Graphene vs Ceramic Coating: Which is Best for Your Car?
Ceramic Coating in a Nutshell
- Graphene coating is essentially ceramic coating with additional Graphene Oxide particles along with a high-gloss polymer top coat
- Graphene coating is harder, more durable, more hydrophobic and slicker
- Graphene coating is recommended for high-value vehicles
- It is also suitable for cars likely to be exposed to harsh environments
Introduction to Graphene Coating
Ceramic coatings made their debut in the early 2010s and quickly gained popularity as a reliable solution for protecting automotive paintwork. Since their introduction, ceramic coatings have undergone continuous development, with advancements in formulation and application techniques.Â
For car lovers, ceramic coatings are now established as a trusted option for enhancing the durability and aesthetics of car surfaces. Now, the emergence of Graphene coatings represents the next step in this evolutionary journey, pushing the boundaries of paint protection technology even further.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics of graphene coatings, outline their specific advantages, and help you determine which kind of coating is most suitable for your vehicle.
What is Graphene?
Without getting too technical, graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is incredibly thin, measuring just one atom thick. Its incredible physical properties make it harder than diamond, more elastic than rubber and 100-300 times stronger than steel. It is also the lightest known material, weighing approximately 0.77 milligrams per square meter.
What is Graphene Coating?
Modern Graphene coatings use the same silica formulations, also known as silica or quartz, found in ceramic coatings but with graphene particles suspended throughout the formulation. (For example, Tint Haus Graphene Coating utilises the very same (Me2) Si-N- backbone and Sio2/ Sio4 ingredients as our market-leading 10H Ceramic Paint Coating.)
So is Graphene different from Ceramic Coating?
A brand’s ceramic and graphene coating base formulations are generally very similar. However, the addition of graphene particles significantly alters the properties of the new formulation and gives it some decisive advantages.
Similarities between Graphene and Ceramic Coating
Graphene and ceramic coatings both offer enhanced protection and numerous benefits.
Both:
- Provide additional protection against UV rays and fading
- Provide resistance to damaging environmental chemicals
- Have hydrophobic properties that repel water and dirt
- Increase the gloss and shine of the car’s top coat
- Make your car easier to clean and its paint easier to maintain
So, what additional benefits does Graphene Coating deliver?
Quality Graphene Paint Protection
Graphene's Advantages over Ceramic Coating
The addition of graphene to a coating’s formulation gives it seven major advantages.
- Harder than ceramic coating
- Anti-static properties
- High water contact angle
- Greater flexibility
- Unsurpassed durability
- Greater adherence to the car’s top coat
- Creates a stunning reflection
#1 Harder than ceramic coating
Incorporating graphene into the coating formulation enhances its hardness, surpassing that of ceramic coatings. This superior hardness provides excellent resistance against scratches and abrasions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your car’s surface.
#2 Anti-static Properties
Graphene coating exhibits anti-static properties (highly static dissipative), reducing the accumulation of dust and dirt on the treated surface. This characteristic helps to keep your car cleaner for a longer period, minimizing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
#3 High water contact angle
Adding graphene to the ceramic coating results in a higher water contact angle, meaning water beads up and rolls off the surface more easily. This enhanced hydrophobicity reduces the chances of water spots, ensuring your car maintains a cleaner and more pristine appearance between washes.
#4 Greater flexibility
Graphene offers greater flexibility compared to ceramic coatings. This flexibility helps to prevent cracking or chipping of the coating when the car’s surface is subjected to vibrations, impacts, or temperature fluctuations, providing enhanced durability and protection.
#5 Unsurpassed durability
Graphene exhibits exceptional durability. Graphene coatings are non-biodegradable and will not break down over time. At Tint Haus, we provide a lifetime warranty for our Graphene coating. This longevity surpasses that of traditional ceramic coatings, providing long-term protection against environmental elements, UV rays, and general wear and tear.
#6 Greater adherence to the car's top coat
Graphene demonstrates superior adherence at the molecular level, ensuring a strong bond with the car’s top coat. This increased adherence contributes to the Graphene coating’s longevity and effectiveness in protecting the underlying paintwork.
#7 Creates a stunning reflection
Graphene’s unparalleled hardness and flexibility deliver an even smoother and more uniform surface with the additional high gloss polymer-based top coat giving a richer, deeper reflection.
Graphene Coating Examples
What Makes Tint Haus Graphene Coating Stand Out?
Tint Haus Graphene Coating has undergone the highest industry testing and certification from aviation giants Boeing and Airbus.
The Graphene coating was tested in the most extreme environments with much higher levels of exposure to UV radiation and pollution than your vehicle will typically encounter.
This makes Tint Haus Graphene Coating stand head-and-shoulders above others in the industry. With Tint Haus graphene coating, you can rest assured that your car is protected with Australia’s toughest and most durable graphene coating.
Is Graphene or Ceramic Coating more suitable for my vehicle?
Both Tint Haus graphene and ceramic coating deliver market-leading paint protection, with 10H hardness – the toughest in Australia.
If you have a car you care about, both formulations are highly effective. The real question is whether your car would benefit from Graphene Coating’s enhanced level of protection.
Consider Graphene coating in the following situations:
Cars in areas with extreme weather conditions
If you live in an area with harsh climates, such as extreme heat, cold, or frequent exposure to salt, the additional layer of graphene provides exceptional resistance to environmental damage to preserve the appearance and longevity of your car’s surfaces.
Cars with older or softer paint
Graphene coating’s strength and durability can be particularly beneficial for cars with older or softer paint, providing an added layer of protection against fading, oxidation, and scratches.
Your car is worth it
Ultimately though it depends on how much you value your car. Just ask yourself, how much do I want to protect my vehicle?
The best option depends upon your specific situation: your car’s condition, how you intend to use it, and how you value it.
Our experts are here to provide personalized advice tailored to your needs. When you arrive at Tint Haus, our experienced specialists will assess your car’s surface and your goals to recommend the ideal coating for optimal results.
Caring For Your Car With Graphene Coating
Not only does graphene coating protect your car’s paint better and for longer, it makes maintenance easy. The hydrophobic and anti-static properties of the graphene coating prevent dirt, grime, and water spots from sticking to the surface, minimizing dirt and stain accumulation. However, it’s still important to take proper care of your graphene-coated car to ensure its longevity.
Is graphene coating hard to maintain?
No, graphene coating is easy to maintain. Regularly washing your car with a pH-neutral car wash solution and using a microfiber towel to dry it will help to prevent water spots and keep your car looking shiny. It’s also a good idea to avoid parking your car under trees or in areas where it could be exposed to bird droppings, as these can etch the coating over time.
Will a car wash scratch graphene coating?
Most automatic car washes use harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can scratch the surface of your car, including graphene-coated vehicles. Even our 10H (the hardest available) graphene coating is not immune to this harsh abrasion.Â
Instead, it’s recommended that you hand-wash your car or use touchless car washes that use high-pressure water to clean the surface.
Although our market-leading graphene coating offers additional resistance to washing brush swirls and minor abrasions, take care while washing and drying to not rub dirt and grit back onto the surface.
Can you wax over the graphene coating?
It’s not necessary to wax a graphene-coated car, as the polymer topcoat provides similar benefits to waxing, such as protection from UV rays and contaminants.Â
If you do choose to wax your car, it’s important to use a wax that’s specifically designed for use on graphene coatings since regular car waxes may contain abrasives that can damage the coating. Contact us to recommend the most appropriate wax for your graphene-coated car.
Can you pressure wash a car with graphene coating?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer on a car with graphene coating but it’s important to use the correct technique. Use a wide-angle nozzle and keep the pressure at a low setting to avoid damaging the coating. It’s also a good idea to pre-soak the car with a gentle car wash solution before using the pressure washer.
Does graphene coating change car color?
No, adding a graphene coating to your car does not change the colour. In fact, it enhances the colour and shine of your car, making it look more vibrant and glossy with an everlasting showroom finish.
(If you are interested in adjusting the sheen of your paint, explore our PPF Matte Conversion option, which can be applied before the graphene coating is installed.)
Tint Haus Graphene Coating
We pride ourselves on only delivering the very best for our discerning clients.
This is why we only install Tint Haus 10H Graphene Coating – Australia’s toughest coating and the only one tested by Airbus and Boeing in the toughest of environments.
Does your Tint Haus Graphene Coating come with a warranty?
Yes. We provide a lifetime warranty for our graphene coating. Properly fitted, Tint Haus graphene coating is non-biodegradable and will not break down over time, providing long-term protection surpassing that of traditional ceramic coatings.
The Tint Haus Difference
We pride ourselves on delivering the care and attention to detail our customers rightly expect with precision installation by qualified technicians with years of experience.
In addition, our state-of-the-art installation studios are equipped with industry-leading lighting and infrared curing lamps to guarantee an unsurpassed quality finish – every time.
Contact Tint Haus and choose Australia’s Toughest Graphene Coating.
>> Explore Australia’s Toughest Graphene Coating.