The perfect shine is the Holy Grail of the automotive appearance industry. For over a century, professionals have sought a magical solution ― a bullish, long-lasting shine product that is quick and easy to apply and will repel dirt, environmental contaminants, and rain so the vehicle has the best protection on the market. Some even looked for a product that would uphold a new car shine without waxing, which builds up on your paint and makes it cloudy, or buffing, which, over time, threatens the clear coat. So how far have we come in the world of “coatings”?
What are Nano Coatings?
Essentially, nano technology in the detailing industry utilizes a 9th century Mesopotamian trick. A trick in which pottery-makers created a metallic nano glaze made from copper, silver salts, and oxides that created a glittering effect on pottery that up through the Renaissance, made it distinctive for its ancient, shimmering luster. The term “coating” is nothing more than a new term to identify these incredibly durable polymers. Because that’s all these nano coatings are, polymers.
Known as “Surface Science”, products now allow the transfer of particles from one surface to the other so that the nano coating becomes inseparable from the car’s paint surface. Automotive coating manufacturers claim their formulas “bond” chemically and physically to the paint surface, however, their bond loosens over time! On the other hand, some of these nano coatings claim they never loosen their bond to the paint meaning that they need to be buffed off which involves taking off part of your clear coat with it.
But is the difference between “coatings” and poly sealants really in the technology?
What’s on the Market Now?
Some of these nano coatings on the market right now refer to themselves as glass, or ceramic coatings, perpetuating the idea that these coatings are more durable than a traditional polymer.
First, let’s look at these names from the most literal stand point. If we we’re to actually be coating the exterior of our cars with glass or ceramic, what would be the result through the basic functions of the body of the car? The body of the car flexes as it drives, as the heat and cold play their part on the chemistry of the metal (hot metal can bend more while cold metal is more stiff). If our cars were coated with glass and ceramics, two very rigid materials that lack the ability to be flexible, it wouldn’t take long for the coating to crack and break.
Second, it’s clearly just a metaphor to explain how durable of a protection you’re getting. There’s no denying, a durable and long lasting product is great! Just forewarning you though, many of these products are not a one stop shop! These 7 year warranty coatings are only valid if you can verify you’ve reapplied the product every year or two and washed the car once a month.
One of the big reasons these products work so effectively is the amount of prep required to apply the coating. After washing, claying, and machine polishing the car, you’re often required to wipe down the entire surface with some alcohol based cleaner. This intensive prep period is highly effective in removing all contaminants and oils from the surface to allow the coating to bond to the paint as best as it can.
What are the Benefits of one of these Coatings?
Many of these coatings require an authorized detailer to apply them for you. That means that they have experience in prepping the paint for application. This is a huge bonus for car lovers. Your paint may never look that good again because of how much work goes into preparing the car for one of these coatings.
Their durability, whether you adhere to their fine print guidelines or not, is impressive. They last a long time, years in many cases and protect your paint from naturally acidic contaminants, UV damage, and may even add a little cushion room in terms of light scratches.These benefits are not much different than other poly sealants that have been on the market. They protect against the same things, however, their longevity may be slightly less considering they don’t require as much preparation for application.
Whats the cost?
The cost is highly dependant on the current condition of your vehicle, it makes no sense to apply a highly durable, hard wearing coating to the exterior of car that has paintwork covered in swirls and scratches. Supply and Application of the variety of Nano coatings which can be applied to paint, wheels, glass, interior and trim starts at £380 but as said this cost is subject to the current condition of your vehicle and the work required to improve its appearance and prepare it for the coating. Compared to a Standard Protection Detail at £250 which offers protection for upto six months, upgrading to a Nano coating really is worth every penny and is something I recommend to my clients on a daily basis. Nano upgrade is also available as an upgrade on Enhancement and Correction details rather than standard wax protection at an additional fee of £100 which is great value for money.