What is Graphene Coating? Its Advantages over Ceramic Coating?

Graphene coatings are considered the newest innovations to emerge in the automobile industry. However, Graphene is a carbon-based material that is not really new. Graphene comprising one layer of carbon atoms, is praised as the sturdiest material known to exist on earth. It is 200 times more rigid than steel and lighter than paper. Two things account for this strength. Today, Graphene is increasingly getting accepted among detailers due to its hardness and ‘anti-static properties. Furthermore, it does not allow the dust to settle down on the surface coated with it because of its anti-static properties.

Benefits of Graphene Coating

• Gives a Rich, Deep Shine and Non-Stick Coating: Forms stunning reflections while leaving a silky smooth finish behind
• Simple DIY Application:  Simple installation without additional tools or experience.
• Incredible Hydrophobic Properties: Repels water and contaminants unlike any other product before.
• Durability measured in years, not months: Achieve 5 + years of protection from just one easy application.
• Guaranteed results: Trusted by professional detailers around the globe and backed by our “Tried and True” 100% satisfaction assurances.

Advantages of Graphene Coating over Ceramic Coating

1. Longer durability than ceramic coating: Ceramic coating for cars is sturdy protection, and its longevity has been one of the major reasons for its recognition in the industry. But it’s exciting to note that with the addition of Graphene, the durability could be further strengthened. Due to its 2-dimensional structure and honeycomb lattice, Graphene is thin, lightweight, and very strong. It allows unsurpassable durability to the surface coated with Graphene. Once applied, you can enjoy the glossy finish of 10 H hardness for 3-4 years. Your crystal shield coating will not wear down due to rain or shine.
2. Ultra-high gloss, depth of colour: The nanoparticle Graphene layer leaves an attractively rich, deepened gloss that considerably enhances the shine and appearance of your paint.
3. Better hydrophobic properties: Graphene has a higher contact angle because of its chemical composition and honeycomb structure, making water slide off easier on the surface than the conventional coating. Less water on the surface means less evaporation, which means no troublesome water spots staying behind your car’s bonnet.
4. Less water spotting: As traditional ceramic coatings are notorious for retaining heat and increasing water spotting, combining them with Graphene makes the top layer of the coating more heat resistant. This ensures you do not have to waste money polishing water spots that have engraved themselves into your car’s surface.
5. Repel Dust: Graphene enjoys privileges based on its chemical properties. To get a little technical, Graphene is said to be “anti-static,” considering its conductivity properties. This implies that it repels dust and other minute or microscopic particles and doesn’t allow them to settle down on the surface coated with it.

Is Graphene Coating better than Ceramic Coating?

You can attain relatively diverse outcomes from the same coffee maker by only changing the coffee beans. That is just the situation with nano-coatings. Graphene and ceramic coating use the same theory, but the finish outcome is considerably unlike. In comparison, both coatings provide fortification against water, UV rays, and grime, and graphene benefits from being the sturdiest substance on the planet. Additionally, it is one of the thinnest and credited to its “one atom” formation. Lighter and sturdier signifies that it can bond to any surface more effectively.

In terms of cost, Graphene is quite costly compared to ceramic coating. However, it is simple to use; Graphene coating does not solidify or crystallize as a regular ceramic, lowering the likelihood of irreparable high spots or streaking. We could think about ceramic coating as an improvement from the usual ceramic coating. Hence, at last, the question arises: Which coating is better? While comparing the benefits offered by both products, it is irrefutably clear that graphene ceramic coats have the advantage over conventional ceramic coatings.
However, graphene ceramic coating is a little pricier than conventional coatings; graphene ceramic coatings have superior properties and added benefits that give you worth for money in the upcoming years. They have better durability and also give generous fortification against scrapes because of superior flexibility. With a stylish coating of ultra-smooth graphene ceramic coating, your luxurious vehicle is certain to grab the attention of others.

How to Apply Graphene Coating?

Humidity and temperature play a big factor in “flash” time (the time between application and when the coating is ready to be wiped off). We recommend applying in temperatures between 65 and 75. Flash time would be expedited in high temperatures, so the first test applying a small section to determine workability before moving into the rest of the vehicle. Graphene coating could be applied to any painted, plastic, or glass surface (including windshield).

How To Prepare The Surface for Graphene Coating Application?

1. Clean any loose dirt, contaminants, etc, from the surface of paint and fibre.
2. Use a Clay bar to remove any rough embedded contaminants from the surface to ensure that no impurities interfere with the properties of the coating.
3. Polish/ compound the vehicle to remove any paint defects in the form of scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation. Graphene Coating is a semi-permanent coating, so once applied, any defects would remain sealed underneath.
4. Deep clean any polish oils or residues from the surface that could hinder the bonding process using Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
5. Take away any residual water that can be hiding underneath the panel gaps, headlights, or taillights, which could drip out and affect the coating’s curing process.

The Application Process

Ensure the surface area has been completely cleaned and decontaminated with Isopropyl Alcohol. Note that the cleaner the surface, the better the bond.

1. Shake the bottle well
2. Apply drops of Graphene Coating onto your applicator until it is evenly covered.
3. Initially, begin with horizontal/top surfaces, using straight lines somewhat overlaying from one line to the next. Work in small areas approx 3’X3’ or the dimension of a door or half a hood at a time. Humidity and temperature would determine coverage areas allowable between application and removal.
4. When laying down an even coating layer, applicants must glide smoothly on the surface. If the applicator begins to drag or the application turns inconsistent, apply additional drops to the applicator.
5. Straight away after application, you would notice a Rainbow Effect” (More prevalent in dark colours) while the applied coating bonds to the surface. Around 1 to 3 minutes following application, the rainbow effect would turn into a fog/haze; this means the coating is all set for removal. Humidity and temperature would speed up the flash time. Test a small area first before progressing onto the rest of the vehicle.
6. Using premium microfiber towels, wholly wipe down the area to remove the Graphene coating residue. Your first wipe has to remove around 80 per cent of the residue, and your second wipe must easily remove the leftovers. Use small, circular motions and little to no pressure throughout removal.
7. Check adjacent panels to make sure that you have not pushed too much coating into other areas. (We suggest utilizing a flashlight or smartphone light for inspection to ensure every bit of residue has vanished. If you fail to eliminate the entire residue in the flash time, it will become a dark spot once it cures and could need polishing or compounding for removal). Therefore, be careful and continue checking your work prior to bumping into the next step.
8. Repeat these steps while you go along the remaining vehicle. Coating the paint, trim, plastics, and glass surfaces in the same manner. While layering, at least one hour is needed between coats.
9. Let the coating completely dry for at least 2 days before letting it get wet. The longer it stays dry, the better, as it would carry on curing for around 5 days (you can drive the car during this period).

Frequently Asked Questions