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Graphene Coatings vs. Ceramic Coatings for Cars

There are many different ways to preserve your vehicles paint. Some car enthusiasts look to paint protection film (PPF), most look to ceramic coating. Another newer and less understood option for preserving your cars paint is graphene coating.

In this article, we’ll compare graphene coatings to ceramic coatings, their respective benefits, and why it’s more important than ever to work with a professional when getting your car or truck coated in Graphene.

What Is a Graphene Coating?

Graphene coatings are a relatively new addition to the automotive industry. This coating is effective due to a thin layer of carbon atoms in order to enhance the strength and durability of the coating. When applied to a car’s exterior, graphene coatings form an ultra-thin layer that bonds to the surface, providing a tough barrier against environmental elements and more.

Graphene coatings are also used in medicine and dentistry as an antimicrobial coating. Learn more about the molecular structure of graphene coatings on the National Library of Medicine website.

According to Polaris Market Research, graphene coatings are also used in the aerospace industry, and many others. They site enhanced corrosion and scratch resistance as well as anti-static properties that in the automotive sector and others, make the car stay clean for a longer time.

Where Graphene Coatings Are Better

Graphene coatings have a reported strength increase of up to 34%, and have greater thermal conductivity to allow the heat to dissipate faster. Here are some benefits of graphene as interpreted by the automotive sector:

Superior Protection Against Scratches

The strong molecular structure of graphene in a thin flexible layer allows it to absorb and reflect scratches and other reasonable impact related damage. It will not prevent body damage in a collision, but if you lean up against your car and your belt scrapes up against the paint, it has an added layer of defense. Graphene is 9H on the MOHS scale. For perspective, diamonds are 10H.

Highly Hydrophobic Properties

Since graphene coatings are applied in a thin layer, they exhibit strong resistance to water. If graphene coatings are applied extremely thick, they can actually lose their hydrophobic properties and become hydrophilic (the opposite) and not repel the water. This is another reason why professional installation is a must for it’s superiority to be taken advantage of.

Anti-Static

Graphene coating is a great conductor, and because of this it can get rid of static electricity protecting your paint from dirt and dust.

UV resistant

The carbon atoms mentioned previously in graphene coating form a hexagonal lattice, and when the superior bond to the cars paint is achieved, it is effective in preventing fading and oxidation.

Improved Heat Dissipation

Vehicle paint is subjected to a lot of heat. Have you ever touched your car’s roof on a hot day? You most likely removed your hand quickly to avoid pain. In addition to heat from the sun, a cars engine generates alot of heat that makes the body panels surrounding it hot. With graphene coating, this heat leaves your vehicles exterior much quicker!

Can Last From 5-7 Years

With proper maintenance graphene coating can last from 5-7 years or even longer. Graphene also has the potential to be self healing! Some manufacturers claim that their product can last up to 10 years. The product that Team Nutz uses has been known to last as long as 8 years as seen in the video below:

The Cost Of Graphene Coatings

Graphene coating does have a greater up front cost since the product is new and superior, and the installation cost is often a bit more since the installation is more involved. However since you don’t need to do it as often, you save money in the long run, and your vehicles paint maintains it’s luster longer, translating to more potential value when you go to get a new car provided the drive train is intact.

Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coatings, also known as nano-ceramic coatings, have been on the market longer than graphene coatings. These coatings are made up of ceramic nanoparticles that bond with the car’s paint to create a strong and durable layer of protection.

Benefits of Ceramic Coatings

• High resistance to chemicals, UV rays, and extreme temperatures
• Scratch-resistant and self-healing properties
• Hydrophobic surface repels water, dirt, and other contaminants
• A quality coating can last between 2 to 5 years with proper maintenance
• Ceramic coatings are also heat resistant, making them a popular choice for cars exposed to extreme heat, such as those in hot climates, or for high-performance driving.
• 6H on the MOHS scale.

Adding Graphene to a Ceramic Coating

Some companies now offer a combination of graphene and ceramic coatings, claiming they provide the best of both worlds. This hybrid coating is said to have all the benefits of both coatings, such as superior protection against scratches and abrasions, UV resistance, hydrophobic properties, and long-lasting durability.

Choosing a Graphene Ceramic Coating vs. Traditional Ceramic Coating

While the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are some factors to consider when choosing between a graphene ceramic coating and a traditional ceramic coating. These include budget, desired level of protection, and the climate you live in.

Ceramic coating is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that will protect your vehicle for a few years. If you want a coating that will last longer and provide a range of benefits, then a graphene ceramic coating is a great choice, although it is a more expensive investment.

Ceramic coatings offer reliable durability, which is why they are a popular coating. With graphene, you can further increase the durability. Graphene offers a two-dimensional structure featuring a honeycomb lattice. It is a thin, lightweight, but durable coating. When it is applied, it offers a shiny finish with 9H hardness on the MOHS scale, 10H being diamonds.

Additionally, with graphene’s anti-static properties, dust and other microscopic particles will not settle on the surface, providing a durable coating and a clean, easy-to-maintain look.

Why Work with a Professional?

While both graphene and ceramic coatings offer impressive benefits, it’s essential to have a professional apply the coating to your car.

Here’s why:

Proper surface preparation: Both coatings require thoroughly cleaning and decontaminating the car’s exterior before application. A professional detailer has the necessary tools and techniques to ensure a clean and smooth surface for optimal bonding.

Correct application: Applying coatings requires skill and precision, as mistakes can lead to uneven coverage and reduced effectiveness. Professional detailers have experience applying coatings correctly, ensuring maximum protection for your vehicle.

Warranty: Most professional detailing shops offer warranties for their coating services, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Maintenance: Both graphene and ceramic coatings require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. A professional will have the knowledge and resources to provide proper maintenance, ensuring the longest lifespan for your coating.

Risks of Applying Your Own Graphene or Ceramic Coating

While DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to apply the coatings themselves, significant risks are involved. These include:

Improper surface preparation: Without proper cleaning and decontamination of the car’s exterior, the coating will not bond effectively, reducing its effectiveness.

Uneven application: Applying coatings requires skill and precision to ensure even coverage. Without experience, mistakes can occur, leading to an uneven and less effective coating.

Reduced durability: Coatings not applied correctly or maintained properly will not last as long as those applied by a professional, making it a waste of time and money.

Skipping Paint Correction: If you don’t know how to perform the paint correction step, you may be tempted to skip it, but doing this only results in trapping visible imperfections beneath the coating, and being stuck with a lackluster finished look.

If you mess up the coating, you will have wasted money on the DIY kit and will likely need professional assistance to fix the DIY coating and apply a new one.

Working with Team Nutz for Ceramic and Graphene Coating Services

At Team Nutz, we offer professional automotive detailing services, including graphene and ceramic coatings. Our team has years of experience applying these coatings correctly and ensuring maximum protection and longevity for your vehicle. Plus, our coatings come with a warranty for added peace of mind.

Both graphene and ceramic coatings offer excellent protection for your car’s exterior. However, for the best results and longevity, working with a professional detailing shop like Team Nutz is crucial when getting a ceramic or graphene coating for your vehicle. With our expertise and specialized tools, you can rest assured that your car will have the ultimate protection against environmental elements.

Schedule an appointment with us today to protect your car’s exterior with the best coating on the market.