There’s a lot of hype—and a lot of misunderstanding—surrounding ceramic coatings. Some people believe they act like an impenetrable paint shield that prevents everything from deep scratches to small dents. Others think a single application will keep your car looking showroom-new for 5, 7, or even 10 years without any maintenance at all.
The truth, as with most things in life, is a bit more nuanced. This blog post will unpack some common misconceptions about ceramic coatings, and explain what they really are and how they can benefit your car ownership experience.
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a clear liquid applied over your paint that cures into a thin outer layer that is chemically similar to glass, typically comprised of silicon dioxide (SiO2) at its core. A true ceramic coating requires professional installation for optimal adhesion, appearance, and performance.
When purchasing a ceramic coating package, there are a few ways to ensure you are buying a true professional-grade product.
- Cost: though not a foolproof method, as any coating service can be marked up to a high price point, a professional-grade coating will typically cost upwards of $500 to install, and sometimes as much as $3,000 or more. On the low end, expect to only have the coating installed on your paint, and not additional surfaces like glass, wheels, or interior.
- Installation: a true professional-grade ceramic coating must be installed by a professional detailer. With some coatings, the installer must even be certified by the manufacturer of the coating to be licensed to sell and install the product.
- Durability: a professional ceramic coating should last 2 years or more. Be wary, because some products claim to last as much as 10 years, but imply a complete reinstallation at the halfway mark in order to do so; this reinstallation can be an inconvenience to you or even an added cost.
- Performance claims: a reputable, professional ceramic coating manufacturer or inst