Does Car Crystal Coating Affect the Paint?
3 Answers
Car crystal coating does not affect the paint. The advantages of crystal coating are as follows: 1. The paint crystal coating completely isolates any erosion of dust, oil stains, mold, water molecules and other particles on the car paint itself, and has the functions of anti-ultraviolet, anti-oxidation, anti-friction, non-fading, and increasing the hardness of the paint surface. 2. Crystal coating can keep the paint surface bright and colorful for a long time. It is composed of a tightly structured and stable polymer inorganic substance, which will not undergo material changes under drastic temperature changes. After use, it can quickly form a smooth, transparent, and durable hard protective layer.
I've personally experienced car ceramic coating twice. Simply put, ceramic coating involves applying a layer of silicon dioxide crystals to the car's paint surface, which forms a hard protective film after drying. The biggest advantage is scratch resistance - it can withstand daily hazards like tree branches brushing against the car or friction from towels during washing. Additionally, it provides excellent protection against UV rays and acid rain, especially in rainy southern regions where paint is less likely to yellow or fade. However, proper paint preparation before coating is crucial - the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and polished, otherwise the coating may not adhere well. The ceramic layer typically lasts 1-2 years, much longer than waxing, though it's significantly more expensive. Overall, ceramic coating provides positive protection for car paint when applied by professionals. I recommend new car owners avoid automatic car washes for the first three months after application, as high-pressure water jets may affect the crystalline layer.
Last time I chatted with the technician at the car detailing shop, I learned that improper crystal coating application can actually damage the car paint. Especially during the polishing stage - if beginners fail to control the rotation speed of the polishing machine correctly, it can thin out the factory clear coat. Another pitfall is that low-quality crystal coating liquids may contain acidic components, which can seep into paint crevices and cause sunburst patterns later. My neighbor opted for a cheap 398 yuan coating, and within six months, the paint surface was covered in rainbow-like streaks. The proper procedure should involve paint correction first, then selecting a pH-neutral product applied in two layers to form an even crystalline coating. Another drawback of crystal coating is the difficulty in touch-up repairs. After local repairs, the entire vehicle needs recoating, otherwise the repaired areas won't be stain-resistant. That's why I suggest avoiding crystal coating for cars over five years old - waxing is a more reliable option.
