Posted By Vinyl Frog On January 30, 2022
Ceramic Coating Vinyl Wrap
For those who love their cherished set of wheels, protecting the exterior and keeping it gleaming in all its glory without any blemishes is of utmost importance. There are various strategies to employ to achieve this objective; one of them is to ceramic coat the body of your vehicle. It is fast and economical with numerous protective aspects. In this blog, we present to you all the information you need to know before opting for ceramic coating.
What Is Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied on the body of the car to prevent damage. This nanoscopic automotive treatment creates a transparent hydrophobic layer on the exterior protecting the paint against harsh elements, and also making it impossible for rudiments and chemicals to penetrate and damage the surface. This results in your car’s body looking straight out of a showroom for longer than expected, plus you can always remove the coating if required and the original paint will be beaming in all its glory.
Can We Apply Ceramic Coating To A Vinyl Wrapped Vehicle?
In the present era, vinyl wraps are all the rage. From providing instant transformation, great protection to aesthetic pleasure, they are a one-stop solution for all. Different designs, features and the constantly improving quality all hype up the popularity of the vinyl. Vehicles are one of the most common mediums for the vinyl wrap.
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Numerous people who are not happy with the color of their vehicle and wish to change it but lack the funds to do so opt for the economical option of car wrapping. Vinyl can also be used for mobile promotion of your brand. A great number of wagons, trucks, buses, and so on are often covered with vinyl displaying advertisements. Some people also prefer vinyl wrapping to protect the original body paint of their automobile.
Despite all the benefits, one may wonder if vinyl wrapping is worth investing in, since certain weather conditions, surroundings and accidental scratches and dents affect the film. Yes, it is. All that is required is proper care. The best quality vinyl lasts up to four years. In order to enhance its longevity and make the most of it you can embrace the magical procedure of ceramic coating.
You might be wondering why a wrap that is an added film itself on a car needs another layer over it for protection. This is to get maximum life and usability from your vinyl wrap. When you combine the benefits of a vinyl wrap and the ceramic coating, you get power packed protection.
Application Of The Ceramic Coating
For applying the ceramic coat, it is recommended to use the help of the professionals for a flawless job. Those who want to do it themselves can get its DIY home kit. It’s a tedious task that requires time and patience. Be very careful to follow the directions exactly as mentioned on the kit or you could end up damaging the paint of your vehicle with over-bonded ceramic coating. Following are the steps for the method.
- Take the cloth and sponge that comes with the kit. Wrap the cloth around the sponge.
- Dab the cloth in the ceramic coating compound and apply to small areas of your vehicle.
- When one section of the vehicle is done, leave it for 4-5 minutes to set.
- Continue application to the whole car in small areas section by section.
- Do not use the car for 24 hours to allow the coating to cure.
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Applying The Ceramic Coating On A Vinyl Wrap
The process of applying the coating on a vinyl wrap is a bit different and requires proper preparation of the vehicle for the job. For this the condition of the vinyl wrap is extremely important for the finest outcome. It should be perfect and completely clean before the ceramic coating is applied. Here’s what you have to take care of before the process:
1. The Right Finish
It is important to note that a coating designed for a glossy, smooth clear coat will not work well on the absorbent surface of a vinyl wrap. In addition to performing poorly, the wrong coating could make your wrap look terrible. By selecting a suitable coating, you can acquire the desired qualities while still preserving the vinyl wrap's finish. So if you have a matte wrap you can get a suitable coating for it too without affecting the matte finish.
2. Flaws On The Surface
Look out for any dents, scratches, or dirt particles that can affect the finish of the coat. A ceramic coating cannot be applied on a defected surface.
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3. Clean And Degrease
Next you will have to thoroughly clean the vinyl wrap. To remove any remaining grease, oil, or polish residue, apply a degreaser for a smooth application of the ceramic coat on your car.
Putting On The Ceramic Coating
Once your vinyl wrapped vehicle is prepared, take the applicator pad and apply the coating on it, then spread it on the surface of the vinyl in lines. You can do overlapping as well. Make sure the vinyl is covered with it evenly. Once you are done, your vinyl is ceramic coated. Allow it to cure thoroughly.
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Cost Of Professional Ceramic Coating
For the error-free smooth installation of ceramic coating, we recommend professional assistance. It may be a bit expensive but you will get long term satisfaction out of it. The cost starts around $1,000 to $1,400, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. If you want the glass, wheels, and trim surfaces coated as well, the cost will increase a bit. The complete coverage of all the surfaces of your car, truck, or SUV will cost up to $2,000. The price includes preparing the surface for ceramic coating and repairing minor scratches before actual application.
Benefits Of The Ceramic Coating
Let us delve into the benefits of applying the ceramic coating:
1. A Sunscreen For The Vinyl Wrap
The ceramic coating performs well against the harsh UV rays that are widely infamous for damaging a car’s body. You get both UVA and UVB protection. If you live in an area where the weather is generally hot or are a frequent traveler to such places, you will not have to worry about the wrap being faded or ruined due to the scorching rays of the sun.
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2. Protection Against Water
If you just released a sigh of relief after reading the last point and realizing that sun is not so common in your area, well, we hate to break it to you but rain or excessive exposure to water does similar damage to a car’s wrap. Ceramic coating can solve the issue again. It has a defense mechanism against water due to which washing, rainfall, or puddles on the road will not harm your car’s exterior.
A vinyl wrap can easily get damaged due to exposure to water. It can penetrate the adhesive and weaken the bond between the vinyl and the surface of the car. Ceramic coating creates a hydrophobic layer keeping the water away from the vinyl.
3. No More Chemical Stains
With the city's air pollution rate steadily rising, another potential problem for your car is chemical stains brought on by airborne acidic particles. These contaminants will not be able to adhere to the paint or the vinyl because of the ceramic coating. Hence, it is a must-have.
4. A Repellant For Contaminants
Ceramic coating protects your vehicle against contaminants. Mud and dirt slides off the surface and does not accumulate on it. This also reduces the frequency of usual maintenance. It also prevents pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, bug splatters, and road grime from sticking to the surface of your vehicle whether vinyl wrapped or otherwise.
5. Easy To Wash
The smooth finish from the coating will make the washing process much easier. You will not be required to scrub the car (which consequently damages the wrap), but a quick splash of water once in a few weeks will make your car appear all new.
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6. The Perfect Finish
Your wrap is protected from the elements by the robust, outer guard made of ceramic coating. You will love the glossy finish of it especially when the graphics of your advertisement will stand out and remain flawless for many years. This however, does not apply to a matte wrap for which you will use a coating according to its muted surface.
7. Pocket Friendly Solution
Ceramic coating is very economical in the long run. It helps you get rid of all that constant washing, polishing and waxing of the car. You apply it once and then completely forget about it for years to protect against the threat of chemical etching and oxidation. Which means that eventually, your wrap is also going to last longer.
Myths Regarding The Ceramic Coating
There are certain myths regarding ceramic coating that we will happily bust for you today.
1. Forget Washing The Vehicle After It Is Ceramic Coated
No, you cannot get rid of the responsibility of washing your car even after the coat is applied over your car wrap. You still need to clean and wash it, however you will do it less frequently. You cannot forgo cleaning altogether.
2. No More Water Spotting
We recall telling you that it is water resistant and no damage will be caused, yet, you cannot avoid water spotting. Once the water evaporates, its natural minerals and soluble substances float to the top and leave marks that have to be removed properly. There are products available in the market for removing water spots effectively without damaging the surface.
3. A Scratch Free Car
Despite its blending properties, the ceramic coating will not completely save your car from scratches and rock chips. An exceptionally sharp object can be expected to scrape the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Ceramic coating comes as a knight in shining armor for your vehicle. It will save you money, protect the exterior of your vehicle and your vinyl wrap from frequent nicks and oxidation, and make it more durable and long lasting. All in all, it is the best investment for your vehicle that will benefit you for quite a long time.
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