Ceramic car coating: pros and cons, reviews

The traditional paint and varnish coating does not meet the requirements of sophisticated motorists for a long time. Practicality, aesthetic appeal and mechanical durability - these qualities are rarely embodied in conventional body treatments. But the vacant niche could not remain unoccupied for a long time. And already today anyone can refine the car body with a "liquid glass". This is the name of the car's ceramic coating, which is characterized by a wide range of positive qualities. However, the only advantages are not limited to the characteristics of the new technology, so it is worth considering the different approaches to assessing this coverage.

What is a ceramic coating?

Technologists offer a variety of ceramic coating options, but they are all based on a sandy base. At the same time as a filler of drugs is not the usual river sand, but, for example, silicon dioxide, supplemented with silicates and salts. Such components can be found in an alkaline solution of sodium silicate or potassium. Modern ceramic coating of the car comes from the technique of preparing a "liquid glass", known for 200 years. Another thing is that the modifications, designed specifically for bodywork, have a number of auxiliary components, due to which a unique combination of protective properties is provided.

Coating composition

Despite the general basis and principles of manufacturing protective mixtures from the quartz-ceramic group, chemists offer several variations of the already basic composition with nanoelements. For example, a means with the addition of titanium oxide is quite popular. This is a nanoceramic coating of a car, whose particles are also used for bleaching and providing thermal protection of plastic materials. It is from the viewpoint of coating the body that the most recent quality of titanium oxide is most significant . To give the future layer of hardness and strength specialists use mineral silicon dioxide - in fact, this component in the form of colorless crystals forms about 30% of the mixture.

In addition to mechanical resistance, specialized coatings for cars are distinguished by repelling functions in relation to contaminants. This property drugs provide surfactants, which are also included in the composition of detergents. Depending on the ratio of the described components, different characteristics are enhanced, which the finished ceramic coating of the car has. Pros and cons of almost all formulations of this type will help to make a general idea of the advisability of their application. It's worth starting with the advantages, which led to the popularity of ceramic bodywork.

Protective properties

This is the main set of characteristics for which "liquid glass" is valued. Protective qualities can be divided into two categories: mechanical resistance and repelling properties. Primary is the ability of the coating to protect the body of the body from damage. Machines with such a shell have practically no scratches and chips on the surface. This protection is promoted by the solid base of the composition in the form of the said crystals. Quite extensive and quality, due to which the barrier is formed before mechanical influences and moisture. In particular, the protective ceramic coating of the body of the car has mud, water-repellent properties, and also prevents negative processes from exposure to reagents in winter. In the summer, the applied layer exhibits resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Aesthetic appearance

With all the variety of ways to give the car a spectacular look, truly original exteriors are not so easy to obtain. The fact is that unusual means for decorating the exterior are for the most part unable to provide in full the same protective qualities. In turn, the ceramic coating of the car creates the effect of a mirror luster, which increases the aesthetic appeal of the body. Of course, much in this respect depends on the basic paintwork, but in any case the ceramics will complement it with the original shine. And this is not to mention the saturation of colors, which, again, is achieved through the processing of "liquid glass." Here it is worth noting and the fact that the coating retains the original properties of the applied paint, not allowing its structure to collapse.

No need for regular washing

To begin with, it should be noted that the first week after treatment, a car with such a coating does not need a sink at all. This is not due to the effect of protective qualities, but to the recommendations of technologists. The first days after the application operation, the composition acquires the basic properties of strength, while the process of forming the structure is completed. This period is also important for strengthening the dirt repellent qualities. After 2-3 weeks, you can see the difference between operating a body without a coating and a surface with a "liquid glass" treatment. Correctly formed ceramic coating of the car is less polluted and easier to clean. Practice shows that to maintain the original appearance of the body, it is enough to rinse its surface from time to time. At the same time, one should refrain from using abrasives in the form of rags and brushes with hard fibers. Such effects can disrupt the smoothness of the outer layer. Actually, this is the main advantage of such coatings and ends. Now you can go to the disadvantages.

Complexity of application

By the nature of the procedure, the processing procedure is much like polishing. The process is multi-stage and complex, so it is performed by specialists. Work begins with a thorough cleaning of the surface of the machine, after which it is degreased. At this stage, special means of autochemistry are selected, which can be combined with a specific paint and varnish coating. Then follows the polishing of the body and all glass surfaces, the result of which should be the removal of particles of detergents. Direct application on the car of a ceramic covering can be carried out only after will be removed also mechanical defects on a surface. The main stage consists in laying the ceramic composition in several layers - an average of 4 to 7 layers are applied. After this, a rather short polymerization period follows, during which the applied paste dries. On average, this takes 7-8 hours. The final set of technical qualities, as already noted, is already in the process of the first days of operation of the car.

Short hold time

One of the main drawbacks of this coating is its short life. Although the manufacturers of mixtures note that the tool maintains the original characteristics of about 3 years, the practice shows that the working state persists for a year. After this, it is again necessary to expose the body of the coating operation. However, the regularity of updating the protective layer depends on the nature of the operation of the machine. The more often it is used, the shorter the working life of "liquid glass". In addition, much depends on external factors that act on the ceramic coating of the car. Reviews of owners of cars with such protection indicate that in winter the cover, though protecting the body from mechanical and chemical influences, itself suffers from them quite seriously.

High price

Also an important factor that turns away from using this body protection technology is a considerable part of car owners. First, it should be noted the high cost of consumables. Depending on the brand of the composition, 50 ml of the mixture costs from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. The price list depends on the time of preservation of technical and operational qualities. Again, the ceramic coating of the body of the car with the claimed resource in 2-3 years in fact maintains basic qualities for about a year. Of course, cheap means of up to 10 thousand demonstrate a shorter duration of the protective function. Quite high and the cost of working operations in car-care centers. So, the processing of a car on average costs 15-18 thousand, and an off-road car can be covered not less than for 20 thousand.

Reviews of the coating

Apparently, "liquid glass" has many drawbacks, but users still note the quality of performance of its main tasks. First of all, this is the body's physical protection. Indeed, the owners highly appreciate the effect of the formed shell, which does not allow external factors to damage the structure of the paint layer. The aesthetic properties, which are provided by the nano ceramic coating of the car, are also noted. Reviews say not only about the original gloss of the applied product, but also highlight the ability of the coating to enhance the characteristics of the base paint.

Alternative technologies

Along with ceramic coatings, modern technologies of auto chemistry allow us to properly disclose the characteristics of film shells and "liquid rubber". It is possible to say unequivocally that these options are cheaper at the price, and the technical and operational properties of silicone products are similar in many respects to the result that the ceramic coating of the car gives out. Pros and cons of "liquid glass" are still in different spheres. Everything that concerns the creation and maintenance of this coating can be attributed to shortcomings. And on the contrary, the protective properties themselves are practically devoid of flaws and are carried out in due measure.

Conclusion

This method is suitable for those who want at any cost to get a really reliable protection of their car. If there is a willingness to invest in it about 20 thousand annually, then for the safety of the body you do not have to worry. With all the shortcomings, the ceramic protective coating of the car does guarantee the integrity of the paint layer, provided that the applied coating is regularly renewed. In addition, the car will get an attractive look, as well as reduce the cost of visiting the sink. Of course, you can save on the services of specialists, independently purchase an inexpensive composition and perform processing in a garage. But in this case, the operational properties of the containment are unlikely to meet expectations.