not that scary, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into.) What Is a Ceramic Coating? Ready to dive in? Here's what you need to know before jumping into the daunting world of DIY ceramic coatings. It's worth reiterating that alongside each product below is simply a summary of our initial experience with it-not a complete review of its abilities. We're also going to take a deep dive, in hopes of clearing up some confusion over what ceramic coatings are, what they aren't, and if you need one. We'll start by evaluating our experience applying these products.
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