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When it comes to maintaining a car’s exterior in top condition, many people would usually consider sending their cars for a car grooming session in Singapore. However, there’s more to car grooming than just simply washing, waxing, and polishing the car.
In Singapore, cars are considered expensive yet depreciating assets. And if you own a car or two, it’s only right that you take measures to protect and preserve your car. After all, it has likely cost you a lot of money and you wouldn’t want your newly bought car to lose its showroom gleam immediately.
In this article, we look at one of the ways of keeping your car’s exterior in top condition which helps to protect your car from chips, scratches, paint damage, etc. while also preserving its value – paint protection.
Why is paint protection important?
Paint protection is generally useful in maintaining a car’s most noticeable aspect which is its external appearance. As it’s a broad term that includes various products and processes, paint protection coating commonly refers to a layer of inorganic compound that coats your car’s paintwork.
It has two key functions – to protect your car from UV and infrared rays, and prevent your car paint from fading or deteriorating due to oxidative pollutants.
While paint protection coating helps to preserve the car’s original paintwork, do note that it doesn’t make your car’s paintwork damage-proof. Therefore, you still need to send your car for regular car grooming to preserve its worth and resale value.
Types of Car Paint Protection
There are several types of paint protection for cars – automotive waxes, synthetic paint sealants, paint protection film, and ceramic coating. Here’s a general idea of each type of paint protection coating.
Automotive waxes
Automotive waxes generally refer to hard hydrocarbon at room temperature. The waxes can come from natural sources like carnauba or synthetic material like silicone. Natural waxes can last about 6 weeks while some synthetic waxes can last up to 3 months.
It generally works like a nail polish which protects the clear coat of your car from the nasty stuff in the air like UV rays and water. However, it doesn’t provide comprehensive protection against other pollutants and chemicals.
Synthetic paint sealants
Synthetic paint sealants offer a longer-lasting alternative to car wax as they can last from 6 to 10 months. It’s because they’re usually made from synthetic ingredients and polymers which are designed to protect against harsh contaminants like bird droppings.
On top of that, synthetic paint sealants, when applied to a properly prepped and clean paint surface, will give the car a shiny or glass-like appearance. This will also help to reduce road grime from sticking.
Ceramic coating
Unlike the previous two, ceramic coating is silica-based which is commonly derived from quartz crystals and sand. As ceramic coatings offer superior heat, abrasion, chemical, water, and impact resistance, it’s considered the ideal paint protection for various car components.
When this viscous liquid is cured atop a hard surface like your car, it forms a crystal-clear shell on the surface of your paint and becomes a semi-permanent sealant. This allows a range of benefits as the ceramic coating can last longer than wax and paint sealants.
Paint protection film
Commonly known as PPF, paint protection film comes in the form of thickened film that is applied to your car’s external surface. It’s one of the most expensive paint protection option available in the market as the film can last up to 10 years when it’s properly maintained.
While it offers superior protection against acidic contaminants and lowers the paint’s oxidation rate due to excessive exposure to the sun, this film can reduce the shine of your car paint and if a section is damaged, it needs to be completely replaced.
Now that you’ve learned about the importance of paint protection and the different types of paint protection coating, you may be wondering whether it’s worth it.
Is paint protection worth it?
Well, let us reiterate that cars are considered an expensive yet depreciating asset in Singapore. If you own one, it’s only right that you take measures to protect and preserve your car so that you can use it for a long time.
Paint protection coating is a good way to keeping your car’s exterior in top condition. Because your car will be easier to clean and you don’t have to worry much about getting it polished for even the smallest damage.
Before you decide whether or not your car needs paint protection, consider where your car spends most of its time when you’re not driving it. If you park it outside every night, near trees or overhead cables where birds roost, you should invest in paint protection.
Also, if you often drive your car to construction sites, your paintwork is likely to sustain small bits of damage from stone chips and scratches. You can instead protect your car’s paintwork with paint protection.
However, if you park your car in a garage, rarely spend the day outside or only drive it around the island, there’s probably less need for a paint protection coating.
Unless you’re prepared to clean your car regularly and look after the paintwork like how professional car detailers do it, you likely need paint protection to keep your car’s exterior in top condition.
Ultimately, it depends on how you use your car and your requirements because providing your car with paint protection coating will improve the gleam and shield the paintwork from the nasty stuff.
Get your car professionally groomed at Lambency Detailing
Providing your car with paint protection is your best bet at keeping it looking new. If you’re looking for professional car grooming in Singapore, Lambency Detailing is a one-stop automotive centre for all your car needs.
We offer comprehensive car paint protection solutions that use only 100% genuine SONAX products from Germany to ensure the quality of your car’s surface.
Find out more about Lambency Detailing’s different products and services here. Book an appointment with us to get your car interior detailing now! WhatsApp: (65) 9658 5808 Email: lambency@quantum-globe.com
