CERAMIC COATING PROTECTION ON BOATS/AUTOS
We've been busy testing ceramic coating protection products on boats for a long time now and are ready to start offering them with our services. We tested them on every surface we could find including gel coated and painted boats, vehicles, glass, plastic windows, stainless steel, black automotive trim, rubber, glass shower panels, ceramic sinks and varnished wood. There's a lot of information on this page about ceramic protection and we hope our testing and research will help you learn more about this topic.
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This video shows a section of gel coat that we applied a ceramic detail spray to. When water is sprayed on that section, the water immediately starts to sheet off the surface, creating fast-draining channels allowing the water to quickly drain away. This is called a hydrophobic reaction. Within minutes, most of the surface is dry, which helps prevent water spots and salt spray from etching into the finish and prevents corrosion and oxidation. Even when water droplets stay on the surface, they're sitting on top of a super protective ceramic layer.
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In this video, the left side of the window has no protection on it. When water is sprayed on it, the water remains on the window. It doesn't bead up or sheet off. We used our ceramic detail spray on the right side of the window. When sprayed with water, it immediately starts to bead up and sheet off.
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This video shows a section of a boat where a ceramic sealant has been applied. Water sheets off the gel coat quickly, leaving a dry surface and protective coating behind.
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Ceramic protection has been popular in the auto world for quite a while now. As soon as you're in the detailing aisle of your local auto parts store, it seems like every bottle has the word "ceramic" on it these days. There's ceramic soap, ceramic tire care, ceramic glass spray, ceramic spray, ceramic sealant and many other uses of that word for all sorts of specific purposes. But what does "ceramic" actually mean?
A simple way to explain a ceramic coating is that it’s a protective layer that can be applied to various surfaces, such as clear coat, gel coat, glass, metal, vehicle trim, rubber, varnished wood and plastics. It is made from a liquid polymer containing nanoparticles of ceramic material. When applied and cured, it forms a transparent, hard and durable coating.
Ceramic coatings and sprays provide an additional layer of protection against light scratches, UV rays and other environmental elements. It creates a barrier that shields the surface from dirt, pollutants and oxidation. Ceramic coatings are known for their hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water by causing it to bead up or sheet off quickly. Once the ceramic coating has fully cured, it creates a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the appearance of the surface. It also makes it easier to clean, as dirt and grime have a harder time adhering to the coating.
You'll often see SiO2 listed on the ceramic coating bottle. This represents silicon dioxide, which is found in quartz, a very hard mineral. All minerals have a hardness rating. A diamond has the highest hardness rating of 10. The higher the hardness rating, the more resistant the mineral is to UV rays, heat, chemicals and acids, as well as natural environmental elements. Your car's paint has a hardness rating of 3. A ceramic coating, which comes from quartz, has a hardness rating of 7, which makes it harder and more resistant to the elements than gel coat or clear coat on its own.
A simple way to explain a ceramic coating is that it’s a protective layer that can be applied to various surfaces, such as clear coat, gel coat, glass, metal, vehicle trim, rubber, varnished wood and plastics. It is made from a liquid polymer containing nanoparticles of ceramic material. When applied and cured, it forms a transparent, hard and durable coating.
Ceramic coatings and sprays provide an additional layer of protection against light scratches, UV rays and other environmental elements. It creates a barrier that shields the surface from dirt, pollutants and oxidation. Ceramic coatings are known for their hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water by causing it to bead up or sheet off quickly. Once the ceramic coating has fully cured, it creates a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the appearance of the surface. It also makes it easier to clean, as dirt and grime have a harder time adhering to the coating.
You'll often see SiO2 listed on the ceramic coating bottle. This represents silicon dioxide, which is found in quartz, a very hard mineral. All minerals have a hardness rating. A diamond has the highest hardness rating of 10. The higher the hardness rating, the more resistant the mineral is to UV rays, heat, chemicals and acids, as well as natural environmental elements. Your car's paint has a hardness rating of 3. A ceramic coating, which comes from quartz, has a hardness rating of 7, which makes it harder and more resistant to the elements than gel coat or clear coat on its own.
Different Types of Ceramic Coating Protection
Small droplets of water start to pool together just before they roll off the surface.
Learn about the different types of ceramic coating protection for boats or marines, which includes a traditional ceramic coating, ceramic detail spray and ceramic sealant. Then check out our Ceramic FAQ below that answers the most commonly asked questions.
Traditional Ceramic Coating
A traditional ceramic coating has a hardness rating of 7 and has the highest concentration of SiO2 in its ingredients, typically between 75% and 95%. This is one reason why true ceramic coatings are so expensive. A traditional ceramic coating is best applied in an enclosed area, such as a garage or boat shed. There can be no moisture, dust or wind, otherwise it can interfere with the application and even ruin it.
A ceramic coating must be applied either with a spray gun or a special applicator pad and requires a skilled hand and knowledge on how to apply it properly. Face masks, respiratory protection and skin coverings are required. Ceramic coatings harden up quickly so they must be spread properly after coating a small section, reducing the chance for high spots, halos and streaks. Once the object is coated, it must remain under heat lamps until the coating has cured, which can take up to a few days for a car or up to a few weeks for a boat. One coating can last around 9 to 12 months, so when several layers are applied to a clean boat or vehicle that’s free of oxidation, it can provide up to 3 years or more of protection. However, this process is very expensive and can be cost prohibitive to most boat owners. (Coating a car can easily cost around $3,000 or more.) It must still be maintained at least once or twice a year by applying a ceramic detail spray to refresh the coating. In this case, a yearly buff and polish is still a more feasible and realistic option for most boats.
Ceramic Detail Spray
A ceramic detail spray is easier to apply and doesn't require an enclosed space or special equipment. It has a faster cure time so it can be used outdoors as long as it's dry out and preferably the boat or car is not in direct sunlight. Ceramic detail sprays come in a spray bottle so you can more easily spray it on a section and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it on the surface. They contain a smaller percentage of SiO2 (typically between 20% and 45%) but still have the high hardness rating to protect from oxidation, corrosion, water spots and other damage that can occur from environmental elements. Ceramic detail sprays are much more affordable than a traditional ceramic coating. One application layer can last between three and six months depending on how much sun and salt your boat experiences, however you can build up layers just like you can with a ceramic coating that will help it last a lot longer.
A ceramic detail spray is an excellent way to extend the life and shine of your yearly detail job. It will boost the protection on your gel coat and any other surface you use it on, such as glass windows, plastic or vinyl window panels, varnished wood, stainless and non-skid. Think of it as applying more sunscreen throughout your day in the sun to make sure you have enough UV protection at all times. The less oxidation that occurs throughout the year, the less harsh buffing required to remove that oxidation. It's always best to be proactive about protecting your boat from the damages of oxidation!
Ceramic Sealants
A ceramic sealant is sprayed onto a clean boat or vehicle while it's still wet, then spread around with a microfiber cloth or wash mitt and then hosed off. Although it has a smaller percentage of Sio2 in it, it still offers a layer of protection that will extend the life of your polish, ceramic coating or ceramic spray and refreshes the beading and sheeting properties. This is a great way to apply some sort of ceramic protection to hard to reach places on large yachts because of its simple spray-on/rinse-off application.
Ceramic Car Wash or Boat Wash Soap
This is similar to a car or boat wash soap that has wax in it. Instead of wax however, it has a small amount of ceramic additive in it, usually less than 10%. This is an excellent type of soap to use on boats that have been ceramic coated. However, it can benefit any type boat or vehicle, whether it's been ceramic coated or not, by adding a light protective additive to the soap that helps water sheet off better when you rinse your boat or vehicle after washing it.
Traditional Ceramic Coating
A traditional ceramic coating has a hardness rating of 7 and has the highest concentration of SiO2 in its ingredients, typically between 75% and 95%. This is one reason why true ceramic coatings are so expensive. A traditional ceramic coating is best applied in an enclosed area, such as a garage or boat shed. There can be no moisture, dust or wind, otherwise it can interfere with the application and even ruin it.
A ceramic coating must be applied either with a spray gun or a special applicator pad and requires a skilled hand and knowledge on how to apply it properly. Face masks, respiratory protection and skin coverings are required. Ceramic coatings harden up quickly so they must be spread properly after coating a small section, reducing the chance for high spots, halos and streaks. Once the object is coated, it must remain under heat lamps until the coating has cured, which can take up to a few days for a car or up to a few weeks for a boat. One coating can last around 9 to 12 months, so when several layers are applied to a clean boat or vehicle that’s free of oxidation, it can provide up to 3 years or more of protection. However, this process is very expensive and can be cost prohibitive to most boat owners. (Coating a car can easily cost around $3,000 or more.) It must still be maintained at least once or twice a year by applying a ceramic detail spray to refresh the coating. In this case, a yearly buff and polish is still a more feasible and realistic option for most boats.
Ceramic Detail Spray
A ceramic detail spray is easier to apply and doesn't require an enclosed space or special equipment. It has a faster cure time so it can be used outdoors as long as it's dry out and preferably the boat or car is not in direct sunlight. Ceramic detail sprays come in a spray bottle so you can more easily spray it on a section and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it on the surface. They contain a smaller percentage of SiO2 (typically between 20% and 45%) but still have the high hardness rating to protect from oxidation, corrosion, water spots and other damage that can occur from environmental elements. Ceramic detail sprays are much more affordable than a traditional ceramic coating. One application layer can last between three and six months depending on how much sun and salt your boat experiences, however you can build up layers just like you can with a ceramic coating that will help it last a lot longer.
A ceramic detail spray is an excellent way to extend the life and shine of your yearly detail job. It will boost the protection on your gel coat and any other surface you use it on, such as glass windows, plastic or vinyl window panels, varnished wood, stainless and non-skid. Think of it as applying more sunscreen throughout your day in the sun to make sure you have enough UV protection at all times. The less oxidation that occurs throughout the year, the less harsh buffing required to remove that oxidation. It's always best to be proactive about protecting your boat from the damages of oxidation!
Ceramic Sealants
A ceramic sealant is sprayed onto a clean boat or vehicle while it's still wet, then spread around with a microfiber cloth or wash mitt and then hosed off. Although it has a smaller percentage of Sio2 in it, it still offers a layer of protection that will extend the life of your polish, ceramic coating or ceramic spray and refreshes the beading and sheeting properties. This is a great way to apply some sort of ceramic protection to hard to reach places on large yachts because of its simple spray-on/rinse-off application.
Ceramic Car Wash or Boat Wash Soap
This is similar to a car or boat wash soap that has wax in it. Instead of wax however, it has a small amount of ceramic additive in it, usually less than 10%. This is an excellent type of soap to use on boats that have been ceramic coated. However, it can benefit any type boat or vehicle, whether it's been ceramic coated or not, by adding a light protective additive to the soap that helps water sheet off better when you rinse your boat or vehicle after washing it.
Ceramic FAQ's
Q: What surfaces, finishes or materials can be protected with ceramic products?
A: Any surface! That's the beauty of a ceramic protection. It seals and protects glass, vinyl, plastic, rubber, metal, gel coat and paint, as well as many other types of surfaces on your boat or vehicle.
Q: Can ceramic protection be applied over other protectants?
A: If you're using a traditional ceramic coating, then you'll want to apply it directly to the vehicle (after it's been compounded or clay barred and washed) so it can bond with and seal the paint so nothing can actually touch the paint, such as dust bird droppings. If your car was recently waxed, you'd either want to remove the wax or wait a few months for the wax to degrade on its own. If you're using a ceramic detail spray, you can apply it over a ceramic coating or even polish. It extends the life of the coating or polish and improves its hydrophobic properties, making water bead up and sheet off quickly.
Q: What is the application process of a traditional ceramic coating?
A: Ceramic coatings bond to the surface they're applied to, which is what creates the super hard, glass-like protection that they offer. In order for the coating to bond, the surface must be clean and dry and the space in which you're applying the coating must be free of dust and moisture so the coating doesn't sit on top of a layer of dust or moisture and instead bonds with the actual surface it's being applied to. That's why it's best to coat a boat or vehicle in an enclosed space such as a garage or boat shed to prevent any particles from landing on the surface being coated. Ceramic coatings should also not be applied in direct sunlight.
The ceramic coating is carefully sprayed onto the surface with a spray gun or wiped on with a special applicator pad and quickly wiped in. It starts to cure within seconds and becomes difficult to spread around once it starts to cure. It will need several hours or even days under a heat lamp once it's been applied and is starting to cure. Due to this special process and equipment, traditional ceramic coatings can be cost prohibitive on anything larger than a car or ski boat.
Q: Will a ceramic coating make my boat (or car) look glossy or shiny again?
A: Yes and no. What really makes your boat look glossy is a fresh layer of gel coat (or paint), whether it's because your boat is brand new or because it has recently been compounded to remove oxidation. This is why a boat looks glossy; it has no oxidation. Once the gel coat has been compounded, leaving a fresh layer of glossy gel coat, it needs to be protected with something, whether it's wax, polish or a ceramic coating or sealant, to keep oxidation at bay or prevent it from coming back altogether. Pure wax starts to degrade after a few months while wax-free, polymer-based polishes and ceramic products last a lot longer, especially when used together to seal and protect the surface it's applied to. Ceramic sprays and sealants will help refresh the shine of the surface it's applied to.
Q: I hear that one application of a ceramic detail spray can last around 12 months. Is that true?
A: It's true if you apply it to your garage-kept vehicle that's not your daily driver. It's a bit different with boats because most boats live outside in the elements (rain, sun, dust, salt) and take a beating day after day. However, the protection that a ceramic detail spray offers is still longer lasting and more hydrophobic than wax. A ceramic detail spray applied properly to a boat can easily last around four to six months. (Wax sits on top of the surface whereas a ceramic coating or detail spray seals the pores and bonds with the surface, which allows it to last much longer than any type of wax.)
Q: Can ceramic products replace waxing or polishing my boat?
A: A traditional ceramic coating can replace having your vehicle or boat waxed or polished. It will cost a lot more and can last several years depending on how many layers are applied, but it will offer excellent UV protection and even some protection from light scratches. (If you're still learning to dock your boat, a ceramic coating isn't going to hide the fact that you're still learning to dock your boat!)
Ceramic detail sprays and sealants are not meant to replace waxing or polishing your boat but rather, to extend the life of a ceramic coating or a polymer-based polish and to add shine and improve water beading and sheeting actions. A yearly buff and polish plus using a ceramic spray and sealant throughout the year offers the same protective benefits of a traditional ceramic coating at lot less cost!
Q: Can a ceramic detail spray be applied to an older boat with thinning or failing gel coat or paint?
A: Yes! A ceramic detail spray is perfect for an older boat that has gel coat or paint that can no longer handle a buffer or compound. The ceramic spray on its own doesn't remove oxidation, but because it will seal and bond with whatever surface it's applied to, it can still offer a level of protection from further UV damage to your gel coat or paint when using a buffer or compound is no longer an option. Traditional ceramic coating is not recommended for older vehicles or boats.
Q: I've seen videos online that show a car that was just ceramic coated and it looks perfectly glossy. Is that what a ceramic coating can do?
A: Kind of, but... Let me explain. Removing oxidation and paint flaws is what brings back the gloss in your paint or gel coat. For a boat, this requires cutting through the layer of oxidation using a variable speed buffer and compound. For a car, this requires compound and a clay bar, as well as other products that remove elemental damage such as iron and rust. Only once you've cut through the layer of oxidation or removed all paint flaws and fading, will your boat or vehicle look glossy. This important first step is what brings the gloss back. When you add ceramic protection, whether it's a traditional ceramic coating or a ceramic detail spray, it will enhance the gloss that is already visible and bond with that glossy surface to protect it from oxidation and fading.
Q: I'm noticing a lot of auto and boat detailing businesses now offer ceramic coating services and some seem much less expensive than others. Why is that?
A: Anytime you're considering getting your vehicle or boat "ceramic coated", be sure to ask the installer these important questions.
Q: Ceramic coating my car or boat is very expensive. Is it really worth it?
A: If you just bought a new vehicle that you plan to own for 5 years or more, then getting it ceramic coated right away will be a good investment. It will make exterior maintenance easier because you won't have to wax your car anymore and light scratches can easily be rubbed off or prevented completely. You'll want to touch it up every so often with a ceramic detail spray to improve the water beading and sheeting actions, but that's something you can do yourself if you know how to do it properly. If you're thinking of ceramic coating your ski boat, I would offer the same advice, but if you're thinking of having a larger boat ceramic coated, be prepared for it to cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the length and area.
Q: What the heck is graphene and what's the difference between a ceramic coating and a graphene coating?
A: I'm so glad you asked! You're probably starting to see the word "graphene" in the detailing aisle of the auto parts store in addition to "ceramic" products. Whereas ceramic comes from quartz, graphene is processed from graphite, which is harder than a diamond and, in the detailing world, has the same features and benefits of a ceramic coating. It's main benefit over ceramic coating is that it can lower the surface temperature its applied to, which means the water will not evaporate as quickly and therefore will bead up and roll off or sheet off the surface faster. This is beneficial because the longer water sits on the surface, the more opportunity it has to create water spots that the sun can then etch into the finish. Just like a ceramic coating, graphene must be applied properly and have time to cure in order to fully protect the surface it's on.
A: Any surface! That's the beauty of a ceramic protection. It seals and protects glass, vinyl, plastic, rubber, metal, gel coat and paint, as well as many other types of surfaces on your boat or vehicle.
Q: Can ceramic protection be applied over other protectants?
A: If you're using a traditional ceramic coating, then you'll want to apply it directly to the vehicle (after it's been compounded or clay barred and washed) so it can bond with and seal the paint so nothing can actually touch the paint, such as dust bird droppings. If your car was recently waxed, you'd either want to remove the wax or wait a few months for the wax to degrade on its own. If you're using a ceramic detail spray, you can apply it over a ceramic coating or even polish. It extends the life of the coating or polish and improves its hydrophobic properties, making water bead up and sheet off quickly.
Q: What is the application process of a traditional ceramic coating?
A: Ceramic coatings bond to the surface they're applied to, which is what creates the super hard, glass-like protection that they offer. In order for the coating to bond, the surface must be clean and dry and the space in which you're applying the coating must be free of dust and moisture so the coating doesn't sit on top of a layer of dust or moisture and instead bonds with the actual surface it's being applied to. That's why it's best to coat a boat or vehicle in an enclosed space such as a garage or boat shed to prevent any particles from landing on the surface being coated. Ceramic coatings should also not be applied in direct sunlight.
The ceramic coating is carefully sprayed onto the surface with a spray gun or wiped on with a special applicator pad and quickly wiped in. It starts to cure within seconds and becomes difficult to spread around once it starts to cure. It will need several hours or even days under a heat lamp once it's been applied and is starting to cure. Due to this special process and equipment, traditional ceramic coatings can be cost prohibitive on anything larger than a car or ski boat.
Q: Will a ceramic coating make my boat (or car) look glossy or shiny again?
A: Yes and no. What really makes your boat look glossy is a fresh layer of gel coat (or paint), whether it's because your boat is brand new or because it has recently been compounded to remove oxidation. This is why a boat looks glossy; it has no oxidation. Once the gel coat has been compounded, leaving a fresh layer of glossy gel coat, it needs to be protected with something, whether it's wax, polish or a ceramic coating or sealant, to keep oxidation at bay or prevent it from coming back altogether. Pure wax starts to degrade after a few months while wax-free, polymer-based polishes and ceramic products last a lot longer, especially when used together to seal and protect the surface it's applied to. Ceramic sprays and sealants will help refresh the shine of the surface it's applied to.
Q: I hear that one application of a ceramic detail spray can last around 12 months. Is that true?
A: It's true if you apply it to your garage-kept vehicle that's not your daily driver. It's a bit different with boats because most boats live outside in the elements (rain, sun, dust, salt) and take a beating day after day. However, the protection that a ceramic detail spray offers is still longer lasting and more hydrophobic than wax. A ceramic detail spray applied properly to a boat can easily last around four to six months. (Wax sits on top of the surface whereas a ceramic coating or detail spray seals the pores and bonds with the surface, which allows it to last much longer than any type of wax.)
Q: Can ceramic products replace waxing or polishing my boat?
A: A traditional ceramic coating can replace having your vehicle or boat waxed or polished. It will cost a lot more and can last several years depending on how many layers are applied, but it will offer excellent UV protection and even some protection from light scratches. (If you're still learning to dock your boat, a ceramic coating isn't going to hide the fact that you're still learning to dock your boat!)
Ceramic detail sprays and sealants are not meant to replace waxing or polishing your boat but rather, to extend the life of a ceramic coating or a polymer-based polish and to add shine and improve water beading and sheeting actions. A yearly buff and polish plus using a ceramic spray and sealant throughout the year offers the same protective benefits of a traditional ceramic coating at lot less cost!
Q: Can a ceramic detail spray be applied to an older boat with thinning or failing gel coat or paint?
A: Yes! A ceramic detail spray is perfect for an older boat that has gel coat or paint that can no longer handle a buffer or compound. The ceramic spray on its own doesn't remove oxidation, but because it will seal and bond with whatever surface it's applied to, it can still offer a level of protection from further UV damage to your gel coat or paint when using a buffer or compound is no longer an option. Traditional ceramic coating is not recommended for older vehicles or boats.
Q: I've seen videos online that show a car that was just ceramic coated and it looks perfectly glossy. Is that what a ceramic coating can do?
A: Kind of, but... Let me explain. Removing oxidation and paint flaws is what brings back the gloss in your paint or gel coat. For a boat, this requires cutting through the layer of oxidation using a variable speed buffer and compound. For a car, this requires compound and a clay bar, as well as other products that remove elemental damage such as iron and rust. Only once you've cut through the layer of oxidation or removed all paint flaws and fading, will your boat or vehicle look glossy. This important first step is what brings the gloss back. When you add ceramic protection, whether it's a traditional ceramic coating or a ceramic detail spray, it will enhance the gloss that is already visible and bond with that glossy surface to protect it from oxidation and fading.
Q: I'm noticing a lot of auto and boat detailing businesses now offer ceramic coating services and some seem much less expensive than others. Why is that?
A: Anytime you're considering getting your vehicle or boat "ceramic coated", be sure to ask the installer these important questions.
- What type of ceramic product are they using? Is it a ceramic coating or a ceramic detail spray? (If it's costing a lot of money, more than you'd pay for a typical buff and wax, then they should be using a traditional ceramic coating product and method.) That's fine if they're using a ceramic detail spray instead of a traditional ceramic coating, but they need to be up front about it so you know what you're actually getting.
- What is the application method? Is it applied with a spray gun or applicator sponge or is it the type you spray on and wipe off?
- If they're calling it a "ceramic coating", ask them how many layers they're going to apply and how long it will last (3 years, 5 years, etc).
- What is the cure time and process, such as a couple days with heat lamps or one day without heat lamps?
- Are they applying it in an enclosed space (garage or boat shed) or out in the open? If out in the open, what are they doing to protect moisture and dust from ruining the finish?
Q: Ceramic coating my car or boat is very expensive. Is it really worth it?
A: If you just bought a new vehicle that you plan to own for 5 years or more, then getting it ceramic coated right away will be a good investment. It will make exterior maintenance easier because you won't have to wax your car anymore and light scratches can easily be rubbed off or prevented completely. You'll want to touch it up every so often with a ceramic detail spray to improve the water beading and sheeting actions, but that's something you can do yourself if you know how to do it properly. If you're thinking of ceramic coating your ski boat, I would offer the same advice, but if you're thinking of having a larger boat ceramic coated, be prepared for it to cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the length and area.
Q: What the heck is graphene and what's the difference between a ceramic coating and a graphene coating?
A: I'm so glad you asked! You're probably starting to see the word "graphene" in the detailing aisle of the auto parts store in addition to "ceramic" products. Whereas ceramic comes from quartz, graphene is processed from graphite, which is harder than a diamond and, in the detailing world, has the same features and benefits of a ceramic coating. It's main benefit over ceramic coating is that it can lower the surface temperature its applied to, which means the water will not evaporate as quickly and therefore will bead up and roll off or sheet off the surface faster. This is beneficial because the longer water sits on the surface, the more opportunity it has to create water spots that the sun can then etch into the finish. Just like a ceramic coating, graphene must be applied properly and have time to cure in order to fully protect the surface it's on.
