What Are the Different Types of Ceramic Coating?

There was a day when the ceramic coating world was simple. It was a professional-grade, high-quality silicon dioxide or SiO2 based formula, only available through authorized installers. The formulation was scientifically engineered to use nano-technology which would penetrate microscopic imperfections found in any solid surface that was porous in nature.

Today’s ceramic coating segment is a saturated one – with a blend of professional-grade options like Ceramic Pro to Teflon-based spray ceramic coatings on a car that replicate many attributes of real coatings but are sparse on protective qualities and longevity. There are even ceramic-infused car wax products that bond to the car’s paint and replicates some of the qualities.

Products like wax made from carnauba serve as a sacrificial layer on top of the painted surface. Paint sealants also help to protect a paint job. However, if you’re looking for the best liquid solution to protect the car’s surface, the ceramic coating reigns supreme.

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The ceramic-based paint coating world breaks down into two segments:

Spray Coatings

This is the entry point in the ceramic coating for cars world. It’s basically a diluted solution that is easy to spray on a painted surface, wipe off, let cure, and see visible results. In this category, there are different grades and individual formulations including:

Teflon-Based Sprays – This is the quickest growing of the spray-coating products. It’s made from Teflon and Silicones that are “ceramic in nature” – but not the same ingredients you’ll find in Ceramic Pro for example. They are made to replicate attributes – like hydrophobic properties, a slippery look, and enhanced gloss. However, they are prone to swirl marks due to the soft ceramic materials in these products.

SiO2 Boost Sprays – These are closer to professional-grade coatings, but still quite diluted. They are comprised of about 15 to 20 percent of SiO2 and TiO2 or Titanium Dioxide. You’ll spray on the vehicle’s surface, buff off, and let it cure for about 24 to 48 hours. They provide similar features to the Teflon-based sprays, but with better UV protection qualities. While it’s better than carnauba wax, its not to be confused as a long-term solution.

Nano Ceramic Coatings

Nano-coatings are highly-concentrated formulas that used to provide superior protection on paint, glass, chrome, carbon fiber, and even vinyl or paint protection film.

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It utilizes nano-technology to fill minor cracks or imperfections on a porous (filled with microscopic holes) and solid materials. When the coating fills those imperfections, it then provides an exceptionally flat and hard layer of protection.

This is where the term 9H ceramic coating comes into play. The 9H is the highest on the pencil scale of hardness. It’s basically as hard as a solid quartz crystal.