Ceramic Coating & Clear Mask; What’s the Difference?

In many ways, your vehicle’s paint is the first line of defense from the environmental elements of driving. Roads contain dirt, glass, and other debris. Plus, vehicles are faced with bird droppings, bug splatter, and chemical components from rain. These factors typically don’t damage a vehicle quickly, but in the long run, you may face paint damage, fading, or even rust. At Colorado Coach Auto Body, we have two services that will protect your car from these external elements and keep it looking great for years.

What is ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is a silica-based liquid polymer that is applied by hand. It cures and forms a protective layer to keep vehicles looking brand new for several years. This long-lasting protection creates a barrier between your car’s paint and any potentially harmful environmental elements. Ceramic coating also adds a hydrophobic layer that repels water, keeping the vehicle dry and providing less ability for surface damage.

Due to the dueling application process, we highly recommend working with a professional to install ceramic coating. You can damage the vehicle if misapplied with dust or dirt on the surface. Because of this, ceramic coating is typically a bit pricier than clear mask services. Ceramic coating will not protect your vehicle from large rock chips or fender benders. Dents can and will still occur with a large enough impact. To extend the life of the ceramic coating, owners should avoid brush-operated car washes and hand-wash their vehicles often.

Ceramic Pro offers a variety of top-quality products for the various surfaces. At Colorado Coach Auto Body, we use Ceramic Pro ceramic coating. To apply this top product, Ceramic Pro requires a certification to be completed by auto collision repair facilities. Learn more about Ceramic Pro.

What is clear mask?

Clear mask is one of the names used for the protective film used to protect vehicles from damage. Similar to ceramic coating, clear mask, invisible shield, car scratch protective film, or Clear Bra helps defend your vehicle from environmental damage. Clear mask is typically a transparent urethane material that’s constructed from carbamate. It’s lightweight and transparent but resistant to road debris, corrosion, or even impact. A Clear Bra typically has multiple layers. The first layer consists of a clear coat of urethane or polyurethane, helping it to self-heal from minor scratches and tears. The second layer is lined with acrylic adhesive, making it flexible and easy to wrap on different shapes and sizes.

If not appropriately installed or maintained, clear mask can eventually peel, yellow, or blister over time. To avoid these concerning effects, users must hand-wash their vehicles, avoid leaving their vehicles out in the sun for long periods, and have the film installed by a professional.

At our shop, we use Xpell Ultimate clear mask products. This virtually invisible urethane film keeps your vehicle protected from damage. The film is stain-resistant, self-healing, and has strong optical clarity to avoid yellowing.

Are you interested in installing ceramic coating or clear mask on your vehicle? Contact us today!