Traditional paintwork for a long time does not satisfy the demands of sophisticated motorists. Practicality, aesthetic appeal and mechanical resistance - these qualities are rarely embodied in conventional means of body treatment. But an empty niche could not remain unoccupied for a long time. And today, anyone can refine the car body with "liquid glass". This is the name of the ceramic coating of the car, characterized by a wide range of positive qualities. However, the characteristics of the new technology are not limited to the merits alone, so it’s worthwhile to deal with different approaches to assessing this coverage.
What is a ceramic coating?
Technologists offer many options for ceramic coating, but they are all based on a sand base. At the same time, the filler of the preparations is not ordinary river sand, but, for example, silicon dioxide supplemented with silicates and salts. Such components can be found in an alkaline solution of sodium silicate or potassium. The modern ceramic coating of the car comes from the method of preparation of "liquid glass", known for 200 years. Another thing is that modifications designed specifically for bodywork have a number of auxiliary components, due to which an almost unique combination of protective properties is provided.
Coating composition
Despite the general basis and principles of manufacturing protective mixtures from a quartz-ceramic group, chemists offer several variations of an already basic composition with nanoelements. For example, titanium oxide supplements are quite popular. This is a nanoceramic coating of a car, particles of which are also used to whiten and provide thermal protection for plastic materials. From the point of view of body coating, the most significant is the latest quality of titanium oxide. To give the future layer hardness and strength, experts use mineral silicon dioxide - in fact, this component in the form of colorless crystals forms about 30% of the mixture.
In addition to mechanical resistance, specialized coatings for cars are distinguished by repulsive functions in relation to polluting deposits. Surfactants give this property to drugs, which are also part of detergents. Depending on the ratio of the described components, different characteristics are enhanced that the finished ceramic coating of the car has. The pros and cons of almost all formulations of this type will help to form a general idea of the appropriateness of their use. It’s worth starting with the advantages that determined the popularity of ceramic bodywork.
Protective qualities
This is the main set of characteristics for which "liquid glass" is appreciated. Protective qualities can be divided into two categories - mechanical resistance and repulsive properties. Of paramount importance is the ability of the coating to protect the body base from damage. Machines with such a shell practically do not have scratches and chips on the surface. Such protection is promoted by the solid base of the composition in the form of said crystals. Quite extensive are the qualities due to which a barrier is formed before mechanical stress and moisture. In particular, the protective ceramic coating of the car body has dirt-, water-repellent properties, and also prevents negative processes from exposure to reagents in winter. In the summer, the applied layer is resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
Aesthetic appearance
With all the variety of ways to give the car a spectacular look, it is not so easy to get truly externally original exteriors. The fact is that unusual means for decorating the exterior for the most part are also not able to fully provide the same protective qualities. In turn, the ceramic coating of the car creates a mirror shine effect, which increases the aesthetic appeal of the body. Of course, a lot in this regard depends on the base coat, but in any case, the ceramics will complement its original radiance. And this is not to mention the saturation of colors, which, again, is achieved thanks to the processing of "liquid glass". It is also worth noting the fact that the coating retains the pristine properties of the applied paint, not allowing its structure to collapse.
No need for regular washing
To begin with, it should be noted that the first week after processing a car with such a coating does not need to be washed at all. This is due not to the action of protective qualities, but to the recommendations of technologists. The first days after the application operation, the composition acquires the basic strength properties, while the process of formation of the structure is completed. This period is also important for enhancing dirt-repellent qualities. After 2-3 weeks, you can notice the difference between the operation of the body without coating and surface treatment with "liquid glass". A properly formed ceramic car coating is less contaminated and easier to clean. Practice shows that to maintain the original appearance of the body, it is enough to rinse its surface from time to time. In this case, one should refrain from using abrasives in the form of rags and brushes with hard fibers. Such effects can disrupt the smoothness of the outer layer. Actually, this is where the main advantages of such coatings end. Now we can move on to the shortcomings.
Application difficulty
By the nature of the execution, the processing procedure is much like polishing. The process is multi-stage and complex, therefore, it is carried out by specialists. Work begins with a thorough cleaning of the surface of the machine, after which it is degreased. At this stage, special chemicals are selected that can be combined with a specific paintwork. This is followed by polishing the body and all glass surfaces, the result of which should be the removal of particles of detergents. Direct application of a ceramic coating to a car can only be done after mechanical defects on the surface are removed. The main stage consists in laying the ceramic composition in several layers - on average, 4 to 7 layers are applied. This is followed by a rather short polymerization period during which the laid paste dries. On average, it takes 7-8 hours. The final set of technical qualities, as already noted, occurs already in the process of the first days of operation of the car.
Short retention time
One of the main disadvantages of this coating is its short service life. Although manufacturers of mixtures note that the tool supports the initial characteristics of about 3 years, practice suggests that the working condition remains for a year. After this, it is again necessary to subject the body to the coating operation. However, the regularity of updating the protective layer depends on the nature of the operation of the machine. The more often it is used, the shorter the working life of "liquid glass". In addition, a lot depends on external factors that affect the ceramic coating of the car. Responses of car owners with such protection indicate that in winter, although the coating protects the body from mechanical and chemical influences, it itself suffers quite seriously.
High price
Also a significant factor that turns away from the use of this technology to protect the body of a considerable part of car owners. Firstly, the high cost of consumables should be noted. Depending on the brand of composition, 50 ml of the mixture costs from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. The price tag depends on the time of maintaining the technical and operational qualities. Again, the ceramic coating of the car body with a declared life of 2-3 years in fact supports the basic qualities of about a year. Of course, cheap funds up to 10 thousand demonstrate a shorter duration of the protective function. Quite high is the cost of work operations in car services. So, processing an automobile costs an average of 15-18 thousand, and an SUV can be covered in at least 20 thousand.
Coverage Reviews
As you can see, “liquid glass” has many shortcomings, but users still note the quality of its basic tasks. First of all, it is the physical protection of the body. Indeed, the owners highly appreciate the effect of the formed shell, which does not allow external factors to damage the structure of the paint layer. Aesthetic properties that provide a nano-ceramic coating of the car are also noted. Reviews say not only about the original shine of the applied product, but also highlight the ability of the coating to enhance the characteristics of the main paint.
Alternative technology
Along with ceramic coatings, modern automotive chemistry technologies make it possible to better disclose the characteristics of film shells and “liquid rubber”. We can definitely say that at the price these options are cheaper, and the technical and operational properties of silicone products are largely similar to the result that the ceramic coating of the car produces. The pros and cons of "liquid glass" are still in different areas. Everything related to the creation and provision of this coverage can be attributed to disadvantages. Conversely, the protective properties themselves are practically devoid of flaws and are carried out to the proper extent.
Conclusion
This method is suitable for those who want at all costs to get truly reliable protection for their car. If there is a willingness to annually invest in it about 20 thousand, then you don’t have to worry about the safety of the body. With all the shortcomings, the ceramic protective coating of the car really guarantees the integrity of the paint layer, provided that the applied composition is regularly updated. In addition, the machine will get an attractive look, and will also reduce the cost of visiting the sink. Of course, you can save on the services of specialists, independently purchase an inexpensive composition and perform processing in a garage. But in this case, the operational properties of the protective shell are unlikely to live up to expectations.