7 Cons Of Ceramic Coating ( Detailed Overview )

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Introduction

Ever heard about ceramic coating? It’s this cool thing that people use to make their cars look super shiny and protect them from all sorts of things. It’s like a superhero cape for your car! But, just like superheroes have their weaknesses, ceramic coating has some not-so-awesome sides too. In this blog, we’re going to spill the beans on seven things that might not make you jump for joy about ceramic coating. We believe it’s important to know the not-so-fun stuff along with the cool stuff so that you can decide if ceramic coating is the right choice for your car. So, buckle up as we explore the less glamorous side of this glossy trend.

Ceramic coatings are a popular choice for car owners who want to protect their vehicle’s paint. However, there are some disadvantages to consider before applying ceramic coatings. Here are seven of them:

  1. Expensive Application: The price of ceramic coatings is their most significant disadvantage. Applying ceramic coatings requires knowledge, experience, special tools for paint correction, UV lamps, and a dedicated space (garage) to cure correctly and bond to the paint. The cost of these requirements adds up, making ceramic coatings an expensive option
  2. Difficult Application: Even if you have all the equipment and the space to apply ceramic coating properly, it requires you to be knowledgeable. There are tons of tiny tips and tricks to use for ceramic coatings to ensure their durability and longevity, and many people don’t know those. Of course, if you’re a DIYer, you’ll quickly learn everything, but we don’t recommend applying ceramic coatings to your vehicle if you have never detailed a car. 
  3. Thorough Paint Prep Required: All paint protection products require paint preparation, but waxes and sealants are cheaper options, and if their longevity reduces because you haven’t prepared the paint properly, it’s not a big deal. But, for ceramic coatings, the clear coat has to be perfect. Otherwise, they won’t bond to the paint, reducing their longevity. That’s the only way to expect ceramic coatings to last. 
  4. Not completely Scratch-resistant: The fourth disadvantage of ceramic coatings is that they are not completely scratch-resistant. Although ceramic coatings can protect your car’s paint from scratches, they are not entirely scratch-resistant. They can still get scratched, and if the scratch is deep enough, it can damage the paint underneath the coating.
  5. Not Rock Chip Proof: The fifth disadvantage of ceramic coatings is that they are not rock chip proof. Despite some claims, ceramic coatings do not prevent rock chips. Ceramic coatings can help reduce the visibility and extent of rock chips on a vehicle’s paint, but they do not completely prevent them from occurring. Rock chips can still occur on a coated vehicle, but the ceramic coating can provide a barrier that helps protect the paint from damage.

However, ceramic coatings are not pliable and soft enough to avoid damage from rock chips. Unlike a Pain Protection Film (PPF) product, ceramic doesn’t contain flexible polymer, so, it cannot absorb the varying impacts of rock chips and debris. Therefore, if you’re looking for a product that can protect your car from rock chips, ceramic coatings may not be the best option.

Susceptible To Water Spots: The sixth disadvantage of ceramic coatings is that they are susceptible to water spots. Ceramic coatings are hydrophobic, which means they repel water. However, if water droplets are left on the surface of the car and are allowed to dry, they can leave mineral deposits that can etch into the coating itself and ruin it. Water spots can be challenging to remove, and if left untreated, they can reduce the efficiency of the coating. 

To avoid future headaches, make sure there are no water beads on the surface of your car. If you have a ceramic coating on the paint installed, then you can even use something like a leaf blower to easily remove all the water beads from the car’s surface. If you notice water spots on your ceramic coating, it is crucial to address them promptly. You can use a pH-neutral car shampoo and a soft microfiber wash mitt or sponge to gently clean the water spots. If the water spots persist after gentle cleaning, a mild vinegar solution can be used. If the water spots persist, polishing may be required.

Professional-Grade Products Not Available to Everyone: Another shortcoming with ceramic coatings is some businesses have specialized grade ceramic coating products, which they do not supply to any person. They are available for purchase only if you possess a certificate of knowledge. That’s why it has to be a professional detaler that takes their courses successfully. Professional grade ceramic coatings come in almost 1/3 of a bottle each and tend to be quite dense (>80% SiO2). These are the most durable that one can ever get, however, they are not for everybody.

For one, if you want to utilize those products, you must study your profession at a certified professional detailer’s course. Nevertheless, several consumer-grade ceramic coatings are available for sale on the marketplace place which provides optimum protection and endurance. They can be applied easily as there is no particular skill needed in such a case. Professional ceramic coatings are expensive, but you can get cheap options that work just as well.

Conclusion

All right, so we traveled around in Ceramic Coating’s universe and it’s obvious that car is Ceramic Coating’s Superman. However, just like every superhero, there is something strange about it. You should carefully consider the pros and cons before performing this heroic treatment on your vehicle. As such, your car acts as a partner or friend that deserves nothing but the best from you. The shininess is a matter of personal opinion, depending on whether it is worth the possible complications. Therefore, make an informed choice and drive safely so that your car maintains its brilliance on the roads.