When you buy a premium bike or car the responsibility of caring for your car increases manifold. You must have heard car and bike enthusiasts talking about ceramic coating and how they maintain the shine and glamour of their two-wheeled/four-wheeled companions with these. If you have recently purchased a premium car for a bike and started frantically searching for, a “ceramic coating near me”, it’s time to join the bandwagon and know every minute detail about ceramic coating.
Ceramic coating came into effect in the 70s as a solution to safeguard military and commercial aircraft from adverse effects of the atmosphere, including extreme temperatures, corrosive substances, and UV rays.
Today ceramic coatings have taken a whole new definition and it is a product that no car owner can live without. Let us get into the details and examine their effects on cars and bikes, the associated costs, benefits, and whether it’s truly worth the investment.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. They chemically bond with the factory paint, creating a protective layer. To make it simple, ceramic coating is for your car/bike, what sunscreen is for your face. Ceramic coating is a protective layer that forms an unbreakable and in-depth connection with the paint of your car/bike providing superior protection against contaminants like dust and dirt. This is where ceramic coating differs from earlier used methods like waxing or Teflon coating.
Steps Involved in The Ceramic Coating Process
Ceramic coating is not a process that can be done in haste. It is a skilled process that begins at the pre-washing and ends at the final wipe. Taking care of each step can be all the difference between a swanky look and a hasty ununiform shine. So, lets see the steps so that we can nail it to the last bit.
Pre-wash:
The pre-wash stage is where we set the stage. A wash at the beginning eliminates dirt, dust, and contaminants from the surface of the vehicle.
- Start by using a mild soap or cleaning agent that is apt for the surface of your vehicle.
- Ensure that every nook and corner is thoroughly rinsed to scrap away any remnants of dust and grime.
- Wipe the car/bike with a clean microfibre cloth and let it dry naturally.
- The next step involves forming a protective layer by applying the ceramic coating uniformly.
- Achieve a flawless and glossy finish with a final round of buffing and drying:
- To add that extra charm and a finishing touch apply a non-wax polishing compound.
- If you are opting for a machine polish ensure that there is an even application overall.
- Finally. give that final wipe for that picture-perfect car and maximum effectiveness.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating
Just like everything else in life, applying ceramic coatings has its pros and cons if not done correctly. Let’s see what those are all about.
Advantages of Ceramic Coating
Bike and car enthusiasts leverage the benefits of Ceramic coatings and vouch for its transformative powers. Let’s see how you can do the same.
- A Protective Sheild:
The best thing that a ceramic coating brings with it along with that shine is a shield that doesn’t let dust settle in depth. Just a simple wipe with a cloth removes the dust in seconds after a well-done ceramic coating.
- Long-lasting:
Once you apply a ceramic coating on your car you are good for almost a year’s duration. The coating ensures durability through a chemical bonding process that reduces the time required for maintenance.
- Easy Cleaning:
Who doesn’t like a quick outing without spending hours cleaning? A ceramic coating ensures exactly that. It facilitates hassle-free maintenance on the go.
- Enhanced Aesthetics:
Do we even have to point this out? Your car is a reflection of your personality. A well-maintained vehicle reflects your eye for detail and a ceramic coating is all you need to make that statement. To test if the ceramic coating product that you have bought is working the way it should, always have a ceramic coating before and after the shot to see the difference.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating
Though the benefits of ceramic coatings outweigh the disadvantages it is good to keep an eye out for any nagging discomforts that may come your way with ceramic coatings:
- A little High On Cost:
Investing in ceramic coating for cars comes with a cost and coating your car can seem to be a relatively expensive procedure for some but the feel of a car that looks as good as new can’t be measured.
- Ceramic Coating is Time-Intensive:
If you are a beginner the application process may take a few days. The investment in time can be a deterrent for some, but the results are worth the effort.
- Need Time to Achieve Professional Application:
A beginner would need a comparatively higher time frame to achieve perfection. Maintaining the aesthetics will need a few rounds of practice and you may tend to get dissuaded after your first try. Patience and experience are the keys to that shiny glossy self coated car!
We have established how it can work for you and how it might not let us see some other details that may be helpful for you in the long run.
Exploring Ceramic Coating for Cars and Bikes
There are many factors that you might want to keep close to you before going all out and giving that royal ceramic coating treatment to your vehicles.
Ceramic coating prices for Cars and Bikes
- The first thing that crops up when we go for any new investment is the investment itself! Ceramic coating prices for Cars can vary depending on the brand that you buy from and can range from ₹5,000 for lower-end products to ₹30,000 for high-end coating and packages that include additional services.
- Ceramic coating prices for bikes are comparatively cheaper than cars for obvious reasons and a typical ceramic coating for bikes in India can typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.
Ceramic Coating vs. Other Coatings
Multiple ways and techniques can be used for achieving a coating on cars and bikes and it can become a little overwhelming to understand the difference from ceramic coating. We bring you here the basic differences to make informed decisions as per your choice.
- Ceramic Coating: Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers that offer protection against UV rays, effects of contact with oxygen, bird droppings, and minor scratches and give long-lasting protection and bring a glossy look to your vehicle.
- Teflon Coating: Teflon is a synthetic material/coating that provides a non-stick surface like household pans. Similar to a non-stick pan it makes it easier to clean and repel water and contaminants, but Teflon coating is less durable than ceramic coatings and may need multiple reapplication.
- PPF: PPF is like a transparent film that sticks to the vehicle’s paint providing a thin film and protecting it from chips and slight abrasions. PPF is extremely durable but is more expensive than coatings.
- Graphene Coating: A graphene coating is basically a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in and are extremely strong and have almost similar protective benefits as ceramic coatings and are highly durable and water resistant.
- 9H Ceramic Coating: 9H ceramic coating is the new rage in the market and has extremely high hardness and brings a very strong and durable protective layer for your vehicle’s paint. Ceramic coating is a go-to solution for car and bike enthusiasts and can work wonders to bring in that new lease of life to your worn-out car and bike. If you believe in passing on your heritage of cars and bikes to the next generation or making it vintage, investing in a ceramic coating is s must. A first car or bike has a different emotional appeal for the buyer and maintaining it with a ceramic coating is a must.
Frequently Asked Question
1. How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last?
A skillfully applied ceramic coating by a professional can last a minimum of 6 months for vehicles that are out a lot and may even remain unfettered and robust for vehicles that are used lightly.
2. Can Ceramic Coating Remove Scratches?
Ceramic coating can subdue or mellow the visibility of scratches but can’t entirely remove scratches.
3. Is Ceramic Coating Good for New Cars?
New cars have their own glory and may not require a ceramic coating for a good 2 years. Having said that if you are an outdoor person who is on the go a lot, you may need a ceramic coating within the first year as a maintenance and preventive measure.
4. What is Nano Ceramic Coating for Bikes?
Nano ceramic coating for bikes is a new product that offers a microscopic protective layer and protects from harmful UV rays. They add both aesthetics and durability giving a holistic approach to maintenance.
5. Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?
If you are a car/bike connoisseur who doesn’t believe in making an investment in a new car or bike every few years, investing in a ceramic coating will improve the longevity and appeal of your car. Opt for a Ceramic coating for vintage cars or bikes to bring in that timeless appeal.
