When it comes to collision repair or any services provided by auto body shops, it’s natural to have concerns about the process, especially given the technical expertise of the auto body repair technicians. These professionals possess valuable knowledge and experience, which allows them to offer services and products that truly benefit the long-term health of your vehicle. While it’s understandable to question recommendations, it’s important to recognize that their guidance is aimed at ensuring your vehicle’s optimal performance and protection.
One such product is protective coating. These coatings, in theory, protect your vehicle’s finish from damage and can, in the long run, save you money because you’ll need less maintenance and scratch repair. But is this true? This article will explain protective coatings, list their benefits, discuss the cost and value of coatings, and list some of their limitations when it comes to collision damage repair.
What are protective coatings for vehicles?
Coating helps to preserve a vehicle’s finish. They’re particularly effective at preventing corrosion. They work by applying a thin layer of a chemical solution to create a film over the surface of the vehicle. This coating is effectively invisible; however, it can make the vehicle paint underneath shine brighter and more vibrantly.
Different coatings provide different benefits, but the general idea is to protect the finish of your vehicle. This means protecting it from damage caused by the elements, such as sunshine, rain, snow, and dust. It can also protect against debris such as gravel, and against scratches and chips. That means, with a protective coating, you’re less likely to need collision damage repair from an auto body shop near you.
Different types of protective coatings
Here are some common types of proactive coatings you can find at a collision repair shop:
1. Paint sealant
Paint salon is a protective layer that collision repair technicians can apply over regular automotive paint. Apart from protecting the vehicle’s exterior from corrosion, the paint sealant can also improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle; it can add a glossy veneer to the paint. What’s more, the sealant can enter small cracks and pores on the regular automotive paint surface. This further prevents further damage to the vehicle’s exterior. Most automakers apply paint sealant before bringing their vehicles to market, though you may want to have yours redone in time.
2. Wax
Wax is perhaps the oldest and most widely known form of coating. It operates similarly to the sealant, creating a protective layer on top of the vehicle exterior, preventing moisture damage. Wax is water insoluble, and while it can melt, this only occurs at high heat. Wax also makes it easier to clean dirt off your vehicle. This is probably the cheapest option because you can do it yourself. If you’re short on time, you can easily pay a collision repair shop to wax your vehicle and it still won’t cost a lot.
3. Ceramic paint coating
This popular and durable coating comprises silicon dioxide. This is a high-performing protective coating, but it comes at cost; ceramic paint coating isn’t cheap.
Some auto-body shops offer ceramic coating with nanotechnology, making automotive paint supreme resistant to damage from moisture, UV rays, and various chemicals. This works in tandem with the nano clear coatings that many automakers apply to their new vehicles these days.
4. Polymer coatings
Polymer chemicals are popular ingredients in some protective coatings. Both organic and inorganic polymers can be present in surface corrosion-resistant paints and coatings. Synthetic polymers offer excellent moisture protection, while organic polymers are better for the environment. However, all polymer coatings can release a low amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs can cause breathing problems, which is why collision repair technicians should wear masks when applying it. Polymer coatings are typically cheaper than ceramic paint ones.
5. Graphene
An auto body repair shop might offer to apply an incredibly thin layer of graphene on to the surface of your vehicle. The strength to weight ratio of graphene is remarkable; even a thin layer can be as strong as steel. Graphene can prevent damage to your vehicle’s surface while enriching its colour and shine.
Graphene is a form of carbon, featuring one atom-thick depth. It’s thin, strong, and flexible and can prevent chips and cracks on your vehicle’s surface. A layer of graphene also makes it easier to remove dirt and dust.
If this all sounds wonderful, it is. And, as you’d expect, there’s a catch, and that’s the cost. A graphene coating is often the costliest option provided by a collision repair shop.
What about collisions?
Most of the damage we’ve discussed pertains to general wear and tear. What about collisions, though? Will wax or graphene or anything protect your vehicle’s finish in a collision?
The answer: it depends.
Collisions come in all shapes and sizes. If you scrape past a bush, any of the above coatings could prevent a significant scratch. But if your vehicle gets T-boned at an intersection, your vehicle’s finish is the last thing you’ll worry about.
Graphene or a ceramic paint coating probably give your vehicle’s finish the best chance of emerging from a low-level collision unharmed. But there are so many variables to consider; protecting your finish in the event of a collision probably shouldn’t be your first priority when discussing your options with an auto body repair technician.
Are protective coatings worth it?
The answer is: probably.
Everything depends on circumstance. If you’re still trying to get one last thousand kilometres out of your 1988 Buick Skylark, then you probably shouldn’t invest in a graphene coat to protect its ancient paint job. However, if you’ve just purchased a high-end vehicle, it probably makes sense to invest in the best coating you can get.
The conclusion: Graphene and ceramic paint probably give you the best chance at avoiding a collision damage repair. If you’re a DIY type, then go with wax. Unsure? Find an auto body shop near you and they can advise you.
0
0
