Ceramic Coatings in Phoenix – Why Ceramic Pro is the Best

In the sun-drenched city of Phoenix, keeping your car looking brand new can be quite a challenge. With relentless UV rays and frequent dust storms, maintaining that showroom shine requires more than just the occasional wash and wax. This is where ceramic coatings in Phoenix step up an exceptional, long-lasting alternative. 

Enter Ceramic Pro Coatings—an advanced solution that has set the standard for most professional grade nanoceramic coating brands to follow. Their iconic 9H coating hit US shores in 2014 – with less than 20 detailing shops installing this coating system. However, as of 2024, there are more than 5,000 certified Ceramic Pro installers in North America alone.

The Tempe Auto Spa at 101 Motors was the first business in Arizona to offer Ceramic Pro coatings, and we continue with this amazing brand because simply put – it’s the best product available for our valued clients.

Not only that, but they continue to push the envelope with ceramic coating installation innovation – with their Next Gen ION Coating system.

There is no denying that ceramic coating service in Phoenix are gaining immense popularity among car enthusiasts and luxury car owners. But what exactly are these coatings, and why are they perfect for Phoenix, Arizona? What are their benefits – and what are their limitations?

These are a few of the questions we’ll answer below.

What are Ceramic Pro Coatings?

Ceramic Pro Coatings are liquid polymers that can be applied to the interior or exterior of a vehicle. Once cured, they form a semi-permanent bond with the vehicle’s paint, creating a layer of protection that is far superior to traditional waxes and sealants.

Ceramic coatings are an effective way to protect your vehicle from contaminants and natural elements. It helps reduce the impact of wear and tear, corrosion, erosion, and high-temperature degradation.

The coatings are composed of nano-ceramic particles that fill in minuscule imperfections and create a smooth, hydrophobic surface. This innovation in car care technology offers a myriad of benefits that are particularly useful for those living in harsh climates like Phoenix.

The composition of Ceramic Pro Coatings makes them incredibly durable and long-lasting. Unlike wax, which can wear off after a few car washes, ceramic coatings are designed to withstand the test of time. This durability ensures that your vehicle remains protected from environmental elements year-round.

Another standout feature is the enhanced gloss and depth that ceramic coatings bring to your car’s paint. This not only makes your vehicle look stunning but also increases its resale value. For luxury car owners, this visual appeal is a significant advantage.

Ceramic Pro boasts several benefits, including the following:

• Forms a protective barrier against water damage
• Makes the vehicle’s surface hydrophobic
• Keeps environmental hazards at bay
• Prevents oxidation and corrosion
• Protects the vehicle’s surface from the harmful effects of UV rays
• Prevents dirt, dust, and grease from adhering to the vehicle’s surface
• Adds a shine to the vehicle’s gloss painted surface
• Enhances the satin finish on matte paint – without added shine
• Makes cleaning and maintenance easier
• Reduces graffiti paint, bird droppings, bugs, and tar from sticking to your vehicle

What is the Newest Ceramic Pro Coating?

Ceramic Pro is always on the cutting edge of nanotechnology. However, sometimes the best product ideas come from other industries. Such is the case with Ceramic Pro’s latest innovation – ION Coatings.

Inspired by the self-cleaning properties of Lotus leaves, and modern cell phone screen manufacturing, ION Coatings create a hydrophobic effect that repels water and dirt from the surface. This not only keeps your car looking cleaner for longer but also reduces the need for frequent washing.

ION Coatings also feature increased protection against UV rays, oxidation, and scratches. With its unique formulation, this coating is perfect for vehicles exposed to extreme sunlight, making it an ideal choice for those living in Phoenix.

Furthermore, ION Coatings have anti-static properties that prevent dust and contaminants from adhering to your vehicle’s surface. This reduces maintenance needs and ensures your car stays cleaner between washes.

How Does ION Exchange Technology Work?

ION Exchange Technology is the foundation of Ceramic Pro’s ION Coatings. It is a process in which ions are exchanged between two substances, resulting in a stronger bond and increased protection.

In the case of ION Coatings, positive ions from the coating bonds with negative ions on the surface of your car, creating a strong protective layer. This innovative technology allows for superior adhesion and durability, ensuring that your vehicle remains protected for years to come.

The self-cleaning properties of ION Coatings also play a crucial role in its functionality. The hydrophobic effect created by the ion exchange repels water and dirt, making it easier to maintain and keep your car looking pristine.

Benefits of ION Coatings

• Long-lasting protection against UV rays, oxidation, and scratches.
• Thickest coating available in 2024.
• Anti-static properties to prevent dust and contaminants from adhering to the surface.
• Enhanced gloss and shine for a showroom finish.
• Increased resale value due to superior protection and maintained appearance.

Perfect for Any Vehicle

Whether you own a luxury sports car or a daily commuter, ION Coatings are suitable for any type of vehicle. Its advanced technology provides unparalleled protection, making it an ideal choice for those who want to keep their cars looking brand new.

Additionally, ION Coatings can be applied on various surfaces such as paint, glass, and plastic, making it a versatile solution for all your vehicle’s needs.

Easy Application and Maintenance

ION Coatings are applied by trained professionals using specialized equipment to ensure even and thorough coverage. After application, the coating requires minimal maintenance, making it a hassle-free option for car owners.

Simply wash your vehicle regularly with Ceramic Pro Shampoo or pH-neutral soap to maintain its hydrophobic properties and keep it looking shiny and clean.

Using a ceramic boost spray or quick detailer with SiO2 is a great way to protect that coating. Tempe Auto Spa recommends using this type of product every 3 maintenance washes.

How are Ceramic Pro Coatings Installed?

Installing Ceramic Pro Coatings is a meticulous process that requires professional expertise. It begins with a thorough preparation of the vehicle’s surface. This includes washing, claying, and sometimes even paint correction to ensure that the surface is free of contaminants and imperfections.

The Ceramic Pro application process at Tempe Auto Spa involves the following steps:

Step 1: Surface Prep

A nanoceramic coating is intended to enhance the condition of surfaces it is applied. This means, if there are small, hardly noticeable scratches or other imperfections, the coating will make them stand out.

As such, the first step to occur before we apply any Ceramic Pro coating package is to prepare the vehicle. This includes:

Full Vehicle Wash and Decontamination – We fully wash and decontaminate the vehicle, so no bug guts, bird droppings, tree sap, pollen or other contaminants remain on the surface.

Paint Correction – After the vehicle is fully decontaminated, our single or multiple step paint correction specialists will polish the clear coated surface. The goal is to remove as much paint damage as possible – like swirl marks, light scratches, or etching caused by natural toxins.

Surface Prep Spray – Finally, before the coating is applied, we use a special formulated surface prep spray, that removes any residue, or oils left by the polish. This leaves the surface surgically clean.

Step 2: Ceramic Pro Base Coat

After the surface preparation is finished, the installation of Ceramic Pro base coat follows. In 2024, Ceramic Pro offers two unique coating systems – ION & the iconic 9H. These highly durable protective coatings keep contaminants away from the vehicle’s surface. But they do so using different technology.

ION Coating uses ION Exchange Technology to bond large and small chain IONs together – to combine multiple layers into one solid, thicker, and more dynamic coating. 9H is an older, yet still highly effective coating technology that allows multiple coating layers to stack on top of each other.

With both coatings, the first step is to apply a base coat, which is designed to penetrate and attach microscopic imperfections found in porous surfaces – like clear coating, glass, plastic trim, metals, and even vinyl or PPF.

ION is sold as a single or dual base coat system – while 9H is available with up to 4 coats of base.

Step 3: Top Coat

The final layer is a topcoat, also known as a finishing layer. Professional detailers apply this coating after Ceramic Pro 9H cures. This topcoat keeps your vehicle cleaner, as dirt and dust easily wipe off it. It is also very hydrophobic, allowing water to roll off in beads. Apart from that, this finishing layer adds gloss to your vehicle.

Regular maintenance is also crucial for preserving the integrity of the ceramic coating. While the coating itself offers significant protection, routine washing using appropriate techniques and products will help maintain its effectiveness and appearance.

Step 4: Initial Curing and Quality Assurance Inspection

Nanoceramic coatings need some time to initially cure. Ceramic Pro 9H – and other sub-division coatings using traditional 9H technology require two to three days to dry and bond to the surface. We keep the vehicle’s indoors overnight, but roll vehicles outdoors during sunny days to help the coating heat cure.

Next Gen technology like ION Coatings can cure within 24 hours. This means that you as the car owner can get your vehicle coated quicker.

Prior to releasing the vehicle to our clients, our technical and management team will complete a multiple step quality assurance check – which includes:

• Inspection For Even Coverage: This step is completed after every coating layer. Our lead technician will inspect each section where the coating has been applied – to ensure it’s even.
• Remove Any High Spots: When a coating is applied, it takes a few minutes for the carrier solvents to flash. At that point, it has bonded to the surface, and requires the technician to buff off any residue. If it is missed, it can create ‘high spots’ to form. This can quickly be removed during the first stage of QA inspections.
• Final Vehicle Inspection: Our final step is to complete a detailed inspection of the entire vehicle. This is to ensure that the vehicle is in the same – or better condition as it was when it arrived to our facility.

What Do Ceramic Coatings in Phoenix Do?

The primary function of a ceramic coating is to protect your vehicle’s paint from various environmental hazards. In Phoenix, where the sun is almost always shining, UV protection is a significant benefit. Ceramic coatings prevent the paint from oxidizing, which can lead to fading and dullness.

In addition to UV protection, ceramic coatings offer hydrophobic properties, meaning water, dirt, and grime will bead up and roll off the surface. This makes your car much easier to clean and reduces the likelihood of water spots and other contaminants sticking to the paint.

Although coatings are not scratch proof, a ceramic coating adds a layer of hardness that can protect against light abrasions. This is particularly useful in areas like Phoenix, where dust storms can cause minor surface damage.

The anti-graffiti properties of ceramic coatings are also worth mentioning. If your vehicle is subjected to any form of vandalism, substances like spray paint can be wiped off without damaging the underlying paint. This feature provides an added layer of security, especially for luxury car owners.

What Does Ceramic Coating Not Do?

While Ceramic Pro Coatings offer numerous benefits, they are not a cure-all solution for every automotive issue. One common misconception is that ceramic coatings can protect your vehicle from all forms of damage. However, they cannot prevent major scratches, dents, or rock chips.

Additionally, ceramic coatings do not eliminate regular car maintenance. In fact, it’s more important than a regular car without a coated surface.

Although they make cleaning easier, you will still need to wash your car regularly to keep it in pristine condition. Using inappropriate cleaning methods or products can also diminish the effectiveness of the coating.

It’s also important to note that while ceramic coatings add a layer of UV protection, they are not a substitute for other forms of paint protection, such as clear bras or paint protection films (PPF). These products offer additional mechanical protection against physical damage.

Finally, ceramic coatings do not repair pre-existing damage. If your vehicle’s paint is already chipped or scratched, those imperfections will need to be addressed before applying the coating. The coating can enhance the appearance of your paint but cannot fix underlying issues.

What are Better Paint Protection Products for Phoenix Car Owners?

For car owners in Phoenix, combining ceramic coatings with other paint protection products can offer comprehensive protection. Paint Protection Film (PPF), also known as clear bra, is an excellent addition. PPF is a transparent film that provides a high-impact resistance layer, protecting your vehicle from rock chips, scratches, and other physical damage.

Another useful product is a quality car wax, which can be applied over ceramic coatings for added shine and protection. Waxes can enhance the hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings and provide a sacrificial layer that can be easily replaced.

Car covers are also worth considering, especially if you park your vehicle outside. A good car cover can protect your car from sun damage, bird droppings, and other environmental hazards. It’s an extra step that can significantly extend the life of your ceramic coating and paint.

Using these products in conjunction with ceramic coatings ensures that your vehicle remains in top condition, regardless of the harsh Phoenix climate. Each product offers unique benefits that, when combined, provide unparalleled protection.

What Paint Protection Packages are Best to Protect My Car in Phoenix?

Choosing the right paint protection package is crucial for any vehicle owner looking to maintain their car’s aesthetic appeal and enhance its longevity. In Phoenix, where the sun shines relentlessly, and dust storms can wreak havoc, investing in quality protection is essential.

Here are some of the best paint protection packages to consider:

Paint Protection Film (PPF) with Ceramic Coating

While entire vehicle ceramic coating packages are great for environmental exposure, it doesn’t protect against the biggest enemy of Phoenix car owners – road debris. Combining PPF with a ceramic coating offers a strong double layer of protection.

At The Tempe Auto Spa at 101 Motors – we recommend a two step priority process for protecting your vehicle paint.

Step 1 – Install a Partial or Full Front PPF Package

Paint protection film or clear bra is by far, the best product to protect your vehicle’s high strike areas from rock chips, major scratches, and paint damage due to road debris. This includes gravel from potholes on 101, 202, I-10, I-60, and even side roads.

But your vehicle doesn’t need full PPF installation. The key is to install clear bra on the front end – like the bumper, fenders, hood, and side-view mirrors. This represents 90% of the areas that are hit by road debris.

Step 2 – Add ION Coating to the Rest of the Vehicle’s Exterior

The second step would be to add a ceramic coating application to the rest of the vehicle. The PPF acts as a barrier against physical impacts and scratches, while the ceramic coating adds hydrophobic properties and UV protection.

This package is perfect for car enthusiasts who want the ultimate defense against everyday wear and tear. The film is usually applied to high-impact areas such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors. The coating protects all painted surfaces, trim, plastics, glass, and wheel faces.

The ION Coating package is backed by a 7-year Carfax verified and documented manufacturer warranty. The clear bra is backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty against product failure.

Step 3 – Add Ceramic Window Tint for Full Vehicle Protection

If you’re seeking the ultimate protection for your car, truck, or SUV – adding ceramic window film to this package puts the cherry on the top. Ceramic tint is another fantastic product offered by Ceramic Pro.

In fact, they’ve launched the first Luxury Window Film – Ultimate IR – which blocks up to 99% of heat producing IR. Plus, it has the highest average TESR rating across the 5 different VLT shades.

Their other film is Ceramic IR – which is a phenomenal window tint. It blocks up to 96% of IR, boasts industry leading optical clarity, and is a part of our full vehicle protection bundles.

Ceramic Coating FAQs

In 2024, there are a lot of different ways to protect a vehicle in Phoenix. There are also just as many variables that impact the decision making process for choosing the right coating – or full vehicle protection package that makes sense for you.

To help provide some additional facts – so you can make an informed decision, here are some of the most common questions we receive from our valued clients. 

Are Ceramic Coatings Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. While the initial cost may be higher than traditional waxing, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense. The durability and protection offered by ceramic coatings make them a smart investment for any vehicle owner, especially in harsh climates like Phoenix.

How Long Do Ceramic Coatings Last?

The lifespan of coatings depends on multiple variables – including the prep work, the product used, the installation and the care it receives. Typically, ceramic coatings that are installed professionally last anywhere from two to five years, with other coating options like ION Coatings offering even longer protection.

Can I Install Ceramic Coatings Myself?

Sure, you can. However, the results will vary – and it’s easy to make mistakes. There are some DIY coating installation kits available. Some are sprayed on – and others replicate the nanoceramic coating installation process.

However, working with a professionally trained ceramic coating installer is highly recommended. The preparation and application processes are complex and require specialized equipment and expertise to ensure optimal results.

How Do I Maintain My Ceramic Coated Car?

Keeping your ceramic coating clean and free of debris is the best way to extend its lifespan. We recommend washing with pH-neutral car shampoos that contain no wax or petroleum products. Also, avoiding abrasive cleaning materials. It’s also advisable to use a ceramic coating booster spray periodically to enhance and prolong the coating’s effectiveness.

Is Ceramic Coating Safe for All Paint Types?

Yes, ceramic coatings are safe for all types of automotive paint. They can be applied to clear-coated, single-stage, and even matte finishes without causing any damage.

Will Ceramic Coating Make My Car Look Newer?

Yes, one of the benefits of ceramic coatings is the enhanced gloss and depth they bring to your car’s paint. This visual enhancement can make your vehicle look newer and better maintained.