Spray on ceramic coatings, we have heard a lot about them. Some of our friends use them. We have used them ourselves. Some people say that these sprays are better than real ceramic coatings. That is not the case. They do have some advantages. So, lets learn more about them and see how they compare to the real deal.
Difference between ceramic sprays and real ceramic coatings:
Let’s talk about the real deal first. Ceramic coatings are polymer-based blends that act as a shield for your car. These coatings make use of nanotechnology, which means that it can bond with the car’s surface at 100 millionth of a millimetre. That is how it creates a nearly indestructible hydrophobic and heat resistance armour that protects from things like bird droppings, tree sap, mud, acidic rain and UV rays for 5+ years. They can be applied professionally, or you can do it yourself.
Now, can ceramic coatings be sprayed on? Yes, there are variants that come in a spray bottle, and these on the other hand aren’t that impressive. They are Teflon based sprays that has SiO2 or silica in them. These sprays also create a bond with the paint that is heat resistance and hydrophobic as long. But that is exactly what the problem is, these sprays don’t last as long as the real thing.
How long does ceramic sprays last?
Ceramic sprays are popular because of their price and ease of use. They would be the perfect product if they lasted longer too. These products can last 3 to 6 months at most. And that too depends on the number of coats you apply. Two coats are recommended, and they usually last 3 to 6 months. If you want to read about how long does traditional ceramic coatings last, click here.
Should I use ceramic spray on my car: Are they worth it?
Now that we know what these sprays are how long they last. Now the big the question. Should you opt for spray on ceramic coatings instead of the real thing. Do these sprays have any advantages? We have established that ceramic sprays are not as good as ceramic coatings, but they do have some plus points that explains why they are so popular. Let’s dive into them:
The First one is ease of use. These sprays require way less prep than standard coatings. Just was your car, using a clay bar is highly recommended and than just spray it on. Leave for 2-3 minutes and than wipe it off. That’s how simple it is. Traditional ceramic coatings require hours of polish, paint correction and detailing just to prep the car. The actual application of standard coatings takes less than the prep for it.
The second advantage is the cost. It costs way less to use the spray on ceramic coatings. It doesn’t require the same prep you can do it yourself, means you don’t have to pay others to do it for you. Its DIY nature is a plus for a lot of people.
So, the bottom line is if you get traditional ceramic coatings, you will have to pay a lot more but after getting it you can be stress free most of the time and just follow some rules to extend the life of your coating and it should last you more 5+ years. But if you go the spray route, you’ll get the cost benefit, but you must reapply it after every 3 to 6 months. Now that you know what difference is between the two types of coatings you can decide which one you want to go for.
How to apply ceramic coating spray?
Now let’s dive into how to use these sprays. If you decide to go for ceramic spray coatings, all you must do is wash your car and use a clay bar or a apply a polish before applying the spray. This will make the coat not look patchy and provide for a more even finish. After that, just spray on the coating, use a microfiber towel to rub it in and wait 1 to 2 minutes and use a microfiber towel to rub it in. Applying it in sections really makes the whole process easier. For example, start by applying on a single door and when you are done move on to the next section. After that just use a microfiber towel to wipe it off and viola, you’re done. That’s how easy it is. Now you’re left with a glossy, hydrophobic and heat-resistant layer of armor on your car that will protect it from dirt, grime and any form of contaminants for 3-6 months. Congratulations.
Another question that comes in the mind of a lot of people is that will adding multiple layers of these coatings help? The answer is yes, adding multiple layers will strengthen the coating but make sure not to add more than three layers. Adding three coats are more than enough and after that you will not add any more hydrophobic and heat resistance properties than are already there. And don’t worry, these sprays are safe for your entire car. If you get it on the windscreen or the glass windows it will not damage it in any way.
