Ceramic coating is a renowned choice for many car enthusiasts and professionals alike, due to its durability, long lasting protection and an unparalleled shine to vehicle exteriors.
This advanced layer of defense, which forms a hard coating on surfaces, is made up of silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. It greatly increases resistance to dents, impurities, and adverse environmental conditions. It is the best option since it can keep painted items looking like new for a long time by preserving their original color and factory sheen.
However, it is significant to note that the way it is applied on a particular surface plays a very major role in determining its longevity and effectiveness. In this article we will explore the benefits of applying ceramic coating, the procedures and risks involved if applied improperly.
Understanding Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car’s exterior. When applied correctly, it will make a chemical bond with the vehicle’s factory paint for a very durable and long-lasting protective layer.
Traditional waxes or sealants sit atop the paint, whereas ceramic coatings bond either semi-permanently or permanently to the surface, very resilient against environmental factors such as UV rays, dirt, water, or chemicals.
As discussed before, Ceramic coating is a very popular choice especially in the car community due to the numerous benefits it offers:
- Long-term Protection: Ceramic coating provides long-lasting protection against dirt, rust, scratches and other environmental contaminants.
- Increasing Resale Value: This will increase the resale value of your vehicle or any other asset by keeping it shining and looking good.
- Low maintenance: Reduces the frequency of vehicle washes and detailing sessions.
- Ecological resistance: Very good, against environmental contaminant effects of road salt, tree sap, and bird droppings.
- Low Maintenance: It requires very little maintenance.
While all these benefits make ceramic coating an attractive option, this is where Nasiol ceramic coatings come into play. Our Nasiol NL272 ceramic coating is engineered with advanced technology to ensure super protection and longevity.
With its single application, it develops a single, smooth layer of hard, nanoscale coating that is smooth and protects against scratches, dust retention, and environmental stains like bird droppings.
Improper Application and Its Effects on Performance
Applying ceramic coating improperly can significantly diminish its effectiveness and compromise the protection it offers to your vehicle. Here’s how improper application can affect the performance of ceramic coating:
1. Incomplete Surface Preparation
- Effect: Before applying ceramic coating, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated, and polished to remove any imperfections. Skipping or inadequately performing these steps can result in the coating not bonding properly to the surface, leading to uneven coverage and reduced durability.
- Performance Impact: The coating may not adhere well, causing it to wear off prematurely, and it may fail to deliver the intended protection against UV rays, chemical stains, and environmental contaminants.
2. Incorrect Application Method
- Effect: Applying too much or too little product, not following the correct curing times, or applying the coating in unsuitable environmental conditions (such as high humidity or extreme temperatures) can lead to a variety of issues.
- Performance Impact: You might experience streaking, hazing, or high spots, which can dull the finish and make the surface look uneven. Additionally, the protective properties, such as hydrophobicity and resistance to scratches, may be significantly reduced.
3. Failure to Layer or Cure Properly
- Effect: Many ceramic coatings require multiple layers to achieve optimal protection, with specific curing times between layers. Rushing this process or not allowing the coating to cure fully can lead to insufficient layering.
- Performance Impact: The coating may be less resilient to abrasion and environmental factors, reducing its overall lifespan. Water beading and gloss levels may also be less impressive, negating some of the primary benefits of the coating.
4. Improper Maintenance Post-Application
- Effect: After applying a ceramic coating, it’s crucial to follow specific maintenance practices, such as avoiding washing the vehicle with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Neglecting this can degrade the coating prematurely.
- Performance Impact: The coating’s hydrophobic properties can diminish, and its protective capabilities against dirt, grime, and pollutants can weaken, requiring reapplication sooner than expected.
5. Application in Contaminated Environments
Performance Impact: Contaminants like dust or lint can get trapped under the coating, leading to a rough surface texture, reduced clarity, and compromised protection. These imperfections can also make the coating less durable and more prone to failure.
Effect: Applying ceramic coating in a dusty or unclean environment can lead to contamination of the coating before it cures.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying ceramic coating is a task which has to be performed diligently as we are now familiar with the importance of proper application being discussed.
Good for you that our products are easy to use as it is designed for both end users and professionals.
Let’s move on to the steps involved in the application process to ensure that its advantages can be utilized properly.
Surface Preparation: First and foremost, you should ensure that your surface is completely cleaned and free from any form of contamination.This includes washing, preferably with a pressure washer as it cleans more efficiently and use a clay bar if required.
Following decontamination, use the proper equipment and silicone or wax-free cutting chemicals to perform polishing or compounding based on the surface’s physical state.
We recommend using our Nasiol Cleanion Pro which will help to attain the maximum benefits out of the ceramic coating solution. Nasiol Cleanion Pro is an ideal partner for effectively removing mud, dust, and different types of stain residue from surfaces.
Application of the Coating: Once the surface is prepared, the ceramic coating can be applied now. Before using the product, we urge you to wear protective nitrile gloves which are given in our Nasiol ceramic coating product box.
To serve as an example, we are explaining the application methods for our top products, NL272 and ZR53. For our other ceramic coating products, be sure to read the instructions carefully before use.
Open the lid and pour 4-5mL of it onto a suede cloth. This is sufficient to treat an area of 1m². The lid should be kept shut while applying. Spread the product over the surface by moving in a crisscross motion.
After about 30 seconds, once beading starts, use a light gray Nasiol microfiber cloth and wipe off the extra product with linear strokes. Fold microfiber cloth four times for best results and change sides often, avoiding the same side more than once.
If the product cures on the surface before wiping, it could become very difficult or impossible to remove. In this case, polish or sand the surface and remove the cured product, applying again properly.
Buffing: After applying the coating, it needs to be buffed out with a dark gray Nasiol microfiber towel in a circular motion to remove excess product for a smooth finish.
Let it Cure: The last step is to let the coated surface cure for at least 48 hours before any detergent-based washing. Ensure that the coated surface is kept away from direct sunlight, water exposure, and various contaminated elements for at least 24 hours.
Long-term Maintenance and Care
Once the ceramic coating has been laid on, proper care is essential in order to ensure its longevity. On top of regularly washing the vehicle using a pH-neutral soap so as not to strip off the coating, one should shun harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that will damage it.
Also, one should avoid automatic car washes, for most have very aggressive brushes and chemicals this type of coating does not like at all; instead, opt for hand washing or touchless car washes.
Reapplication of Ceramic Coating
Even the best ceramic coatings wear down over time, and you may have to reapply them every few years, depending on the conditions your vehicle is subjected to. However, with the Nasiol Ceramic Coatings, like Nasiol NL272, you have the chance to get further advanced resilience and long-term protection. Offering 10H resistance, Nasiol NL272 can last up to 7 years with proper maintenance, which can even be extended further.
Of course, this advanced product is extremely easy to maintain; it will reduce the requirement of frequent reapplications so that your vehicle’s protection is guaranteed for years.
Final Words
Finally we all agree that proper application of ceramic coating is necessary to take full advantage of the product. Along with offering protection and durability, it also adds to the appearance due to the glossy shine that enhances it. However, it is important to note how it can damage your surface if it’s not used properly.
Results can be expected through Nasiol Ceramic Coatings, designed for easy application, durability, and comprehensive instructions and support provided by the manufacturer. Protect the investment and look out for professional results after applying a ceramic coating with Nasiol.
FAQ’S
1. What is ceramic coating and how does it protect my vehicle?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that, when applied to a vehicle’s factory paint, provides a durable, permanent protective layer by bonding chemically to the paint. It protects the paint from environmental contaminants, UV rays, scratches, dirt, and enhances the glow of a vehicle.
2. Why is proper application of ceramic coating so important?
Proper application ensures the ceramic coating is spread uniformly and provides full coverage to ensure maximum protection and longevity. When applied incorrectly, this will result in spotty coverage that reduces its effectiveness and causes potential damage to a vehicle’s surface.
3. What are the risks associated with improper application of a ceramic coating?
It may lead to reduced efficiency, potential areas where there is no protection, damage to the surface, discoloration, or hazing of paint that would cost high and be hard to repair.
4. How do I correctly apply ceramic coating to my vehicle?
For the perfect application of ceramic coating, ensure that the surface is truly clean and decontaminated. Spread the coating in a criss cross manner, then buff the surface with it before letting it dry for a minimum of 48 hours, keeping it away from water, sunlight, or any other contaminants.
5. How often should the ceramic coating be reapplied?
These ceramic coatings will wear off over time and need to be reapplied every few years, depending on the environmental conditions. Even the better coats, such as Nasiol NL272, can go up to 7 years or even more if properly maintained.
