Get the Secret to Year-Round Protection
Your boat deserves the same royal treatment as your car when it comes to washing and maintenance. Even if your boat stays in the water for most of the year, it’s still susceptible to threats that could mar its appearance. One way to protect your boat and keep it shining and looking brand new is to apply a durable ceramic coating.
Similar to automobiles, ceramic coatings protect a boat’s paint from environmental damage and minor impacts. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a ceramic coating for boats
- How it’s applied
- Benefits of ceramic coating on boats
- The cost and value of a ceramic coating
- How to maintain a boat’s ceramic coating
What Is Ceramic Coating for Boats
A ceramic coating is a thin layer of liquid polymers that’s applied to a boat’s metal surface, where it cures and hardens. The coating bonds to the paint to create a clear, protective barrier. This barrier repels water and prevents threats like dust, debris, bird droppings, impacts from small rocks, acid rain, or gasoline drips from degrading the boat’s paint.
Even covered boats or boats in storage can be susceptible to damage. UV rays may fade the paint over time, while saltwater or harsh weather conditions can cause cracking, peeling, or chipping. The goal is to create a solid barrier against these and other threats so your boat looks like new for longer.
The Application Process
Ceramic coatings are professionally applied by trained technicians using specialty equipment. After washing the boat to remove any dirt or debris, your ceramic technician will hand-dry and polish the boat to remove any remaining oils and residue.
Before applying the coating, your technician may also use a clay bar and rag to fill in any scratches to create a smooth, even surface. From there, they’ll spray the coating in a thin layer and let it cure for at least 24 hours. In some cases, your boat may need a second coat to create a clean, even shine.
Overall, the process can be completed in a day, but it’s best to wait an additional 24 hours after curing before returning your boat to the water.
Advantages of Ceramic Coating for Boats
Adding a ceramic coating to your boat is a step toward protection and prevention. Cilajet’s marine formula is made to address the unique needs of your boat, whether it’s used for commercial or recreational purposes.
For starters, ceramic coatings prevent fading due to sunlight exposure. Out on the water, your boat is in direct sunlight for hours on end. UV rays and extreme heat can cause your paint to fade, peel, or crack, which makes your boat show its age faster.
Our coatings can also protect your boat from harsh conditions, including saltwater and weather. Ongoing exposure to saltwater can lead to corrosion and oxidation. With a protective coating, your paint is never directly exposed to saltwater, helping to avoid its damage.
Other threats include gasoline spills, diesel soot, marine growth, hard water spots, calcium deposits, and exposure to oils. Your ceramic coating acts like hazmat gear for your boat so it doesn’t come into contact with these elements.
The Cost and Value of Ceramic Coatings for Boats
The cost of ceramic coatings for boats can vary by shop or dealer, but it may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The price depends on the size of the watercraft and other factors. Your dealer should be able to provide a quote upfront so you know what to expect.
Still, getting a ceramic coating on your boat can help you save money in the long run. These coatings last for a year or more, depending on your boat usage, how well you maintain your boat, and the conditions it’s exposed to on a regular basis. You’ll save money because the coating helps protect the boat’s paint, and by extension, the components of your boat.
Once the paint starts to erode, the boat’s metal becomes susceptible to damage. Replacing parts due to corrosion or breakage can be costly, not to mention the fact that it can devalue your boat.
On the flip side, maintaining your boat also helps to maintain its value. You’ll have fewer parts to replace, plus your boat will look and function like new for longer. When it’s time to sell, a clean history can fetch a higher selling price.
Maintaining Ceramic Coating on a Boat
Once a ceramic coating has been applied to your boat, you won’t have to do much to maintain it. The coating forms a chemical bond to the paint, unlike wax which can easily wash or wear off within a couple of months.
That said, you will need to occasionally wash your boat to remove any debris that could affect its appearance. Avoid using harsh cleaners, detergents, bleach, or degreasers, as these may potentially shorten the lifespan of your ceramic coating.
When you take the boat out of the water, give it a thorough rinse to remove any marine life, oil, or residue. This is especially important if you’re boating in saltwater. While the coating can protect against these elements, it’s best not to let them linger on the boat’s surface.
Spot cleaning can also prove beneficial in maintaining your ceramic coating, especially if you store your boat outside. After a storm or high winds, check your boat and remove any debris.
Improve Your Boat’s Appearance with Cilajet
Ceramic coatings aren’t just for cars; marine-grade formulas can also help you extend the life and improve the appearance of your boat. With boats being exposed to harsh conditions year-round—both in and out of the water—it’s essential to invest in protection so you can keep enjoying them for years to come.
Cilajet’s marine-grade formula gives you superior protection with just one application. Create a solid barrier against sunlight, saltwater, exhaust fumes, marine life, and other factors that could affect how your boat looks and functions. Find a dealer and take full advantage of boating season!