Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Coatings

TL;DR

Ceramic coatings provide protection and ease of maintenance for car paint, but they require careful application and maintenance.

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome in this video we are learning all about ceramic coatings this is all things to expell who I've partnered with on the video to learn about the ever-popular world of coatings they've recently launched their new product fusion plus and what I appreciate about expell is that they're very realistic about what ceramic coatings ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧼 Ceramic coatings provide ease of maintaining paint cleanliness, protection against tree sap and bird droppings, and a deep glossy appearance. They also have hydrophobic qualities, repelling water.
• 🔬 Expel's ceramic coating, Fusion Plus, is a silicon-based product that creates a bond with the paintwork that is difficult to wash off, similar to a semi-permanent wax or sealant. It comes with a four-year warranty.
• 💧 When applying the ceramic coating, the paint surface should be clean and free of swirls or scratches. If applied on top of a paint protection film, paint correction is not required and the film can hide light swirls and scratches.
• 🛡️ The application process includes using proper protection, such as gloves and a respirator, and applying the coating with a dropper and microsuede towel. Wipe off excess product and give time for it to cure for 24 hours.
• 🧽 While ceramic coatings make washing your car easier, they do not eliminate the need to wash it regularly. A simple 2-bucket method wash and periodic application of ceramic boost is recommended.
• 💡 Ceramic coatings are compatible with paint protection films, as the thin coating layer does not negate the protective properties of the film or its self-healing abilities. A demonstration showed the scratch resistance and healing capabilities of the coating.
• ⚙️ Ceramic coatings can be applied to matte surfaces without altering their appearance. However, ceramic coatings should be applied before installing a paint protection film, as the film needs to bond to the surface.
• 💰 Pricing for ceramic coating installation varies based on factors such as paint correction, paint protection film coverage, and installer labor rates. Expel provides a dealer locator for interested parties.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some misconceptions about ceramic coatings?

Ceramic coatings cannot completely prevent scratches or eliminate the need for car washing, but they do offer easier maintenance and protection against certain elements like tree sap and bird droppings.

Q: Can ceramic coatings be applied on top of paint protection film?

Yes, ceramic coatings can be applied on top of paint protection film without negating the film's protective properties. The thin layer of the coating bonds to the film and offers additional benefits such as hydrophobic properties.

Q: What should be considered before applying a ceramic coating?

It is important to have the car's paint surface in good condition with any necessary paint correction done beforehand. Additionally, factors like humidity, temperature, and proper application technique can affect the final result.

Q: How long does it take for a ceramic coating to cure?

The coating needs to cure for 24 hours without any exposure to water. After that, the surface will continue to cure over a period of four days, resulting in an even glossier appearance.

Q: Can ceramic coatings be applied to matte surfaces?

Yes, ceramic coatings can be applied to matte surfaces without significantly altering their appearance. This allows for the benefits of protection and easier maintenance on these surfaces as well.

Q: What is the recommended maintenance for a car with a ceramic coating?

Weekly washing with a two-bucket method and drying with clean towels is recommended. Applying ceramic boost every 4 to 6 washes helps to maintain the hydrophobic properties of the coating.

Q: Can ceramic coatings be removed if necessary?

Once the ceramic coating has cured, it is difficult to remove. Removing it may require polishing with an abrasive compound or even wet sanding. Proper application and maintenance are crucial to avoid the need for removal.

Q: How can scratches be repaired on a surface with a ceramic coating?

The self-healing properties of the paint protection film underneath the ceramic coating can help repair surface scratches. However, if scratches do occur on the ceramic coating itself, they may be more difficult to remove.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ceramic coatings are like semi-permanent waxes or sealants that create an inseparable bond with car paint, offering protection and a glossy appearance.

• They provide benefits such as easier maintenance, protection against tree sap and bird droppings, and hydrophobic properties.

• Application requires proper surface preparation, and it is recommended to have a professional installer due to safety precautions and the potential for mistakes.