Testing ceramic coating quality caalgary ceramic coating
Factors Affecting Ceramic Coating Quality
There are several factors that affect the quality of a ceramic coating, including:
1. Durability: A good ceramic coating should be durable enough to withstand exposure to the elements, including UV rays, heat, and chemicals.
2. Hydrophobic properties: A high-quality ceramic coating should repel water and other liquids, making it easier to clean and maintain the vehicle.
3. Gloss: A good ceramic coating should enhance the appearance of the vehicle, creating a glossy finish that enhances its color and shine.
4. Resistance to scratches: A high-quality ceramic coating should be able to withstand scratches and other forms of abrasion, helping to protect the underlying paint.
5. Ease of application: A good ceramic coating should be easy to apply, even for those who are new to the process.
Testing Ceramic Coating Quality
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that affect ceramic coating quality, let’s take a look at how to test a coating to ensure that it meets your standards.
1. Water beading test
One of the easiest and most effective ways to test the quality of a ceramic coating is to perform a water beading test. Simply spray water onto the surface of the coated vehicle and observe how the water behaves. A high-quality ceramic coating will cause the water to bead up and roll off the surface, indicating that it has a strong hydrophobic effect. If the water doesn’t bead up or rolls off unevenly, it may indicate that the coating is low quality or was not applied correctly.
2. Chemical resistance test
To test the chemical resistance of a ceramic coating, apply a small amount of a common automotive chemical, such as brake fluid or gasoline, to a coated area of the vehicle. Let the chemical sit for several minutes and then rinse it off with water. If the coating is of high quality, it should resist the chemical and not show any signs of damage or discoloration. If the coating is low quality or was not applied correctly, it may show signs of damage, such as fading or discoloration.
3. Scratch resistance test
To test the scratch resistance of a ceramic coating, use a fingernail or a small object to scratch the surface of the coated area. If the coating is of high quality, it should resist the scratch and show no signs of damage. If the coating is low quality, it may show signs of scratching, indicating that it is not as durable as it should be.
4. Gloss test
To test the gloss of a ceramic coating, look at the surface of the coated vehicle under bright lighting. A high-quality ceramic coating should enhance the gloss and depth of the underlying paint, creating a rich and vibrant finish. If the coating does not enhance the gloss or depth of the paint, it may indicate that it is of low quality or was not applied correctly.
5. Hardness test
A hardness test can be conducted using a Mohs hardness test kit or a pencil hardness test kit. A Mohs hardness kit is used to test the surface hardness of a coating by scratching the surface with a series of minerals of increasing hardness. A pencil hardness kit is used to determine the hardness of a coating by scratching the surface with a set of pencils of varying hardness. The higher the rating on the hardness scale, the more scratch-resistant the coating is likely to be.
