What You Need to Know Before Getting a Ceramic Car Coating
Ceramic coating can last up to 10 years, but it’s essential to do the proper prep work before coating your car.
The ceramic coating Charlotte NC is a protective layer that bonds to a car’s clear coat and can be considered a very effective type of tinted window. This makes it essential to know how to prepare for this job before having it done and care for your car after having the service completed. Before getting a ceramic coating to your vehicle, be sure you know all the facts and what is involved in this process.
In this blog post, we will explain how to properly prepare for having your car coated with a ceramic coating, including the types of coatings available and how much they cost. We’ll also discuss what to expect during the service and what you need to do after it’s finished.
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a type of clear coat applied to your car’s paint. The second layer of clear coat contains round molecules, making it more like glass than plastic. This prevents dirt and other materials from sticking to it quickly (it’s also why you can see your reflection in some types of ceramic). Ceramic coatings are a protective barrier that bonds to your car’s clear coat and will create a highly reflective shine for you.
The ceramic coating is similar to the paint on some cars, which is very glossy and reflective. This means that it’s essential to prepare your vehicle for this service by ensuring that it has a clean, clear coat below the glass. Suppose your car is not properly prepared before applying the ceramic coating. In that case, you will be exposing yourself to several risks, including the chance that your vehicle could be damaged by a random piece of gravel or an object. If you’re going to pay for this type of service, you should also know what happens during and after it takes place so you’ll be prepared before and after the process is complete.
What to do before getting a ceramic coating?
Before getting a ceramic coating, it’s essential to ensure that your car is in good condition. Ceramic coating is applied to your car’s clear coat, which means that it’s vital to make sure there are no deep scratches in your paint. If there are, you’re exposing yourself to the chance that foreign objects could get into these scratches and damage your paint or breakthrough it when you go over them at high speeds. Depending upon the severity of the damage to your paint, you may be charged more for this service.
When you prepare for a ceramic coating Charlotte NC, other things should be done as well. Below are some considerations:
Wash your car
This should be done to ensure that your vehicle is free from any dirt, leaves, or other foreign objects that could get into the paint and damage it. At a minimum, you should go over the entire exterior of your car with high-quality wax and a no-wax cleaner. This will remove any dirt buildup on the surface while also removing the wax. Allowing for a stronger bond between your paint and the ceramic coating. If you think that your car hasn’t been properly cleaned, it’s a good idea to have this done before getting a ceramic coating Charlotte NC.
Plan on going without paint protection for at least two weeks
You need to plan on having no wax or other types of paint protection when your car is being coated. You should not get additional layers of paint at this time, as it could interfere with the quality of the application and your car’s performance. If you go over a few months without waxing your vehicle, it’s fine as long as it was recently waxed and is free of damage. Your car should be washed to ensure that no current layers of paint interfere with the process.
Plan on getting your car professionally detailed
Many detailers are familiar with the ceramic coating process, which means they can help you prepare it for this type of service. Before applying a ceramic coating to your car’s paint, make sure it has been professionally detailed.
How does Ceramic coatings work?
A ceramic coating is applied to the outside of your car. For vehicles with large paint damage, it’s important to know that repairs are not included in the price. This means that you’ll be looking at an additional cost if you have significant paint damage and need to fix small surface problems on your car. The ceramic coating Charlotte NC will work best if you have a clear coat free of any damage or scratches.
The process for applying the coating takes approximately 5 hours and involves a series of steps:
- The car is prepared for application by removing the fenders, hood, trunk, side moldings, and bumpers. This will also involve prepping the headlights to ensure they are free of any dirt or grime that could interfere with the process.
- The paint is cleaned using an acid wash that removes rust and other impurities.
- A special solution is applied to ensure that the surface is free of oils and waxes so that the coating will adhere properly to the paint job.
- The ceramic coating NC itself will be sprayed onto your car using a machine designed specifically for this process. This involves several coats, each allowed to cure before applying the next one.
- After the coating has been allowed to dry, the various parts of your car are put back on, and it is detailed to ensure that everything looks its best.
Overall, this will provide you with a finish on your car that is very shiny and reflective, which can help protect it from damage (including dirt) for up to 10 years!
Types of coatings available and their cost
If you’re looking for ways to protect your car’s paint job using ceramic coatings, several types could be useful. Here are some of the ceramic coating Charlotte NC packages:
Sedan Package
Starting at $1035
This is an excellent option for most sedans, providing the maximum level of protection available. It will provide up to 3-7 years of warranty depending on your choice of service.
Midsize SUV or Truck
Starting at $1,345
This is the second most comprehensive type of ceramic coating that you can receive. It’s perfect for large SUVs and trucks, protecting for up to 3 to 7 years.
Large SUV, Van, or Truck
Starting at $1,555
If you own a large SUV or truck, this is the best choice for protecting your paint job with a highly reflective coating that will protect your car for up to 7 years.
Ceramic coating Charlotte NC also accepts motorcycles, as well as interior ceramic packages that you can use if you’re looking to protect your car’s interior.
Factors that affect the price for ceramic coating
If you select one of these packages, some factors will determine the cost associated with each type. It’s important to know what they are so you can decide which package is best for your needs:
Size of car
If you have a smaller vehicle, the cost will be less than a larger SUV or truck. This is important to know because it’ll affect how much coverage your vehicle receives from the coating.
Color of the paint job
The color of your paint job can also influence the price, with darker colors being more expensive due to the amount of paint involved.
Extent of damage
If your car has a good paint job but only minor scratches, you’ll likely pay more for the coating than if there is significant damage to the exterior of your vehicle. This can affect how long your warranty lasts and how much protection is available from the coating.
Dealership or private
If you go through a dealership, the cost will be higher due to their markup. Instead, you could save money by having it done by a car detailing specialist.
Your choice of package
Finally, the specific package you choose can affect the price. For example, if your car is large but doesn’t have a lot of damage, the smaller-sized packages may not be cost-effective, and you could spend more by getting the larger package.
What to expect from ceramic coating Charlotte NC
Once your car is coated, you can expect to have a much better paint job that will protect your car for an extended period. You’ll experience less damage due to dirt and other environmental factors, making it easier for you to keep driving for many years to come. You can even have your car washed at a local car wash without the use of soap, which is excellent news for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time and money maintaining their vehicle.
What to expect during the service and what you need to do after it’s finished
When you get your car ceramic coating Charlotte NC, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are the most important ones:
- You have to wait 24-48 hours after the service before it dries fully, so plan your transportation accordingly.
- It’s important not to get any of your windows wet for at least 48 hours after the coating has dried since water can damage the paint job.
- Do not drive your car for at least 12 hours after the service has been completed since it needs time to dry completely.
- You should remove any stickers or decals from your car before the service is performed since they can affect the outcome of the coating.
- You must keep your car out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours since exposure to the sun can damage the paint job and cause it to peel off over time.
- Finally, you should understand that you’ll have a warranty with specific terms and conditions once your ceramic coating has been finished. These will vary by company but should always be read carefully since the warranty will affect how you deal with your car in the future.
