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Ceramic coating question

2K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  shelton 
#1 ·
Good morning all. Don't really know much about ceramic coating but if I apply this will this stop the paint work getting swirls. Only asking as got a black car and is a real mission to keep the black nice
 
#4 ·
A wax, sealant or coating can only reflect what is underneath it, so a clean, level well-prepared surface is the most important consideration (85% of a surfaces reflectivity is its preparation) along with applied product clarity. If you apply a product over a surface that is dirty or one that has surface imperfections a sealant or a paint protection coating will not disguise it, only highlight them.
 
#6 ·
Ceramic coatings are harder than clearcoat, so yes they do prevent some scratches. So that means scratching should be reduced. However, as noted, they are not impervious. It is still important to treat them with care. That said, they are generally good a repelling dirt, so washing becomes easier.

They are very durable (if you get a decent one applied by a professional) but that can also be a drawback for some people, because for one, two, three, or more years you can't fix any scratches or water-spots that do appear without destroying the coating itself. With a conventional wax or sealant you can just polish them out and re-apply.

Ceramics can't really be patched up because they are giant covalent structures, formed and 'set' on application. Patching them up is like gluing a broken window back together. Possible, but not easy... and you wouldn't do it on purpose just for a light correction.

So there you have your conundrum. If swirls make you miserable, ceramic coatings are like a really long sword that scares a lot of bad guys away, but then just becomes a hindrance when someone slips past your guard or you need to patch yourself up. If you don't mind taking a few hits and soldiering on, they can be useful, but if you want to regularly tend to the inevitable injuries, they just get in the way.
 
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