Anyone passionate about their car wants to preserve it in the best possible condition. For the exterior, a ceramic coating is the very first thing a car enthusiast wants after paint protection film. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that, similar to wax, provides a thin, hydrophobic coating that makes the paint gleam and effectively hardens the clearcoat so it is significantly more resistant to scratches, contaminants and UV rays. But unlike wax, ceramic coating lasts longer—sometimes years, depending on the grade.

For all those reasons, I chose Michael Couch, owner of Auto Velvet Inc., in Kittery, Maine, to apply his own line of ceramic coating to my new car. Every brand has its own unique blend that attempts to achieve the best shine and protection. “The coating creates a protective layer which has very high surface tension,” Couch said. “The particles are very close which enhances depth and clarity which keeps your vehicle looking newer much longer.”

Pros

  • Provides a long-lasting protective layer, making it easier to clean the car
  • Enhances the car’s appearance by providing a glossy and reflective finish that can deepen the color of the paint
  • Reduces the need for frequent waxing or detailing, saving time and money

Cons

  • Expensive, particularly for high-end ceramic coatings or professional application
  • May require special preparation of the car’s surface, such as polishing or paint correction
  • Difficult to apply correctly; improper application can lead to uneven or streaky results

How Tough is Ceramic Coating?

There are a few things to remember when considering ceramic coating. It is not a magic bullet solution that will completely protect your car from all damage. It is simply an additional layer of protection that can help to minimize the damage that your car may sustain over time. Ceramic coatings are graded on a hardness scale, which relates to its surface thickness (the higher the number, such as 9H, the better, but these ratings are not independently verified).

Second, while ceramic coating can provide an impressive level of protection, it is not invincible. It is still important to take care of your car and avoid exposing it to harsh conditions whenever possible.

Does Ceramic Coating Require Extra Maintenance?

After a successful ceramic coating job, you’re not done. To preserve the coating, you’ll need to wash your car more often, ideally with a pH-balanced car shampoo and other “booster” products, such as spray foam. If you’re spending this kind of money, Couch advises that “you only have one chance to get it right.”

How is Ceramic Coating Better Than Wax?

The biggest advantage is the coating’s durability. Unlike traditional wax, which typically needs to be reapplied every few months, ceramic coating can last for years with proper maintenance. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of added protection without the regular hassle of reapplying new coatings. Additionally, ceramic coating provides a high level of resistance to scratches and other types of damage that can occur during daily use. This means that your car will maintain a glossy, showroom-quality appearance for longer periods of time than wax.

Why is Ceramic Coating Expensive?

The biggest drawback is the cost. While there are DIY ceramic coating kits available, these products are formulated to be easier to apply and quicker to cure. As such, they don’t last as long or offer the same level of shine and protection as professional-grade ceramic coating products that, in nearly all cases, are sold only to authorized shops. Due to the skill and labor required, one application of ceramic coating can cost many times that over a wax job. Auto Velvet Ceramic Coating is slightly more difficult to apply due to a higher silica and titanium dioxide concentration.

The cost for my car was $800 which also included time for paint correction. Depending on your car, location and the shop, the total can be much higher.

“One of the major items most people don’t understand about ceramic coating is that the paint needs to be corrected first, potentially even on a new car,” Couch said. “Otherwise, you’re sealing in defects, scratches and other imperfections,” he said.

Verdict:

A ceramic coating is a great way to protect your car and enhance its appearance when applied professionally. It provides a durable layer of protection against scratches and can last for years with proper maintenance. The cost can be a potential drawback for some car owners. In my experience, if you are looking for a long-lasting solution to protect your car’s finish, getting a ceramic coat from an experienced professional is definitely the way to go.

Methodology:

We evaluate ceramic coating products based on these weighted metrics:

  • Price (35%)
  • Manufacturer Reputation (15%)
  • Full kit or coating only? (10%)
  • Hardness rating and chemical composition (10%)
  • Predicted life of coating (10%)
  • Ease of application (5%)
  • Level of paint protection offered (5%)
  • Overall value (5%)
  • Warranty (5%)