What are Ceramic Coatings?
Modern Ceramic Coatings are a liquid polymer typically made of silicon dioxide, and sometimes with titanium dioxide as a hardening agent. Once applied a chemical reaction takes place that bonds the coating to the surface and hardens to create a hydrophobic protective layer.
These coatings are used in a variety of different applications from vehicle paint protection to kitchen counters and even solar panels. In fact, ceramic coating dates back to the 1960/70’s where it was mainly used in aerospace engineering. However, there are many applications that date back much further.
Ceramic coatings started becoming popular with professionals in the detailing industry in the early 2000’s. More recently the market has expanded exponentially, allowing for many different ceramic coating options. From professional grade ceramics to sprays that just about anyone can use.
How long do Ceramic Coatings last?
The automotive market for ceramic coatings has expanded exponentially, allowing for many different coating options from professional grade ceramics to sprays that just about anyone can use.
Understandably the cost for these coatings can vary considerably. Most professional grade ceramic coatings can last anywhere from 1 year – 10 years. Spray on applications can last 30 days to 3-4 months. These vary because of 3 things; the coatings hardness and thickness, the expertise of the person applying the coating, and the care and maintenance of the coating after application.
The hardness of a ceramic coating will define how long a ceramic coating will last, while the thicker the coating the more the paint will have that deep gloss shine
There are many different people who apply ceramic coatings. Some have little to no experience and are learning as they go. While others have many years of training and experience. It is important that the person applying your coating knows what they’re doing because when not done well a coating can make your car look worse than before and can be time consuming and costly to remove.
Finally, how the vehicle is maintained after application will determine how long the coating will last. If you’re using harsh cleaning products and automatic car washes the coating will wear out faster. You can extend the life of your ceramic coating if you limit the wear on the coating itself. You can do this by using ph neutral cleaning products, microfiber cleaning towels, wash mitts, and products designed to limit the wear and tear on your vehicle. We recommend these products, we also carry these products in shop for your convenience.
What Ceramic Coating packages does Andy’s Auto Detailing provide?
Ceramic coatings are an investment into the quality and life of the paint on your vehicle. Carfax recognizes this investment and each coating we apply will show up on your vehicles Carfax report.
At Andy’s Auto Detailing we offer 3 levels of protection that are applied by trained and accredited technician; Standard, Premium, and Premium Pro. Each level of protection we offer includes polishing. This is because we want to make sure your paint is looking its best before we seal it with our professional grade coating options.
Our Standard Ceramic package includes our signature paint enhancement polishing which corrects 65-75% of paint defects. We then top the paint with our professional grade 3yr rated ceramic coating.
Our Premium Ceramic package includes our signature stage one paint enhancement polishing which corrects 70-80% of paint defects. We then top the paint and plastics in our professional grade 5yr rated ceramic coating. As well as a professional glass coating for your windshield.
Our Premium Pro Ceramic package includes our signature “max out” paint enhancement polishing which corrects 80-90% of paint defects. We then top all paint and plastic surfaces in our industry leading accreditation required professional 9yr rated ceramic coating that is backed by a manufacture guarantee. As well as ceramic coating all exterior glass.