Ceramic coatings can completely change the appearance of your car. No other solution will keep your automobile looking glossy as well as a ceramic coating. Coatings also safeguard the car’s paint, so it stays faultless while delivering an amazing aesthetic impression. However, a ceramic-coated surface can be damaged by several things. It’s WATER SPOTS. Does ceramic coating prevent water spots?
The quick answer:
No, a ceramic coating won’t stop water spots from appearing, but hard water spots will be less likely to appear on a ceramic-coated surface.
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How Are There Water Spots On My Car?
There are several distinct water spots, based on what was in the water and how it dried. A water spot develops when impurities in a droplet of water dry on the surface of your car. The three various kinds of water spots are as follows:
Hard water spots: The most typical sorts of water spots are those made of hard water. Mineral or dirt deposits called “hard water spots” accumulate on your car’s paint. They can happen if tap water, which is incredibly rich in natural minerals, is left on the surface of your vehicle for an extended period.
Bonded mineral: Hard water spots are less severe than bonded mineral water spots. Water droplets with a higher concentration of minerals generate bonded mineral water stains, which are more challenging to remove. Acid rain with significant concentrations of nitric and sulfuric acids is the most frequent cause of bonded mineral water spots.
Etching: Etching water spots appear on your car when water droplets dry there due to the sun’s heat. In a sense, they are baked onto the surface of your car. Etching water spots are the most challenging to remove, and if done incorrectly, can result in serious, long-lasting damage to your car.
The overall risk level is as follows:
- Hard water spot: Low risk
- Mineral bonded: Average
- Water spot etching: High
Does Ceramic Coating Prevent Water Spots?
Water spotting is not prevented by ceramic coating but reduces the chance of water spot appearance. So you shouldn’t be shocked when seeing water spots on ceramic coatings car.
The fact is that a specific amount of minerals or dirt can be found in a typical drop of water. On the surface of your car, as water evaporates, minerals are left behind and produce visible stains.
Customers and detailers may believe ceramic coating’s hydrophobic properties, which cause water to glide off the coated surface, will prevent water spots. Although the hydrophobic surface will repel some water, other water droplets will bead and stick to the car, allowing water-spotting.
How to Remove Water Spots on Ceramic Coatings?
The solutions can vary depending on the severity. This is how it works:
Hard water stains: These stains are rather typical in the detailing industry. I advise expert auto cleaning and ongoing maintenance for your vehicle.
Bonded mineral water spots: These areas frequently call for the use of a hand-held rotary polishing tool and a variety of cutting/polishing compounds to level the paint’s protective transparent coat. You can also use a cleaning that has been particularly developed and contains a potent acidic mixture to soften the hard minerals that water, such as acid rain or tap water, has left on the surface.
Etched-in water spots: These water spots can be removed using paint correction techniques because they cannot penetrate the clear coat.
How to Prevent Water Spots on Ceramic Coatings
The good news is that you can prevent water stains in many different ways. Here are a few things to remember to prevent water spots on your ceramic-coated car.
Knowing the source of the water
Water with a high mineral concentration is more likely to leave a deposit since water spots are just minerals that have been left behind. Your car is especially vulnerable after a wash since the city water and well water often contain more minerals than rainwater. You don’t need to worry too much about driving in the rain because rainwater is rather chemically pure.
Wash the vehicle in the shade
The wash water will quickly evaporate and leave a residue if you wash the automobile in the sun. You want to have complete control over every aspect of washing your automobile, including when and how it dries. To get the best results, wash in the shade.
Dry the car by hand
The easiest way to prevent water marks on your car is to hand-dry it. Hand-drying your car stops water from evaporating and leaving behind tiny mineral circles. Never let your car dry in the air.
Installation of a water filter
To de-ionize the water, install a clean water filter at your water supply. As a result, your automobile will be exposed to fewer minerals when you wash it.
What Else Is Ceramic Coating Incapable Of?
What else can a ceramic coating not prevent besides water spots? Ceramic coating is not a product that will instantly heal all of your car’s problems. You must understand what ceramic coating does not do:
- It doesn’t reduce the possibility of water spotting (as explained above)
- It doesn’t reduce the risk of blemishes, swirls, or rock chips
- Doesn’t make it unnecessary to wash
There will still be a chance for scratches, swirl marks, or rock chips
It is crucial to understand that a ceramic coating does not replace more robust scratch or chip protection, such as paint protection film, nor does it take the place of the necessity of properly washing your car to prevent swirl marks.
Ceramic coating’s scratch resistance is frequently overstated. Ceramic coating is not a scratch remedy, even though certain minor scratches may be deflected. Ceramic coatings do not prevent rock chips.
The ceramic coating won’t make cleaning unnecessary
The road is, let’s face it, a filthy environment. Your car will become dirty if you are driving.
Even with ceramic coating, you still need to wash your automobile to keep it looking good routinely. The cleaning process will be simpler as a result of the ceramic coating.
You Can Check out This Video for How to Deal with Water Spots on Ceramic Coatings!
FAQs
How long does ceramic coating last?
Ceramic coatings can last for several years, depending on the quality of the product and how well it is maintained.
Can the ceramic coating be applied to glass surfaces?
Yes, ceramic coatings can be applied to glass surfaces, providing water repellency and easier cleaning.
Is professional application necessary for ceramic coating?
While professional application ensures optimal results, some ceramic coating products are designed for DIY application.
Can the ceramic coating be applied to older vehicles?
Yes, ceramic coating can be applied to older vehicles, rejuvenating the appearance and providing protection.
Does ceramic coating eliminate the need for waxing?
Yes, ceramic coating replaces the need for regular waxing as it offers long-lasting protection and a superior shine.
Conclusion
A surface coated with ceramic may develop water stains. However, the coating will make it possible to remove the hard water stains securely and easily without causing any damage to the surface. Make sure you know how to prevent water spots in the first place to save time and money.
Hi everyone, My name is Ollie Barker.
As a seasoned auto expert I have 25 years of experience working in repair and detailing shops. I love to share my tips & tricks to all car lovers, so that’s why I’m here at Automotive Gearz publishing my content, sharing my passion. Also, I’ve been giving my recommendations on which products are the best to have on the market. I always thought it was hard to pick the right part, so hopefully I can make that a bit easier for you.
Hope you enjoy your time on my little blog!
