When it comes to protecting your car’s paint job, ceramic coatings and ceramic coating sprays offer two different solutions. But which one is better and more cost-effective? Ceramic coatings are put on as liquids and then harden, making a layer of protection over the paint. This layer is highly resistant to scratches, UV rays, and other environmental damages. It also adds a glossy finish that can last for years. The downside is that ceramic coatings require careful application and can be expensive.
Ceramic coating sprays, on the other hand, are much easier to apply. But they offer a low level of protection, and the protection won’t last as long. First, let’s understand what ceramic coating is, and then explore the different levels of ceramic coating protection.
So, What Exactly Is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid-based solution that forms a protective layer over your car’s paint job. This layer is highly resistant to scratches, UV rays, and other environmental damages. In addition to that, it also adds a glossy finish that can last for years. It is a popular choice for car owners who want to protect their car’s paint job and keep it looking new for as long as possible.
There are two parts to this question. One is ceramic, while the other is coating. So let’s examine them separately.
Ceramic
Ceramics are created by taking “clay” and firing it in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. After the firing process, a glaze is sometimes applied to create a smooth, glossy finish. Depending on the type of clay and firing temperature, different “colours” can be achieved.
Ceramics are found in our everyday lives, from bricks and glass to plates, tiles, and toilets. Also, they can be used for a wide range of things, from high-performance engines and phone lines to heat coatings on the Space Shuttle, aerospace parts, and car paint.
Coating
A coating is a process in which a thin layer of material is applied to the surface of an object to enhance its appearance and provide protection, or lubrication. The material used for coating can be a liquid or a solid, such as paint, plastic, rubber, or metal. So all in all, a ceramic coating is a man-made substance designed to protect or improve the surface it’s applied to. This broad definition can be confusing because it doesn’t say what the coating is good for or what its features are.
Different Types of Ceramic Coatings
This may be the first time you’ve heard of it, but there are various types of ceramic coating for your vehicle, all with different materials, formulations, and application techniques. They can serve as a barrier against acid rain and swirl marks, but they can’t prevent rock chips as a transparent bra would. They are superior to waxes and way superior to spray coatings when it comes to lifespan. All ceramic coatings are intended to protect a car’s paint, wheels, glass, and other parts. They are even more effective than auto wax.
The following are the different materials from which ceramic coatings are made:
Liquid Quartz
Liquid quartz consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and other synthetic components. It hardens on a surface and remains hard for a predetermined period of time. Quartz ceramic coatings come in different grades, from 5% SiO2 (used in spray coatings and waterless wash products) to 70–90% SiO2 (found in professional-grade nano-ceramics like our Super Ceramic Coating). The higher the percentage of SiO2, the harder the quartz layer of the coating becomes, and the better it is at providing protection against water, dirt, and other contaminants.
A Polymer Substance
Polymers or epoxy are good choices for ceramic coating sprays because they stick well to paint-clear coatings. This bond is created through a spray-and-wipe technique. Polymers stick to porous surfaces, but they don’t get into the tiny bumps that are often on clear coatings, plastics, metals, and glass.
Hybrid Coating
Imagine combining the best of polymer coatings with quartz for enhanced protection. That’s what hybrid ceramic coatings are all about. They are usually applied with a spray or aerosol. These products claim to offer the best of everything, but in reality, they are often cheaply made with low SiO2 percentages and multiple hydrophobic polymers. Are they better than wax or sealant products? It’s hard to say; the jury is still out.
Different Levels of Ceramic Coating Protection
Each type of ceramic coating has its own advantages and disadvantages. Now that we have covered the basics of different ceramic coating formulations, let’s take a look at what products are available, the type of protection they offer, and who they are best suited for.
DIY Nano Ceramic Coating
Super Ceramic Coating is the undisputed leader in DIY nano ceramic coatings, with an impressive 80% SiO2 percentage. Professional-grade ceramic coatings need more SiO2 (93%), and only a professional detailer can put them on. Ceramic coatings are put on as liquids and then harden, making a layer of protection over the paint. This layer is highly resistant to scratches, UV rays, and other environmental damage. It also adds a glossy finish that can last for years. Our customers have consistently given Super Ceramic Coating top marks for its strength, durability, and longevity, lasting as long as 2–5 years.
Also Read: What is Ceramic Coating? The Benefits Of Ceramic Coating and Price
Ceramic Spray Coating
Ceramic coating sprays, on the other hand, are much easier to apply. Despite the fact that they provide a lesser amount of protection, ceramic coating sprays are much more cost-effective and can be applied by anyone.
These solvent-based sprays contain around 10–14% SiO2, way less than nanoceramic coatings. They can make ceramic coatings last longer and be more durable by giving them a boost. Also, each of these products can be used on its own to protect different surfaces in a reliable way. The hydrophobic properties of these sprays usually last for only a few weeks; however, many consumers opt to apply the product on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
Hybrid Coating
You can find hybrid sprays on Amazon or Flipkart that have a blend of SiO2 and TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide). Some of these products are a mix of SiO2 and synthetic spray wax. But, if it contains spray wax, it won’t work as well.
The reason is that SiO2 (silica dioxide) is meant to harden and create a flat layer of protection. This is what gives ceramic coatings their hydrophobic properties. When you mix a spray wax or sealant with the SiO2 blend, it decreases the SiO2’s ability to harden and form that layer. So all in all only choose hybrid coatings if you don’t have any other options available to you.
Ceramic Coating vs Ceramic Spray Coating: Which One Should You Choose?
Now let’s get to the real point. Which is the best, or more accurately, which one is best suited for you? It all depends on what you are looking for in a ceramic coating product. Longevity? Fast action? easy to use? price or anything else. For each type of consumer, we recommend the following:
If you are looking for something that lasts longer – Ceramic Coating!
If you’re looking for long-term protection, a nanoceramic coating is a perfect choice. It protects well and lasts a long time, and you don’t need any special tools to put it on. Its nano-sized particles ensure maximum coverage and protection, giving you peace of mind. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, a DIY ceramic coating is a way to go. It’ll last you anywhere from 2 to 5 years. The spray usually costs around ₹700 – ₹1300 for 3 applications on a regular hatchback. If you want it to last, you’ll need to reapply it every 3 months, which works out to 4 bottles every 2 years, or nearly ₹5000. This is why Super Ceramic Coating is an excellent option, and at only ₹1450 it includes everything you need for a successful application. Plus, it lasts for up to 2–3 years on average, a claim that has been verified by our thousands of customers.
If you want something that is easy to use – Ceramic Spray Coating
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, sprayable product to protect against dirt, the ceramic spray coating is your best bet. It’s simple to apply and can last up to six months before needing to be reapplied; there’s no need to remove it from the surface. Keep in mind that it won’t layer on top of other applications, so it’s best to use it every three to four months. This is why Super Ceramic Coating is an excellent option, and at only ₹1450 it includes everything you need for a successful application. Plus, it lasts for up to 2–3 years on average, a claim that has been verified by our thousands of customers.
