Introduction
And there is the likelihood that you like the non-glossy, smooth surface of a matte vinyl wrap that you invested in. But as with any car surface, it is exposed continuously to UV rays, dirt, bird droppings, and road dirt. Ceramic coating enters the discussion there.
The question on the mind of car insiders is usually: is it possible to ceramic coat matte vinyl wrap? The quick reply is yes - but not as you would ceramic coat painted or gloss surfaces. Matte finish represents a particular category with specific products and a special application to preserve its special appearance.
In this tutorial, we will discuss what ceramic coating is and how it relates to matte vinyl wraps, advantages and drawbacks, and the safest methods to help ensure that your matte wrap looks as good as new in a decade or more. Never mind whether it is a brand-new wrap or just the one that is already older but still deserving some refreshing, you will understand how to do it right by the end of this article.
What Is Ceramic Coating and How Does It Work?
Ceramic coating is an applied liquid polymer that forms an otherwise imperceptible, razor-thin protective covering on the outside of a vehicle. After curing, it adheres to the surface at a microscopic level and it seals minuscule holes and flaws that you cannot see with your naked eyes. The result? The non-stick, hydrophobic (water-hating) surface repellent to dirt, stains and UV deterioration.
Compare it to a high-tech version of the auto parts headlights, it does not only lay on top of the auto body paint or vinyl it seals permanently just not with immediate effect but the general effect is the same.
This is how a ceramic coating works:
- Waterslide Water and Dirt – Rain, mud and road grime just slide off and your car is easier to clean.
- UV Protection – UV Rays will also help provide protection against color fading and sun damage which is particularly vital to matte vinyl wraps that are more prone to discolor matters as time goes on.
- Slows down Grime, Stains, and Contaminants - prevents bird droppings, tree sap, road salt, and more etching into the surface.
- Adds a Protective Barrier-Minimizes occurrence of minor scratches and swirl marks.
Ceramic coating improves the gloss and three-dimensionality of paint. On a matt vinyl vinyl, it does a bit differently instead of your trying to make it shine you basically want to lock into that soft, non-reflective surface but you get all the same protection advantages. There are still cases when ceramic coating protects the original texture of the wrap and does not damage it with the appropriate product made to work on a matte material. However, in that case, keeping the wrap clean will be significantly easier.
Can You Ceramic Coat a Matte Vinyl Wrap?
Yes — you can apply ceramic coating to a matte vinyl wrap. Actually, it is one of the most effective methods of keeping the wrap clean, free of the UV rays and other frequent wear and tear. However, there is one crucial guideline, and it is that you have to apply the use of a ceramic coat that has specifically been designed to be used in a matte or satin top.
Why? The typical ceramic coatings will work in increasing the gloss and dimension, which is not what you want at all on a matte wrap. By applying a conventional gloss-promoting finish, you will change the look of that wrap- giving unwanted shine, lumpy reflections, and basically destroying the non-glossy smoothness you actually paid to have.
The texture provided on matte vinyl wraps is at the microscopic level and causes light to be scattered, rather than reflected. This accounts to their smooth and muffled look. Those minute surface texture gaps can be sealed by using a regular ceramic coating and this alters the interactions between the light with the wrap and hence the resultant patchy or glossy effect.
When you apply a matte specific ceramic coating the formula is made not to remove the texture of the wrap but you still get all the benefits of using the ceramic coating:
- Water repellency (water and dust repel)
- UV resistance to curb fading
- More simple cleaning and care
- Increased stain and contaminant resistance
In short: ceramic coating + matte vinyl wrap = fantastic, provided that you use the right product and apply it the right way.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Matte Vinyl Wraps
Ceramic coating is not only applicable on a painted surface; when done properly it can initiate numerous strong features on matte vinyl wraps. The following are some of the reasons why a large number of car owners are investing in this additional security:
Improved stain and water resistance (Hydrophobic effect)
The nano-protective layer that ceramic coating forms repels water, dirt and other road grime. Rain will bead up and just roll right off leaving your wrap looking cleaner longer and eliminating those hard to remove stains.
UV Protection To Prevent Fading
Matte wraps are subject to fading or losing their original tone after a long period of time under direct sunlight. When a quality ceramic coating is included, it provides UV protection, aiding with preserving the dark, even look your wrap will have even with exposure to the bright sun.
Simpler to Clean and Increased Scratch-Resistance
The smooth surface causes dust and other contaminants not to adhere to the surface so readily. This brings about fewer scrubbing on your washes and a reduced possibility of micro-scratches occurring in your matte finish.
Longer Wrap life
Preventing environmental degradation, oxidation and tiny scratches, ceramic coating offers a service that will keep your matte vinyl wrap looking good as new years after years of use maximizing your investment.
Ceramic coating, in combination with careful maintenance, can leave your matte wrap looking as good as it came out of the factory and leave you with less time and effort required to maintain it.
Risks and Things to Avoid
When it comes to your matte vinyl wrap, ceramic coating potentially may serve as a superb protective tack. However, there are some risks you should know about before putting this into practice:
Using the Incorrect Coating of Ceramics
Ceramic coating are not one and the same. Those that work with glossy paint will bring a shine, and thus could forever alter the flat, satin-like finish of your wrap to a semi-gloss finish or even higher. When you secure that smooth, low-key appearance, then be sure to apply it with a ceramic coating that is designed to work on matte surfaces.
Mishandling may leave Streaks or Patchy areas
Poor application of a ceramic coating may leave the coverage with streaks and blotches, or patches resembling darker or lighter parts than the rest of the wrapping. This would especially be found on matte finishes, which tend to bring out inconsistencies. Always obey the directions given by the manufacturer and where you can afford have the coating done by a professional.
Less Quality Wraps have a tendency of reaction by Coating Chemicals:
Bad or cheap vinyl wraps will come with incompatible surface treatment or cannot react and even be difficult to be coated with ceramic. This may result in discolouration, hazing or even adhesion problem where the wrap began to separate off. When purchasing a coating, ensure that your matte vinyl wrap is such that it uses high quality film that is meant to undergo protective coatings.
Avoiding these pitfalls can keep your matte vinyl wrap as shiny as possible since having the benefits of having the protection that ceramic coating offers.
Conclusion
A matte vinyl wrap combined with the proper ceramic coating can be one of the most effective forms of protection to the finish on your vehicle when applied properly. You will no longer have short-term protection against UVs, dirt, water spills and shallow scratches but have unlimited protection with no reduction in that low-gloss look that you wanted in the first place.
It is all a matter of choosing a ceramic coating designed to be used on the matte surface and, along this subtle detail, it has to be applied with trained hands that know how to maintain the special texture of your wrap. Save scrimping on the wrong hardware or terrible installation and you undo what you are seeking to preserve.
Prefer not to run the risk of becoming un-matte because of a vinyl wrap? Find out about RAXTiFY high grade matte films and ceramic protection solutions shipped throughout the United States.
