What Causes Your Vehicle's Paint To Fade And Become Damaged?

 Did you know that the earth is a mere 92 million miles away from that blazing ball of gas in the center of our Solar System? While that seems like a long-distance, it’s relatively short in an interstellar point of view.

While we depend on the sun’s warmth, and Superman needs those UV rays to supply his Kryptonian superpowers, it causes nothing but havoc on the paint jobs of our daily drivers and garage queens. UV damage is a constant threat to car owners across the globe.

From being a major source of oxidation to fading or causing the paint to peel, sunlight continues to cause frustration to vehicle owners. But there are a few ways that car owners can protect their paint, plastic trim, headlights, and other vehicle components from sun damage. That’s what we’ll explore today.

In the information below, we’ll provide a guide that explores what causes sun damage to vehicles, how to protect it, and the benefits to using a high-quality car paint sealant or ceramic coating to provide an SFP 1 Million level of sunblock.

 

HOW DOES THE SUN DAMAGE CAR PAINT?

For those who are fair of skin (like me), dealing with sunburn and the potential of being sunburned is a daily struggle. The leading cause of sunburn is ultraviolet radiation that is produced by the sun over 92,000,000 miles away from earth. The same cause of sunburn is also the root issue that causes the paint to become damaged over time.

For those who are not fully aware, ultraviolet or UV light is invisible yet extremely powerful. It emits a band within the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength that measures anywhere from 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers; which measures shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays. It occurs naturally in sunlight and represents about 10 percent of the complete electromagnetic radiation output of the sun.

So – why does it cause damage to car paint?

Well, quite simply, it’s a potent energy producer that stimulates a surface to react when it hit. It produces a quick burst of energy, which is given off as heat but also results in molecular bonds that break.

Over time, it begins to break down the molecules found in automotive paints, clear coats, and other materials, which causes it to be less reflective or transmit less brilliance of ‘color’ that our eyes see. This is known as the dulling effect that UV light is responsible for creating with automotive paints, plastic trims, headlights, and even automotive glass, tires, and wheels.

DOES UV LIGHT CAUSE SOME CAR COLORS FADE FASTER?

It is a statement of fact that some colors of automotive paints or more susceptible to becoming damaged by ultraviolet rays. You see, every color that we see has a unique wavelength that it produces. And each automotive paint color is engineered to absorb all the wavelengths in the visual spectrum – except the one that is associated with that color.

So basically, red automotive paint absorbs everything – except for red. The red is refracted from the surface, streamed into our visual cortex, and tells our brain, “Hey, this is red – dude”.

Red is one of those paints that tend to ‘fade’ more due to UV light. This is because it’s that tiny wavelength of energy that is represented in light that is visible. It appears ‘faded’ because UV light breaks down the molecules in “red paint” more aggressively than others. You’ll see this same issue with minor blends of ‘reds’ such as purples or oranges.

OTHER FACTORS THAT EXPEDITE THE BREAKDOWN OF PAINT MOLECULES BY UV LIGHT

UV rays are the primary source of paint fading and degradation. However, there are additional environmental considerations that can accelerate damage to the paint – or specifically, the clear coats.

Dirty Cars

When a car is dirty, it is covered with contaminants that slowly eat away at the clear coat or the surface of a porous material. Over time these contaminants and debris can weaken the protection of clear coatings. This accelerates the process of UV light penetration and thus oxidation.

The simple act of keeping your car clean by washing a vehicle every two weeks can significantly reduce the potential for paint damage caused by UV radiation.

Bird Shit and Bug Splatters

Animal by-products such as bird droppings, tree sap, or bug guts contain high levels of acids that also accelerate UV radiation damage with automotive paints and other surfaces. Bird crap specifically contains high levels of uric acid, which can begin to break down clear-coated paint in a matter of hours.

Combined with the heating and energy-stimulating attributes of sun exposure, this provides a mecca for paint damage to occur. Using a product with UV protection is the best way to also protect the exterior from acids found in animal byproducts.

Salt and Road Grime

Salt is another contaminant that opens the door for UV light damage to occur in the automotive component. Sodium Chloride can also quickly penetrate a protective surface, whether it’s car wax, clear coating, or even some automotive paint sealant products. Road grime is a combination of chemical toxins like tar, gravel, and oils that likewise slowly open the door for UV rays to do their dirty work.

What is a ceramic coating for cars?

 What is a 9H ceramic coating? The easiest way is to understand Ceramics Coatings are to think of them as a second layer of skin, or a sacrificial layer of protection over your car’s clearcoat.

They utilize nanotechnology, which are essentially tiny particles that form a very fine, thin layer completely invisible to the eye. Because these particles are so small, when applied to a surface, they seal all the pores making the surface hydrophobic (water-repellent), but also resistant to UV, scratches, chemicals, extreme heat and even anti-graffiti. This 9H ceramic layer is completely transparent.

The nano ceramic coating forms a semi-permanent bond with a vehicle’s surface, resulting in a ‘sacrificial’ layer that will not wash away under cleaning or rain, or break down over a short period of time. In fact, usually, it lasts years.

They repel dirt and water like nothing else, which makes them easier to clean. Their hardness helps to prevent swirl marks and marring from washing.

What Does a Nano Ceramic Coating Do?

There is a good reason why their popularity is growing a lot. A lot of the benefits are simply unheard of in the automotive industry, but that said, there are also some minor precautions you need to be aware of.

Hydrophobic Otherwise known as being very water repellent.

An important feature of a nano Ceramic Coating is that it is hydrophobic.  This basically means that water will be repelled instantaneously. When your car is ceramic coated, the incredible hydrophobic effect of the coating will cause water to bead up and roll of the surface along with most dirt, grime, or mud (as it has all been unable to bond to your vehicle’s paint).  When people ask “what is ceramic coating” this is often the first demonstration.

Any remaining dirt on the car can be removed with less effort. A lot less effort.

Mud & Dirt Repellent Ceramic paint coating works much harder at protecting the surface of your vehicle than an ordinary paint job.

Rain and water bead as opposed to accumulating on the surface. Snow and ice does not stick to the surface. And mud as demonstrated below just slides off.

Protection from UV Damage / Oxidization / Rust Vehicles often exposed to the sun will start seeing the paint fade and look dull. This is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet sunrays, which causes oxidation to the car’s paint. By adding a layer of Ceramic Coating to your paint, you can dramatically reduce the oxidation.

Improved Durability Ceramic coatings or nano coatings if you will, works much harder at protecting the surface of your vehicle than an ordinary paint job. The new coating bonds with the molecular structure of your car’s paint and can’t be dislodged by vibrations or external force, meaning it lasts years not months. As mentioned earlier in the article, think of it as an added layer of skin on top of your paint.  How long does ceramic car coating last?  A semi-good solution should last 2-3 years.

What Does a 9H Ceramic Coating NOT Do?

A lot of misconceptions about what the protection does not cover. Some of it might be logical, but never the less, let’s start off by saying this.  Even the best ceramic coating does not make your car bulletproof. And they’re not some magic all-encompassing product that will solve all potential hazards your surface is exposed to. The truth is not every vehicle will benefit from it.

They do not stop rock chips, they do not prevent water spots, they do not replace proper care or maintenance, they do not prevent dings or dents, and they do not last forever.

Just because your vehicle has undergone the ceramic paint process or treatment it doesn’t mean you no longer need to dust, wash or remove bird droppings. You still do. The difference is that maintaining your paint will require less elbow grease and less time.

Ceramic Coating Myths

We thought we’d round up a few of the myths we most often hear about, so you can get your facts from a reliable source in case you’re wondering.

Myth 1: Ceramic Car Coatings Are Scratch Proof A lot of detailers and suppliers exaggerate the scratch resistance of 9H Ceramic Coatings for cars, even going so far as to call them scratch-proof or resistant to rock chips which is completely false.

Small scratches can definitely be resisted by a Nano Ceramic Coating and the sacrificial layer the car coating forms will certainly help against minor incidents that would otherwise mar your surface. For examples, driving through brush, small little knocks from bikes, kids playing, or animals jumping excitedly against the car.

Most newer coatings for cars are typically rated 9H on the pencil scale. This is the highest possible scratch resistance, however… 9H Ceramic coatings for cars are not thick or flexible enough to absorb the impact of a rock hitting your paint at highway speed or to resist against someone purposely trying to scratch your car.

Myth 2: Nano Coatings for your Car Don’t Require Maintenance Another myth is that ceramic coated cars do not require washing or maintenance. A coating will heavily cut down on the amount of washing and maintenance but not completely eliminate the need for it.

The fact is if you are going to drive your car, even if its infrequently, the road is a dirty and the surface is going to gradually get dirtier even with a ceramic coat.

It will still require washing, just with a lot less effort and less frequency. Overall with a car coating, it’s going to be much easier. Additionally, it eliminates the need for waxing every few weeks, saving a lot of money over the course of the ceramic coatings lifetime.

Myth 3: Car Coatings Are Permanent Partly, this is true. The nano ceramic coating is actually semi-permanent, as to it bonds with the car surface and cures into a hard and shiny sacrificial layer. That means that you don’t have to re-apply every other month to maintain that glossy surface.

How long does ceramic coating last?  With a good product and proper application, it should last at least 2-3 years, however, it is definitely not permanent.

Myth 4: They Are Really Easy to Apply This is actually relatively true. With the new DIY kits becoming available to consumers, the actual application process is relatively easy.

That said, it’s not necessarily simple. Before you can even apply the nano coating, the surface has to be free of surface blemishes, which applies to even brand new vehicles. The process really depends on the condition of the surface. As the ceramic coating will semi-permanently add a layer over your vehicle’s paint, it’s crucial to do any paint restoration before applying the car coating. It’s up to you to decide, but we do recommend washing the car, claying, buffing, and keeping it pristine while applying the coating.

Myth 5: Ceramic Coatings Provide More Gloss Than Sealants And Waxes Not necessarily. The truth is the nano coating for cars doesn’t provide the gloss alone – the prep work done underneath is also crucial. If you have a very faded paint and apply a coating to your car, it will still be faded, with a little bit of shine on top. The same applies for haze or swirl marks, they’ll also be “locked” under the coating if they’re not removed first.

Conclusion

So, hopefully that helps answer “What is a Ceramic Coating?”.

As for whether it’s worth it to ceramic coat your car?

Yes, absolutely, for most cars.

The important thing is to not expect a magic product that forms a bulletproof force field of protection around your car. What it does do is keep your car looking like its been recently waxed for years, makes dirt fall off super easy, and does a better job of protecting your paint than any wax or sealant.

Its also phenomenal on your rims, plastic and especially headlights.