Is Ceramic Coating On Car Worth It?

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a clear, liquid polymer solution that is applied to a vehicle’s painted exterior surfaces to protect the paint. It forms a durable coating that adheres to the clearcoat of the paintwork to provide protection from scratches, acid rain, bird droppings, UV rays and other environmental contaminants.

The coating creates a hydrophobic surface that repels water, making it easier to wash off dirt and prevent staining. A professionally-applied ceramic coating will typically last around 2-5 years with proper maintenance before needing to be reapplied.

Unlike traditional waxes that sit on top of the clearcoat, ceramic coatings bond with the surface to provide more durable and long-lasting protection. With routine washing and an occasional top-up, a ceramic coating will maintain its slick, glossy finish for years.

Pros of Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating provides several benefits that make it appealing for car owners looking to protect their vehicle’s exterior. Some of the key pros of ceramic coating include:

– Protects paintwork from swirl marks and scratches – By creating a smooth, glass-like surface on the clearcoat, ceramic coatings help prevent light swirls and scratches from washing and environmental contaminants (source). This protection can help maintain your car’s appearance over time.

– Helps keep car clean by creating smooth surface that repels dirt – Ceramic coatings are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water and contaminants. This causes mud, dust, and other debris to easily slide off the surface with simple rinsing (source). Your car stays cleaner longer when coated.

– Makes car easier to wash by allowing contaminants to slide off – That hydrophobic property also makes regular washing easier. You’ll be able to rinse away dirt without extensive scrubbing, reducing the risk of creating swirl marks in the process.

– Provides UV protection to prevent fading – The ceramic coating forms a barrier against UV rays, helping prevent oxidization and color fading from sun exposure over time. This keeps your car looking newer for longer.

– Can make car shine with glossy appearance – Well-prepped and coated paint will take on a deep, liquid-glass shine. Routine maintenance washing will help maintain that freshly detailed wet look.

Cons of Ceramic Coating

While ceramic coating can provide numerous benefits for your vehicle’s paint protection, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well. One of the most notable cons is that professional ceramic coating application can be quite expensive, with costs typically ranging from $1000-5000 depending on the size and type of vehicle (Source). The coating also does not last forever and will need reapplication every 2-5 years to maintain its protective properties (Source).

Additionally, ceramic coatings do not completely prevent all scratches or damage to the vehicle’s paint. While it provides a significant layer of protection, enough pressure or impact can still damage the clearcoat underneath. And lastly, ceramic coatings do not eliminate the need for regular washing and maintenance. Dirt, dust, and contaminants will still build up on the paint over time and need to be cleaned off (Source). So ceramic coatings provide major benefits, but are not a completely scratch-proof forcefield for a vehicle’s paint.

How Long Does it Last?

With proper maintenance, high-quality ceramic coatings typically last 2-5 years on automotive paint surfaces before needing to be reapplied (1). Factors like climate, storage, and coating brand can impact longevity.

Ceramic coatings last significantly longer on vehicles stored in garages versus left continuously exposed to outdoor elements like sun, salt, and pollutants. Tropical and coastal climates tend to degrade coatings faster than dry inland climates.

Higher-end ceramic coating brands using advanced chemistry and application techniques generally offer increased durability over lower-cost competitors. However, following the manufacturer’s prep and application instructions properly is key to maximizing coating lifespan regardless of brand.

Overall, expect a professionally-applied ceramic coating to last somewhere between 24-60 months under normal conditions before a renewal is needed to restore hydrophobic properties and protection (2).

Maintenance Requirements

A ceramic coating will make your car easier to clean and more resistant to contaminants, but it is not a total replacement for regular washing. You will still need to wash your ceramic coated car, just less frequently than before. According to this source, aim to wash every 2 weeks if mostly driving around town, or weekly for highway driving.

You’ll want to avoid highly abrasive cleaners or brushes which could scratch the coating. Instead, use a pH neutral soap without waxes or gloss enhancers, which can cloud the ceramic coating over time. The proper washing technique is also important – use light pressure and frequent rinses to avoid swirl marks in the coating.

Over time, you may need to occasionally top up the coating with a compatible spray sealant to maintain the slick hydrophobic properties. But the base ceramic coating can last years with proper care. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

Cost Comparison to Paint Protection Film

Ceramic coating is generally much less expensive compared to paint protection film (PPF). While a professional ceramic coating application may cost $1000-2000 for an entire vehicle, PPF can be significantly more expensive depending on the coverage area.

For example, having PPF applied just to the front bumper, hood, fenders, and mirror caps can cost $1500-3000 alone. Full vehicle PPF coverage often exceeds $6000. In contrast, a DIY ceramic coating kit can be purchased for under $100 and applied at home.

The higher cost of PPF is justified for areas of the car that are prone to rock chips and debris damage. But for overall surface protection, shine, and hydrophobic properties, ceramic coatings provide excellent durability and value compared to paint protection film.(1) (2)

DIY vs Professional Application

DIY ceramic coating kits are available from brands like AvalonKing and Adam’s Polishes, but applying ceramic coating properly requires skill and technique. According to AvalonKing, the preparation work for a professional-grade coating is much more intense than for a DIY kit.

Having a professional apply the coating provides a few advantages:

• Professionals have training and experience for the best results.
• Pros have access to a wider range of professional-quality products.
• DIY application risks imperfections or errors.

As Solar Shade Window Tint notes, professional services guarantee zero errors and consistent results in a controlled environment. So while DIY kits are available, professional application provides expertise for optimal results.

Ceramic Coating Brands

When shopping for a ceramic coating, you’ll find there are several popular brands to choose from, each with their own unique formulations and claims. Some of the top ceramic coating brands include:

Cerakote – Cerakote is known for its high-gloss ceramic coatings that are formulated for automotive and marine use. Their coatings are scratch-resistant and designed to hold up against environmental contaminants. One popular product is the Cerakote Ceramic Coating kit which provides a showroom shine and protection for up to 5 years (www.cerakote.com).

Opti-Coat – Opti-Coat offers both professional-use and consumer-grade ceramic coatings. Their flagship Ultra ceramic coating is a silicon dioxide formula that bonds to the vehicle’s clear coat for a durable, hydrophobic protection. Opti-coat claims their products can protect for up to 7 years (www.opticoat.com).

Ceramic Pro – Ceramic Pro coatings are applied by authorized detailers and provide a scratch-resistant clear coat alternative. Their Sport level coating is 9H on the pencil hardness scale and advertised to last up to 5 years with proper maintenance (www.ceramicpro.com).

Gtechniq – Based in the UK, Gtechniq offers a range of ceramic coatings from consumer spray sealants to professional-grade 9H formulas. Their Crystal Serum Ultra is a two-part coating system that bonds to the vehicle’s clear coat for 5+ years of protection (www.gtechniq.com).

Crystal Serum – As Gtechniq’s flagship product, Crystal Serum claims to be a one-time application that will last the lifetime of the vehicle. It provides an ultra hard, glossy layer of SiO2 protection. Independent tests have shown it can last over 7 years (www.gtechniq.com/products/auto/exterior-coatings/crystal-serum).

Considerations by Car Type

Ceramic coating tends to provide more benefits for certain types of vehicles over others.

It is often considered more worthwhile for high-end and luxury vehicles where preserving the exterior condition and appearance is a higher priority. Given the higher upfront cost of ceramic coatings, owners of expensive cars are more motivated to invest in long-term protection.

Ceramic coatings also favor cars that will be kept long term rather than resold relatively quickly. Since the coating lasts around 2-5 years, owners who plan to keep their cars for longer periods get the most value.

Additionally, ceramic coatings provide particular advantages for vehicles with dark color paint jobs. Darker paint shows scratches, swirls, and imperfections much more noticeably than lighter paint. The glossy finish from a ceramic coating helps conceal minor imperfections better. This keeps dark paint looking its best.

Overall, ceramic coatings make the most sense for luxury or high-end vehicles, cars being kept long term, and those with dark exterior paint. But most vehicles stand to benefit from the protection and shine ceramic coatings provide.

The Verdict

Based on the pros and cons, ceramic coating does provide clear benefits for your vehicle’s paint protection. However, it comes at a significant cost for purchase and professional installation. The protection and durability offered by ceramic coating may be worth it for someone who wants to keep their car looking pristine for many years. But the high upfront investment may not make financial sense if you plan to sell the vehicle within 5 years.

To determine if ceramic coating is worthwhile, consider how and where you use the vehicle. For a daily driver or commuter car parked outdoors and exposed to the elements, a ceramic coating can help maintain the paint and resist swirl marks, bird droppings, UV rays, and other environmental damage. For a classic show car or limited edition exotic kept in a garage, the benefits of ceramic coating likely outweigh the cost.

You’ll also want to factor in your budget and how much you value having your car’s paintwork protected versus saving the money. Ceramic coating does require some maintenance, but many feel the longevity and durability justify the investment. Overall, weigh the benefits of protection for your specific vehicle against the significant upfront cost to decide if ceramic coating is the right choice.