How To Ceramic Coat a Boat
Several firms and detailers are beginning to provide ceramic coatings as an alternative and superior option to wax as ceramic coatings become more prominent in the maritime sector. While having options as a customer is usually a good thing, it is crucial to know a few factors while attempting to choose the finest ceramic coat for your boat.
Ceramic coatings have been used in the automotive sector for over ten years but have only recently acquired popularity in the marine business. Because of the roots of ceramic coatings, several firms that provide automotive ceramic coating have begun to provide marine coating.
Marine coatings will be the same or highly comparable to automobile coatings in many circumstances. These coatings will provide a high shine and a hydrophobic surface to some extent, but they will not endure in a maritime environment.
Ceramic Coating a Boat
Ceramic coatings are an excellent way to protect the boat’s surface from the elements. They resist UV rays and prevent salt and acid rain from penetrating the pores. When a boat’s surface is coated with a ceramic coating, it becomes highly hydrophobic. Just spray the boat with water to remove salt, grime, or fish blood from the surface.
Boating and maritime enthusiasts take great interest in the condition of their vessels, whether it’s having the boatyard detail their sailboat before a day excursion in the bay or a multi-million-dollar luxury yacht that is repainted every five years. However, contrary to common assumptions, placing ceramic coatings on boats, jet skis, and other ocean and lake vehicles provides owners with much more than protection against UV damage, algae, and natural animal detritus.
Preparing Boat Before Applying Ceramic Coat
Completely repair the gelcoat or paint of the boat.
The boat must be free of oxidation for the ceramic to function correctly. Ceramic coatings are free of fillers and cleansers. So, however, the surface is what it will remain when it is applied.
Also, if rust is left in the boat, it may oxidize beneath the coating without causing the coating to fail.
Clean the boat as needed.
If you recently finished some major repair work on the vessel, chances are it is filthy and needs a wash. You want the boat’s surface to be clean so that no pollutants interfere with the ceramic’s application to the boat.
Ensure that there are no oils or waxes on the boat.
This stage is critical for the coating to bind to the boat properly. Some call this utilizing a surface prep or a panel wipe product. If you wish to make your own, use an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or denatured alcohol wipe. Wipe down the whole surface of the boat with the IPA or denatured alcohol. When putting the ceramic coating on your boat, ensure any oils and waxes have been carefully removed from the surface.
Applying Ceramic Coat to a Boat
Believe it or not, the application method is the most straightforward aspect of ceramic coating a boat. The most challenging element is preparing the surface for this stage.
What You Need
- Sun defense bottle
- Sterile microfiber towels
- Applicator pad
You may begin putting the ceramic coating on the boat now that you have all the necessary tools.
The Application of Ceramic Coat
Open your ceramic coating bottle and work down the boat, starting with the hull or the highest point on the topside.
Use 10-15 drops on your applicator pad to prime it.
Set your timer and begin leveling the product no more than 5 minutes after applying it to your first part.
Apply sun-defense marine ceramic coating in a crosshatch pattern to guarantee comprehensive coverage.
Apply 5-8 drops after each part and continue the process.
Stop your timer after roughly 10 seconds.
It is ready when the product begins to flash or becomes somewhat sticky to the touch. Because timing may vary owing to outside weather conditions, keep an eye on when the product begins to flash and do not allow it to dry completely.
After 5 minutes after applying the initial section, begin leveling the product.
Use your first microfiber towel as your initial wipe towel throughout the procedure. Continue where you left off with your ceramic and wipe out all the product in a circular motion.
Follow up with the second and third towels to confirm that all products have been removed.
Examine the area for any leftover residue or black streaks.
Repeat till the entire boat is coated in ceramic.
A second application is needed for optimal protection and thorough covering of the boat.
The Application of Topcoat
Certain ceramic coatings include a topcoat, a sacrificial layer used to protect the ceramic coating beneath. If desired, these are often simple spray formulas you may use on the boat after every few washes.
The concept behind a topcoat is to provide shine to the surface after ceramic coating the boat, to add additional protection, and to be the primary line of defense against the elements, thereby extending the life of the ceramic.
Benefits of Ceramic Coat to a Boat
A marine ceramic coating outperforms any other type of protection for freshwater or saltwater boats. These may be applied to any part of the boat’s surface and, when combined with paint correction or polishing, can enhance the original color’s gloss, depth, and sheen.
In the information below, we will discuss the top three reasons why investing in a professional ceramic coating application for any new boat or older marine vessel is a wise method of safeguarding your investment.
Enhances Cleaning and Maintenance
There are several ceramic coatings available on the market. Some promote themselves as an all-in-one solution for a variety of materials. The majority of those solutions will fail due to one logical fact: each material is unique. For example, a ceramic coating for gel coat and clear-coated paint must be extremely thick because the product contains more carrier solvents to aid in the coating’s bonding to those hard surfaces.
On the other hand, a coating for textiles such as glass, seats, nonslip, and other substrates must be formulated for softer materials to bond correctly. A ceramic boat coating makes removing bird droppings, fish waste, and other marine-generated trash easier. You can apply these to the gel coat, stainless steel, seats, carbon fiber, aluminum, and even plastics on a boat.
However, when you coat your entire boat or marine vessel with a professional-grade ceramic coating, it becomes highly hydrophobic. As a result, mud, water, algae, barnacles, and animal feces are less likely to cling to or attach to the surface. You may usually remove toxins with high-pressure hoses and plain water.
Eco-friendly maintenance soaps for coated boats, RVs, vehicles, and jet skis are available. These soaps are useful for cleaning and protecting your boat and dissolve quickly in water.
A boat with protective maintenance and coating injected with silicon dioxide will preserve the paintwork in excellent condition due to its exceptional self-cleaning characteristics. It is the most effective product in the maritime business.
Protection From UV Rays
While your boat is not in use, it may be stored in two places: at a slip or on a trailer. In either instance, the majority of the ship is exposed to damaging UV A and B rays. The sun emits two types of radiation: ultraviolet and infrared.
UV—Ultraviolet radiation is the source of physical damage to a surface. UV rays may break, oxidize, and cause the depth and shine of clear coatings on painted surfaces, fiberglass, gel coats, and fabrics to be lost.
IR – The sun emits infrared radiation, which generates heat.
UV is the most dangerous to your skin and any materials on your boat, jet ski, or other aquatic vessels. A nano ceramic coating is designed explicitly for more rigid surfaces, such as gel coats and marine-specific surfaces. The performance of nanocoatings prevents other natural poisons, such as acid rain, which is created by combining smog and rain.
Nanoparticles soak into the minute defects inherent in all porous surfaces. The coating flashes or cures within seconds, forming a covalent connection with the surface. It results in a hard surface that prevents 99.9% of UV radiation from damaging the components on your boat.
Reduced Drag = Improved Performance and Efficiency
We discussed hydrophobic qualities before, so cleaning your yacht, sailboat, jet ski, or fishing boat is simpler. However, mounting it on the hull might help your ship glide through the water more efficiently. It is achievable because of the lower drag created.
According to science, a flat surface creates less rolling resistance. It allows everything that comes into contact with the coated surface to glide over it. This makes it simpler for boats to negotiate the water, especially in rough weather. As a result, your vessel will go faster and need fewer resources to power it, either naturally through wind or fuel.
Other Benefits of Ceramic Coating
We discovered that ceramic coating protects the paint after it has been repaired from regular wear and tear, exposure to the environment, and road debris. It will also enhance a vehicle’s sheen and paint gloss, making it easier to maintain your vehicle.
Ceramic coating will aid in the following areas:
Resistant to Scratches
While not scratch-proof, a decent-grade ceramic coating protects against minor dents and scratches. Little scratches will be easier to rub out than if you didn’t have a ceramic coating.
Harm Caused by Salt
It is generally known how corrosive salt is, and if you reside in an area where salt is used extensively on winter roads, you must ensure that it is cleaned regularly. You can reduce winter road salt damage with a ceramic coating.
Ultra-Hydrophobic
Ceramic coatings are hydrophobic, which means they easily repel water. Thus, there will be no streaks or wet stains, and debris, insect splatters, and bird droppings will be much easier to remove.
Corrosion Protection
A ceramic coating will protect against high PH substances such as bird droppings, chemicals, acid rain, and even insect splatters, which may eat through clear coatings and paints.
Some Related Questions About Ceramic Coating
How can you remove scratches from a ceramic coating?
Some individuals ask whether a scratch or fault is “simply in the coating” quite often. Despise the bearer of bad news, but it is rarely the case. Recall that a ceramic coating is generally so thin that it cannot be measured using a paint depth gauge (although a few select coatings are a bit thicker).
Almost always, if you can see it, it’s in your paint, not your coating. There is simply not enough product on the surface to make a discernible change.
Is ceramic coating capable of filling up scratches and swirl marks?
Theoretically, anything you wipe on your paint may fill up with tiny scratches and swirl marks. It does not happen very often with most ceramic coatings. Sealants, waxes, and glazes, in particular, are considerably more likely to cover up tiny flaws in your paint. They are temporary solutions that will not endure long.
Is it possible to polish a ceramic coating?
You can polish a ceramic coating in a few circumstances. It all depends on the type of coating and how old it is. A newly placed coating will be more rigid and able to tolerate some minor abrasives. As you start polishing, you will most likely remove an older and weaker layer.
Call In Pros
Purchasing a jet ski, boat, or other watercraft is a sound investment. It makes sense to safeguard that vessel with substrate-specific nanoceramic coatings. This extends the life of your marine equipment, makes it simpler to clean and maintain, and may save you a lot of money on fuel and other expenditures.
If you want the best ceramic coating for boats installed by professionals, call American Dreams AZ to receive a free quote and locate an expert near you.
