The ceramic coating industry is growing at a rapid rate. There are currently more than 1,000 ceramic coating plants worldwide. With such a high demand for the material, it’s no surprise that prices are going up as well.
However, these increases are sustainable in the long run and will not be detrimental to the industry as a whole. Ceramic coating Kitchener has become increasingly popular over the last few years – many of them due to their environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal.
They are also used extensively in industrial settings; they protect metal surfaces from moisture and corrosion, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and storage areas. These properties make them an ideal material for painting as well.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about ceramic coating – its types, uses, costs, pros, and cons – so you can make the right decision for your project or business sooner rather than later.
What is a Caramel Coating?
A ceramic coating is a thin layer of ceramic material applied to the surface of a metal. It acts as a protective coating that can be easily cleaned and maintained. The coating can be applied to a variety of different mediums, including steel, iron, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.
A ceramic coating can be used to protect metal surfaces from moisture, abrasion, and corrosion. It is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor structures like outdoor grills, outdoor furniture, and outdoor kitchen cabinets. A ceramic coating can also be used to protect metal surfaces from impact, such as in industrial settings.
A ceramic coating’s main purpose is to protect the metal from corrosion and abrasion. It prevents the metal from coming into contact with water, oil, and other chemicals.
Similarly, a ceramic coating can be used to protect the exterior of a building from the elements. It can help to reduce the risk of corrosion and increase the lifespan of the building.
Types of Ceramic Coating
- Metalizing: The coating converts the metal substrate into a colorized surface.
- Plating: The coating combines with the existing metal surface.
- Anodizing: The coating is electrochemically oxidized to an oxide, which is then anodized, creating a colored layer.
How to Apply a Ceramic Coating
There are multiple ways to apply a ceramic coating. The methods and products used depend on the coating being used, the substrate being coated, and the desired aesthetic effect.
For example, a metalizing coating is applied by spraying the liquid directly onto the metal. A plating coating is applied by using a brush or roller to apply the liquid onto the substrate. Anodizing involves electrochemical oxidation of a base to create the desired color.
Many coating manufacturers also offer installation services for customers who want to have their coating professionally applied. Many variables need to be considered when applying a ceramic coating. These include substrate type, substrate condition, coating type, coating thickness, and coating application method (spray vs roll vs brush).
Pro tips for ceramic coating
- Be specific with the substrate: For example, don’t coat a stainless steel sink or a granite countertop with a ceramic coating intended for a steel surface.
- Clean and dry the surface: Clean your substrate and the surface beneath the coating before applying the coating to avoid damaging the coating. Use a degreaser and a brush to remove any dirt, dust, and grime from the substrate.
- Apply thin coats: Though ceramic coatings can be applied in thicker layers, it is best to apply them in very thin coats. Thicker coatings can cause the coating to chip, bubble, and flake over time.
- Be patient: A ceramic coating is an investment, so it is best to be patient and allow the coating to cure before using it.
- Don’t pressure wash: Pressure washing can damage a coating.
Pros of ceramic coating
- Durable: Ceramic coatings can last for years, unlike paint which can chip, crack, or fade with time.
- Low Maintenance: Ceramic coatings are virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional cleaning to maintain their quality.
- Weather-Resistant: Ceramic coatings can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor applications.
- Impact-Resistant: Ceramic coatings can resist impact from dust, liquids, and other abrasive materials, making them highly durable.
- Waterproof: Ceramic coatings are waterproof, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor applications such as outdoor kitchen cabinets.
- Fire-Retardant: Ceramic coatings are non-combustible, making them suitable for indoor environments where fire safety is of utmost importance.
- Environmentally Friendly: Ceramic coatings are relatively eco-friendly, which makes them suitable for environmentally conscious customers.
- Affordable: A coat of ceramic coating costs $500 to $2,500, compared to $15,000 to $50,000 for a coat of paint.
Cons of Ceramic Coating
- Costly: As compared to paint, ceramic coatings are more expensive, costing $500 to $2,500 per coat.
- Varies Based on the Coating Type: While a metalizing coating can last as long as 15 years, anodizing is only effective for a few years.
- Requires a Manufacturing Breakthrough: While ceramic coating has been around for a long time, it’s only recently that the industrialization of ceramic coating has reached the point where it can be used to cover large amounts of metal.
- Multiple Coating Updates Required: Because ceramic coatings are relatively new, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to improve their efficiency and longevity. As such, customers may be required to apply multiple coatings to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.
- Time-Consuming: Though a ceramic coating is only applied once, it takes several weeks for it to cure. During this time, the coating is susceptible to chipping and cracking.
- Available in Small Quantities Only: A ceramic coating is only available in very small quantities, so it may be difficult to apply it to all metal surfaces in a business or home.
- Should Be Used in Existing Properties: Though ceramic coatings are very durable and long-lasting, they’re not suitable for new construction.
Conclusion
Ceramic coatings are an increasingly popular choice for metal protection. They are durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting, and offer significant environmental benefits. They are also relatively affordable and can be applied in small quantities.
However, ceramic coatings are only suitable for certain types of metals, meaning that they can’t be used on new buildings or in new construction projects. These are their main advantages, but there are also some disadvantages associated with them.
The type of coating used, the substrate being coated, and the desired aesthetic effect all need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether to use a ceramic coating or paint.
