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Ceramic Protection
At icanvalet.com we produce various products that go beyond the traditional Wax products, we term these iprotect.
We hear all about Ceramic Products but what do they really do?
Ceramic shampoos are specialized car cleaning products infused with SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) technology that not only clean but also enhance your vehicle's protection. They leave behind a hydrophobic layer, boosting water and dirt displacement and gloss.
Ceramic car coating is a liquid polymer that’s applied to your car’s exterior to protect the paint. Once it cures, it chemically bonds with the factory paint, creating a hard, durable layer. The iprotect lasts for a 1000 washes as long as the strict process and aftercare is followed Here’s what it actually does:
Ceramic Coating
🛡️ Protection:
- UV Protection: Shields paint from the sun's harmful rays, which helps prevent fading and oxidation.
- Chemical Resistance: Defends against bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, road salts, and other contaminants that can damage paint.
- Scratch Resistance: Adds some minor scratch resistance, especially against things like swirl marks from washing—but it won’t stop deep scratches.
💦 Hydrophobic Properties
- Water and other liquids bead up and roll off easily. This makes washing your car easier and helps keep it cleaner for longer.
✨ Gloss & Shine
- Ceramic coatings can enhance the depth and gloss of your car’s paint, giving it a “wet” or mirror-like finish.
🧼 Ease of Cleaning
- Dirt and grime don’t stick as easily, so it’s easier to maintain. Bugs, brake dust, and mud usually rinse off more easily.
🧪 What's it not?:
- Not bulletproof: It won’t stop rock chips or serious scratches.
- Not a one-time job: High-end coatings can last several years, but they still need maintenance and care.
- Not a replacement for PPF (Paint Protection Film): PPF protects better against physical damage like rock chips, while ceramic coating is more about chemical resistance and easy cleaning.
A hydrophobic coating works by creating a surface that repels water, preventing it from spreading out or sticking. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
🔬 Science Behind It:
- Hydrophobic means "water-fearing" — from Greek roots hydro (water) and phobos (fear).
- These coatings are typically made of materials that have low surface energy, such as fluoropolymers or silicones.
- When applied, they form a microscopic or nanoscopic layer with specific textures or chemical properties that reduce the surface's attraction to water molecules.
🧪 What Happens Physically:
- When a water droplet hits a hydrophobic surface, it beads up into a round shape instead of spreading out.
- This is measured by contact angle:
- Contact angle > 90° = hydrophobic
- Contact angle > 150° = superhydrophobic (like lotus leaves!)
- The higher the contact angle, the more the water droplet minimizes contact with the surface.
🔧 Types of Hydrophobic Coatings:
- Spray-on or wipe-on coatings: Easy to apply on fabrics, glass, electronics.
- Durable coatings: Used on industrial equipment, car windshields, solar panels, etc.
- Biomimetic coatings: Mimic natural hydrophobic surfaces (e.g., lotus effect).
🧼 Benefits:
- Water resistance
- Self-cleaning (water carries dirt away)
- Anti-fogging (in some formulations)
- Corrosion protection for metal
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), often marketed as ceramic coating, plays a big role in modern car cleaning and detailing. Here’s how it works and why it’s used:
🔬 What It Is:
Silicon dioxide is the primary active ingredient in many ceramic coatings. It's derived from silica (like sand or quartz) and, when applied to a car, it forms a hard, protective layer over the paint.
🚗 How It Works on Cars:
1. Creates a Hydrophobic Surface
SiO₂ repels water like crazy. After application, water beads up and rolls off, taking dirt and contaminants with it. This makes the car easier to clean and helps prevent water spots.
2. Protects the Paint
It forms a semi-permanent layer that shields against:
- UV rays (prevents fading)
- Chemical stains (like bird droppings or acid rain)
- Light scratches and swirl marks
- Oxidation and rust (indirectly, by preventing moisture from sticking)
3. Enhances Shine
That glossy, “wet” look? SiO₂ boosts the clarity and depth of your paint, making the car look like it just rolled out of a showroom.
4. Reduces Cleaning Frequency
Since dirt and grime don't bond as easily to the coated surface, your car stays cleaner longer and is easier to wash.
🛠️ How It's Applied:
- Wash & Decontaminate the car thoroughly.
- Polish to remove any scratches or imperfections.
- Apply the SiO₂ product using an applicator pad.
- Let it cure (can range from minutes to hours depending on the product).
- Buff it out gently with a microfiber cloth.
🧴Types of SiO₂ Products:
- Spray-on SiO₂: Easier to use, good for maintenance or short-term protection (1–3 months).
- Professional-grade ceramic coatings: Last up to 2–5 years, but require careful prep and sometimes professional application.
Look at our latest offers on our iprotect protects
