Can Ceramic Coating Help Prevent Paint Oxidation?

We’ve all seen the effects of paint oxidation. Dullness, fading, an almost powdery residue on the surface, a rough texture… It happens when oxygen/ozone, moisture, and other environmental elements combine with the chemical makeup of the paint and begin to break it down (don’t worry, this isn’t a chemistry lesson…). 

This reaction can be slowed or halted in many ways—but nothing offers better oxidation protection for cars than ceramic coating.

Ceramic Coating and Paint Oxidation

One of the biggest ways to speed up paint oxidation is to add UV rays into the mix. That’s why ceramic coating is so popular in sunny climes to prevent paint fade. 

The coating prevents a hard, virtually impenetrable layer between the paint and the environment. This dramatically reduces the interaction between the oxygen and the paint chemicals. The nano-particles of the coating bond with the paintwork, and it’s this barrier that’s so effective at stopping the oxidation process. A good quality, professionally applied one will provide years of protection.

In addition, ceramic coatings are incredibly hydrophobic. Moisture plays a significant role in oxidation, so preventing this from reaching the paint is really important. One of the most satisfying effects of a ceramic coating is how it makes water bead and sheet. As well as helping make it easier to keep the vehicle clean, removing the oxidation interaction effectively stops paint fade and other associated damage occurring.

Other things that play a role in paint oxidation include:

• Chemical attacks: Like salt, acid rain, bird droppings, and other environmental issues. These can leave highly acidic compounds on paintwork.
• Minerals: Ever wondered what causes water spots on paintwork? It’s the minerals that are deposited by dew, rain, and other natural moisture. 
• Temperature changes: Paint contracts and expands in response to the ambient temperature. Over time this weakens the structure and speeds up how quickly it degrades.

Because it’s permanently bonded to the paint surface, a ceramic coating protects from all of the main bad actors in the oxidation process. It’s the very properties—hardness and hydrophobicity—that make it so effective.

A Bit More About UV Rays and Paint Fade

If you’re still with us, let’s delve a bit deeper into the importance of the bonding process of ceramic coating.

The product consists of microscopic particles suspended in a solvent. When this is applied to scrupulously clean paintwork, it quite literally becomes at one with the surface. The solvent dries, leaving the ceramic elements firmly bonded on top of the paint. It’s uber-thin (1-3 micrometres) and ultra-hard. It’s also highly reflective. 

This means it not only stops UV rays from directly hitting the car paint, but it actively makes them bounce away. Everyone has seen the effects of sun fade on, say, a red car that’s been left in the sun. Nothing screams “I don’t care about my car (life/self-worth/anything at all, frankly) more than driving around in a car sporting that dull, pink façade…

By providing a robust barrier that repels UV rays, moisture, and all the environmental elements that speed up the oxidation process, ceramic coating is one of the best ways to keep your ride looking its best over time.

Ceramic coating can also be applied in conjunction with paint protection film (PPF) and with car wraps. This dual protection combines the properties of both products, enhancing the oxidation protection for cars (and trucks, 4X4s, motorbikes, boats, or any vehicle you choose).

Ceramic coating and paint oxidation prevention really do go hand-in-hand. And no one does it better than the expert paint protection team at Auto SuperShield.

Discover more at https://www.autosupershield.com hit us up today to find out the best protective paint solution for your ride.