WHAT IS A CERAMIC COATING?

A Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. After application, it chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, establishing a layer of protection and a hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobic properties of a Ceramic Coating make it harder for contaminants to bond with your bike’s paint.  This has two main benefits for the Bike owner.

1. It helps keep the bike cleaner for longer.
2. It makes the bike easier to clean when the time does come for a wash.

A Ceramic Coating will also help reduce the risk of certain kinds of damage, such as…

1. Chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants
2. Chemical etch marks caused by acidic contaminants
3. Oxidation (fading) from UV exposure

WHAT DOES A CERAMIC COATING DO?

In short, a Ceramic Coating adds additional protection to your bike’s exterior and helps keep it looking like-new with comparatively minimal maintenance. The coating achieves this result by making your vehicle more resilient and easier to clean. Here are the main benefits:

PROTECTION FROM UV DAMAGE / OXIDIZATION

If a vehicle is often exposed to the sun, its paint will begin to oxidize, resulting in dulled and faded paint. A layer of Ceramic Coating protects a vehicle’s paint from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the amount of oxidization.

PROTECTION FROM CHEMICAL STAINS AND ETCHING

Another danger for your bike is chemical staining from naturally acidic contaminants. By creating a chemically resistant surface, a Ceramic Coating can keep some contaminants from bonding to your vehicle’s paint. The result is that your vehicle will be more resistant to staining and etching, provided the contaminant is removed in a timely manner.

EASE OF CLEANING

One of the most significant features of a Ceramic Coating is that it is hydrophobic, which is a fancy way of saying it repels water. When a vehicle has a hydrophobic Ceramic Coating, water will bead on the surface and slide off more easily. This means that mud and grime will have a more difficult time bonding to your vehicle’s paint, and when you wash your bike, contaminants can be removed with less effort.

ENHANCED GLOSS

If you want your paint to pop with gloss, you will want to add a Ceramic Coating. A good Ceramic Coating enhances the reflective properties of your bike’s paint and clear coat, adding to the depth and clarity of your paint.

As we said at the outset, a Ceramic Coating will add value to your vehicle. At Exclusive Detail, we are leading installers of Ceramic Coatings for Kathmandu and the surrounding area. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, follow the links.

WHAT DOES A CERAMIC COATING NOT DO?

For the reasons listed above, a Ceramic Coating does preserve your vehicle’s exterior and reduce ongoing maintenance needs. Therefore, if you choose to have a Ceramic Coating applied, you will be adding value to your vehicle.

However, despite the claims of some manufacturers and detailers, a Ceramic Coating is not a miracle, super-cure product that will solve any and every problem for your Bike. Thus, it is important for you to know what a Ceramic Coating does not do.

ELIMINATE THE DANGER OF SCRATCHES, SWIRL MARKS, OR ROCK CHIPS

The scratch-resistance of a Ceramic Coating is often exaggerated. Though some small scratches can be repelled by a Ceramic Coating (as we described above), a coated vehicle will not be completely resistant to the risk of rock chips or parking lot scratches. Furthermore, improper bike washing techniques or automated bike washes will still create swirl marks on your vehicle’s surface. It is important to know that a Ceramic Coating is not a substitute for more serious scratch or chip protection, nor does it eliminate the need to wash your bike in a proper manner in order to avoid swirl marks.

ELIMINATE THE RISK OF WATER SPOTTING

A normal drop of water contains a certain amount of dirt or minerals. When water evaporates on your vehicle’s surface, the minerals are left behind, creating visible spots. Detailers and consumers may assume that the hydrophobic quality of a Ceramic Coating will eliminate water spotting, since water slides of the coated surface. While it is true that some water will be repelled from the hydrophobic surface, other water droplets will bead and remain on the vehicle, creating the opportunity for water-spotting.

ELIMINATE THE NEED TO WASH

Notice above we said a Ceramic Coating keeps your bike looking like-new with comparatively minimal maintenance, not no maintenance. Let’s face it, the road is a dirty place. If you are driving your bike, it will get dirty,  Even with a Ceramic Coating, you will still need to wash your bike regularly in order to maintain its look. The benefit of a Ceramic Coating is that the cleaning process will be easier. Moreover, having a Ceramic Coating means that you will no longer have to wax your vehicle every few months, eliminating a significant part of maintaining your bike’s exterior. Thus, a Ceramic Coating does not make your vehicle maintenance-free, but it does mean that with less work you will be able to maintain better results.

SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Simply put, it is important to be educated about a product before making a decision about whether it is right for your vehicle. Will Ceramic Coatings benefit your vehicle and add value? Certainly! Are Ceramic Coatings a miracle, one-stop-shop solution for all of your vehicle’s exterior problems? Certainly not!

It is also important to realize that Ceramic Coatings are not a substitute for the more comprehensive protection you find in a quality Clear Bra (Paint Protection Film). If you’d like to learn more about Paint Protection Film, read our Formal Introduction to Paint Protection Film. For ultimate protection, add a layer of Paint Protection Film to the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle, then place a Ceramic Coating over every painted surface.

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