Back in the day, wax was the top of the line product used to make vehicles shine and stay protected. With the advances of technology, a new coating known as ceramic (silicon dioxide; SiO2) has hit the market and is now the new top of the line product in terms of liquid coatings.
A ceramic coating is a semi-permanent liquid layer that bonds to your vehicle's paint. It protects your paint from bird droppings, acid rain, water stains, road grime, and other substances from reaching and harming the paint. This is due to the strong hydrophobic (repels water) layer that the ceramic coating creates, meaning mineral deposits and dirt are less likely to damage the surface of your paint.
This is not the "wax on, wax off" procedure that most know of today. A ceramic coating is still applied by hand and cures to form a protective layer, that when properly maintained, can last for years.
Our System X and 3M Ceramic Coatings are professional-grade coatings that are only available to authorized installers for application. These coatings are specially formulated to provide maximum durability and protection for various surfaces. By utilizing the expertise of our authorized installers, we ensure that the coatings are applied to the highest standards, providing optimal performance and longevity. Our coatings help enrich paint gloss and shine, for a durable new-polish look that will last. Common application areas are car paint, windshield/exterior glass, wheels, plastic trim, calipers, paint protection film, and vinyl wrap.
When your paint is coated, there is a hydrophobic layer that prevents dirt from getting trapped.
There are a lot of big claims that these big ceramic coating companies are saying their products can do. There's some truth to those claims but we like to be realistic and not oversell due to those implications.
The reason why most people choose a ceramic coating is due to the long-lasting protection that it provides. These coatings can typically last from 1-5 years, providing protection from harsh elements. Another reason why a ceramic coating is a good option is because it's something you will only have to apply once (rather than applying protection every 3 months). It also bonds very well to your paint, and leaves a deep level of gloss that's incomparable to a wax or sealant. One last benefit is that it provides unmatched hydrophobicity that can keep your car cleaner and make it easier to wash dirt off.
Before applying a coating, it is important to have your paint properly prepped and corrected with our paint correction service. When a vehicle contains swirling or scatches, it is hard for the coating to properly adhere and cure onto your paint, reducing the benefits of your coating. Not properly applying the coating can lead to smudges on your paint which are known as "high spots."
If a coating is intended to be more durable than the other, then it typically will be more challenging to apply. There are external factors that play a role on how long a coating can last as well.
Applying these coatings in a particular temperature is also important. Different coatings react differently when it is either cold, humid, or hot. That is why it is recommended to have coatings install indoors so that there is no temperature affect.
Swirling and scratches leave ridges on the paint and can be hard for coatings to adhere and cure.