Keeping Your Car Clean With Ceramic Coating: Is It Worth It?

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Dec 06, 2022

Ceramic coating is thought to be the best way to protect your car's paint and keep its value. Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers applied by hand to your vehicle's external surface, creating a semi-permanent bond with your car's paint. The clear coating makes your car's surface easier to clean and protects it from rock chips, tree sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants.


But are car ceramic coatings worth the money? Do they live up to their promises, or is it all hype? The auto detailing experts at Lucent Auto Work will break everything down for you in this post.

What Are Ceramic Coatings for Cars?

Based on NASA's technology, a car ceramic coating is a liquid polymer featuring a composition of silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2). Sounds pretty fancy, right? If you're still wondering whether nanoceramic coatings for cars are a good idea, remember that NASA uses them too.

Silicon dioxide, which comes from quartz crystals and sand, is an important part of the ceramic coating because it combines silicon and oxygen.



They make a strong film when mixed with polysilazane, titanium dioxide, water, and triethanolamine. The dense, liquid coating that forms is what auto detailing experts call ceramic coating. When applied to your car's exterior surface, the ceramic coating forms a protection film that keeps off contaminants from the underlying surface. That keeps your car's finish looking shiny for weeks.

What's the Difference Between Ceramic Coating and Traditional Paint Protection?


If you value your car, you'll want it to always look pristine and shiny, like the day you bought it from the dealership. Of course, you remember that glossy, shiny look out of the showroom that could easily catch the eye on the streets. But can you make it last?

There are several ways to protect the paint on your car and keep it in the best shape.


However, the paint protection product you use will depend on your requirements. These products include:


  • Wax

Waxing is a traditional paint protection technique that has been used for decades. The wax is relatively cheap and easy to apply compared to ceramic coating and will leave your car's paint looking great. The wax can be bought from any auto store and applied by any DIYer.


The wax is made of natural products like carnauba wax, which is blended with chemicals to make it easy to adhere to the paintwork. While the wax will make your car's paint look amazing, it's not durable. It will easily wash off or evaporate when your car is exposed to extreme heat. As such, car wax needs reapplication every few months.


  • Paint Protection Film

A paint protection film (PPF) is a clear film applied to your car's painted surfaces to protect them from chips, scratches, and other road dents. This film is made from polyurethane and is applied to your vehicle using an adhesive backing. PPF’s are often installed on cars that drive on roads with a lot of debris, like gravel roads.


They're also ideal for cars frequently driven around city traffic, especially in areas with higher risks of getting chipped or scratched by another car. PPF can also be installed on boats and watercraft vehicles to protect the paint from saltwater, UV damage, and other elements.

Differences Between Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Films

While ceramic coatings and paint protection films create a protective layer against UV rays, they're significantly different in price and how they work. Let's explain!


  • A paint protection film is easier to apply

While you might need professional assistance, it's harder to apply ceramic coating than paint protection films. That's because PPF’s come in precut pieces that you can easily apply to your vehicle. However, a ceramic coating product comes in liquid form, making it a little difficult to apply evenly on your car's paint job.


  • Ceramic car coating offers better protection against scratches

Nano ceramic coating provides better car protection against scratches than paint protection films. That's because ceramic coating creates a hard, durable layer on your vehicle's paint job to make it scratch resistant. Paint protection films also create a protective coating resistant to light scratches and swirl marks, but they're not as effective.


  • Ceramic paint coatings provide long-lasting protection

High-quality ceramic coating can last longer than traditional paint protection films as it forms a strong bond with your vehicle's paint. Unlike traditional waxes and protection films, ceramic car coatings can maintain scratch resistance and hydrophobic properties for years.

However, even the best ceramic coatings will degrade over time and will require replacement.

When Should You Use a Nano-Ceramic Coating?

Despite its many benefits, ceramic paint coating isn't a one-size-fits-all paint protection solution. For some cars, it can be life-changing. You might even start wondering how you ever lived without it, especially after several washes. For some car owners, even the best ceramic coating might feel like a major letdown, especially when you hoped it would make a huge difference. So, will your vehicle benefit from a nano-ceramic coating? Let's find out!


Lucent Auto Work experts believe your vehicle will benefit from a ceramic coating if:

  • The paint is kept in near-perfect condition.
  • It's driven regularly in different conditions, but it's not neglected.
  • Wash on a regular basis with appropriate washing products and techniques.
  • May benefit from the ability to wash easily and quickly.


How Much Does a Ceramic Coating Cost?

The price may vary as there are so many professional and DIY ceramic coating options in Tacoma, WA, and surrounding areas. If you want professional-grade car coatings, be prepared to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the condition and size of your car, the dealer's reputation, and the quality of the nanocoating.


Obviously, a new car will be cheaper to ceramic coat than an older, larger car with more paint correction work needed. Also, there might be other hidden costs of taking your vehicle to a ceramic pro, including the prep work.

DIYers can purchase a DIY ceramic spray coating kit for about $20 to $150. Setting up the DIY ceramic coating kit will depend on the size of your vehicle and take approximately 4–8 hours.


However, the DIY ceramic coating work will be worthwhile because it can save you up to $1, 000, though the final results will also be dependent on your preparation work.

Is a Ceramic Coating Good for My Car?

While ceramic coating for cars is relatively new to many car owners in the Pacific Northwest, it's the best paint protection option you can give your vehicle today. It's harder to apply than car wax, sealant, and PPF, but it dries to create a protective, transparent layer that can last for almost a decade.



However, you'll need to wait until the ceramic coating cures to start using your car.

Looking for Reliable Ceramic Coating Experts in Tacoma, WA? Lucent Auto Work is Here for You!

Lucent Auto Work is the best ceramic coating service in Tacoma, WA, helping car owners in the Pacific Northeast protect their entire vehicle's appearance. Our auto detailers have a lot of experience working on all kinds of cars, from trucks to sedans to minivans.

Call (253) 533-6776 to book an appointment!

By Pam Poldervart 01 Apr, 2024
Indeed, ceramic coating is a worthy investment for protecting your vehicle. Serving as a shield, it keeps the car's paint safe from exposure to harmful elements like UV rays, oxidation, and chemical stains, much like protecting your own skin with sunscreen on sunny days. Even more so, it allows your vehicle to maintain its original condition over a longer period of time, saving you from potential costly paint repairs in the future. Imagine having a resilient protective layer on your beloved car that helps keep it in top shape. On with this journey to explore further benefits. Ceramic coating is worth the cost due to its exceptional protection against environmental damage, resulting in an extended lifespan for your vehicle's paintwork. Additionally, the glossy finish and reduced maintenance requirements make it a valuable investment for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your car. Benefits of Ceramic Coating Ceramic coatings act as invisible armor for your car, protecting it from the harsh outdoor elements. Their ability to provide protection from environmental damage makes them a worthwhile investment. They shield against UV rays, oxidation, and chemical stains that can otherwise damage the paint and clear coat of your vehicle. With a ceramic coating, the paint will stay vibrant and untouched, even with exposure to intense sunlight and acidic rain. Picture this: You're driving down the road when a giant bird decides to use your car's roof for target practice. With a ceramic coating, you'll have less reason to worry about the corrosive effect of bird droppings etching into your paintwork. The coating acts as a barrier, providing valuable time to clean up any mess before it becomes destructive. Hydrophobic Properties Ceramic coatings also boast remarkable hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water and contaminants, making cleaning much easier and reducing water spots on your car's surface. Imagine watching raindrops roll off your car effortlessly, leaving behind no specks or blemishes, thanks to the protective shield of a ceramic coating. Not only does this make maintenance more manageable, but it also keeps your car looking pristine in even the harshest weather conditions. Longevity Apart from protection and ease of maintenance, another benefit of ceramic coatings is their longevity. When properly applied and maintained, ceramic coatings can last several years, offering long-term protection for your vehicle's paintwork. When you invest in a ceramic coating for your car, you’re investing in long-term protection that saves you time and money on extensive detailing or repainting down the line. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal Lastly, ceramic coatings enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle by providing a glossy finish that makes it look newer for longer. It's like a high-quality nail polish for your car's paint—just as shiny and just as protected. The glossy finish gives depth and clarity to the color of your car’s paint, making it stand out wherever you go. It’s like giving your vehicle a fresh coat of confidence. With all these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder why ceramic coatings are becoming more popular among vehicle owners looking to keep their cars looking great for years to come.
By Pam Poldervart 01 Apr, 2024
Paint Protection Film (PPF) works like a clear skin for your vehicle. It not only shields your car's paint from damage but also keeps it glossy, much like on day one. Yet, there's more to PPF than just surface-level protection. Surprisingly, some variants even self-heal minor scratches when bathed in heat or sunlight. So think of it as securing a new look for your vehicle every time the sun shines. So, when you decide to sell your car, you might notice its paint looks fresh and shiny as ever. Paint Protection Film (PPF) adds value to your vehicle by protecting it from rock chips, scratches, and other forms of damage, preserving its pristine appearance and potentially increasing its resale value. Additionally, PPF can enhance the longevity of the vehicle's exterior, reducing the need for costly touch-ups and repairs. Paint Protection Film Varieties Paint protection films, or PPFs, aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they come in various thicknesses and types to meet the specific needs of your vehicle and your personal preferences. The thickness of PPF usually ranges from 8 mil to 40 mil, with the most commonly used options being 8 mil, 10-mil, and 12-mil. Different Finishes When it comes to finishes, PPF can be clear, glossy, or matte. Clear PPF offers a transparent protection layer without altering the original appearance of the vehicle. It's perfect for those who want to protect their car while keeping its factory look intact. On the other hand, glossy PPF provides a shiny finish that not only protects the paint but also enhances the overall appearance of the vehicle by adding a sleek and polished look. Finally, matte PPF is designed for those who prefer a non-glossy, understated appearance. It gives vehicles a flat finish, providing protection while also catering to specific aesthetic preferences. Additional Properties Some PPF products on the market offer self-healing properties. This means that minor scratches can heal themselves when exposed to heat or sunlight. The self-healing feature is especially valuable because it helps maintain the pristine look of your vehicle's paint job over time.  The ability of PPF to heal itself ensures that small scratches or marks don't mar the appearance of your vehicle. This convenient feature minimizes maintenance efforts on your part and contributes to keeping your car looking new for years to come. Given the array of options available, selecting the right PPF can be overwhelming. Let's now delve into each variation and its benefits to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Enhancing Vehicle Appeal with PPF Imagine owning a luxurious sports car or a sleek, stylish sedan. You take great pride in your vehicle's appearance and want it to turn heads wherever you go. This is where PPF comes in. Not only does it shield your car from stones, bugs, and minor abrasions, but it also plays a significant role in enhancing the vehicle's visual appeal. Consider this: Your brand-new car has a stunning paint finish that catches the light just right, creating a captivating shine. Over time, without protection, this pristine surface becomes vulnerable to fading due to exposure to sunlight as well as damage from road debris and environmental contaminants. PPF acts as transparent armor, guarding against these assaults while allowing your car's luster to remain undiminished. When light shines on your coated vehicle, the gloss remains intact, ensuring that your car maintains its original allure. Whether your car is a classic red, a metallic blue, or any other color, PPF preserves the depth and vibrancy of the paintwork. The film itself is virtually undetectable, so it doesn't disrupt or distort the design details of your vehicle. Moreover, think about driving down the street; you notice a car’s paint glimmering under the sunlight. This not only adds to the vehicle's curb appeal but also contributes to its overall resale value when it is time to part ways with the car. By maintaining the original characteristics of your car's paint job, including its shine, clarity, and depth of color, PPF ensures that potential buyers are greeted by an aesthetically pleasing vehicle. This makes your car more competitive in the market and may even fetch a higher price compared to an unprotected vehicle with faded or damaged paint. It is evident that beyond safeguarding against physical damage, PPF enhances the visual attractiveness of your vehicle and contributes positively towards its resale value, making it a valuable investment in the long run.
By Pam Poldervart 01 Apr, 2024
Paint protection films or PPFs, serve as a reliable shield for high-end cars, thwarting potential damage from environmental factors such as chips off rocks, scratches, irritating stains or UV radiation. These invisible guardians not only preserve the suave finish of your car but also bolster its longevity, ensuring that your car retains its market value in case you decide to sell it off. However, not all PPFs deliver what they promise. Scrutinizing major brands like XPEL Ultimate and 3M Scotchgard Pro can be fruitful. These brands have weathered the harsh blows of road debris and inclement weather conditions without losing their luster. Now, let's delve into how these protective covers work. When considering PPF for luxury cars, it's essential to prioritize high-quality, optically clear films that provide robust protection while maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. Professional installation, regular maintenance, and potential combinations with ceramic coatings can further enhance both the protection and visual allure of luxury vehicles. The Function of Paint Protection Films Picture this: you're driving your sleek luxury vehicle down the highway, the sun glinting off the glossy finish, when suddenly, a small stone kicks up from the road. Without PPF, that stone would have left a mark—a chip in the paintwork, an unsightly blemish tarnishing your car's impeccable appearance. Here's where PPF comes to the rescue. It acts as an invisible suit of armor, shielding your car's pristine exterior from these types of hazards. But it's not just about preventing chips and scratches. PPF offers comprehensive protection against a whole array of environmental menaces. From bird droppings to UV radiation, it forms an impermeable barrier between your luxury car and potential damage. This isn't just about preserving appearances; it's about maintaining the longevity of your investment. Consider the front hood of your car—the most exposed area, susceptible to all kinds of debris and weather elements. A high-quality PPF can effectively prevent rock chips from becoming PPF, road debris and bird droppings from corroding the paint. This means fewer stains, less fading, and enhanced color depth for years to come. Protection isn't limited to the hood alone—PPF can be applied to multiple areas of your car, including the side mirrors and trunk. Think of it as a shield that envelops your vehicle in safeguarding armor. And here's an interesting fact: PPF can even provide anti-oxidation protection, keeping your car's surfaces safe from rust-causing moisture. Examination of PPF Brands' Durability When it comes to choosing the right paint protection film (PPF) for your luxury car, durability is a critical factor that directly impacts the longevity and effectiveness of the product. PPF serves as a shield against various external elements such as road debris, harsh weather conditions, and everyday wear and tear. It's like the armor that keeps your car's pristine exterior intact. Therefore, it's paramount to carefully examine the durability and resilience of different PPF brands to ensure long-term protection for your valuable automotive investment. One of the key aspects to consider when assessing the durability of PPF is its ability to maintain its protective properties over an extended period of time. For instance, XPEL Ultimate Plus is known for its exceptional longevity and resilience. This top-tier PPF brand offers robust protection against rock chips, scratches, and other surface contaminants, owing to its self-healing technology and superior stain resistance. This means that even after years of use, the film continues to provide a high level of protection, preserving your car's original finish. Similarly, the 3M Scotchgard Pro Series stands out for its proven track record of withstanding external elements over time. The film's excellent durability and resistance to environmental factors make it a popular choice among luxury car owners seeking long-lasting protection for their vehicles. The ability of 3M Scotchgard Pro Series to maintain its protective properties ensures that your car's paint remains shielded from potential damage during its lifespan. It's crucial to acknowledge that each brand listed above offers unique features tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether choosing XPEL Ultimate Plus, 3M Scotchgard Pro Series, SunTek Paint Protection Film, LLumar Platinum Paint Protection Film, or Avery Dennison Supreme Defense, it is important to carefully consider the brand's durability and capacity to withstand environmental stressors. Ultimately, investing in quality paint protection film is an investment in the future appearance and value of your vehicle. By prioritizing brands with proven track records of durability and resilience, you can rest assured that your luxury car receives the long-term protection it deserves, maintaining its pristine aesthetics for years to come. A Look at PPF Thickness and Material Quality When it comes to paint protection film (PPF), thickness plays a significant role in effective protection against the elements. Generally, high-quality PPF ranges from 6 to 8 mils (0.006 to 0.008 inches) in thickness, striking a balance between robust protection and an aesthetically pleasing finish. It's like choosing the right armor for your car—not too heavy to weigh it down but strong enough to defend against potential threats. A thicker film may provide more protection, especially in impact-prone areas like the front of the vehicle. However, excessive thickness can affect the overall appearance of the vehicle. Ensuring sufficient thickness is crucial for protection, but it's equally vital to focus on material quality. Opting for superior materials with self-healing properties can significantly impact the long-term maintenance of your vehicle's exterior. Self-healing properties allow minor scratches on the film to vanish with exposure to heat , ensuring that your luxury car always looks impeccable. Imagine encountering minor road debris or brushes with tree branches while driving; these unavoidable encounters may cause superficial scratches over time. However, with its self-healing properties, the film can maintain a flawless appearance, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the long-term protection of your luxury vehicle. Therefore, when considering PPF for your luxury car, prioritize films that offer both adequate thickness and exceptional material quality to strike a balance between safeguarding your vehicle's paint while maintaining its visual appeal.
By Pam Poldervart 01 Apr, 2024
Paint Protection Film is the invisible hero for your car's pristine finish. Acting as a shield, it safeguards your vehicle from minor threats like small pebbles, UV rays, and even weather elements that are often overlooked. Not just the usual grime, but those tiny particles in the air that you typically wouldn’t think of can be deflected with this handy film. Now, driving down a gravel road doesn't seem so bad, does it? Paint Protection Film (PPF) provides protection against a wide range of hazards, including abrasions from shopping carts, accidental brushes against walls, acidic contaminants like bird droppings and tree sap, and even minor scratches from everyday wear and tear. Its unique blend of urethane polymers and self-healing properties make it highly resilient and capable of defending against various unexpected threats to your car's paint job. Lesser-Known Hazards PPF Protects Against When it comes to safeguarding your vehicle, many people are quick to consider protection from obvious hazards like rock chips and scratches. While these are undoubtedly essential to ponder, several lesser-known dangers can also wreak havoc on your car's paint job. One such hazard is pollution . Pollution in the form of industrial fallout, acid rain, and other environmental contaminants can gradually degrade your car's paint, leading to discoloration and erosion. PPF provides a barrier against these harmful pollutants, preserving the luster of your vehicle's paint for years to come. Moreover, PPF also shields your car from the corrosive effects of bird droppings and tree sap . These seemingly innocuous substances can cause significant damage to your car’s paint if left unattended. When bird droppings and tree sap land on your car and are exposed to sunlight, the heat accelerates their corrosive properties, causing them to eat into the clear coat and eventually damaging the underlying paint. PPF acts as a protective barrier, preventing these substances from coming into direct contact with your car's finish. In addition to environmental contaminants, bug splatter can pose a threat to your vehicle's exterior. Many people overlook the impact of bug remains on their car's paint, but the acidic content in bug residue can actually etch the surface over time. PPF serves as a defense against this issue by creating a resilient layer that shields your car from bug splatter while maintaining the integrity of its finish. For instance, imagine driving through a long stretch of road flanked by trees; your car is likely to come into contact with various elements such as pollen, sap, or bugs along the way. Over time, these encounters could lead to unsightly blemishes and stains on your vehicle's exterior. However, with PPF in place, you can breathe easy knowing that your car is well protected from these potential threats. Amidst these hidden hazards lurking around every corner, it becomes evident that paint protection film goes above and beyond in shielding your vehicle from a wide array of potential damage. Paint Protection From Small Particles and Objects Driving on the road can expose your car to countless tiny hazards like gravel, sand, and stone chips. These seemingly harmless particles can spell trouble for your car's paint if left unprotected. Small but impactful, they have the potential to cause unsightly scratches, dings, and chips in your car’s shimmering exterior. Imagine your car as a prized possession—a symbol of status or a reliable partner for your adventures. Now, picture tiny stones flicking up from the road during a drive. While they may seem inconsequential at first, those little stones carry the potential to turn that symbol of pride into a canvas of unwanted blemishes. The average size of small particles and objects that PPF effectively shields against is around 100 microns—imagine these as microscopic troublemakers with the potential to wreak havoc on your pristine paint job. Your car is constantly faced with this onslaught of tiny threats every time you hit the road. PPF acts as an invisible armor—an added layer of safeguarding designed to absorb impact and preserve the mirror-like finish of your car's exterior. It guards against normal wear and tear brought on by unintentionally kicked-up loose gravel, sand, and small stones from other vehicles, much like a protective forcefield. And it's not just about superficial damage; these seemingly insignificant particles pose a risk of prolonged harm if left unchecked. Such elements can accelerate the deterioration of your car's paint job over time by causing an accumulation of abrasion. Protecting Against Everyday Hazards So what does this protection really mean for you? It means peace of mind knowing that each trip on the road won't inflict irreversible damage on your precious vehicle. PPF provides a reliable defense mechanism against minor abrasions from shopping carts, accidental brushes against walls, or contact with various objects in parking lots. Think about navigating through a crowded parking lot and being vigilant about avoiding any collisions with fellow cars or obstacles lurking in obscured spaces. Even when exercising due caution, there's always some risk of minor accidents or brushes—this is where PPF steps in as a silent but steadfast companion, offering resilience against unexpected encounters.  PPF offers protection akin to wearing a sturdy windbreaker in unpredictable weather conditions. Just as a windbreaker shields you from unanticipated gusts or precipitation during outdoor activities, PPF fortifies your car's paint job against unforeseen encounters with abrasive elements during day-to-day commutes. Having highlighted how crucial it is to shield your car from small but potentially harmful particles and objects, it's evident that PPF serves as an indispensable shield against everyday hazards on the road.
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