Not all Ceramic Coatings are the same..
There are major differences between Opti Coat Pro and Ceramic Pro. Allow me to explain them to you from a chemical point of view. Despite having some fancy chemical names, this is written to be understood by anyone.
We will discuss:
- What defines a ceramic coating
- How coating structures are different
- How ceramic coatings stick to paint
- Film Thickness, Layers, and Flexibility
- Maintenance and Care
Once you understand these simple principles, you can make an educated decision on which ceramic coating is right for you. We would be happy to chat with you in person or over the phone. We are passionate about educating our clients.
Request a free quote or contact us for more information.
Define Ceramic coating…
At its core, ceramic simply means inorganic, lacking hydrocarbon bonds within its structure. Many different compounds can be considered ceramic. We will focus on three of them. SiO2 [Silica Dioxide], TiO2 [Titanium Dioxide], and SiC [Silicon Carbide]
SiO2 is commonly known as quartz, in a fine grain form it is the major constituent of sand.
TiO2 is a common pigment, used in sunscreen, paints, and even as a food coloring. It is a great UV absorber.
SiC is extremely rare in nature, but it commonly used as a man made industrial diamond in applications where extreme hardness is required.
(depending on who you ask, Ceramic Pro uses either SiO2 or TiO2. See Ceramic Pro website screenshot as of Aug 14th, 2016)
Still with me? now on to the interesting part..
Ceramic Coating Structure
Ceramic Pro is kind of like gelatin with pieces of hard candy in it. The SiO2 or TiO2 nano particles (hard candy) are very tough, but the resin (gelatin) is ultimately the weak link here. Ceramic Pro is installed in multiple layers to build a thick durable film, anticipating the deterioration of the resin. Although the nano particles are resistant to oxidation and chemical damage, the resin is much like clear coat and susceptible to all of the damages it is supposed to protect against.
Opti Coat Pro is more like pouring molten carmel and letting it cool. It does not consist of a resin and nano particle combination, but rather forms one continuous ceramic SiC coating. Once it is applied it does not have weak spots, the entirety of the coating is tough Silicon Carbide.
Opti Coat Pro vs Ceramic Pro adhesion to paint
Ceramic Pro’s resin sticks on top of the paint through a mechanical adhesion. Essentially, if you were to spray paint something, it is sticking through mechanical adhesion. Then ceramic pro is layered onto itself, to some degree it is dissolving the previous layer of Ceramic Pro, such that the new layer can stick to it. This slowly adds thickness on top of the paint.
Opti Coat Pro reacts with your clear coat through a chemical reaction and bonds to it on a molecular level. It is not something that is layered on top, rather, the Opti Coat becomes one with your clear coat.
Opti Coat’s founder, a doctor of organic chemistry, used to work in the automotive paint industry. As such, he knows exactly how to bond Opti Coat to paint on a molecular level. Because it is chemically bonded with your paint, it cannot be removed or flake off. The only way to remove Opti Coat would be by machine polishing it off (abrasion).
Think of Opti Coat Pro as being welded onto your paint, whereas Ceramic Pro is glued onto your paint.
Film Thickness and Flexibility
Ceramic Pro adds layers to add value. The more layers you want, the more you pay. Unfortunately there is a downside to layering. Your vehicle’s paint surface is constantly in motion, expanding, contracting, and flexing.
Remember, Ceramic Pro is only held on through adhesion. As the car’s body is moving, the tough and rigid layer of Ceramic pro is constantly being pushed and pulled. Since it lacks the flexibility, it will eventually delaminate or crack.. Although this is happening on a microscopic level and may not be immediately visible, the coating performance will suffer over time.
Opti Coat Pro remains flexible as it becomes part of the paint, moving, expanding with it. Our parent company, Aviana, has been applying Opti Coat Pro to aircraft. The thin and flexible aircraft skin is constantly flexing with turbulence and expanding and contracting as it goes from “normal temperatures” on the ground to -40F at 30,000ft. Since Opti Coat is part of the paint, it moves with it, rather than against it.
Maintenance and Care
As we discussed earlier, Ceramic Pro’s resin based formula is susceptible to deterioration. As such, an annual inspection and topping off is required to maintain the coating.
Opti Coat does not require any reapplication. Since there is no weak link in the coating (resin), there is no need to replenish the coating. Resulting in a lower cost of ownership.
In summary..
Ceramic Pro is a resin based coating that uses SiO2 nano-particles in a resin, applied over several layers. The coating adheres to paint much like a glue would. Sticky, but not permanent. Ceramic Pro requires an annual inspection during which the coating is replenished to account for resin deterioration.
Opti Coat Pro is a pre polymer, that bonds to paint on a molecular level, then cross links with itself to form a continuous SiC layer, without weak resin links. Opti Coat Pro does not require layering, is flexible to adapt to paint movement, and does not require to be topped up annually.
Ceramic coatings have made car care significantly easier. Regardless of which coating you choose, you need to consider the following on gloss and durability claims.
The amount of gloss on the end product is a direct result of your detailer’s skill in paint correction and finishing. Your coating will add some gloss, but cannot fix improperly finished paint.
The durability of your coating is your responsibility. Washing in accordance with the coatings recommendation with proper washing technique is the single best determining factor for durability.
As you may have gathered by now, we believe Opti Coat Pro is the best choice for your investment. Invented and made in Memphis, TN, we know the men and women behind Opti Coat stand behind their product.
Get in touch!
We always love to talk more chemistry contact us for more information, or if you like, Request a free quote . Most new cars cost between $900-$1300+ for a paint correction and coating. Enter your specific car model and we will get you a customized quote.
Next: Learn more about eM Detailing’s unique scientific approach to detailing..