{"id":5746,"date":"2018-08-24T09:30:25","date_gmt":"2018-08-24T07:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carupgrade.co\/?p=5746"},"modified":"2020-11-12T16:14:02","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T00:14:02","slug":"ceramic-pro-vs-armor-shield-ix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carupgrade.co\/blog\/ceramic-pro-vs-armor-shield-ix\/","title":{"rendered":"Ceramic Coating Review: Ceramic Pro vs. Armor Shield IX"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For car enthusiasts, a vehicle embodies both luxury and a sense of freedom.<\/em> Driving that beautiful and powerful piece of machinery in gorgeous weather is one of the rewards for working so hard at keeping that car pristine and in good working condition. But, the world is given to entropy, and your car will fall victim to the ravages of time, the elements, and angry birds letting you know in the most disgusting way possible just what they think of your prized possession. There\u2019s nothing worse than spending your time and hard-earned cash lovingly caring for your car, only to find its shiny surface quickly marred by bird droppings, tree sap, mud, and other debris.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, most people can\u2019t afford a luxury vehicle. Still, everyone who\u2019s ever owned a car knows how quickly those things depreciate. A car is a big-ticket item, and to keep it holding onto its value just a little longer, you\u2019ll need to keep it clean. There are products to remove car scratches caused by various contaminants and to help protect your car. But cleaning the surface of your car can eat up a lot of your time, and it sure isn\u2019t easy on the joints.<\/em> Plus, the benefits of waxing will only last you a few months, at best. And washing your car at a commercial car wash uses harsh chemicals that can ruin the integrity of your car\u2019s paint. So, how can you protect the surface of your vehicle, keep it looking good, and save yourself time and elbow grease in the process?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enter nanotechnology.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a molecular scale to produce or fabricate a macroscale product. Basically, science can save your paint job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nanotechnology has been around for decades, and at first, was relegated to the space industry. Since then, nanotechnology has invaded other niches and markets, including the automotive industry. Now, you can keep your car\u2019s surface safe and protected from debris and evil, low-rent pigeons with the shield of science, i.e., ceramic coating<\/a><\/span> and glass coatings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because these coatings are nanotech in a bottle<\/strong><\/em>, only a tiny bit of the stuff is needed to cover an entire car. If you\u2019ve ever seen a bottle of one of these products you\u2019ll be amazed at how a container the size of a standard ketchup bottle can protect an entire vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do ceramic coating and glass coating products work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These nano products act as a second, protective layer over your car\u2019s clear coat or paint. Since the products consist of incredibly tiny nanotech particles, the coating gets into and seals every pore on the surface of your car. <\/strong><\/em> Once dry, the coating is completely transparent and hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In-depth explanation of how the coating works.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, the car\u2019s surface is jagged<\/strong><\/em>, and these naturally occurring crevices, nooks, and crannies are where dirt, debris, and pollutants attach to your car and wreak havoc on the exterior\u2019s aesthetics and integrity. Sealing the pores in the surface of your vehicle with a ceramic or glass coating will repel debris, UV rays, and water.<\/strong> <\/em>Without that protective layer, pollutants and dirt can get into the pores in the car\u2019s surface, and sun and heat can break down the integrity of the paint and cause it to fade. Once applied, the ceramic coating will make your car\u2019s surface appear shinier and the color richer than before.<\/strong><\/em> You can also see in the photo below how well a coated car\u2019s surface repels water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Uncoated vs. coated hood. Notice how the coated side is almost dry after splashing water on it.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of applying a ceramic coating or glass coating to a car?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  • It repels water<\/li>
  • Eliminates the appearance of swirls after washing<\/strong><\/li>
  • Prevents the paint from fading<\/li>
  • Protects against small scratches<\/strong><\/li>
  • Preserves the color from extreme heat<\/li>
  • Makes it much easier to clean debris from the car\u2019s surface<\/strong><\/li>
  • Protects from rust<\/li>
  • Car self-cleans<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In addition, the nanotech particles in the coatings are small enough to resist vibrations from your car\u2019s engine, potholes, and wind. So, the coating won\u2019t dislodge and peel off like paint or a clear coat would. Glass and ceramic coatings will last for years <\/strong><\/em>instead of months, making them a worthwhile investment on top of their other benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where can I get a ceramic or glass coating for my car?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are two ways to obtain and use a quality glass or ceramic coating. You can have one professionally applied, or you can purchase a kit and do-it-yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We look at both options through:  Ceramic Pro and Armor Shield IX. You can only get Ceramic Pro professionally applied, whereas Armor Shield IX is available as a DIY kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are the benefits of Ceramic Pro versus Armor Shield IX?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ceramic Pro is a glass coating. Most professional automotive detailing companies that apply these protective coatings have switched from ceramic to glass formulations. The overall structure of the formula and the things it can do for your car are similar, but the application process is a bit different<\/strong>, making glass coatings more efficient for commercial applications.<\/strong> Glass coatings bond to the car\u2019s surface almost as soon as the formula hits the paint, drying quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What benefits do these two coating products share?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ceramic Pro and Armor Shield IX offer these same benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Repel water<\/li>
    • Protect from rust and UV rays<\/li>
    • Help the car\u2019s paint to resist fading<\/li>
    • Prevent water spots and swirling when washing the vehicle<\/li>
    • Make cleaning much easier<\/li>
    • Protect paint from small scratches<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Both products offer the roughly the same level of protection<\/strong> for your car\u2019s surface from the elements and environmental pollutants, and both products make it much easier for you to clean the car. However, they do offer some substantial differences, which depend on your budget<\/strong>, what you want for your car, and how much DIY work you\u2019re willing to tolerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you find yourself resenting, procrastinating, or otherwise groaning at the time and elbow-grease investment of cleaning and washing your car yourself, Ceramic Pro is probably for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How Ceramic Pro differs From Armor Shield IX<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      With Ceramic Pro, you don\u2019t have to invest any of your time into applying the coating. Ceramic Pro is not a DIY job.<\/strong> You can get a quote from a licensed body shop to apply the coating to your car. Schedule the application date, drop off your vehicle on said date, wait, then pick up your shiny \u2018new\u2019 car. Using Ceramic Pro is much easier than Armor Shield IX in that regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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