XPEL & Opti-Coat Ceramic Coating FAQs
Learn about professional auto paint protection installation near Seattle and the benefits of choosing Benchmark Auto Salon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Paint Coating
Wondering what a paint coating is? Do you want to know how it compares to Clear Paint Protection Film (aka Clear Bra and PPF)? Want to know if the process alters the paint’s surface?
We’ve outlined the most common questions our Lynnwood shop receives about ceramic coatings. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please send us an email.
XPEL FUSION PLUS offers unparalleled protection for vehicles subject to routine wear and tear. Leveraging a patented formula that establishes a protective seal at the molecular level, this solution provides a robust defense against environmental contaminants, harmful UV rays, and insect acids.
Notably, XPEL FUSION PLUS ensures much easier maintenance of your vehicle, rendering it resistant to light scratches and diminishing the effects of fading. The hydrophobic properties inherent in XPEL FUSION PLUS contribute to a surface that helps repel dirt and liquids, facilitating ease of cleaning for your vehicle.
Moreover, the application of XPEL FUSION PLUS results in an exceptional gloss finish, ensuring a consistently polished appearance for your vehicle. This comprehensive protection and aesthetic enhancement make XPEL FUSION PLUS an optimal choice for maintaining the ideal condition and visual appeal of your vehicle.
- Protects Against the Elements: Specially formulated to protect your vehicle from UV rays, oxidation, insect acids, corrosion, and other contaminants.
- Helps Repel Water, Dirt, and Road Grime: Makes maintenance a breeze.
- Resists Stains and Chemical Etching: Reduces the chance of discoloration from oils, pollutants, and other environmental impurities.
- Improves Surface Clarity
Professionally applied ceramic is a permanent product. The only way that it can be removed is through heavy machine compounding. At Benchmark Auto Salon, we offer two different paint coatings. XPEL FUSION PLUS has a 4-year warranty. Opti-Coat Pro Plus (an upgraded version of XPEL FUSION PLUS) has a 7-year warranty.
Benchmark Auto Salon uses XPEL FUSION PLUS, which is a 9H ceramic coating that is scratch-resistant.
Cure times depend on which paint coating you choose. You will receive special instructions after your paint coating is applied.
Before we even begin applying your clear paint protection film, our team takes the necessary time to prep your car. This requires getting your paint as clean as possible – an essential step to ensuring your film looks great and performs even better. Don't just take our word for it. See what our customers say.
Yes. Clear paint protection is the best option available to protect your vehicle's paint from rock chips and road debris.
Clear paint protection film is often shortened to PPF or clear bra. All three terms are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
Nope! You should treat your clear bra exactly as you would the paint on your vehicle. With regular hand washing and a good coat of wax, the clear paint protection film will perform properly and look great for a long time.
Cure times depend on which paint coating you choose. You will receive special instructions after your paint coating is applied.
It’s important to note that Clear Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating are not the same products. XPEL PPF, or paint protection film, provides a robust urethane layer designed to shield against rock chips, road debris, and scratches. On the other hand, ceramic coatings, despite their micron-thin cured layer, are not engineered to prevent rock chips. Nevertheless, ceramic coatings excel in safeguarding against environmental contaminants like bird droppings and bug residue, making them particularly effective for maintaining a clean surface and simplifying the removal of track rubber.
Definitely. This is a common choice for car enthusiasts who want to give their car the highest level of protection and appearance.
The paint coating links (or bonds) with the paint, creating a new functional layer. The bond is on a molecular level that cannot be washed off like wax or sealant. Our ceramic coating will enhance your vehicle's gloss.
Yes. Please wait 7 days before using any chemicals on the exterior of your car while the ceramic finishes the cure process. You can wash your car after a paint coating is applied, but it’s strongly recommended that you use an approved car wash solution (such as XPEL Rinse Free Car Wash).
No. FUSION PLUS coating is not self-healing. If you would like a self-healing product, we recommend installing a Clear Paint Protection Film, which can be applied with a paint coating.
XPEL FUSION PLUS has a 9H hardness rating. This rating is based on a pencil Hardness Test, which is commonly used by clear paint manufacturers. The Pencil Hardness test is used to determine how scratch-resistant a surface coating is.
Generally, a paint coating appointment can be completed in roughly 24 hours. This allows enough time to complete our extensive prep process, apply the coating, and allow it to cure. This process means that once you pick up your vehicle from us, you don't have to worry about any pesky raindrops on the drive home. If you are worried about timing, we strongly recommend calling the office to discuss availability and your specific vehicle.