Ceramic coating is a semi-permanent, liquid polymer added to the exterior of your Land Rover or Jaguar. It bonds chemically with the paint on the vehicle and creates a long-lasting, protective layer. Think of it as a shield against UV rays, light scratches, bird droppings and more. Once applied, your vehicle can be much easier to clean thanks to its hydrophobic qualities. However, it isn’t the cheapest way to protect your car, and it can take a long time to apply.
In this blog, we explore ceramic coating, its benefits, its disadvantages and its costs.
How long does ceramic coating last?
A ceramic coating on your Land Rover or Jaguar could last as long as eight years, but it’s more common to find them lasting for three to five years. Much will depend on the quality of the coating that is applied, how it is applied and how well it is maintained.
You can extend the life of your ceramic coating by avoiding automatic car washes, keeping the car clean and having the existing coating checked over once a year. Where waxes and sealants may need to be applied every few months, a ceramic coating can keep your car looking good for long periods.
What are the benefits of ceramic coating?
There are numerous benefits to ceramic coating a vehicle. We’ve touched upon durability already, but we’ll explore the other reasons many people choose to add a ceramic coating to their car.
- Durable
- Water & dirt repellant
- Resistant to chemicals
- Glossy finish
- Marring resistance
Water & dirt repellent
With a ceramic coat wrapped around your vehicle, you can keep it cleaner for longer. The hydrophobic properties mean that dirt, water and other debris don’t stick to the vehicle surface like they would if it wasn’t coated. That’s not to say you can forget about the weekly or monthly wash. You’ll still need to do this as it will keep the coating working at its best.
Chemical resistance
No matter where you drive your Land Rover or Jaguar, it comes into contact with all sorts of chemicals. Fuel from other vehicles, spillages on the road, even bird droppings; each could cause damage to the paintwork of your car if it is not sufficiently protected. A ceramic coating stops this from happening and makes any debris easy to clean away.
Glossy finish
Your vehicle, at its newest, will look nice and shiny, but after driving it for a while, that sheen starts to dissipate. Adding a ceramic coating helps keep your car looking brand new for longer, this is because, in preparation for the coating to be applied, scratches and marks are polished out, allowing it to look much newer once the coating is applied.
Marring resistance
Ceramic coatings are not scratch-proof, but they do provide some resistance to scratching and marring that would otherwise be more prevalent on a car without the coating. It is worth noting though, that not all ceramic coatings are the same. Each has a hardness level that reflects what type of pencil could scratch it. An H is the softest, with a 9H the hardest.
Can a ceramic coating be applied to all surfaces of my Land Rover?
Many drivers automatically assume that the ceramic coating should only be applied to the painted surface of the vehicle. However, it’s a versatile product that can be used on a host of interior and exterior surfaces of your car. That said, some ceramic coatings are better suited to certain surfaces than others. For example, the coating you may use on leather interiors is likely to be quite different to the one applied to the paintwork.
You’ll be able to have a ceramic coating applied to:
- Paintwork
- Alloys
- Exhausts
- Glass
- Headlights
- Trims (metal & black plastic)
- Interior plastics
Can I apply ceramic coating to my old car?
If you own an older Jaguar or Land Rover, you can still apply a ceramic coating, but it may take a little longer to prepare the car for it.
In some cases, older vehicles may show signs of fading paintwork, scratches and oxidation. You’ll need to address these issues before any ceramic coating can be applied. This could mean that you need to compound, polish and repaint any severely damaged areas.
Once the paint is in good condition, you can apply the coating as normal.
Can I remove ceramic coating?
You can remove a ceramic coating if you want, but it’s advisable to have a professional do it for you. The process is more complex than removing wax or sealants and often needs a machine polisher with a cutting compound to remove the coating.
It’s a gentle process that requires care to ensure the underlying paint isn’t damaged. Where the coating may be especially thick or multi-layered, chemical strippers are often required.
How is a ceramic coating applied to my car?
In short, ceramic coatings are applied slowly and carefully. It’s not that it is difficult; it’s more so that the preparation can prove challenging. Without correct preparation, you could actually make your vehicle look much worse and have a practically ineffective ceramic coating.
Preparation
The key part to ceramic coating a vehicle is preparation. Similar to removing ceramic coating, a professional should do this part for you.
- Thorough washing of the car with car shampoo to remove any dirt
- Chemical decontamination to remove existing coats, tar and any remaining debris or contaminants
- Clay-bar of the paint to remove any embedded debris or contaminants.
- Machine polishing to remove clear coat scratches and swirls
- Gentle wipe to remove oils and residue from the machine polishing
Application
Once the vehicle is professionally prepared, the ceramic coating can be applied. Again, this might be best left to the professionals.
- Several drops (approx. 10) are applied to the applicator pad
- The coating is spread on a small section of the panel in a cross-hatch pattern
- Each coated area is then left for up to two minutes (depending on the coating being applied)
- Ceramic coating is levelled with a microfiber towel, applying just light pressure
- A second cloth will be used to remove any remaining residue
- Coated areas are then buffed
Once completed, the vehicle should be left for 24 to 48 hours for the coating to cure. Your vehicle should not be left outside as the weather could greatly affect how well the coating cures and then works. In many cases, your vehicle should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 77°F or below 50°F.
Maintenance tips for a vehicle with ceramic coating
If you have had a ceramic coating applied to your Land Rover or Jaguar, there are some specific maintenance tips you should be aware of. While these coatings can keep your car looking clean, it doesn’t mean regular washing is a thing of the past.
Depending on how often you drive, you should wash your car at least once a month, with higher mileage vehicles or those kept outside benefiting from washing every two weeks.
Follow these tips below to help keep your coating working at its best:
- Avoid using sponges or brushes when washing the car
- Don’t take your car to an automatic car wash or roadside manual car wash
- Pre-wash the vehicle with a pre-wash spray before using a wash mitt on it
- Avoid wax-infused or gloss-enhancing shampoos. Stick with pH neutral, otherwise, you could clog the coating, which then masks the properties of the coating
- Only use microfiber mitts to clean the car
- Avoid scrubbing the paintwork; instead, gently wipe with the wash mitt
- Keep the vehicle out of direct sunlight when washing, as the water & cleaning products may dry on the vehicle quickly
- Use separate tools for each part of the car being cleaned. One brush for wheels, one mitt for paintwork
- Dry the vehicle with a microfiber towel and avoid squeegees, bath towels or water blades
How much does ceramic coating cost?
The cost of ceramic coating your Land Rover or Jaguar will vary depending on the vehicle and the type of coating being used. As a rough estimate, you can expect to spend between £500 and £900. However, prices can vary significantly, so it is always wise to obtain three or more quotes before proceeding.
Are there any disadvantages to ceramic coating?
There are some disadvantages to ceramic coating, and whilst it provides plenty of positives, it is worth considering how it may not be the best option for you.
- Can be an expensive initial outlay
- Time-consuming application
- Imperfections may be sealed in until coating is removed
- Potential for uneven coverage if not applied professionally
- Frequent maintenance to ensure maximum performance
- Not scratch-proof
Is ceramic coating worth it?
There is no right or wrong answer here. If you want your Land Rover or Jaguar to have a glossier finish and have an added degree of protection against minor scratching, watermarks and more, it can be a good investment. Factor in how easy it’ll be to clean as well, and it might make it even more tempting. However, the cost can be a determining factor, and if you look after your car well already and don’t mind frequent waxing or other protective paint measures, it might not be a worthwhile investment.
At RCV, we don’t provide ceramic coating, but we do provide high-quality Land Rover servicing across Kent and the surrounding areas. Our team of specialists are on hand to offer their guidance and advice to help you get the most from your vehicle. With Land Rover MOTs, Jaguar wheel alignments and more, we are the one-stop shop for all aspects of JLR servicing. We only use OEM or original parts and benefit from the latest diagnostics. Contact us today to see how we can help or to book your service.