Contributed by Steve Calafato, Resurrection Auto Detailing
Walk into any auto parts store and see spray ceramic coating. Walk down the aisle and view ceramic wax. Then, get on-line and see professional ceramic coating in a small glass bottle. Allow me to remove the confusing marketing claims about spray ceramic coating vs. professional ceramic coating for your classic car.
Surface Longevity/Paint Bonding
Spray ceramic coating is NOT a real ceramic coating. Packaged with a tall triggered sprayer, spray ceramic coating doesn't possess a substantial paint bonding effect. Its longevity is severely limited. Professional ceramic coatings can last anywhere from 1-10 years. Conversely, spray ceramic doesn't have surface strength and environmental longevity. A few car washes later, it's surface slickness is gone. That instant paint vibrancy has been removed by a wash mitt or environmental fallout. The “over-the-counter” spray ceramic has water, silicone, and other inert ingredients for a quick and convenient towel application. Pure ceramic coating is 100% PURE ceramic.
Pure professional ceramic coating cannot be sprayed. Any pure ceramic coating over 13% purity would clog any spray bottle tip. When professionally applied, the bonding effect is exponentially stronger than any spray ceramic coating. Exterior wash after wash, professional ceramic's longevity is relentless. Your classic car will not lose its classic appearance between car shows!
Surface Durability/Exterior Hardness
There is limited durability with store-bought ceramic spray. Spray ceramic cannot protect your classic car's paint surface from scratches, scuffs and blemishes. Again, spray ceramic ingredients aren't pure ceramic. Water, silicones and other synthetic chemicals within spray ceramic, can't prevent paint scratching. Your paint may be slick after utilizing store-bought ceramic spray, but that's not guaranteed surface durability and confident exterior hardness.
Professional ceramic coating establishes paint durability. Hardening your paint's surface is the benefit of professional ceramic coating. Professional ceramic requires overnight curing time. Compare that with a 20 second spray & wipe with store bought ceramic. Professional ceramic provides rock-hard paint protection! All accidental scratching is prevented. Car-keys, tree branches, finger nails and even neighborhood cats can't accidentally scratch your classic car. With professional ceramic, a 24/7 scratch-free environment is your car's reward.
“Paint Correction”/Machine Rubbed-Out
Store bought spray ceramic doesn't require paint correction. No machine rubbing-out is needed. So ignore your car's stubborn paint scratches, scuffs and blemishes and cover them with a liquid spray? Hiding these paint imperfections becomes the band-aid. Ceramic spray is a temporary solution for an existing scratch situation. Shiny, smooth scratches are your results.
With professional ceramic coating, you are required to paint correct the surface. This 4-5 hour process corrects and removes many paint imperfections. A dual-action machine buffer, compounding pad and an aluminum oxide compound are the trade tools. Speed, pressure, friction and rotation rubs-out these paint scratches, surface imperfections and possible paint fading. Next is the high-speed machine polishing step. This 3-4 hour process establishes color depth and surface smoothness. Lastly, professional ceramic coating is applied by hand. This 3-4 hour process creates maximum paint reflection, durability and resiliency. Pro ceramic coating cure time is 5-7 hours. Once completed, this permanent ceramic coating provides a 10 year no scratch/scuff warranty.
Now you have a base-line knowledge of store bought spray ceramic coating vs. professional ceramic coating. Keep those classic cars ALIVE!
Steve Calafato, Owner
Resurrection Auto Detailing LLC
Professional Ceramic Coatings
