When it comes to protecting your car and keeping it looking as good as new, there are many professional products out there that do the job like paint protection films, graphene coating, and ceramic coating. Most people go for PPF, but many remain confused between graphene and ceramic paint coating. Let’s discuss the two and help you pick the right option.
Difference Between Graphene And Ceramic Paint Protection Coating
Before we dive into the details, you need to understand the difference between Graphene and Ceramic Paint Protection Coating. To begin with, Graphene ceramic coating is basically a single layer of carbon atoms bonded together in a hexagonal lattice.
It tends to be the thinnest and the most durable material on earth, which makes it preferable for paint-protecting a vehicle. However, a few years back, Graphene coatings were not much popular. Increasing competition and prices have forced manufacturers to come up with customer-friendly products including Graphene coating.
Today, Graphene coating is relatively more robust and offers improved protection against external factors. Furthermore, Graphene coatings are less prone to water beading when compared to ceramic coatings due to lower reactivity.
On the other hand, ceramic coatings tend to be the most popular type. Manufacturers introduced this product for vehicle owners who wanted to keep their vehicles protected against harsh conditions. When applied, ceramic coatings bond to the paint, and the molecules link together to form a barrier.
Unlike Graphene, Ceramic coatings are made using Silicone or other types of Silicates. Ceramic coatings go a long way in protecting your vehicle against UV rays and other such factors. However, both Graphene and Ceramic coatings cannot protect the vehicle against scratches.
Why Is Graphene Better Than Ceramic Coating?
With time, the debate between Graphene and Ceramic coating has turned hotter. There are several reasons why Graphene coatings tend to be better than ceramic coatings. To begin with, as mentioned earlier, Graphene is a lot thinner and stronger than Ceramic coating.
This means it provides more and better years of protection against environmental damage. On top of that, Graphene is also more environmentally friendly and cheaper to produce. And finally, Graphene coatings are better at heat absorption, which keeps the vehicles protected against corrosion and rust.
Pros And Cons Of Graphene Vs Ceramic Coating
Now that we have discussed the basic difference between Graphene and Ceramic coating, it is not time to look at the pros and cons.
Graphene coatings when compared to ceramic coatings are thinner and stronger. Plus, it is cheaper to produce, which allows companies to make good profits having sold to both customers and commercial users. However, the only drawback is that Graphene coating is widely available and may require slightly different techniques to apply.
Meanwhile, ceramic paint protection coatings are still far more popular and widely available. Ceramic coatings are thicker than Graphene coatings offering slightly better protection against scratches. And, when it comes to production, they are far more expensive but will do a splendid job of protecting the paint.
How To Apply Graphene Coating?
Graphene coating can be applied in three different ways i.e. spray, roll, and dip coating. Spray coating tends to be the most popular application type. The reason is that it equally covers the panels and provides a thin coating. However, you will need to use a high-quality sprayer for the car.
On top of that, it is better if a professional applies the product. This is because, if you were to do it on your own, you might miss out or overspray on a few panels. As a result, the Graphene coating may not last as long as it is supposed to.
How To Apply Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is usually applied by hand. Before application, the vehicle is prepared for the coating to bond to the paint properly. If there is dirt and dust, the coating will not stick to the paint.
Unlike the installation of PPF and car window tinting Springfield, the installer uses a microfiber applicator and drops a few ceramic coating drops depending on the panel size.
Using slow hand movements, the expert ensures all the pieces are equally covered. Once the ceramic coating has been applied, it is then cured for the paint to become properly protected.
Are Ceramic Or Graphene Coatings Worth It?
Both ceramic and graphene coatings offer splendid protection. This easily makes them superior to all types of waxes and sealants. Plus, considering the demand and the features, more and more manufacturers are trying to come up with advanced Graphene and Ceramic coatings to attract customers.
However, there is a significant price difference between the two. Ceramic coatings are more popular and pricier than Graphene coatings. There was a time when Ceramic coatings were only available to professional detailers.
However, today, majority of the car fanatics prefer coating the vehicles on their own which has forced the manufacturers to make the coatings available for the customers as well. But then again, if you have the budget to spend, both coatings types will offer impressive protection.
How Much Do Graphene Or Ceramic Coatings Cost?
Ceramic coatings can cost somewhere around $200 to $2,000 depending on the brand and the size of the vehicle. Meanwhile, a bottle of Graphene coating costs $19.95 and can offer 6 months of protection. However, if you were to get it applied by a detailer, the cost will surely go up and so will the protection duration.
The total cost of applying both types of coatings depends on the vehicle size, detailer, and other external factors. If the vehicle tends to be a supercar, the application will cost a lot more than a regular vehicle due to complex angles and build.
So, you will need to take your vehicle to a detailer for the exact price estimate as they will measure your vehicle and count the pieces that will need to be protected.
Do Coated Vehicles Require Maintenance?
One thing you need to keep in mind is that both ceramic and graphene coatings will only last depending on how you look after the vehicle. These coatings have a life that you can either help reduce or prolong based on your maintenance schedule and techniques.
This means that you will need to invest in proper tools and equipment to prevent the coating from getting damaged. Plus, you will also have to develop the right technique to wash and dry the car. Otherwise, you will simply be damaging the coating and filling the car with swirls.
Coated vehicles need to be washed using shampoos using proper hand movement. Using only water to rinse the vehicle will again damage the coating. If you do not possess the basic skills and techniques, you can consult an expert and ensure things are done the right way each time you wash your vehicle at home.
Conclusion
Both Graphene and Ceramic coating provides the best bang for the buck. However, it comes down to the price, type, and personal preferences. Regardless of what you choose, make sure to get the vehicle coated by an expert from an authorized protective car film shop Springfield and use the right techniques and tools to make your money worth it.