Are there risks in applying a ceramic coating?

With all their wonderful functional and aesthetic benefits associated with ceramic coatings, there are risks. Here are a few to look out for:

Paint Correction. Ideally, the paint needs to be absolutely clear of any imperfections and light scratches before any coating is applied If not, these paint imperfections will be locked in under the coating and you will not get the level of clarity, color and shine you could have had if the paint was corrected beforehand.

We run across this phenomena coated vehicles that are brought to us from other installers. We see many coated vehicles with the water spots, swirls or light scratches still visible--under the coating! Once we explain the lengthy process to remove the coating and correct the underlying paint and the costs associated with it, the level of disappointment is evident. To avoid this fate, we recommend correcting the paint before applying any semi-permanent coating. Not only will the visual results be superior, the value of the vehicle will increase as will the customer's long-term happiness with their vehicle.

Remember: Paint Correction is an art and a skill that not everyone has. Do your homework on the person or company you are thinking of doing this type of work. Thoroughly inspect your vehicle with the shop you choose and get clear of what exactly they will be getting rid of in your paint and what the cost will be.

Proper environment. The application of the coating should be done in an indoor environment. There are some coatings that don't necessarily require it, but we always recommend doing all automotive coatings in a controlled climate controlled environment.The paint's surface must be extremely clean and free of any dust or debris before applying the coating. In an open air environment, it is difficult to control airborne contaminants.If contaminants are on the clear coat during the application, they can mix in with the coating and form a rough, uneven surface that can negatively impact the look and functionality of the coating.

Cure times. Each type of coating has a particular cure time. If your vehicle is not cured properly and your vehicle is exposed to say, a rain shower, it can permanently pit your coating--requiring the coating to be removed and reapplied. This removal process is laborious, time-consuming and expensive!

Uneven results. The entire application process must be done systematically, carefully and methodically. It is a process that cannot be rushed nor done haphazardly.Each section of the vehicle must be carefully inspected and tested under the appropriate lights, before moving to the next section. If not, uneven thicknesses can occur affecting the overall quality, aesthetics and performance of the coating.

The reputation and integrity of the company or individual applying the coating. Coatings are expensive. It is best to do your homework on potential installers. Ask questions. How much experience do they have? Are they certified? Where were they trained? How highly rated are their products? What do other customers say about their work? Do they guarantee their work? I would also be wary of the cheapest and the most expensive installers.

H2O Auto Spa is an Elite Dealer of Ceramic Pro Services---the only one in Louisiana. Ceramic Pro is the leading International purveyor and developer of ceramic coatings, Paint Protective Film (PPF), and Ceramic IR window tint and we, because of our reputation for quality work, experience, professionalism and integrity, we were honored with that designation.

We carefully select, train and supervise the technicians we allow to apply Ceramic Pro coatings. We have nine years experience applying coatings and have a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee on all work we perform. If you are serious about doing a Ceramic Pro coating that right way, please come visit us. Or for more information, please give us a call: (225) 291-9902.