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Debunking Common Myths About Ceramic Coatings
Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation and disinformation that is related to ceramic coatings out there. Some of that comes from the manufacturers themselves who are just trying to sell people on it or it comes from detailers that simply haven’t been around the business long enough and they don’t really understand what ceramic coatings are for.
If you see information about ceramic coatings that is talking about hardness, scratch resistance, or durability‘s in that 7, 8 or 10 year range, that is actually about as false as you’re going to get. Here is what I mean.
You're not going to get any kind of scratch resistance out of it. You can still take a clean surface with a ceramic coating and run your clean hands across of it and you're still going to leave light marring on the surface. Overtime, that builds up to be swirls. You can't run a car with a ceramic coating through an automatic car wash because it’s just gonna get beat it up. Just like everything else thus far, is going to get swirls and scratches.
The biggest myth is about durability claims. There's no ceramic coating on the market that's going to get up in the 7, 8, or 10 year range. it just doesn't exist. They're talking about a theoretical amount in a laboratory setting. But with The Buffing Moose Detailing, I’m talking in terms of what's the effective life. Another thing to think about is how long will a ceramic coating still be providing self cleaning characteristics and the great looks.
Typically, a ceramic coating is gonna drop off after 2, 3 or 4 years and even if theoretically the ceramic coating is on the surface for much longer than that, it's not doing anything for you, So make sure that you don't buy into these really long claims out there for ceramic coatings because it simply isn't true.
Unfortunately, there's a tremendous amount of misinformation and confusion surrounding ceramic coatings. A lot of this comes from manufacturers who are eager to sell their products, or from detailers who may be new to the industry and don’t fully understand what ceramic coatings actually do.
If you come across claims about ceramic coatings that mention their hardness, scratch resistance, or durability lasting 7, 8, or even 10 years, it's time to take a step back and approach those claims with caution. These assertions are typically as far from the truth as possible.
Here’s the reality: You won’t get complete scratch resistance from a ceramic coating. While it does provide some protection, it doesn’t turn your car into an indestructible surface. You can still run your clean hands over a coated surface, and you’ll leave light marring behind. Over time, these small marks will build up, leading to swirls in the paint. That’s why it's important to know that a ceramic coating doesn’t make your car invincible.
Another common myth is that ceramic coatings make a car immune to automatic car washes. The truth is, if you take a car with a ceramic coating through an automatic car wash, you’re still going to end up with swirl marks and scratches. The coating will help keep the car cleaner for a while, but it won’t protect it from the physical damage caused by the brushes and chemicals in an automatic wash.
But the biggest myth by far is the exaggerated durability claims. No ceramic coating on the market can realistically last 7, 8, or 10 years. These numbers often come from theoretical lab settings, not from real-world use. When I talk about the effective lifespan of a ceramic coating at The Buffing Moose Detailing, I’m considering what actually happens in the real world, where environmental factors, maintenance, and wear come into play.
Typically, the protective benefits of a ceramic coating start to diminish after about 2 to 4 years. Even if the coating is still on your car’s surface after that time, it’s no longer offering the same level of protection or hydrophobic qualities. The self-cleaning effect that initially made it so appealing will also fade, leaving your car less resistant to dirt and water.
So, when you're looking at ceramic coatings, don’t be swayed by those inflated promises of long-lasting durability. It’s important to be realistic about what the coating can and can’t do. Understand that a coating is a valuable protective layer, but it’s not a miracle solution. With proper care, it will last a few years, but beyond that, you’re looking at a diminishing return on the investment.