The Breakdown on Nano Coatings

UPDATED 11/16/2018

The perfect shine is the Holy Grail of the automotive appearance industry. For over a century, professionals have sought a magical solution—a long-lasting shine product that repels dirt, environmental contaminants, and rain so the vehicle’s paintwork has the best protection available. Something that would uphold a new car shine longer than waxes while saving razor-thin clear coats from needing to be buffed. The solution? Ceramic coatings, aka nano coatings.

What are Nano Coatings?

Nano coatings, or ceramic coatings as they’re commonly known, are liquids which, when applied to a vehicle’s paintwork, fuse with the surface to form a glossy, long-lasting barrier that repels water, contaminants and often UV rays. Their purpose is to preserve, protect and enhance the appearance of an unblemished finish. 

Nano coatings bond with paint’s clear coat, becoming literally part of the surface.

A ceramic coating being applied
A ceramic coating being applied

Polymers are collections of bonded molecules. These polymers crosslink to form the nanostructure that makes up a nano coating. Through the transfer of particles, nano coatings bond with paint’s clear coat, becoming literally part of the surface.Some of these bonds are so durable, the coating needs to be machine buffed to be removed. Less durable coatings, on the other hand, can be removed with a strong solvent.

What’s on the Market Now?

Brands often describe their coatings are often described as “ceramic”, “glass” or “quartz”. Obviously people aren’t coating their cars in porcelain—so what do people mean by these terms? Well, glass and quartz are usually marketing terms to refer to ceramic coatings. And what does the “ceramic” in ceramic coating mean? “Ceramic” refers to “nanoceramics”, ceramics made from nanoparticles. Nanoceramics don’t have the same rigidity or brittleness of macroscale ceramics. These nanoparticles are what forms the nanostructure of a ceramic coating. A decade ago, ceramic coatings couldn’t last more than a few years due to the limitations of SiO2. But with the introduction of incredibly durable silicon carbide coatings, coatings can now last over a decade. Often coatings will be made of a mix of ceramic nanoparticles rather than just one to achieve unique protective qualities. 

Hard coatings are actually more scratch prone.

Hardness is a popular marketing angle in the ceramic coatings market, with brands claiming their ceramic coating has a “9H” hardness (the highest level on the pencil hardness scale) in an effort to sell customers on their scratch resistance. But hard coatings are actually more scratch prone.It all has to do with Newton’s Third Law of Motion: “For each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Hard coatings have hyper-dense structures, so when a scratch occurs there’s less surface area to spread out the pressure from the abrasion. So when the pressure is returned, it’s concentrated within that small surface area, creating such a high level of pressure that a scratch occurs. With a more elastic coating like Nano-Resin Pro, the nanostructure is less dense, allowing for pressure to spread out more evenly so the reacting pressure is not strong enough to scratch. New on the market are self-healing ceramic coatings. The mechanics behind them vary; some self-heal fine scratches with the help of heat (supplied by heat guns or hot water) while others (like Nano-Resin Pro) self-heal naturally over time in a process called auto-mechanical self-healing. And technology only continues to evolve, so who knows what will be available in the future.

Nano-Resin Pro and Nano-Resin are available at Dr. Beasley’s.

What are the Benefits of one of these Coatings?

Their durability is impressive. They last a long time and protect your paint from naturally acidic contaminants, oxidation, UV damage, and add a little cushion room in terms of light scratches.

Ceramic coatings are thicker, so they better protect against micro-marring and etching.

Water beading on a ceramic coating
Water beading on a ceramic coated surface

In a sense, ceramic coatings take the benefits of a poly sealant and amplify them to a massive degree. Ceramic coatings are thicker, so they better protect against micro-marring and etching. Their water repellency exceeds poly sealants exponentially, literally sheeting water off. They also block oxidation and inhibit UV rays in ways poly sealants just can’t. And the gloss they produce is in a category of its own.One other benefit is in how amazing they make your car look. Many of these coatings require an authorized detailer to apply them for you. That means that they have experience in prepping the paint for application. This is a huge bonus for car lovers. Your paint may never look that good again because of how much work goes into preparing the car for one of these coatings. And once the coating is on, the already insane level of gloss produced by the surface prep is amplified by the coating. As mentioned above, this is a level of gloss no wax or poly sealant can reproduce; it’s wholly unique to ceramic coatings.

What are Some Downsides?

For the enthusiast applying a coating themselves, much of the downside comes from just how hard coatings are to prep for. Before you can even apply the coating, the surface has to be 100% free of surface blemishes. A multi-stage paint correction involves washing the car, claying and buffing. And this applies to new cars, too.  You’ll also need to keep the paint pristine while applying the coating, which is difficult for anyone who isn’t working in a clean indoor facility. But the application itself can be difficult, too. Uneven coating can result in high spots that must be buffed out to be fully corrected. And as mentioned above, working indoors in a well-ventilated area is strongly recommended, as many coatings have solvents with foul-smelling fumes that can make you lightheaded. 100% solids coatings like Nano-Resin Pro, on the other hand, have no solvent, so there’s no awful odor lurking in the bottle. 

Many of Dr. Beasley’s coatings are actually VOC-free, like Nano-Resin Pro and Matte Paint Coating Pro.

Some coatings even contain high levels of VOC’s. But many of Dr. Beasley’s coatings are actually VOC-free, like Nano-Resin Pro and Matte Paint Coating Pro.And lastly, they’re quite expensive. The best coatings available to consumers cost a pretty penny, though there are lower grade coatings for more affordable prices. And when having a coating installed by a professional detailer, you’re talking about a potential four figure number on the higher end. 

What are the Alternatives?

The main alternative to ceramic coating would be to get a clear bra on your car. Clear bras (also known as paint protection film or PPF) will protect your paint from chips and scratches that nano coatings can’t protect against. But you’ll still want to coat the clear bra itself with a ceramic coating, as they aren’t naturally hydrophobic and require added UV protection to prevent yellowing or peeling. And of course, there’s always waxes and sealants. But keep in mind you cannot get the kind of durability, contaminant resistance and gloss ceramic coatings provide. So what’s the final verdict on ceramic coatings? They’re the best paintwork protection products available, bar none. Sealants and waxes don’t even come close. Dr. Beasley’s has a whole line of ceramic coating kits for paint, film/wraps, plastic trim, headlights, and even leather and fabric. There’s also a network of Dr. Beasley’s Authorized Detailers across the country that can install the coating for you—find one on this map.

Have questions about ceramic coatings? Comment below and we’ll answer! 

125 thoughts on “The Breakdown on Nano Coatings

  1. Bob Stern says:

    I would like to start the discussion with my own scenario. I currently have a 2013 BMW with a dark blue finish. Previously, I had a 2003 Silver BMW that I successfully maintained and competed in many concurs. Lots of 1st place trophies. This current car shows every single scratch, the clear coat is so….soft. It is impossible to keep it looking as proper as I would like. I have already cleaned it and within one hour of sitting on a parking lot, found a new scratch in the clear coat. I am opting to go with a nano-coating (Ceramic Pro). I realize it will cost around $2000 for the surface preparation and top coating. My hope is that it will keep me from deciding to go very much deeper in debt and buying a silver color 2015 BMW. Any comments?

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Bob,

      Thanks for sharing. The issue with modern cars is the softer and many times thinner clear coat. These issues are what’s driving the industry into these types of coatings.

      As always, the best way to prevent new imperfections in the paint is follow best practices with everyday maintenance and car wash techniques. A vast majority of scratches can be traced back to car washes.

      When deciding to invest in going with a coating like Ceramic Pro, be sure to shop well for the right installer. A good installer will ensure the hardness rating for the coating to protect from these types of scratches as well as maintain you as a customer if/when an issue reveals itself again.

      It is important to know that these coatings are not impenetrable. However, depending on the type of coating they can either take the brunt of impact by only scratching the coating or some even absorb the scratch and heal over itself to maintain a level surface.

      I hope this was helpful.

      Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Will
      @drbeasleys

      • Searay45db says:

        Gents,

        I read this all with great interest. I would like to add with my expierence.

        First, I am surprised about the BMW clear coats. Mercedes started moving to water based clear coats back in 2003, and am really supposed BMW had not followed. Water based is considerably harder, in fact we just had the hardwood floors in our house re-done. Money used waterbased polymer, they told it is was significantly harder than oil base.

        I have been doing ceramic for about eight months now. Too many cars and boats. The reason I got into it was when I purchased a black E-class. This car was a 2013. Dealer was trying to sell ,e ceramic, finally I agreed to a trial. I would personally detail one side of the hood, they would ceramic the other. Wasn’t even close. Ceramic was amazing. The eye does not lie.

        I tracked down who they used. They use a private label from the UK called AutoSmart. Now, the UK has been doing ceramic for a while and it should be noted that what they use is better than what we get. California keeps us from getting the good stuff because of VOC’s.

        I have also used Gteqniue C1, second skin, and black sapphire. Each one is different. I still really like the autos,art the best. They reccomend u really in two years, u don’t have to strip down. Just like painting , prep is 99%. I use a flex orbiter, so it’s not a big deal at all.

        I won’t go back to wax and polymers. You can wax over them if you feel better. I don’t. This is just my opinion.

  2. Bob Stern says:

    Will, I’ve been both trained as a concurs judge and won classes. The BMW 2011-2013 clear coat is considered by the Ceramic Pro installer to be the softest coat with only Tesla being softer. I asked a BMW North America rep about it, and, naturally, he gave me a weak answer. Were this car not dark, I would not be so wound up, but the simplest wind causes fine scratches to immediately show up. Around me (Baltimore) the only Ceramic Pro installer is either in Virginia or New Jersey. I’m very impressed with the Virginia team and they have the car now. I’ll update you all when I return from vacation and get the car back the end of February. He’s quoting lifetime repairs as necessary and a hardness rating of 9. He has not tried it yet, but they say that a heat gun can heal severe scratches that do not wipe off. If this works, all my “Griot’s” stuff goes to my grandson!

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      High quality professionally applied Nano-Coatings can last multiple years. They tend to only last that long if you continue to wash them regularly and reapply a top coat of protection regularly (approximately 6-12 months). If you don’t wash your car for a month, it’ll probably be dirty. But wash your car and it’ll still be extremely glossy.

      Will
      @DrBeasleys:disqus

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Nano-Resin is one we created by taking all the feedback from all the other coatings that have come and gone throughout the past couple years. Like the others, it requires a fair amount of prep work, but the application is much more pleasant than most others so it won’t mar the paint in the process.

      http://www.drbeasleys.com/nano-resin.html

      Will
      @DrBeasleys:disqus

  3. Chris Powell Heliin says:

    Here is my question. This technology is relatively new with some companies failing at delivering a product that has not been defective. Paint is like a living organism meaning it needs to be able to breathe. Placing a “ceramic coating” that hardens and bonds to the paint with obviously hinder that. Do we know what will happen in time to the paint underneath over the long term?
    Thanks

    • BKirk says:

      Paint needing to “breathe” is a little misleading. “breathing” is out-gassing, a requirement only for brand new paint. Even new cars do not require this as the paint has long since cured after being sprayed on. For body repairs, however, this is a concern and is often why the bodyshop will say not to apply anything to the paint for some time after you get your car back.

  4. ThatOneDude says:

    Hi. Someone on Audizine posted a “Your Detailing Presciption” kit from Dr Beasley’s and used it on their new S3 including nano resin. Results look spectacular. Mirror like gloss

    http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/657882-Delivery-of-my-2016-S3?p=10871509&viewfull=1#post10871509

    Where can I purchase a kit like this that includes everything I would need for prepwork and everything I would need to apply the nano resin? I have a 2014 Audi S4 so paint is still very new but it still will probably need some amount of prep work before applying nano resin.

    Thanks very much

      • ThatOneDude says:

        Excellent. Thanks very much. So it looks like that kit was just 2 nano resins and 2 applicator pads.

        I don’t mean to ask a question about your competitors on this forum and please feel free to remove it if you deem necessary, but I’m looking at 3 options… Ceramic Pro 9H, 3M Pro series clear bra, and Dr Beasley’s Nano Resin. As a car owner who just wants to protect the paint with the best option, is the DIY price point the best thing your product has going for it over the 2 other more expensive options I reference?

        Again.. thanks!

        • Dr. Beasley's says:

          Hello again,

          Just to clarify, our Nano Resin doesn’t come in a kit because all you need is the product and the applicator. What you saw on the forum was a customer who purchased two bottles and two applicators. The links we shared with you yesterday will get you right to the product pages for Nano Resin and the applicator.

          The best possible protection option for your vehicle is a clear bra. It will protect against scratches and rock chips etc. However, it won’t give you shine and you need an installer to do it. The 9H also requires an installer.

          Our Nano Resin is not only used by DIY car enthusiasts but also by professional detailers and installers. So, our Nano Resin has the DIY price point with comparable results to installer-only products. It gives incredible shine as you know, and you need not wear a mask during application because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. It’s also really easy to apply and lasts up to 3 years.

          Hopefully this helps and let us know if you need anything else! Thanks for connecting with us.

          • ThatOneDude says:

            Thanks very much for the informative reply. I will get your Premium Body Wash and make sure it’s nice and clean, wait til it’s bone dry, and then apply at least 2 coats of your Nano Resin. Do you think I can do the wash, wait for it to fully dry, apply one coat of resin, wait for it to cure, and apply another coat and wait again for it to cure…. all in 1 day?

          • Dr. Beasley's says:

            Now that’s a good plan! We’d recommend drying the car with clean towels after washing it instead of air drying, just to expedite the drying process and to ensure every part of the car is dry. After the car is clean and dry, you’ll need to do an IPA wipe and then you can apply the Nano Resin.

            2 coats shouldn’t take more than an afternoon, so you can definitely get it all done in a day. The flash time is 30 minutes, the cure time is about an hour and then the bonding time is 48 hours so don’t get it wet in those 48 hours. Don’t wash it for at least a week after application.

            Let us know if you need anything else and feel free to e-mail us any before & after photos you might take (jim@drbeasleys.com)! Thanks a ton for reaching out.

          • ThatOneDude says:

            Hi again. I’m just about to place a sizeable order on Dr Beasley’s.com, but before I do, just wanted to ask a question. I have the smoothing and glaze polish in my cart, and plan on doing a smoothing polish, then glaze polish, then doing an IPA wipedown, then the nano resin. Is this the correct order? Or is glaze polish even necessary? Just wondering if the pre nano IPA wipedown is going to remove the polish effects, rendering the polishing work pointless. Thanks and sorry about the newbie questions. I just want to make sure I prep the paint surface perfectly!

  5. Ben Leone says:

    W. O. M. Waste of money!!! This is a ploy to dump you upside down until your hard earned cash falls into their coffers. Dont get sucked in. “Paintxpert” Shine Sine 1969!

  6. benzw205 says:

    Hello,

    Thank you for your post.

    Nano coating, ceramic coating, glass coating, do you mean that they all are similar ?

    So why such a price difference ?

    Thank you again for your help.

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi there,
      Nano coating is the umbrella term for paint protection coatings. Under that umbrella, there are different categories like acrylic coatings, ceramic coatings, and silicate or glass coatings.

      All of these coatings achieve the same goal, to protect paint, but they use different materials and processes to achieve the goal of paint protection.

      The variance in price amongst coatings can be accredited to the coatings having different ingredients, different application methods, different durabilities, different distribution and a number of other factors. Whether a coating claims to be acrylic, ceramic, or glass does not necessarily indicate how expensive or inexpensive it will be.

      Hopefully that helps. If you need anything else, reach out here or via email to myteam@drbeasleys.com. Thanks so much!

  7. Ali Adnan says:

    hi, great awesome article .just the thing I was searching for the last 2-3 hours on the net.
    2 questions though :

    1 : what is ‘sealant’ vs coating (e.g 9H coating) ??

    2:

    Then when it’s needed, I’ll do a paintwork correction. I prefer once
    every two years for a light colored car and maybe once a year for a dark
    or black car.


    what includes paintwork correction .. the process , the chemicals , tools etc used ?

  8. Ben Leone says:

    I have used the Detailers Pro “paint coating”. A real nice product. Doesn’t have crazy smell of jet fuel. It actually does resist the dirt as it claims. Pay attention to the directions. “Correction” must be done first as always. “Paint correction” Since 1969!

  9. Ben Leone says:

    I have been using coatings for over four years. So far, all five of my cars, which are impeccably kept are mirrors. No cracking, peeling, ect. But lets not jinx it either. That is why I like the Detailers Pro. Easy and unobtrusive, if that applies. I have 3 black cars. It looks like you can dive into them. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 90 percent of the cars I polish are black.

    • O Jay says:

      Hi Ben I bought a luxury car 10 years ago , it was 3 years old then, didn’t know it had a coating until I had a professional wash job. It was incredible, my car was glowing, no fading of paint at all, people asked what type of wax job, I went shopping and went to parking lot and almost didn’t know my own car. I asked the dealer what it was he said car care. What does that mean? Could it be one of these coatings? If so, I’d like it applied professionally can you offer any information? Thanks.

  10. Ben Leone says:

    If you have “paint correction” questions, Search: “Auto Polishing” e-mail me. We have been doing this over 4 decades! Lots of GREAT info here also! These guys really rock!

  11. Toby T says:

    Listen, folks. I just came across Dr. Beasley’s (Jim Lafeber) article. Wow! Where did this guy do his research? Mostly made up his own conclusions, and passed it off as study and research. Most of everything in his statements is incorrect.

    I’ve been in the auto industry for almost 30 years. And, I’ve worked closely with some of the manufacturers of Nano tech chemicals. No Nano chemical requires reapplication. Nor, is it required to have a specialized detail person to apply, prepare the surface any special way on new cars, etc.

    Bozos like Jim have way too much time on there hands. Go to work, Jim! Get a real job, and find out the real facts before misdirecting consumers.

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi Toby,

      Jim here! Thanks so much for reaching out to us. It’s always a pleasure to get the perspective of a fellow experienced detailer. We’d love to know more about your professional experience; do you own a detailing shop?

      We’ve done extensive testing of our own Nano Resin as well as testing to compare our coating with our competitors’. You’re certainly correct that some nano coatings do not require professional installation. Our Nano Resin is easy to apply at home, which gives car enthusiasts a chance to coat their car without paying for installation. There are some other coatings that according to brand guidelines, do require professional installation. A few examples include C-Quartz Finest, Modesta, and Opti-Coat. Nano coatings do need reapplication, especially on cars that are driven daily. General driving can cause abrasion on the coating, and even just a regular car wash is a sometimes abrasive process. Reapplying the nano coating ensures that there’s little to no chance for the paint underneath to become damaged.

      You mentioned that prepping paint prior to the application of a nano coating is not necessary. I’m going to have to disagree with you there. We (and many other professional detailers and product manufacturers) always recommend prepping paint before applying a coating. This prep includes claying and polishing so as to remove any contaminants that may be on the surface. If the paint is not prepped, those contaminants will become near impossible to remove if a coating is applied on top of them. Even new cars should have the paint prepped before a coating is used because as we detailers know, dealerships often send a car off the lot with a swirl marks and contaminants in the paint.

      I’m really glad you mentioned these points, as I’m sure our other readers have had similar concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have more questions or comments. We’re always happy to help!

      -Jim

      • Dirk says:

        Hi Jim, Claying and polishing, What polish can be used prior to putting on the Nano coating? Also, will claying take off the clear coating?

        • Dr. Beasley's says:

          Hi Dirk,
          Claying will not remove the clear coat on your paint. It will catch contaminants that are present on your surface but that may not be visible or apparent. A great way to see if you’ve successfully clayed your paint is to take a grocery store plastic bag and and put it over your hand. Run the bag across the area you clayed and if it feels at all bumpy on your hand, you definitely need to clay more. The plastic bag helps you feel little bumps that you wouldn’t feel with your bare hand.
          It’s important to always clay before you polish. To prep for Nano Resin application, the polish required really depends on the condition of your car’s paint. If you have swirl marks and some light scratching, you can use Heritage Series Fine Polish (http://goo.gl/YRjK3M). If you’ve got some deeper scratches, Heritage Series Medium Polish (http://goo.gl/AtdCY5) followed by Fine should do the trick.
          Hopefully that helps. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out via email at myteam@drbeasleys.com
          Thanks so much!
          -Jim

        • premier remap says:

          Use panel wipe after you have the surface perfect then apply the coating , claying won’t remove the clear

      • Jay Groendyke says:

        Hi Jim I just applied your Nano coating on two black cars and it turned out excellent to say the least. i washed the cars followed by a clay barring of the cars. Next I compound the cars to remove any surface defeats then the50%ISP treatment and then the final step of added the Nano Coating.It is the best product I have used in 30 years.One friend said it looked lie a sheet of glass was on the surface. Both cars are perfect. thanks JimJ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,z<<<<<<<<<<<

        • Dr. Beasley's says:

          Hi Jay,
          Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Nano Resin. I’m so glad to hear you were happy with the results. If you have any questions or comments, or if you’d like to share any photos with us, feel free to email the team at myteam@drbeasleys.com
          We really appreciate your enthusiasm! Thanks again.
          -Jim

    • premier remap says:

      They say it’s just for pros to keep the price high , saying that the home user will prob miss bits

    • Barry says:

      Toby, people reading these comments can form their own opinion without you acting like a know it all jerk. It just proves you are the one who needs to be informed. Bozo? That’s what you sound like now. Take your flaming posts to a redneck forum, not a car care forum.

  12. Ben Leone says:

    Indeed a valid point, that is why I have never embarked on heavy sealers. I know someone who just paid 1400.00 bucks to coat her BMW….Black. Where can I find these customers???? I have used Detailers pro paint coating. It is very light in nature. But there is NO substitute for being able to remove all the marring and seal with what works for you. Many old timers will never trade the deep rich look of a good old fashioned carnuba wax. This hides to imperfections so they increase their chances at the local car show. Be well!

  13. Brian Mandu says:

    I recently had my car coated with Ceramic Pro 9H. Here’s my question, I know after the coating process is done it is recommended that you let it cure for 72 hours which means the coating should not be expose to dirt or water. However I live in a city where rain happens most frequently and I daily drive my car. Only After 24 hours of the Ceramic coating, my coating was already faced with rain. Would this be an issue since it could not cure for the full 72 hours? Did I just waste my time money and effort? Would I have to reapply?

  14. Al Wright says:

    I`ve been thinking of putting this on my 2017 Audi A4 I lease will this void my warranty?And does the paint peal off the car.

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi Al,
      Thanks for reaching out to us.
      We’ve never had any customers report to us that Nano Resin voided their warranty, but the best way to be 100% positive is to revisit it and make sure. We’ve heard of warranties being voided when people try to do their own engine repairs on a newer vehicle, but not from a coating being applied.
      Nano Resin will not cause any paint to peel off your car. It will protect the paint from staining, etching, and fading for 3 years and it will produce a really amazing gloss. It’ll be easier to clean and maintain and water will move right off of your paint.
      Please let us know if you have any other questions. You can reach us via email at myteam@drbeasleys.com.
      -Dr. Beasley’s Team

  15. Frank says:

    I hear the resin can be applied to the black plastic /rubber parts of the car to stay permanently shiny. Does the Plasma coat have the same effect?

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi Frank,
      You can use PlasmaCoat on plastic and rubber and it won’t hurt anything, but we would recommend PlasmaCoat be used on clean paint for optimum protection and gloss.
      -Dr. Beasley’s Team

  16. jane says:

    @DrBeasleys:disqus
    I m so confused. I ve got a brand new navy blue car. I live in a very hot and sandy country. I don’t want to loose the very nice effect of the original metallic colour as well as I look to avoid scratches. The dealer had informed me about 5 applications in addition of maintenance every six months. How aggressive are these coating products? Is the protecting film efficient? Should I go for it. Thank you for your answer.

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi Jane,
      The best way to protect your paint from scratches and UV damage is to have paint protection film installed on the car and then a coating applied on top of that. The PPF will prevent scratches from the sand and the coating will prevent fading from the sun. It will be an expensive venture, but definitely worth it to preserve the look and health of your paint. If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at myteam@drbeasleys.com
      -Dr. Beasley’s Team

    • diver dave says:

      hand wash your car with Murphys Oil Soap and it will look and shine like new …
      I’ve used it for 40 years on loads of cars

  17. Marie says:

    Hi! I have had a Ceramic Pro 9H (costly) done, but find that you will still require much maintenance. The gloss & shine is affected by rain water marks & bird droppings (when not dried off or removed timely). Appreciate your advice on switching back to normal polishing & waxing. Thanks!

  18. Jesse Voit says:

    Quick question. I clay my car every two/three weeks and wax it right after religiously since the day I bought it brand new. I only do toucheless washes and haven’t been able to locate any scratches or swirls. I have had a detailer shop look at it as well and they haven’t seen any paint correction needed. If I apply the coating and then notice a small clear coat scratch, is there anything I can do after the fact? Follow up question. When the coating wears off, will I have access to any paint correction that was previously missed?

  19. Ben Leone says:

    Long term, they wear off…. In between washings. These coatings can be compounded off by an experienced “Auto paint Rejuvenation Expert”. How long do you want the paint to look brand new? Is it say indefinitely, as far as finish life? The answer is a resounding, no. Paint life depends how you treat your car. That said, if it lives in the garage and never comes out, it will outlive you. In my opinion, and I know plenty of people who LOVE these coatings. They can be removed if the application does not go as planned. The coatings I utilize are a bit easier than the ones described. Sort of without the hassle of application. That, and I have been a detailer “Paint rejuvenation expert” going on 45 years. I can correct a “bad application” done by a competitor as easy as giving the estimate. I can turn primer to GLASS with my “Rotary” after 45 years, I’m not bashful! Paint correction is what I do. Hope this helps! All in God! Be well! Paintxpert Since 1969!

    • Amro says:

      so for better results I should apply more than 2 layer to have a durable results, what’s you recommendations as I heard it could be 5 layers even more?
      what are the superior products in the market as I got only 1 type (ELEMENT 119 System X Pro “told it could last 6 yrs”), another type I could import (CQuartz UK or TiO2 & & what’s your preference between both)?
      Sir, i’m in desperate need for your expert opinion.
      many thanks for your time.

      • Ben Leone says:

        Nothing lasts six years. Your car must be carefully washed at least twice per month. Should be protected at least every 60 days. Use your favorite products. Try Zaino….. simple to use…..GREAT RESULTS!!! Sealers that are hard to use can be difficult to newbies. Paintxpert Pride Since 1969! Search: “Invisible Garage Protection” Tm. r. Since 1969!

    • BillVA says:

      Hey, Ben.

      If you’re still around, I’d like to ask you a question.

      I’ve been looking at buying a new car, and really like the Mazda CX-5. Had I not read owner’s stories on chat forums, it would already be sitting in my driveway. But then I started to see how [reportedly] fragile Mazda paints are in general, especially the new red metallic in particular. There are horror stories of dozens of chips within the first couple of months of ownership, while other vehicles owned by those same people driven for years under the exact same conditions have no such damage.

      Have you seen this in your experience?
      Are Mazda paints really that horrid?
      Is there a way to mitigate this?

      Thanks for your time!

      • Ben Leone says:

        I would say as it relates to new cars and their paint finishes. One is not more prone to chipping than another. Unless their was a problem at application, or the technician. That is not to say, there can be a plethora of variables related to car finshes. Take the 1980s for example…. you couldn’t keep the paint from flashing off GM cars. Due mostly because of EPA changes. I owned a Malibu that peeled. Remember??? Superior paint jobs are a process of the best applications. Conditions must be near perfect for a great paint job. Look at Mercedes ….. some of the best paint jobs for a road car of today. That is based upon my 55 years in the appearance business. Minimal chipping unless you follow 18 wheelers. Little oxidation. If Mazda had a problem, It is not familiar to me. Find a Mazda dealer and pay a friendly visit. Look at their inventory of pre-owned cars. Look for recall bulletins related to the finish of certain automobiles. Most importantly…..dont buy a car that has a known history of brittle paint. Who wants that? Have a GREAT Summer! Be well! Shine Since 1969! Paintxpert Ben Leone

        • Ben Leone says:

          Work on the “Fit and finish” of your automobile is ongoing, and really never sises. I wipe my cars down constantly. It is you against the elements of danger, to your vehicles cherished finish. The softest covers can scratch them..Reminder to never pull the cover off your car…..rather….roll it up, on the car. I have been babysitting for five of my favorite cars for over 40 years! happy Motoring! , Search: “Auto Polishng” from Google to see all my work! 50 GREAT YEARS! Shine Since 1969!

        • BillVA says:

          Thanks, Ben.

          So I gotta share this with you…

          My dad had a penchant for the offbeat cars…Simca, Vauxhall, etc. He had a few Nash Metropolitans (funny, I ended up owning a Bugeye Sprite later, which had the same 948cc engine and dash control knobs), and he painted one of them himself.

          He did it two-tone: fire engine red on the top half and cream white on the bottom. Western Auto paint. Hand-brushed on. (I am so ashamed that this is my bloodline).

          Years after he passed away I would still see that thing drive down the road every once in a while. You couldn’t miss it. Even from across the street you could still see brush marks.

  20. Amro says:

    we hear different terms from the same producer as pro, crystal & diamond preparation, what’s the more beneficial ? & if I want to apply the product by my self what to do to have the best results

  21. M Resler says:

    Hey! I work for a Ford Dealership where we offer SurfaceCare. (A Ford branded product made by Motorcraft)

    • Big B says:

      I worked in detail at a Nissan dealer about 5 years ago. We applied Xylon for 700 bucks. We gave a five-year warranty. Aside from all the small print and extra duties to keep the warranty valid, the product only cost about 10 dollar. It is a molecular adhesive chemical. It works pretty good. But the point I’m trying to make is it’s really just an INSURANCE program that they’re selling you NOT A WAX. We often reapplied the chemical to vehicles that had water spots. Water spots was one of the things that was guaranteed not to appear.

  22. wolfgangsta says:

    Oh my god this is such a scam. Clay bar once and keep it waxed. Nothing sticks to a well maintained finish. If your lazy sure pay for this extreme cleaning and application of a second clear coat with rags etc. simple clay bar wax keep it waxed. No need for this coating crap.

    • craigdonahue says:

      Well said! Turtle wax used to make a liquid bottle of clay bar but it’s discontinued and selling on eBay for triple the price.Also I ordered a clay bar towel that does well and us reusable.Both of these are a lot easier to use than the original clay bar.

    • SmokingCrop says:

      The Jetseal from Chemical guys easily lasted 9-12 months without any wax at all on my 10 year old car..
      And that’s just a seal.. Maybe try it out before you go bashing on these products.

      • FF222 says:

        Exactly my thoughts. If the guy would’ve ever tried a ceramic coating, he’d know how much better they’re than regular waxes, for a daily-driven or non-enthusiast car. It’s because they need to be applied once, and they do actually preserve their gloss and shine for multiple years. Now, obviously they won’t actually last 5+ years, but even if they last for only a year, you’re still better of with them, than having to apply a regular wax or sealant every week or two weeks at most, to achieve and preserve the same level of appearance. Of course some will say that you only need to wax once a month or even less frequently, but no wax or sealant will preserve the shine and gloss that long. And don’t even get me started about how much easier it is to clean you car if it has a ceramic coating, because less dirt will stick to it, and because you’ll be able to use harsher soaps, without risking stripping your coating with it. So, even though there’s some (over)hype to these products, and they’re obviously neither ceramic, nor do they last for 5+ years (without being reapplied), they’re definitely great products for everyone who cares a lot about the appearance of their cars, and does frequently wash and wax it, because now they won’t have to do the latter, and even the former will be needed less frequently to maintain the same level of appearance.

        • seaweedsl says:

          For those who have experience with the nano coatings; how do these polymers compare to the longer lasting ones that are not sold as “nano” or “ceramic” like FK1000P or Collinite or Duragloss for example? Appears that there are several especially long-lasting synthetic waxes or protectants that approach 1 year mark without the high cost. Not comparing “nano” to Carnuba but to top synthetics? Any experience or comparisons out there?

        • LeeHaz41 says:

          Actually a ceramic coating will last its duration of 5yrs if it is maintained properly, and once a year an easy to apply maintenance coating (spray on and buff off) can be applied if the coating shows some signs of breaking down such as hazing or getting rubbed by something fairly often, or improper washing/care, this is why I prefer a base coat and top coat ceramic coating, the base coat is much stronger with the top coat being more flexible and more hydrophobic so less a chance of getting damaged by common things …and now there are Coatings that self level with heat, so if it gets scratched, the scratch will actually level out and disappear with just sitting in the sun, or you can use a heat gun!

    • Riccardo Cavallini says:

      You do not know what you are talking about, I am not going to educate you here about this technology …………….these products absolutely work on my car on by boat and many other substrates, these coatings are the future of auto/marine surfaces.

    • Austin Ling says:

      Technically it is a ceramic compound, you are thinking of it in too traditional a sense. There are chemicals to keep the nano particles suspended in a fluid. It is not a water suspension meaning it is not water soluble so it is not something you can dissolve using water once cured. It requires 24-48 hours to cure in some cases because the solution needs to dry and solidify. Thus the nano particles can adhere to the surface and each other to create the barrier (although Im not sure if some some coatings actually crystallize or just adhere). Some coatings claim to be glass not because it is actual glass dust (that wouldn’t work) but because the nano particles are a silicate compound which is the main component of normal glass. I don’t use it. That’s just how it works

  23. Patrick Henderson says:

    Heflen Int have a new low energy spraygun that has been warmly welcomed by the Nano industry in all aspects of Nano applications.

  24. Jas says:

    So is Gtechniq C1 and Exo a “ceramic” nano type coating. Is it similar to the the Mr Fix 9H, which IS marketed as a ceramic coating?? Or are they different technologies? I’d defo do it myself though after using a clay bar and dual action polisher!

  25. Nikolaos Raptis says:

    Hello Jim !
    I have a question about the Cquartz UK !
    I have prepare my car , start from wash and dry completely !
    Then clay bar , buff and polish with Mother’s professional series and DA polisher !
    Then wipe off the surface with citrus and CarPro eraser !
    After that i have apply the Cquartz UK , 3 layers !
    In about 2 hours add the Carpro Reload !
    Now after 3 days the car in the garage i realise that with every soft touch with my fingers the car get very easy scratched !
    They are very thin scratches but they are there and i can see them !
    Before i apply the ceramic coat the paint wasn’t that much sensitive !

    Do you have any idea about that ?

    Thank you very much !

    • FF222 says:

      Your fingertips definitely can’t scratch your paint. What can scratch – or more mar – the paint is the dirt you might pushing around with and under your fingers on the car’s surface. That’s why shouldn’t touch your car’s paint with bare finger, but only with microfiber towels, that are at least misted or moist. That said in most cases those “scratches” and “mars” that you’re causing with your fingers can be removed by a simple microfiber wipe with a detailer spray, because in reality they’re not actual defects in the paint, just fat from your fingers coupled with some light dust, ordered in straight lines (in the direction of the finger wipe). They change the way light gets reflected the very same way scratches do, but since they’re not actual “valleys” in the paint, but just more “hills” of these fat-dust deposits over the paint, they can be removed by a solvent.

    • Gary Hurd says:

      I used a different type but the instructions were much more specific. After the first coat you need to wait 24 hours before a second coat and then if another coat (don’t see why you would need it) another 24 hours. The reload yes , like my ‘revive” was after a few hours. Maybe it did not cure correctly, I do not have a scratching issue.

  26. spambox says:

    Just plastidip the whole car and carry a pre-dip picture around with you to show everyone how flawless it is under the coating. Then just peel it off when ready to sell. NOCD to worry about.

    • Rob Brown says:

      I assume you never polish, or even wash your car then, and the inside has never been cleaned.

      Have you ever had a new car? If so, why?

  27. jim says:

    Get your arm workout and clay bar and wax and polish just like the old days. These high priced Ceramic potions are just another way to scam the public. I can’t wait a few years as this product has ben sitting on a car/truck and starts to breakdown. What will be see? How long was their testing time and what conditions? Remember the Like Nu wax used in the demo yard? Looks great but what can it stand. Spend your big bucks and waste it. I prefer to do it the way detailers do.

    • LeeHaz41 says:

      Ceramic coatings have been around for the aero industry for decades, on planes/helicopters/ for wind resistance and easy cleaning, and they made it to the auto industry roughly 10 yrs ago, and even back then they were lasting in terms of years! Now fast forward 10yrs, the have improved immensely …they are lasting a lot longer, their more stronger, much higher gloss, and way more scratch resistant (not scratch proof)…for those who like keeping their vehicles looking great, but don’t have time to keep their vehicles looking good, or just don’t like doing it themselves, long term they are gonna spend less money with a ceramic coating because it’s so easy to clean and maintain!

  28. Stock Lerner says:

    A very informative article. Thank you Jim for sharing this with us. I would just like to add that on a similar fashion, there is also a pretty competitive product in the market known as Ceramic Pro. Now, Ceramic Pro come in different product packaging.

    Some of the popular products are Ceramic Pro 9H, Ceramic Pro Light, Ceramic Pro Sport, and Ceramic Pro Strong.

    These various products offer various services:

    The Ceramic Pro 9H comes in with a high glossy finish and is oxidation and corrosion resistant. 9H also claims to be a UV, weather, and scratch resistant coat that has a life span of 30 years.

    Ceramic Pro Light is an alternative version which when applied to the surface of the car, will roll up all the beads of the water and take away the dirt and grime with it. It has anti grafitti property meaning that no one can write on your car thus avoiding any scratches that are made with it. This coat comes with oxidation and corrosion resistance

    Ceramic Pro Sport main specialty is avoiding water spotting on the surface of the car and has a lifespan of 12 months after application.

    Ceramic Pro Strong as the name suggests is the strongest among the lot as it has advanced chemical resistance which avoids corrosion and oxidation. It is also highly scratch resistant and comes with a shelf life of 30 years. It also has a high thermal resistance in case of a outbreak of fire.

    That being said these coats are not cheap. They come in at a premium cost. Which is why it is more popular among the luxury cars as they are high investments and need the best protection possible from any damage.

  29. Gary says:

    OK my friends, final verdict on Ceramic Pro. Product might be good. It does seem to protect from sun damaged. service after the sale is horrible. I have contacted Sam at corporate headquarters who has given nothing but empty promises. Had the product applied in Feb of 2016 and had to have it to repaired later that year.I As per the warranty it has to be checked and another coat reapplied it needed in a year. Ceramic Pro had me contact several local installers after making an Appointment told me Ceramic Pro did not want to pay them or supply them with the product to do the job. Paint appears to be fading and yesterday I hit something in the road and put a scratch on the door that has penetrated this ” almost impenetrable coating, the same coating that repels everything, except the minerals in the water.

  30. Russell Comer says:

    find a local bee keeper and try the comb for waxing the car
    doesnt spoil, antimicrobial, and repels water, but attracts bees……nevermind

  31. Rob Brown says:

    All sounds a bit stone age trying to convince everyone that hard labor 5 times a year is better than no labour once every 5 years.

    I think the benefit of this coating has been proven, and apart from the initial cost, there seems to be no downside – despite the ranting of the Luddites below.

  32. Carter says:

    Not all the above is true. There are companies out there that offer 7 years of warranty coverage that DO NOT require the product to be reapplied or the car washed monthly.

  33. Chris Hammerberg says:

    I was thinking about using this on a cement truck. To lessen the amount of work on a daily basis to keep one clean because it’s exposed to aggregate sand concrete as well as liquid concrete that the surface from time time. Any thoughts on that?

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hey there, Chris. Considering the size of your average cement truck a Dr. Beasley’s ceramic coating may not be the best option. Something like Dr. Beasley’s Wheel Seal or Bug Barrier on the other hand would be easier to apply in large quantities. Plus, the main ingredient in those two products is used on construction fleets across the world to improve resistance to contaminants like concrete so they’d be a perfect match. Products mentioned are available here:
      https://www.drbeasleys.com/wheel-seal.html
      https://www.drbeasleys.com/bug-barrier.html

    • Steve Brown says:

      Hi Chris, wow the chat come up at the nano coating company I’m at and i was to approach a huge cement supply co in Geelong, It was to see if multiple coatings of nano product from Liquid Crystal, mainly supplied by Autoburn, I was told say 5 – 6 coats would do it!
      My Company sales 1 lt for $99 to give you a idea of coveage you can coat 12 cars with 1 lt cost under $ 9.00 a car!
      Steve
      Please see my big head promoting the product at Magic hand wash
      YouTube: Autoglaze liquid crystal
      Goodluck mate

  34. Terron Nance says:

    i live in n c bugs do not stick to these coatings i am not that expericenced applying these i did it once and can see a difference

  35. BillVA says:

    I have been looking at buying a new car, and nearly settled on a Mazda. I have hesitated because of all the horror stories I read of their “thin paint jobs” and severe chipping nearly right-off-the-lot.

    Would this product prevent such chipping on marginal factory paint?

    • Dr. Beasley's says:

      Hi Bill,

      A ceramic coating would certainly help resist against chipping, but it won’t prevent it outright. A paint protection film would offer a greater degree of resistance against chips, but once again it may not entirely prevent them.

      • BillVA says:

        Thanks, Doc.

        Yeh, I now thee is no perfect preventative. I was looking at film, but the cost of a full body wrap (which is what would be required in this case) only makes sense if you’re protecting a Ferrari. At that price…for a family car…it would make more sense to set the money aside for the eventual fresh paint job.

  36. Ed says:

    I’ve heard that some of these products are good for keeping ice from sticking to glass. What would be a good product if I just want to treat my car’s glass and not the paint?

  37. Ceramic Coating Midlothian says:

    Thank you for taking the time to educate people by writing this article. The average person does not know much about this stuff, so it is good that someone is taking the time to put high quality material out there to inform and educate. You did a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!

  38. Martin says:

    Do any of your products contain PFOS or PFAS “forever chemical “ products as they are known such as Teflon or Scotch Guard?

  39. Keith says:

    We have been quoted for an awning the blurb given is nano coating on aluminium body , I have asked if the powder coating is polyester ,the company sales manager just knows as a nano coating I imagine the powder is polyester , question is does a nano coating adhere well to polyester powder coating

  40. John says:

    Anybody that is in this industry, weather you sell or you apply PPF or any type of coating should get checked for PFAS contamination in their blood

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *