Whenever an investment is made, expectations are that it will last in the long-run. It’s just like buying a car or a yacht – nobody likes them looking wrecked just a few years after purchase.
In comes the maintenance routine, which is the deciding factor that will establish how “new” the car or yacht will look for years to come. But cars don’t regularly come into contact with corrosive salt water, so yachts require special care.
Despite all efforts, it’s rather hard to fight with time and keep yachts looking brand new. The interior might be easier to maintain, but it’s the exterior of the vessel that’s always in contact with outside elements that can take away its shine and do some real damage.
If only there were a solution for that, such as a product that could provide a layer of protection to environmental threats and minimize damage to a boat. Well, at Off the Deep End, we know that solution is ceramic coating, but we also know that’s a somewhat vague term when shopping for a product.
That’s why this article will shed some light on what to look for in a ceramic coating, how to compare, and how to distinguish between the genuine benefits and the promotional nonsense that doesn’t hold much ground.
Which Ceramic Coating is Worth it?
UV Protection and Oxidation
If a yacht is on the sunny side of the globe, then a ceramic coating with a high UV protection is just what it needs. The coat will keep the paint from fading under the sunlight, and significantly reduce the amount of oxidation.
Anti-Stain and Etching
Just to clarify: no coating will be 100% stain resistant, but some will add an extra layer of protection against naturally acidic contaminants that can react to the yacht’s paint. However, when such a substance does come into contact with the color, it should be removed immediately to avoid any permanent stains. A suitable coating will just buy you some time.
Easy Cleaning
Ceramic coating is hydrophobic, meaning that it can exclude water molecules. When the ceramic layer is applied to an object, it will repel water and other elements containing it, making it a lot simpler to wash (as some substances will just slide off) and keep the paint untouched.
Gloss and Shine
Apart from its functional properties, the ceramic coating can also bring a bit of sparkle into the harbor. An excellent product enhances the reflective properties of a yacht’s paint and adds depth to it. Most ceramic coatings are like a transparent shield covering the object, and when sunlight hits the coated surfaces, it’s easy to see some gloss.
Do You Need Scratch Resistance?
It’s pointless to choose a ceramic coating based on which one can offer the best protection for scratches or other abrasions – the truth is none of them can protect any boat from that.
It’ true that a good ceramic coating can repel some light scratches while deeper ones require a lot more attention than a nice polish. The scratch resistance effect of ceramic coating can often be a bit exaggerated, and it’s best to focus on the properties it’s known to have, like the ones listed above.
We’re Just One Call Away
Your yacht deserves a day at the spa now and then, so why not pamper it today with a decent coating and enjoy its sparkle for the long-run?
At Off the Deep End, we exclusively use high-quality ceramic coating products to give your boat a lasting shine. Give us a call, and we can tell you exactly what we offer!
