Ceramic coatings have been around for decades and they are now finally starting to become common household terminology, which is fantastic! It’s easy for general ideas to come to mind when we hear ceramic - innovative, tough, shiny, a new way to wax. We’re just finally getting our heads around the jargon, but is there one price that fits all for ceramic coatings?
What is Ceramic?
Ceramic refers to any hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material at high temperatures.
Ceramic coatings are created by breaking down natural ceramic minerals into microscopic nanoparticles and suspended within a liquid carrier.
What makes one ceramic coating better than another?
Most ceramic coatings are made up of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) suspended in a carrier resin and petroleum based solvents (not good for the plastic parts on your exterior). This resin is essential for holding the SiO2 coating to the paint. These coatings can last at best for 2-3 years in daily driven scenarios because the resin erodes over time. Just because the coating you’re looking at comes with a warranty doesn’t mean the product will live up to those terms (not to mention how easily voidable many warranties are).
Why Silicon Carbide is better:
The highest quality coatings made of Silicon Carbide (SiC). The base of these coatings is Silicon Carbide itself with non-petroleum based solvents (much safer for your exterior). This allows the coating to make a covalent (permanent) bond with your paint’s clear coat, giving it long-lasting chemical resistance, UV protection, and moderate scratch resistance. Talk about way more benefits than just a “wax that lasts.” These are the types of coatings that last far beyond their warranty terms, plus a shine like you wouldn’t believe.
Who uses SiC in their coatings?
Very few companies claim to use Silicon Carbide as the base in their coatings, and only one is the original to North America - Optimum Polymer Technologies. Only available through authorized installers, Opti-Coat Pro, Pro +, and Pro 3 offer incredible Silicon Carbide, covalent bond-forming protection for your paint. Pro has been proven in real world applications last 10-12+ years, keeping automotive paint looking brand new after simple and easy washing maintenance.
How much does it cost?
We provide ceramic coating services for customers throughout Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, and the surrounding Quad Cities area. For new vehicles, application is fairly straightforward and standard across different vehicles, Pro starting around $1,099 for a 5-year warranty.
If you’re comparing this to pricing at local dealerships that typically offer shorter-term sealants, Opti-Coat has an SiO2/SiC blend ceramic coating called Ultra Shine that comes with a 2 year warranty at $699. This is still a professional coating and will last longer than more expensive coatings you might find shopping around.
Look here for all of our ceramic coating options.
Where you may run into extra costs is if you let your paint go unprotected too long and it needs polishing attention to get swirls and scratches taken care of, and if your paint needs chips touched up. It’s always easier and cheaper when you protect your vehicle up front. This could run several hundred dollars on top of the coating application.
Ceramic coating technology also goes so far beyond your paint. We have glass, tire, and interior ceramic coatings. You want to talk about royal treatment for your ride, get everything covered to keep that brand new experience inside and out.
Are you ready to have the best looking, longest lasting, easiest maintaining vehicle you’ve ever experienced? Reach out today to schedule your ceramic coating.