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Ceramic Coatings, also called Glass or Quartz Coatings, are the most capable form of protection against UV and chemical damage that can be applied to a vehicle. The bonding molecule that provides the protection is SiO2 or Silica Dioxide. A solvent carrier is used to apply the SiO2 to paint and other surfaces. The solvent evaporates out and leaves the SiO2 behind to cure and bond to the surface. The coating is then cured with an infrared curing lamp to speed up the drying and curing process.

The chemical makeup of ceramic coatings does three very important things differently than a wax or sealant. First, it is capable of bonding to the surface underneath for a time frame of years, where we see only a few months out of most waxes or sealants. Secondly, the chemical makeup of the ceramic coating is able to withstand UV penetration and harmful environmental contaminants to keep your paint’s finish from degrading over time due to exposure. Thirdly, the coating produces a highly repellent surface from which dirt and other contaminants are rejected, rather than absorbed into the surface. This keeps the surfaces cleaner longer and makes regular maintenance significantly easier.

Unfortunately there is a hearty amount of irresponsible marketing in the ceramic coating industry. Any ceramic coatings are not thick enough, nor hard enough to withstand scratches from, say a dirty wash mitt, a key, or a rock chip. They do produce a slightly harder surface than the paint itself, but not enough to withstand this type of damage.

Like all high-quality ceramic coatings, the coatings we install have 9H hardness or “vertical hardness.” This is great, but not necessarily the most important feature of any coating. We install coatings so that your vehicle does not suffer from the slow and steady toll of UV damage and environmental contamination that degrades the finish — thus leaving it looking fantastic years down the road. Where a Coating CAN play a role in scratch resistance is by producing an extremely repellent and slick surface. It’s this slickness that rejects loose dirt, brake dust, and other debris that would otherwise settle onto your vehicle’s paint, leaving ample opportunity to be dragged across the paintwork.

If you are looking for scratch, scuff, or swirl resistance, we highly recommend opting for a Paint Protection Film package in addition to your coating installation.

No, and that does not mean your coating is no longer working. Beading is an excellent and visually appealing coating feature, but is secondary to the main benefits we look for in a coating and is not connected to how well a coating is performing. Looking to restore the beading of your coating? Get in touch, we’re happy to provide product recommendations or a perform a maintenance service.