Ceramic Coatings

Lets Debunk Ceramic.... 

"Every Day is a School Day..."

Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers composed primarily of Silicon Dioxide derived from quartz or sand, which creates a hard, hydrophobic, glass-like shield. Other key ingredients include Titanium Dioxide for UV protection and gloss, Polysiloxanes (silicone-based resins) for flexibility and durability and solvents & carriers that enable application and curing. 

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Core Ingredient Breakdown:

• Silicon Dioxide : The main component (often 10–85% concentration) that creates a durable, scratch-resistant, and hydrophobic  hardness barrier.

• Titanium Dioxide : Used for enhanced UV blocking and self-cleaning, hydrophobic properties.

• Polysiloxanes/Resins (e.g., PDMS): These polymers enhance adhesion to the paint, providing flexibility so the coating does not crack.

• Solvents: These act as carriers for the active ingredients, ensuring an even, thin application.

• Additives (Zirconium Oxide, Alumina): Sometimes added to improve durability and abrasive resistance. 

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These ingredients work together through nanotechnology, forming a chemical, covalent bond with the vehicle's paint for long-term protection.

Basically, in laymans terms, the more key silicons, the harder and more durable it will be, also... harder to apply/work/master.

These Factors are not always strict as the industry is incredibly fast paced at the moment, new technologies are advancing everyday.

Lets Debunk Graphene....

So yes, in theory graphene at its molecular state locks together like a grid, at an atom thickness its harder than steel.... that sounds great you would think. until you break it down. 
graphene powder is added to ceramics at the mixing stage, to create graphene powder you have to break its molecular state rendering it useless and no more than a sales tool. 
its an amazing theory unfortunately put to market. it also makes coatings harder to apply without marking and marring problems. 

The Plague of the "Driveway Ceramic"

Ceramic coatings as you would expect them to perform, need to be applied in a specialised dry environment, free from contaminants & atmospherics (pollen, sand, dust, iron etc) as this is falling on your car all day every day. 
No Correction/prep work can be properly conducted outside to achieve a "perfect finish" (fight me) 
this doesn't mean we cannot do this, but i strongly advise against it and that if we have to come out to you mobile, there be a dry, neutral environment for works.

Why is the other guy £250....

This will come down to 3 simple factors.
-Inexperience 
-Overheads
-Ignorance... (again fight me)

Theres a lot of coatings also on the market that will emulate the effect of Ceramics initially and then for around 3-6 months, if you are lucky. 
also waxes that will last from 6-12 months with ceramic effects. these are often used in the mobile valeting & consumer markets as "Ceramic Coatings".... Yes a Quick Buck. 
These products themselves serve a very common purpose amongst the professional community as drying aids and gloss enhancers.

Hydrophobic Vs Hydrophilic

One Beads and stands proud, the other sucks in and falls off. its that simple...
In many Instances, its commonly assumed that water not beading is failed coatings. this is not the case at all & is strongly misinformed. 
Many Higher end coatings can clog over time and need a heavy maintenance wash from a detailer to revive the ceramics properties. often on lower doors & rear ends, where fallout collects over time. this is a simple process using acidic washes to pull out nasties (ooooh aciddd... dont worry snowflake its safe if its done correctly) 
Be Sure to check to see if your coatings hydrophobic or hydrophilic before attacking it! 

Toppers....

Heres one.... so many companies use hydrophilic base coats & then apply a hydrophobic layer on top to create the desired beading effect. the one that beads is actually the weaker of the two products. 

Think of it like glass... its a microscopic glass layer... the glass on your house dulls over time. so does your coating. it doesnt mean its gone, it will still be protecting your paint for years to come when it comes to UV & Fallout. even if its essentially "full" ... well aslong as its been cared for correctly in wash stages anyway...


Why do i like ceramic coatings from an installer perspective...

UV Protection above all. 

Its not bulletproof, its not forever & it isnot forgiving.

Yes. that quick trip to the local HCW will do lasting damage.