Knowing how to protect vinyl decals from debris and harsh UV rays is key to keeping them in a good condition.
A ceramic coating seems like it would do the job, but how good of a job does it do?
Join us in finding out whether you can ceramic coat over vinyl decals to provide protection.
What This article covers:
- What Is a Ceramic Coat?
- How to Apply Ceramic Coating
- Difference Between Lacquer and Ceramic Coating
What Is a Ceramic Coat?
Ceramic coating describes the layer that is almost glass-like in texture and is applied over certain paints to protect it and preserve the look.
Chances are that whenever you’ve heard someone speak about ceramic coating, the word nano has come up in the conversation.
This is because the ceramic coating is often referred to as nano-coating because of the particle size that’s measured on the nanoscale.
The material is extracted from quartz crystals and sand, and this creates a nanotechnology coating after being combined with water.
The Science of Ceramic Coating
They are typically made of silicon dioxide, silicon, and silicon nitrate.
Sometimes graphene and titanium dioxide are used but the ingredients depend on where and how you want to apply the ceramic coat.
The coating contains solid particles made up of resins and solvents, but some formulas are solvent-free. The latter is more difficult to apply while the former makes it much easier.
Ceramic coating forms a bond with the surface beneath the vinyl decal and gives off a wax-like impression.
Ceramic coating is designed using UV solar technology that resists stains and solar rays coming from that burning ball in the sky.
This ensures that whatever you’re applying this coating to is protected and safe.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
There are a few reasons you should consider applying a ceramic coating to your vinyl decals.
Lifespan
Ceramic coating lasts years. You could apply one coat and be sorted for years to come.
This means you won’t need to constantly re-apply the coating, saving you precious time and money.
Yes, you’ll spend a few bucks initially, but compared to the more traditional waxing that needs to be done weekly, the pros outweigh the cons.
Ceramic coating is a good approach if you want to know how to save wall decals from looking old and worn out.
They greatly improve the looks of your vinyl decal, making it glossy and practically new in appearance.
Protection
The ceramic coating won’t only make your vinyl decal glossy, but it does an exceptional job when it comes to protection.
As you can imagine, the sun can have terrible effects on decals. The ceramic coating ensures that your custom-made vinyl decals don’t oxidize, keeping them from looking old and dull.
An extra layer added to anything will generally make it last longer and be more durable.
Applying a ceramic coating to a vinyl decal will protect it from physical hazards such as debris falling onto the surface.
This tends to leave scratches, but with the ceramic coating, your vinyl decal will be scratch free.
Another cool fact about ceramic coating is that no chemicals can wash away the coating.
This includes acid rain or washing detergents. Ceramic coating is hydrophobic so water won’t stick to the surface of your vinyl decal.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning vinyl decals can be a bit of a mission. Scrub too hard and you could risk the vinyl decal’s graphic being ruined.
Add too much soapy water and the transfer tape beneath the vinyl can become less of an adhesive and more of a floppy piece of paper.
The ceramic coat gives your vinyl decal more repelling power, so dirt and other substances won’t bond to it easily.
This means you won’t need to scrub hard or use too much soap water since there won’t be much to clean outside of a few light stains.
Disadvantages
The only true downside of ceramic coating is the price. Yes, purchasing ceramic coating initially means you won’t have to replace it constantly.
However, that initial purchase is more expensive than traditional coating and seals.
Traditional waxing or polishing can be anywhere between $50 and $100, but a ceramic coating is around $700 to $1,000 to apply professionally.
The spray itself can be anywhere between $100 to $200 but having a professional get the job done will turn out much better than a DIY project.
The only reason that ceramic coating can be difficult to apply single handily is due to the conditions of your surroundings.
This includes the applicable weather conditions as well as not rushing the process itself. However, it’s not impossible to do as a DIY project.
If you have a smaller vinyl decal on a small surface area, some spray and a cloth will do the job.
How to Apply Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a good way to keep decals from peeling off the wall or whatever surface it’s transferred to.
You’ll find that ceramic coating typically comes in a spray form that can easily be applied to any surface.
Prep Work
The first step is the prepare your vinyl decal and ready it for transfer onto whatever surface you want to apply it to.
This includes taking the right measurements for the space you’re wanting the decal to occupy and cleaning the surface.
The former ensures that the decal sits firmly on the surface, and the latter is essential during the transfer process.
Having a dirty wall will interfere with the transfer tape on the vinyl decal and can lead it to bubble or fall off.
So if you’re wondering why your vinyl decal is bubbling, it’s most likely due to your dirty wall.
Once you’ve followed all the steps to applying the vinyl decal, you’ll be left with a vinyl decal sitting comfortably on your surface.
It’s important to wait at least an hour or two before thinking of applying the ceramic coating.
Applying it too soon can cause interference with the transfer paper and cause the design of the vinyl to deteriorate.
Application
Now, you take the ceramic coating and spray it over the surface area of the vinyl decal.
This doesn’t only act as a way of protecting your vinyl decal, but it also protects it.
This means you can add it to your list of how to clean vinyl decals with ease.
Back to the application, you want to ensure that you have a microfiber towel or cloth on standby. You’re going to use this to spread out the ceramic coating.
Once everything is spread, take the cloth, and flip it over to a clean side. You want to gently rub the ceramic coating spread
Leave everything to set and voila, you can feel and see that your vinyl decal is smoother than ever.
If you don’t apply ceramic coating to vinyl decals on cars or wooden surfaces, you’ll start to notice the decal turning yellow.
This is due to constant exposure to the sun without any protection as well as other natural elements that affect the quality of the vinyl decal.
In other words, this is a good way to know how to restore faded vinyl decals that have met their demise when staring at the sun.
Difference Between Lacquer and Ceramic Coating
The main difference between these two methods of coating is how they’re applied as well as what they’re made of.
Lacquer has 3 different variations, each of which is made up of different components.
This includes acrylic lacquer which is the one commonly used on vinyl decals, water-based lacquer which is the most durable out of the lot, and nitrocellulose lacquer which was first introduced for vehicles.
Ceramic coating is mostly made from silicon-based elements and there isn’t much complexity in how its made or applied.
Lacquer requires you to layer the coats and wait for them to dry, with some coats being thick and others being thin.
Ceramic coating only requires a few sprays and a wipe, and this process is repeated until the entire surface area of the vinyl decal is covered.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, you can place a ceramic coat over a vinyl decal, and it poses many benefits.
If you want to ensure that your vinyl decal is protected and looks glossy, opting for a ceramic coating will be your best bet.
Having a ceramic coat over your vinyl decal is good to protect and preserve your decal for years to come.
Did you enjoy reading our blog? Then consider checking other guides:
- Polyurethane or Polycrylic Over Vinyl Decal
- How to Save Wall Decals
- How to Store Window Decals
- How to Store Vinyl Decals
- How to Get Wrinkles out of Vinyl Decals
- How to Get Sticky Residue off Vinyl Decal
- Can You Put Lacquer Over Vinyl Decals
- How to Clear Coat Over Vinyl Decals
- How to Apply Vinyl Decal to Glass/Window
- Applying Vinyl Decals to Canvas
- How to Put Vinyl Decal on Curved Surface
- What Can You Put Vinyl Decals on
- How to Apply Window Decals Without Bubbles
- How to Install Perforated Window Decal
- What Is Perforated Vinyl
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of ceramic coatings and their application, I can provide comprehensive insights into the topic discussed in the article.
Ceramic coating, also known as nano-coating, is a protective layer with a glass-like texture applied over paints to preserve their appearance. The coating is often referred to as nano-coating due to the particle size measured on the nanoscale. It is derived from quartz crystals and sand, creating a nanotechnology coating when combined with water.
The science behind ceramic coatings involves materials like silicon dioxide, silicon, and silicon nitrate, with occasional use of graphene and titanium dioxide depending on the application. The coating comprises solid particles made of resins and solvents, with some formulas being solvent-free for easier application.
Ceramic coatings form a bond with surfaces, giving them a wax-like impression. They utilize UV solar technology to resist stains and solar rays, providing protection against environmental elements. The benefits of ceramic coatings include a long lifespan, improved appearance, and enhanced protection against sun damage and physical hazards.
The application of ceramic coating on vinyl decals is advantageous as it prevents oxidation, maintains glossiness, and protects against scratches and debris. Moreover, ceramic coatings are hydrophobic, preventing water from sticking to the surface. Cleaning becomes easier due to the coating's repellent properties.
However, the primary disadvantage is the cost, with professional application ranging from $700 to $1,000. Despite the higher initial cost, ceramic coatings outshine traditional waxing in terms of durability and longevity.
The application process involves careful prep work, including measuring and cleaning the surface before applying the vinyl decal. After applying the decal, it is essential to wait before applying the ceramic coating to avoid interference with the transfer paper. The coating is then sprayed over the surface and spread using a microfiber towel.
Comparing ceramic coating to lacquer, the main differences lie in their composition and application methods. Lacquer has various variations, such as acrylic lacquer, water-based lacquer, and nitrocellulose lacquer, each with distinct components. In contrast, ceramic coating is primarily made from silicon-based elements and is applied through a simple spray and wipe process.
In conclusion, ceramic coatings are a viable option for protecting vinyl decals, offering benefits like longevity, improved appearance, and ease of cleaning. Despite the higher upfront cost, the long-term advantages make ceramic coatings a valuable investment for preserving and enhancing the condition of vinyl decals.
