Owning a car is like owning a painting. Every masterpiece needs care and must be maintained regularly to remain in its best state. Drivers, especially those passionate about their cars, auto racers, and other car lovers, know the frustration of seeing their car’s surface scratched, dented, or eroded by harsh weather conditions.
Fortunately, the automotive world has created a variety of car paint protection techniques intended to help maintain the appearance of your vehicle and the brand-new look. So read on as we dive into the various options for car paint protection!
#1 Waxing
Think of it taking your car for a much-deserved spa day. Waxing is not simply about making the car look all glossy and brand new (even though that’s admittedly a nice perk). It forms a shield against the weather vagaries—be it the hot sun or the heavy downpour, not to mention the splatter of bird droppings or other external deposits. This shield on your car sustains the paint, prevents it from getting spoilt through oxidation, and makes the car easier to clean due to its water-repellent nature.
According to the materials used, there are two major types of wax for cars: natural carnauba wax and synthetic wax. Carnauba imparts a high gloss and a beautiful, lustrous shine that may not be replicated by synthetic wax but has shorter durability. Both Carnauba and synthetic wax have advantages, so the choice depends on the user’s preference.
#2 Sealants
Car sealing is a method that involves applying a synthetic sealant to the exterior of your car paint. It can be considered as a protective coat that merges with the paint to provide a fortified coating. While wax can easily fade away over time, sealants are meant to last longer and offer enhanced protection to the surface.
These sealants are normally produced from polymers that interact with the car’s paint in a cross-linking manner. This implies that they create a strong and resilient shield against environmental hazards such as ultraviolet radiation, rain with an acidic nature, and salt.
#3 Ceramic Coating
Picture a cover over your car paint, which would shield it from any harm that other external factors can cause. That is ceramic coating – and it is a breakthrough in the detailing world because its usage of nano-technology claims to protect your car from outside elements like you’ve never imagined. In layperson’s terms, it is a water-based paint that forms a chemical bond with the factory-applied paint of your car and forms a layer that is even more robust than a car that has never seen the inside of a garage during summer.
In a way, ceramic nano-coating is one of the long-term commitments to your car’s aesthetics and the chance to get more money upon selling it. The first and foremost characteristic of ceramic coating is that it protects whatever surface it is applied on from corrosive elements and dangers such as UV light, oxidation, bird excrement, acid rain, and so on. It also has hydrophobic properties. Therefore, it does not wash off or dissolve, and your car remains protected and shiny for years, not just weeks.
#4 Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Paint Protection Film, PPF for short, is also known as a clear bra. It has become a standard process to have PPF on your car if you are a car enthusiast or even if you use your vehicle on a daily basis. This is a thermoplastic or polyurethane film applied to car surfaces. This extremely thin plastic coating offers a layer of protection for your prized car from things like scratches and rust caused by bird droppings, water, and dirt, among others, without altering the appearance of the paint in any way.
PPF material has a soft healing coat and can heal minor scratches on its surface instantaneously under sunlight or by applying heat as required. It was originally created for military use (because who doesn’t want their car as tough as a tank?).
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the car paint protection methods suitable for your vehicle depend on several factors. Such as how willing you are to spend financially and how much time you have on your hands will determine the best way to protect your car’s paint. One could be willing to perform the wax-on-wax-off technique that has been in practice for centuries or be ready to invest in a world-class ceramic coating solution.
There is always a perfect solution that will help keep your car as glamorous as the first time you saw it. The professionals at Prestige Auto Appearance use the clearest, highest-performing film available, with unmatched installation quality. An automobile is only blissful if secured adequately; contact our team today to help us provide a perfect and seamless driving experience for you.
