Jan. 13, 2025
When it comes to selecting the ideal ceramic coating for your vehicle, opinions abound, and marketing strategies can often mislead. At Siramic Detail, we aim to clarify the common misconceptions surrounding ceramic coatings. This article will delve into three widely recognized ceramic coatings, exploring their functionalities and benefits, while keeping marketing hype at bay. We will start with SiO2, the most familiar option, before discussing SiC and the innovatively evolving graphene options. All ceramic coatings create a chemical reaction that bonds with your car's paint, however, correctly preparing the vehicle surface is essential for successful bonding; failure to do so may result in ineffective adhesion or coating failures.
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SiO2 (silicon dioxide) ceramic coatings are the most recognized and prevalent coatings available. Reaching a hardness of up to 9H on the hardness scale, SiO2 coatings are known for creating a slick surface and enhancing the richness of paint colors. Almost all commercial ceramic coatings are SiO2-based, which speaks to its efficacy. Different brands may vary in active chemical concentration as well as resin formulations, which can impact longevity and performance. Despite these differences, the primary purpose remains the same: paint protection.
Popular brands in the SiO2 category include names like Holy Grail Ceramics, Ceramic Pro, GTechnique, Modesta, and Feynlab. Proper application of SiO2 allows it to form a covalent bond with the clear coat, adding a protective layer that is a few microns thick with each application. Some products can be layered build thickness further.
Research conducted in collaboration with industry experts indicates that SiO2 coatings offer the strongest bonding available today thanks to their unique chemical composition. This tougher layer acts as a shell over your vehicle’s clear coat, allowing minor imperfections to be polished out without compromising the thickness of the clear coat underneath. SiO2 coatings are particularly recommended for users who prefer a deep, vibrant color finish rather than just mirror-like gloss.
The SiC (silicon carbide) ceramic coating is less commonly used by coating companies, though it has long been a staple for Opti-Coat, which has gained traction in popularity among others. SiC coatings often offer a shinier, mirror-like finish but at the cost of color depth. When properly applied, SiC resins effectively transform a layer of the existing clear coat into SiC, achieving hardness ratings of 9H.
Although SiC coatings do not add thickness to the clear coat, they enhance its durability against environmental impact. Minor damages can be polished away, but this action does compromise the original thickness of the clear coat. Therefore, we suggest SiC coatings for clients who are diligent about caring for their vehicles and prefer reflective finishes over heightened color richness.
Graphene coatings represent the latest advancements in automotive coatings technology. Although they bond similarly to SiO2 and maintain hardness ratings reaching 9H, practical applications currently fall short, as most graphene coatings contain less than 1% active chemicals due to their exorbitant production costs. For graphene coatings to fulfill their potential as marketed, they would require at least a 30% concentration of their active component, which is currently not feasible for manufacturers.
Despite the promising nature of graphene coatings, considerable research gaps exist, particularly regarding performance over time, demanding caution from installers. As of December, Siramic Detail does provide graphene coating options, but we refrain from recommending their application pending further empirical validation of their durability and efficacy.
Like SiO2 coatings, self-healing coatings apply similarly and possess a mirror-like finish akin to SiC. Their unique property lies in their temperature-induced self-leveling effect, which enables minor surface imperfections to be 'healed.' However, these coatings generally rank lower on the hardness scale, ranging from 5H to 7H. This softer finish presents potential risks as each self-healing episode diminishes the coating's thickness, ultimately reducing its protective quality.
The precise number of self-healing instances before ineffectiveness remains unofficial, but it is established that these coatings can only execute this process a limited number of times.
At Siramic Detail, we have access to all aforementioned coatings. Should you have a preference, don’t hesitate to let us know! Predominantly, we advocate for and apply Holy Grail Ceramics’ SiO2-based products due to their superior active ingredient concentration. Testing indicates that this brand outperforms its competitors in durability and requires less upkeep.
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Our preference for SiO2 coating stems from our desire to enhance protection layers and clear coat thickness. The vivid colors produced resonate more profoundly, accentuating the vehicle's overall appeal. The Holy Grail SiO2 coating not only amplifies the aesthetic of the car but ensures that the vehicle itself, rather than mere reflections, becomes the focal point. SiO2 coatings have proven their reliability over time, even for users with harsher treatment styles. The outstanding solid content found in Holy Grail Ceramics is the basis for our strong recommendations to customers.
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