Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Coatings
Summary
TLDRThis video explores the world of ceramic coatings with Expell, a company that offers realistic insights into the benefits and limitations of these coatings. The new product, Fusion Plus, is a silicon-based coating that bonds with car paint, providing a semi-permanent protective layer. The video clarifies misconceptions, details the application process, and demonstrates the hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of the coating. It also discusses the compatibility of ceramic coatings with paint protection films, offering a dual-layer protection solution for vehicles.
Takeaways
- 🚗 Expell's Fusion Plus is a silicon-based ceramic coating that creates a bond with car paintwork, offering protection and ease of maintenance.
- 💡 Ceramic coatings are not a magic solution; they do not completely prevent scratches or eliminate the need for washing but provide real benefits like hydrophobic qualities and self-cleaning properties.
- 🔬 The product contains nanoparticles that form an inseparable bond with the car's paint, acting like a semi-permanent wax or sealant with a four-year warranty.
- 🛠️ Proper surface preparation is crucial before application; the paint should be clean and corrected to avoid sealing in swirls or scratches.
- 👨🔧 Fusion Plus is applied in sections with a dropper and micro suede towel, requiring a final wipe with a microfiber towel for a clear finish.
- 👷♂️ Professional installation is recommended for safety and to ensure correct application, avoiding issues like streaks or sealed dirt.
- 🚫 Post-application, avoid water for the first 24 hours and allow the coating to cure fully for four days to maximize gloss and protection.
- 🌧️ Ceramic coatings enhance the car's hydrophobic properties, making it easier to wash off dirt and water, but washing is still necessary.
- 🧪 Fusion Plus is compatible with paint protection films, adding an extra layer of protection without negating the film's self-healing properties.
- 🛡️ Paint protective films offer more substantial protection against rock chips and scratches compared to ceramic coatings, which focus on appearance and maintenance.
- 🔄 Regular maintenance is recommended, including washing with a 2-bucket method and applying a ceramic boost every 4 to 6 washes to maintain hydrophobic qualities.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is about ceramic coatings, specifically the new product Fusion Plus by Expell, and the benefits and misconceptions associated with them.
What are some common misconceptions about ceramic coatings mentioned in the video?
-Some common misconceptions include the belief that ceramic coatings can completely prevent scratches and rock chips, and that they eliminate the need for ever washing your car again.
What is the basic composition of Expell's Fusion Plus ceramic coating?
-Fusion Plus is a silicon-based product with a carrier fluid containing nanoparticles that create an inseparable bond with the paintwork.
How does the duration of the four-year warranty on Expell's coating come to be?
-The four-year warranty duration is set based on third-party accelerated wear testing.
What is the importance of paint condition before applying a ceramic coating?
-The paint should be perfectly clean and any paint correction should be done beforehand, as ceramic coatings will not hide swirls or scratches but will seal them permanently.
Can ceramic coatings be applied directly to the paint or only on top of a paint protective film?
-Ceramic coatings can be applied both directly to the paint and on top of a paint protective film, but the application process and requirements differ for each scenario.
What safety precautions are recommended during the application of ceramic coatings?
-Safety precautions include skin and eye protection, as well as using an OSHA-approved ventilator if not working in a well-ventilated area.
Why does Expell Fusion Plus only allow for professional installation?
-Professional installation ensures proper safety precautions, correct paint surface preparation, and accurate application to avoid issues like streaks, drips, or sealed dirt.
How does the curing process of the ceramic coating affect its appearance and properties?
-During the curing process, which takes four days, the gloss of the finish increases, peaking in glossy appearance, and the coating becomes fully cured.
What is the self-cleaning characteristic of the ceramic coating as demonstrated in the video?
-The self-cleaning characteristic means that dirt on the car's surface would rather stick to water droplets than the paint surface, allowing dirt to be blown off the car when it rains.
How does applying a ceramic coating affect the maintenance of a car?
-Applying a ceramic coating makes washing the car significantly easier and eliminates the need to apply wax or sealant afterwards. However, the car still needs to be washed regularly.
Can ceramic coatings be applied over a paint protective film, and what are the benefits?
-Yes, ceramic coatings can be applied over a paint protective film, providing the benefits of both the protective film's resistance to rock chips and scratches, and the ceramic coating's hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties.
Outlines
🛠️ Introduction to Ceramic Coatings
The video script introduces the topic of ceramic coatings, specifically focusing on Expell's new product, Fusion Plus. It clarifies misconceptions about the capabilities of ceramic coatings, such as preventing scratches or eliminating the need for car washing. Instead, it highlights the real benefits, including ease of maintenance, protection from environmental contaminants, and the glossy, hydrophobic qualities of these coatings. The script explains that ceramic coatings are like semi-permanent waxes or sealants, with Expell's product offering a four-year warranty. The application process is detailed, emphasizing the importance of a clean paint surface and proper application to avoid issues like streaks or sealed dirt. The video also discusses the difference between applying the coating directly to paint versus over a paint protective film, noting that the latter does not require paint correction.
🚗 Testing and Benefits of Ceramic Coatings
This paragraph delves into the practical demonstration and benefits of ceramic coatings. A test is conducted on a vehicle to show the reduced friction and enhanced hydrophobic properties of the coated surface compared to the uncoated side. The self-cleaning characteristic of the ceramic coating is illustrated, explaining how dirt is more likely to stick to water droplets than the paint, facilitating easier cleaning during rain. The script refutes the idea that a ceramic coating eliminates the need for washing, emphasizing that while washing is easier, it is still necessary. It also mentions the incompatibility of solvent-based products with ceramic coatings and suggests using isopropyl alcohol for stain removal. The video demonstrates the compatibility of ceramic coatings with paint protection films, showing that the coating does not negate the protective properties of the film and allows the self-healing feature of the film to function properly.
🔧 Conclusion on Ceramic Coatings and Protective Films
The final paragraph summarizes the key points about ceramic coatings, emphasizing their role in enhancing the depth and gloss of a car's paint, along with their hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. It reiterates that ceramic coatings are not a substitute for washing but make the process easier and eliminate the need for waxing. The script also clarifies the correct order of application for ceramic coatings and paint protective films, noting that a coating should be applied after the film for optimal benefits. The video concludes by thanking Expell for their partnership and providing information on how viewers can get Expell's ceramic coating installed on their vehicles, including a link to a dealer locator and additional details on pricing.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Ceramic Coatings
💡Expell
💡Fusion Plus
💡Hydrophobic
💡Paint Protection Film
💡Self-Cleaning
💡Swirls and Scratches
💡Application Process
💡Curing
💡2-Bucket Method
💡Ceramic Boost
Highlights
Expell's Fusion Plus is a silicon-based ceramic coating that creates an inseparable bond with car paint, lasting several years with a four-year warranty.
Ceramic coatings provide real benefits such as maintaining paint cleanliness, protection from environmental contaminants, and a glossy appearance.
Common misconceptions about ceramic coatings include the false claims that they can completely prevent scratches and eliminate the need for washing the car.
The application of ceramic coatings requires a clean paint surface and can be applied directly or over a paint protective film.
Ceramic coatings do not hide swirls or scratches; instead, they seal them permanently, emphasizing the importance of perfect paint condition before application.
Protective films can cover light swirls and scratches, unlike ceramic coatings, which require paint correction beforehand.
The application process of Fusion Plus involves using a dropper and micro suede towel, with specific techniques to avoid streaks and ensure even coverage.
Fusion Plus is only available for professional installation due to safety precautions and the complexity of the application process.
Proper surface preparation, including paint correction and cleanliness, is crucial for the successful application of ceramic coatings.
Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can affect the flash-off time during the application of ceramic coatings.
Ceramic coatings, when cured, can increase the gloss of the finish, peaking days after installation.
Ceramic coatings demonstrate self-cleaning properties, with dirt preferring to stick to water droplets rather than the paint surface.
Despite the hydrophobic qualities, ceramic coated cars still require regular washing and maintenance.
Ceramic coatings are compatible with paint protection films, offering the benefits of both without negating each other's properties.
The thin layer of ceramic coating allows the self-healing properties of underlying paint protection films to still function effectively.
Ceramic coatings can be applied to matte surfaces without significantly altering their appearance.
The order of application is important; ceramic coatings should be applied on top of paint protective films, not the other way around.
Expell provides a dealer locator for those interested in having their ceramic coating professionally installed.
The cost of ceramic coating installation varies based on paint correction, film coverage, and labor rates.
Transcripts
hello everyone and welcome in this video
we are learning all about ceramic
coatings this is all things to expell
who I've partnered with on the video to
learn about the ever-popular world of
coatings they've recently launched their
new product fusion plus and what I
appreciate about expell is that they're
very realistic about what ceramic
coatings can and cannot do if you
followed the ceramic coating craze
lately you may hear claims like these
coatings completely preventing scratches
and Rock chips or that you'll never need
to wash your car again not exactly
accurate but that's not to take away
from the very real benefits that these
coatings provide like the ease of
maintaining your paints cleanliness
protection from things like tree sap bug
guts and bird droppings the deep glossy
appearance and of course they're very
popular hydrophobic or water repelling
qualities so let's start with how it
works why it's useful and then get into
some of the more common misconceptions
expell ceramic coating fusion plus is a
silicon based product so you have a
carrier fluid containing nanoparticles
and these tiny particles create an
inseparable bond with your paint work
that can't easily be washed off like a
wax or sealant really one of the easiest
ways to think about a ceramic coating is
like a semi-permanent wax or sealant
semi-permanent in that it lasts for
several years in this case expels
coating comes with a four year warranty
the duration for the four year warranty
was set based on third-party accelerated
wear testing applying the product starts
with the condition of your car's paint
and whether it's being applied to the
paint directly or on top of a paint
protective film in this video the
ceramic coating is being applied on top
of the expelled paint protection film on
my Tesla Model 3 if it's applied
directly to your paint you'll want the
paint to be perfectly clean and any
paint correction to be done beforehand
ceramic coatings will not hide swirls or
scratches instead they'll seal them and
permanently so it's important that you
have your paint as perfect as possible
before applying the coating if the
ceramic coating is being applied on top
of a paint protection film then paint
correction is not required
and unlike ceramic coatings protective
films can
cover up and hide light swirls and
scratches on a clear coat as the
adhesives of the film fill in the gaps
on the paint surface we'll get more into
the differences between protective films
and ceramic coatings later in the video
the application process itself is pretty
straightforward similar to painting a
car proper protection is required this
includes skin and eye protection as well
as a knee OSHA approved ventilator if
you're not working in a well-ventilated
area the risk of inhaling fumes with
liquid based products that are applied
directly is decreased versus spray-on
coatings however a proper respirator is
never a bad idea fusion plus is applied
with a dropper to a micro suede towel
and then applied to the vehicle in small
sections after applying to a small area
once the product starts to develop a
streaky appearance and is beginning to
flash off you wipe off the excess with a
microfiber towel and then a final wipe
down with an additional separate
microfiber towel if applying the ceramic
coating to glass it may require a third
wipe down with a slightly water damped
microfiber towel to remove any haziness
that may appear the coating will be
perfectly clear on glass when applied
correctly the process is repeated for
the entire car and you can slightly
overlap sections which won't leave any
visual indication to ensure the complete
car is covered some ceramic coatings are
sold as DIY kits some are professional
install only expel fusion Plus only
allows for professional installation
there are several reasons for this first
taking proper safety precautions is
certainly easier to control in a
professional environment glasses gloves
and respirator and while the application
process is fairly straightforward it's
also just as easy to mess up the biggest
thing is preparing the paint surface
making sure proper correction is done
before applying the product and that the
surface is perfectly clean when applying
the product things like humidity
temperature and how much you apply can
all change how quickly the product
starts to flash off which alters the
exact time you should wipe the surface
down if you apply too much product or to
a dirty surface you can leave behind a
streaky appearance drips or sealed dirt
to the surface
once the product has cured it's
difficult to remove and also difficult
to tell if you fully removed it to
remove it requires polishing aggressive
compound or worst case wet sanding I've
shown some panels here with what it can
look like when the product has not been
properly applied versus when it has been
installed correctly with the paint in
good shape a full installation can
happen in a few hours then the coating
needs time to cure for the first 24
hours you shouldn't get any water on the
surface the coating cures with exposure
to sunlight or even just air while it
can happen sooner the surface will be
cured after four days during this curing
process the gloss of the finish will
actually increase peaking and glossy
appearance days after the installation
here's where it gets fun while the
entire surface including all of the
glass on my Tesla Model 3 was coated we
coated just half of the hood on my crust
wreck as an experiment commence throwing
buckets of mud on top of the hood the
left side of the hood does not have a
ceramic coating though it is covered in
expel paint protection film no worries
no paint was harmed in the making of
this video as you can see the ceramic
coating on the right side of the hood
has significantly less friction and is
more hydrophobic the mud wants to drain
right off whereas the non coated side
keeps the dirt on top this also
illustrates another fascinating property
of the ceramic coating and that it has a
self-cleaning characteristic dirt on the
surface of the car would rather stick to
water droplets than the paint surface so
when it rains dirt traps in the water
droplets and is blown off the car as you
drive so does all of this mean you never
have to wash your car again no
absolutely not
you still have to maintain the surface
of a coated car it simply makes washing
your car significantly easier and it
eliminates the need to apply a wax or
sealant afterwards no more waxing in
fact waxes and sealants often have
solvents within them which should not be
used on a ceramic coating you don't want
to use acetone or lacquer thinners
either as these can degrade the surface
isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove
stains for water spots which yes you can
still get with the ceramic coating you
can remove the
with a water vinegar mix again think of
coatings like a permanent wax or sealant
you still need to wash your car it's
just easier and you won't have to wax at
the end a simple 2 bucket method wash
and then drying the surface with clean
towels is recommended weekly expel also
recommends applying ceramic boost every
4 to 6 washes to help maintain the
hydrophobic qualities of the coating
another fascinating thing about this
coating is its compatibility with paint
protection films this is something I
didn't quite understand before seeing
the install process if a ceramic coating
a hard glass like surface is applied on
top of a urethane paint protective film
like expel wouldn't that negate the
protective properties of the film
allowing for cracks and rock chips and
also remove the self-healing properties
of expels paint protection films and yet
it does not much of this is a result of
how incredibly thin the ceramic coating
layer is the flexible protective film
helps prevent rock chips by spreading
out the stresses of a rock on impact and
because the ceramic coating is so thin
the self-healing properties of that film
still work here's a quick little test to
demonstrate this we have a sheet of
painted metal then covered an expell
ultimate plus paint protection film and
then covered in fusion plus ceramic
coating first I'm spraying water on the
surface to show the hydrophobic
properties of the ceramic coating next I
take a brass brush and create surface
scratches on the film and coating as you
can see you can still scratch a ceramic
coating even when this has a scratch
resistance of 9h the highest rating on
the pencil hardness test and the
standard for a good ceramic coating next
a heat gun is used to heat up the
surface and as you can see just like a
non coated expelled paint protection
film the surface heals just fine again
it comes down to just how thin the
ceramic coating is so is the coating
still there a few sprays of water and
you can see the hydrophobic qualities of
the ceramic coating remain so with a
paint protective film and a coating you
get the best of both worlds this was
pretty mind-blowing for me to watch and
to be honest I still don't fully
understand what's happening at the
molecular level
essentially the brass brush is
rearranging the protective film
structure and with some heat it's back
to a lower energy state that's smooth
and flat the ceramic coating is bonded
to that topmost surface and rearranged
with the film as it's heated leaving
behind no noticeable scratches and a
smooth surface again after allowing the
coating some time to cool and then
spraying again with water you can see it
still maintains the hydrophobic
properties of the ceramic coating so as
a brief summary of the to a ceramic
coating we'll provide some basic
protection but it is more so about the
depth and glossy appearance as well as
hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties
again think relatively permanent wax
paint protective films on the other hand
will offer real protection against rock
chips and scratches ceramic coatings can
also be applied to matte surfaces like
on the trim of my Tesla or the carbon
fiber spoiler without significantly
altering the matte appearance while you
could get either product individually
and both have their advantages it is
important to note that a ceramic coating
can go on top of a paint protective film
but not the other way around if a car
has a ceramic coating it makes it very
difficult for a paint protective film to
bond to the surface so the coating has
to be removed before installing the film
and obviously since the paint protective
film is a much thicker layer by covering
up the ceramic coating you will lose the
purpose and benefits of that coating
putting the coating on top of the film
gives you the best of both worlds
so a huge thank you to expell for
partnering on the video and of course
for sharing so much information about
ceramic coatings if you're interested in
having expell ceramic coating installed
on your vehicle i've included a link to
their dealer locator in the video
description I'll also include additional
information in the video description
about pricing as this will be dependent
on how much paint correction is required
paint protective film coverage and
installer labor rates based on location
thank you all so much for watching if
you have any questions or comments feel
free to leave them below
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