You might have heard the term ceramic coatings a lot recently and might have even considered getting one for your car. Ceramic coatings have become an increasingly popular option amongst auto detailers and car enthusiasts. But is ceramic coating worth the investment? 

Table of Contents

What is Ceramic Coating?

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Get a Ceramic Coating

• If you think it protects your car from scratches and rock chips

• If you're going to take it to the car wash every week

• If you don't care about your car looking good all the time

3 Reasons Why You Should Get A Ceramic Coating

• Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

• Long-Lasting High Gloss

• Improved Slickness and Hydrophobic Effect

Alternatives to Ceramic Coating

• Paint Protection Film

Conclusion: Is Ceramic Worth the Investment?

What is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a special liquid that is applied to cars that bonds to the car's paint and forms a smooth, glass-like layer. This coating protects the paint from sun damage, water spots, and dirt/grime. Ceramic coating also makes the car's surface super slick and slippery. This helps water and grime slide off the car easily when washing.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Ceramic Coating

If you’re going to take it to a car wash every week, I wouldn’t get a ceramic coating.

A huge benefit of a ceramic coating is that it makes your car very easy to maintain, but that means you have to wash it by hand. Car washes scratch your car’s paint so the hours of paint correction you did to apply the ceramic coating go to waste. This is why most detailers, including us, offer discounted maintenance washes to keep the ceramic coating perfect.

If you think it will protect your car from rock chips and scratches/swirl marks.

Ceramic coating does not protect your car from rock chips, scratches, and swirl marks. This is a common misconception that I want to clear. While we remove your existing scratches and swirl marks through our meticulous <paint correction process> which is part of our <ceramic coating package>, we cannot prevent future scratches and swirl marks from occurring.

If you don’t care about your car looking good all the time.

Ceramic coating will give your car that glossy and shiny look every time. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind their car not being in the best condition, I wouldn’t get a ceramic coating.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Ceramic Coating

Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

Ceramic coatings enable water and grime to easily slide off the ultra-slick surface with simple rinsing or light wiping. This reduces cleaning time and effort. So instead of washing your car for 1.5 hours on the weekend, think 20/30 minutes tops.

Long-Lasting High Gloss

While waxes and sealants shine for weeks or months, quality ceramic coatings retain a deep, wet gloss for years with proper upkeep. This extended gloss outlasts the initial luster of new vehicles. People will constantly ask you about your car.

Improved Slickness and Hydrophobic Effect

The nano-coating minimizes friction and contact on the painted exterior. This causes water to bead up and slide off while also preventing contaminants like sap and dirt from bonding to the surface.

Alternatives to Ceramic Coating

If you want protection against rock chips and scratches, then paint protection film is your best bet. Paint protection film, also known as a clear bra, is a clear plastic coating made out of polymers that goes on top of the paint on cars. The film protects the car's paint from getting scratched or chipped if rocks hit it and can also guard against damage from car wash brushes, keys, sticks, and other things that might scratch the paint because it works as a shield. 

But paint protection film can set you back $3000-$4000. So if that’s not within your budget, and you still want to keep your car protected from the sunlight and bird droppings, ceramic coating is an affordable option.

Conclusion: Is Ceramic Coating Worth the Investment?

Ceramic coating doesn’t have disadvantages per se; it’s just not the all-in-one protection solution that some people think it is. But it is the most bang-for-your-buck investment if you own a car for keeping it clean. Ceramic coatings can provide outstanding longevity and gloss when properly maintained. While they don’t protect your paint from rock chips, they are an excellent choice for everyday car drivers looking to keep their car looking good. 

Here are some guidelines for when ceramic coatings offer the most value:

- For car enthusiasts seeking maximum longevity on cherished vehicles

- For vehicles that you plan to sell (ceramic coating can be registered on carfax to increase their value)

- For owners willing to commit to required care and maintenance to keep their car looking amazing

Check out our ceramic coating services and submit our contact form to get a free ceramic coating quote on your car.