Any car's paint job is subject to many potential issues that would lead to rusting and scratches. Thus, it would be best if you had a protective coating to mitigate some of the risks. When choosing a protective coating, you'll often be given a choice between graphene or ceramic coating. So, which one is better? Well, that's what this article is all about.
Graphene Coating
Graphene coating has few main advantages over ceramic coating. Particularly, its ability to repel contaminants, not to say that a ceramic coating does not. For example, it significantly reduces water spots, which is due to water etching onto the paintwork due to the exposure of heat, causing it to calcify/harden and create water drop marks that will not be removed with a regular car wash. Furthermore, it comes with an eye-catching gloss and protects the exterior of your car from corrosion.
The application of graphene coating is also very similar in comparison to ceramic, if not the same. The way it bonds and reacts is very similar, requiring pretty much the same preparation for the paintwork
Both graphene and ceramic coating offer excellent durability. Having said that, graphene paint protection coatings typically have a little edge over ceramic in the durability department.
Graphene coating also helps reduce the absorption of heat from the harmful sun, a useful advantage during hot Summer seasons and when the car is parked outdoor out of the shade.
Ceramic Coating
Before moving to the major pros of ceramic coating, you should know where it falls short compared to graphene. For example, it offers lesser protection against swirls and scratches, which may be due to a more durable coating (hence why it typically lasts longer), graphene oxide is a very strong and stable molecular structure. It offers little help in preventing water spots, partly due to the fact that it does not regulate/reject heat as good as graphene, despite its excellent hydrophobic properties.
Another major benefit of ceramic coating is that it works well against chemical stains. These kinds of stains usually happen because of the acidic contaminants in the air, which then gradually builds up in your car's exterior. Since a ceramic coating can prevent this build-up, the occurrence of chemical stains is significantly reduced. This is not to say that Graphene does not offer this benefit, but nonetheless, a noteworthy feature of ceramic paint protection.
As a bonus, the mechanism that heavily reduce chemical stains from happening also allows it to be cleaned a lot easier. In fact, you can do wonders with a hose and water if the car is ceramic coated. A huge difference when it comes to cleaning and washing the car regularly, a significant time-saver.
Ceramic coating also exuberates a kind of candy gloss. Additionally, it can deepen the color of the paint. As a result, the paint job has a richer and sleeker feel to it.
Which One Is Right For You?
The bottom line is that there's no easy answer here. One major reason for that is because graphene and ceramic coatings are top-notch. In fact, the two are neck-to-neck when it comes to durability and performance. If you want to make the most optimum choice, then it all boils down to your wants and needs, particularly your budget. Graphene coatings are considerably more expensive than ceramic coatings, especially for the range designed for professional installers, like Schmicko, as opposed to off the shelf options.
Make a list of what you want and need with your car's paint job. And, then choose the type of coating that can score more pros and the least cons. For example, if you live in a place where rain often happens, then a graphene coating may work better as it minimizes water spots. If you know you don’t drive often and can park indoors, then perhaps the ceramic may be a better option.
