FIRSTLY, WHAT IS A CERAMIC?
Scientifically speaking a ceramic material is a non-organic, non-metallic compound, usually based on an elemental oxide. These substances are typically crystalline or glassy (or both), extremely hard and non-reactive to chemicals. Ceramics are used in everything from fibre optics and electrical super-conductors to vehicle braking systems and fuel cells, along with the more traditional stuff we see as ceramic such as glass, teapots, bricks and cement.
But what about ceramics in detailing? Well, in our world the unique properties of ceramic compounds are utilised specifically for the most extreme hydrophobic surface protection. Most commonly we’re talking about the most hardcore, longest-lasting paintwork protection here, but it’s worth noting that it’s not only hard surfaces like paint, lacquer, plastic trim, vehicle lights, glass and vinyl wraps that can benefit from ceramic protection, soft interior surfaces can also benefit.
WHY SHOULD I CERAMIC COAT MY CAR?
Applying a ceramic coating to your car offers several benefits that protect both its appearance and longevity:
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Durable Protection: Ceramic coatings form a strong, long-lasting bond with your car’s paint, creating a protective layer that shields it from environmental contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, and UV rays. This helps prevent damage to the paintwork and reduces fading.
WHY USE SIO2?
Why use silicon dioxide in detailing products then? This comes down to the characteristics of the compound and the longevity of the protection it can provide.
Silica is extremely hardwearing and abrasion resistant. In a way introducing a microscopic layer of Si02 to any surface is like adding a barrier of toughened glass, only on a molecular level so it’s actually pretty flexible, too. Unlike a wax or a sealant this completely clear, hydrophobic layer of SiO2 chemically bonds to become an integral part of the very top of the surface itself.
Waxes and sealants physically bond, meaning that they’re a separate layer that physically clings on, but the chemical bond created by a ceramic layer makes it substantially more difficult to remove. Being more resistant to cleaning chemicals also helps but it’s the chemical bonding which ensures that ceramic layers are longer-lasting than all other types of protection. In other words, Si02 protection will stay on there for significantly longer than any equivalent wax or paint sealant.
HOW LONG DOES CERAMIC PROTECTION LAST?
The period of protection always depends on the specific product, application method and how it’s looked after during routine maintenance. We have ceramic products that range in durability from around 6-12-months, 7 year and 10 year.
Ceramic layers can only be removed fully with friction, whether that’s through polishing, during washing or by the abrasion caused by air moving over your vehicle when you drive. The polishing and washing parts are perhaps most straightforward. You don’t polish a ceramic coating unless you want to remove it, the reason why any paint correction processes are performed before adding any protection layer. The whole point of polishing is to enhance the paint or clearcoat layer.
We also use the correct safe wash techniques to limit the friction created by our mitt or any grime sitting on top of the ceramic layer. The same procedure we use to limit any swirl marks inflicted on bare paintwork.
The air friction acting on exterior surfaces while driving however, is more important than may people realise. It’s one of the reasons why no protection layer – including ceramics – can physically last forever. But again, this friction acting on a chemically-bonded ceramic coating has much less effect than on a physically bonded wax or sealant. Again, the chemical bonding is the reason why (even without strong cleaning chemicals) it’s much easier to remove a wax or sealant, and why they can’t last as long.
WHY ARE CERAMIC PRODUCTS HYDROPHOBIC?
Not all ceramics are hydrophobic, but the Si02 we use in detailing, or more specifically the barrier it creates when bonded to the surface, is highly water repellent on a molecular level. This comes with several benefits for all of us.
The ceramic layer we introduce is essentially a surface made up of tight-knit, non-reactive molecules. This physical characteristic makes it extremely smooth; far smother than the paintwork, glass or plastic before the coating is applied, no matter how polished it is. This lack of ruts and recesses in the surface gives nothing for foreign molecules to cling to and, in the case of water, this is why it’s neither able to hold on or penetrate. This means that your water will either run straight off the surface or bead up. In both cases the water is sitting on top layer without being able to take hold.
Now obviously, this great for your vehicle glass because all the water runs off and you can see better, right? But what are the benefits for the other exterior surfaces? Well, water molecules are even smaller than grime, and if they can’t hold on, neither can the muck and other large particles. Because the dirt (along with bug spatter and all the other contamination picked up when you’re driving) can’t stick it not only ensures that your maintenance washes are easier, requiring milder cleaners and less of them, but it’ll stop dirt form sticking in-between washes. That’s how ceramic detailing products can keep your car cleaner for longer.
WILL A CERAMIC PRODUCT MAKE MY PAINTWORK SHINE?
Absolutely, Si02 layers are perfectly clear but the intense shine they provide isn’t to do with the opacity of the layer itself, it’s actually created by the extremely smooth surface they introduce.
Instead of light bouncing off in multiple directions, as it would with a surface that’s packed with ruts, a smooth surface reflects light in a more uniform direction giving the appearance of more depth and gloss. In this way a ceramic coating works in a similar way to physical polishing (which smooths the top layer) and the application of other protection products which smooth out the surface. In many cases the gloss introduced can be more than with a wax or a sealant. In detailing we call this process levelling the optical finish.
HOW ARE CERAMIC DETAILING PRODUCTS APPLIED?
1. Prep the Surface
Preparation is crucial to ensure the coating adheres correctly and lasts longer.
- Wash: Thoroughly clean the car using a pH-neutral car shampoo to remove dirt and grime.
- Decontaminate: Use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants like tar or iron particles.
- Polish (if needed): Correct any paint imperfections, such as scratches or swirls, using a polish or compound.
- Degrease: Wipe the surface with an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution to ensure it’s free of oils or residues.
2. Apply the Ceramic Product
- Use an Applicator Pad: Wrap a suede cloth around the applicator block and apply a few drops of the coating to the cloth.
- Apply Evenly: Work in small sections (e.g., 2x2 ft), spreading the coating in crosshatch patterns (horizontal and vertical strokes).
- Wait for Flashing: Allow the product to flash (usually within 1-5 minutes, depending on humidity and temperature). It will appear like a rainbow effect or haze.
- Buff Off: Use a clean microfiber towel to remove the excess product and ensure a smooth finish.
3. Allow to Cure
Most ceramic products need time to fully cure and bond to the surface.
- Avoid water exposure for at least 24 hours.
- Some coatings require a curing time of 7 days for full hardness and hydrophobic properties.
4. Maintenance
To keep the ceramic protection effective:
- Use ceramic-friendly shampoos during washes.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools.
- Reapply boosters or sprays every few months if needed.
Proper application ensures long-lasting protection and a brilliant finish!
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY CAR FOR A CERAMIC COATING?
First of all, the surfaces you’re planning on coating will need to be free of contamination and spotlessly clean. This is because, at the very least, you don’t want anything on the surface blocking the contact of the coating and stopping it forming a strong chemical bond. Mostly though, you don’t want your coating locking in any dust, grime or contamination underneath. This is why the first part of the job will always be a deep-clean and decontamination wash.
What’s also important is that ceramic coatings are like all true protection products. They’re non-abrasive so while they will always enhance the shine on paintwork, they won’t correct the type of surface defects (like scratches and swirl marks) that require polishing. You don’t want to go locking these in, either right? This is the reason why it’s important to carry out any paint correction you require before application of your coating.
Again, keep the bonding process in mind during any polishing. You’ll need to use products such as our surface prep Lack Of Sin which don’t contain any waxes or sealants. Polishing using products that leave behind protection layers is great if you’re using a wax for your final protection, but is not suitable for ceramic coatings because it will block the essential chemical bonding.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY CERAMIC COATING?
Keeping your ceramics performing for the maximum amount of time is always the goal for detailers, but it’s actually simpler than might think. Using the same safe wash techniques that you would to avoid swirl-marks is the first hurdle. Performing your pre-wash effectively, followed by a safe contact wash is the best way to cut down on friction, so you’ll be inflicting less abrasion on surfaces. This goes for any routine maintenance wash, no matter your choice of protection.
As we said ceramics are extremely resilient to the harshest cleaning chemicals but, just like with every wash, it makes sense to use wax, coating and sealant-safe pre-wash products like our Cartec Exterior Clean XL, along with Performance PPL Frontline car shampoo during your contact wash, anyway. If anything, the easy-clean properties of our SiO2 coatings will mean that you’ll need even less of your cleaning products, saving you money along the way.
HOW DO I TOP UP MY CERAMIC COATING?
Another great way of prolonging their life, hydrophobic performance and gloss comes from topping up after (or during) every wash. Swapping your usual car shampoo for Performance PPL Shock Therapy - ceramic maintenance snow foam.
The short story is that regular top ups are always beneficial for any surface that’s already been ceramic coated.