cermaic-coating-outback

What is a Ceramic Coating? Why do I need one?

Thinking about getting the Ceramic Coating package and want more information? In this week’s David Does Detailing Blog, we do a deep dive into just that. What is Ceramic Coating and why do I need one? A Ceramic Coating is a hydrophobic coating using silica technology, which chemically bonds with a factory clear coat to provide a layer of protection. The resulting coating is more permanent and resilient than what you would get with a wax or other polymer sealant. This creates a layer that is impenetrable to UV, weather, acids, pollutants, bird droppings, tree sap, and anything else that threatens your vehicle’s surface. Thus, maintaining a depth of shine that is unmatched by any other form of paint protection on the market. Ceramic Coated vehicles stay cleaner longer and when they are washed become much easier to clean.

Ceramic Coating

Subaru Outback with 7 year Ceramic Coating

Is Ceramic Coating right for you? Like any product on the market, there are Pros and Cons to ceramic coatings. I believe in giving my customers all of the information upfront so that they are able to make informed decisions.  Let us start with the cons: The first thing that comes to mind is the expense of the package. The price of a ceramic coating reflects a great deal of work that goes into making the paint ready to properly accept the coating. This includes a full decontamination wash to clean out the pores of the clear coat. Followed by a paint enhancement with a Dual Action Polisher to remove some of the swirls and stretches; resulting in increased gloss, shine, and clarity for your paint.  Another potential downside to ceramic coating is that it eliminates the need for wax. Some people find waxing their vehicle every weekend therapeutic. If you are one of those people, the ceramic coating may not be a good choice for you. However, if you do not enjoy having to wax your vehicle frequently then a ceramic coating could be a great solution. Another drawback to the ceramic coating is that a car that has received a ceramic coating should not be taken through a drive-thru car wash. Drive-thru car washes decrease the longevity of the coating for many reasons; the brushes and noodles severely scratch the paint diminishing all of the work that went into the surface and the harsh chemicals of the wash degrade the coating. However, once a car has received a ceramic coating, it is much easier to wash by hand. Thus, decreasing the need for a drive-thru wash.

Now for some Pros: A ceramic coating is the best way to protect your investment. The depth and clarity of the shine are amazing.  Ceramic coatings are exceptionally convenient because they reduce the time it takes to wash your car, and once it’s washed it looks as if it has been freshly waxed.  Another premium benefit of the OP Ceramic coating is it’s the only coating on the market that offers a 7-year third-party backed warranty.  This warranty goes on your vehicle’s Carfax, potentially adding value to your vehicle at the time of sale. The warranty provides that all Factory-Painted Surfaces are protected against permanent damage from weather-induced fading, weather-induced chalking, weather-induced loss of gloss, acid rain, bird waste, tree sap, insect damage, sun’s UV rays, hard water spots, de-icing agents/road salt, ocean spray, brake dust, rail dust, paint overspray, and fuel stains. Moreover, it provides protection of the treated alloy wheels against permanent damage from pitting or corrosion caused by road salt, ocean spray, other weather-induced damage, and excessive brake dust that cannot be easily removed. It provides additional protection for the treated headlight lenses against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays causing dulling, yellowing, or fading of the headlight lens. This means, that if any of the above damages occur to the coated surfaces, you can make a claim and they will pay to have your vehicle fixed. Perhaps most importantly, the additional level of protection provided by the warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected from all sides.

Granted nothing will make your paint protection bulletproof but I feel that OP 7-year ceramic coating is the best option in protecting your vehicle. The depth of shine, ease of cleaning, and length of time the vehicle maintains its cleanliness are unparalleled. While our ceramic coating package is a greater initial financial investment, you will save money in the long run because you won’t have to do the more economical clay and seal package a few times a year. Do I believe that our ceramic coating package is the best option? Yes, but at the end of the day, all of the packages offered at David Does Detailing provide superior service and protection for your vehicle. Call, text, or email us today, so that we can take care of the vehicle. One last thing, don’t forget to check out our other blogs for more information and continued updates.

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David Does Detailing

You have decided to get a professional detail for your car or truck but what now? There are so many choices and a few different price points, it can be confusing. The blog series at David Does Detailing was created to try and take away some of this confusion. So lets jump into the importance of a Decontamination Wash.

f350 Decontamination Wash

Decontamination wash to clean out the pores of a Ceramic Coating

Let’s start with what I recommend for your first professional detail, the Decontamination Wash. This wash is of the utmost importance because it cleans out the pores of the clear coat. Think of it as a facial for your car. First, the car gets washed by hand, this greatly reduces the likelihood of adding scratches. Then I chemically remove all of the contaminates caused by industrial fallout, rail, and brake dust. Following the chemical decontamination, I use mechanical means to exfoliate the paint with a clay towel. This enables me to quickly remove particles that washing and chemicals cannot, such as paint overspray, tree sap, light tar, and bug residue. The final step is to remove mineral deposits that are left behind after water evaporates from your paint. Breaking down these deposits prolongs the life of your paint.

Once the decontamination is complete, your paint is left clear of debris and is ready to accept protection. I strive to always use the best products available, in keeping with this philosophy, I use the newest addition to the world of ceramic spray sealant. This SiO2 sealant is designed to give 6-8 months of protection while also increasing gloss, slickness, and shine, making the exterior of your car looking like the first day you drove it home.

 

Finally, after your paint and wheels are properly decontaminated and protected, I take the time to degrease, dry, and dress your tires, wheel wells, and door jambs. Then I freshen up the interior by giving it a thorough vacuum, interior wipe down and I clean the windows. I hope this makes choosing a package with David Does Detailing a little easier and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any further questions you have.