Spray-on ceramic coating is quick and easy to use. No wonder sprayable ceramic coatings are becoming increasingly popular. But do they deliver just as good results as the car wax? Let’s find out.
The spray-on ceramic coating comes from the car detailing industry and is now also conquering consumers: paintwork sealing products based on ceramic or nanotechnology promise true wonders when it comes to long-term protection.
Benefits of ceramic coating sprays
Spray-on ceramic coatings are an affordable, easy-to-apply alternative to traditional ceramic coatings. In comparison to traditional ceramic coatings, they won't last 5-6 years. Professional spray-on ceramic coating seals are supposed to protect the paintwork from the weather for up to a year.
What’s the difference between nano-ceramic coatings and spray-on coatings?
The application of traditional nanoceramic coatings can be challenging. Installation and preparation take hours, and the vehicle must be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours and several days before it can be driven.
An inefficient cleaning job can lead to horrible results and seal in dirt and grime that had not been previously removed. Traditional ceramic coating is an extremely expensive service costing thousands of dollars in a car detailing shop.
Aerosol ceramic coatings are made up of ceramic particles suspended in a polymer and solvent mixture that can be sprayed on and worked into the surface. In comparison with ceramic coating sprays, ceramic coating sprays are easier to apply, more forgiving when mistakes are made, and require less curing time.
A ceramic coating can be sprayed yourself, while a traditional ceramic coating will likely require the services of a professional detailer.
What are the types of ceramic coatings?
Since it's inexpensive and effective, silicon dioxide is the most commonly used ceramic in car paint coatings. In addition to TiO2 (titanium dioxide), coatings can also contain other ceramic materials, such as alkalis, that would contribute to self-cleaning and hydrophobic properties.
Petrochemical derivatives and synthetic resins are used to make polymer coatings. In addition to having strong hydrophobic qualities, they also resist UV light and other risks to the environment.
How to use a ceramic spray coating
You need to properly prepare your vehicle for any kind of ceramic coating. Any previously applied wax or sealant must also be removed, as well as dirt, grime, brake dust, and stains from the car exterior. The ceramic coating will seal any contamination on the body panel, producing awful results and compromising the paint's protection. The ceramic coating will not adhere to the clear coat if there is wax or sealant on the surface, so it must be removed.
Last but not least, if you're going to polish your paint, you must first do so before spraying the ceramic coating on it.
Applying the ceramic coating spray is easy once all the prep work is complete.
You'll need two separate microfiber towels as well as the spray product of your choice.
After spraying a few spots on a dry body panel, work the product in with a microfiber towel. The spray can also be applied directly to a towel.
Ceramic spray should be used in moderation. It doesn't take much, and too much will cause problems.
Utilize a cross-hatch pattern with your towel, moving up and down, then left to right, overlapping your motions and carefully covering the whole panel.
If the coating flashes out, wipe it away with a clean towel after you've covered the entire surface.
The process can take a few seconds or several minutes, depending on the product. The streaking or rainbow effect will indicate it is ready. Before it has time to become adherent and set, make sure you wipe off all the extra spray.
Before exposing your product to the environment, it will need to cure for a few hours.
You will be able to achieve a high-gloss shine and glass-like reflectivity with proper application. Water sheets off as it beads up, contaminants slide off easily without leaving any marks, and it will be incredibly smooth.