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Teflon vs Ceramic Coating for Cars and Bikes: Which is Better?

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Do you remember the first time you saw your car or bike coming out of the showroom? The shine, the colour, the appeal – it was a truly happy moment, wasn’t it? Even if it wasn’t an overtly overwhelming moment, it might have been pleasant for most people.

Contents

What is Teflon Coating (PTFE) for Cars and Bikes?
Teflon Coating Process:
Advantages of Teflon Coating:
Disadvantages of Teflon Coating:
What is Ceramic Coating (CC) for Cars and Bikes?
Ceramic Coating Process:
Advantages of Ceramic Coating:
Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating:
What is The Meaning of 9H Ceramic Coating?
Difference Between Teflon and Ceramic Coating Procedures:
Teflon Coating or Ceramic Coating: Which is the best for my vehicle?
- Vehicle:
- Frequency:
Frequently Asked Questions:

If you are a car or a bike enthusiast, you want your vehicle to stay spotless and shine like the north star. Unfortunately, this fairy tale doesn’t last for long. The vehicle is bound to catch dust. Little scratches here and there are normal. With time, the paint starts to lose its shine. But what if there was a way to reclaim your vehicle’s losing glory? Teflon coating (TC) and Ceramic Coating (CC) can make that magic happen. Want to know how? Read ahead for answers.

What is Teflon Coating (PTFE) for Cars and Bikes?

Be it Teflon coating for cars or Teflon coating for bikes, its main objective is to keep the paint intact for a long time. A lot of car and bike dealerships and service centres suggest the use of such procedures to enhance your vehicle’s appeal. This type of coating is popular by the name – Paint Protection Coating.

The technical name for the coating is PTFE, which is a short form of polytetrafluoroethylene. It is a chemical. The trade name of polytetrafluoroethylene is Teflon. A TC procedure will cover your vehicle’s paint with a protective layer. It also gives the paint gloss and shine. Not just that, it also helps the paint to fight corrosion and delay the natural wear and tear process.

Teflon Coating Process:

Here’s how the TC process is usually carried out on a vehicle.

Step 1 – The vehicle is washed on the outside so that there are no dust particles on the surface.
Step 2 – Adequate care is taken to wipe and dry the surface of the vehicle.
Step 3 – The chemical is applied in a lubricated manner.
Step 4 – The coating takes about 15 to 30 minutes to dry.
Step 5 – After the vehicle is dry, it is polished using a buffing machine to remove trivial scratches and offer a glossy finish.

Advantages of Teflon Coating:

Here’s a list of advantages associated with TC.

The most significant advantage of applying a Teflon coat on your vehicle is that its paint will have an attractive shine moments after the process is completed.
If there are minor scratches on the paint, they will be wiped off during the process.
The protective layer will also prevent minor scratches from damaging the paint.
Considering the TC is followed up by frequent sessions, it will increase the durability of the vehicle’s paint.

Also, read: Vehicle Scrappage Policy in India

Disadvantages of Teflon Coating:

Here’s a list of disadvantages associated with TC.

This type of coating does not offer long-term advantages until performed regularly. You need to keep repeating the process from time-to-time, probably two to three times a year for continuous benefits.
Recurring coating sessions can prove to be costly depending upon the size of the vehicle and the service provider.
You must be vigilant and trust the service provider as it is difficult to find out if the service provider has provided the actual TC or used a cheaper alternative. If the service provider uses wax or simply polishes the vehicle using a machine, it will offer a Teflon-like look for a while that will eventually wear off.

What is Ceramic Coating (CC) for Cars and Bikes?

Whether you are going for Ceramic Coating for cars or Ceramic Coating for bikes, it is directed towards providing superior protection for the vehicle’s paint. It is one level up as compared to TC. This is because CC connects with the vehicle’s paint at a molecular level, resulting in a protective force against dust and dirt.

CC is a clear coat involving a liquid polymer. This type of coating lasts for years in one go. Some people apply CC to new cars to ensure paint durability and to keep their four-wheeler glossy.

Ceramic Coating Process:

Here’s how the CC process is usually carried out on a vehicle.

Step 1 – Pre-wash the vehicle to get rid of dirt, dust, and bird droppings.
Step 2 – Wash the vehicle with soap water or other alternatives.
Step 3 – Rinse thoroughly after washing.
Step 4 – Apply the solution.
Step 5 – Rinse, complete the buffing process and dry.
Step 6 – Apply a polishing compound (non-wax).
Step 7 – Use a polishing machine on the vehicle evenly.
Step 8 – Give the vehicle a final wipe.

Advantages of Ceramic Coating:

Here’s a list of advantages associated with CC.

It offers an added layer of protection to the vehicle’s surface against basic contamination.
It has minimal to no side effects on the paint.
Its chemical bonding process ensures that the coating lasts for a long period.
It is easier to clean a vehicle which has a CC.
It enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the car or the bike.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating:

Here’s a list of disadvantages associated with CC.

The cost of a CC is on the higher side. It is an expensive procedure, especially for a car.
It can take up to three days for the entire process to complete.
The CC process needs to be performed by professionals. Otherwise, it might look unappealing and reduce the aesthetic appeal of your car or bike.

What is The Meaning of 9H Ceramic Coating?

The 9H in 9H Ceramic Coating can be understood as a grade given to it. It can be read as a CC having a 9H grade. To simplify, it is the level in a pencil hardness scale, which is often used by artists and professional designers. In conclusion, 9H CC can provide a considerably good layer on your vehicle’s paint.

Difference Between Teflon and Ceramic Coating Procedures:

The following table will explain the basic differences between the two types of coating. Note that the degree of differences might vary depending upon the exact brand and product chosen for the vehicle.

Particulars	Teflon Coating	Ceramic Coating
Category of paint protection	Synthetic wax	Clear coat
Place of origin	United Kingdom	United States of America
Critical component	Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)	Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Thickness of coating film	0.02 microns	2 microns
Durability	Few months	Few years
Protection against	Rusts and scratches	Rusting, scratching, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and oxidation.
Expenditure	Comparatively low for one session.	Comparatively high for one session.

Also, read: List of Mandatory Documents to Ride a Bike in India

Teflon Coating or Ceramic Coating: Which is the best for my vehicle?

The question posed in the above heading is subjective. However, the following points will help you to make the right decision.

Vehicle:

Are you going to coat your car or bike? This is crucial because bikes have less surface area as compared to a car, and they will consume less solution compared to a car. Which means it will cost less.

Frequency:

Along with the chosen vehicle, you can also consider the frequency of the coating sessions. On average, TC requires more sessions periodically as compared to CC, which is an almost one-time procedure.

Also, read: Insurance for Bike

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions concerning Teflon and ceramic car coating and bike coating.

How can I find out if a car or bike is coated with Teflon or not?

It is difficult to find out whether a car or bike is coated with Teflon or ceramic or wax or just polished by looking at it once. Usually, the difference lies in smoothness, which can be gauged on closer inspection. If you want to verify if the service provider has provided TC and not just any other coating, then you will have to seek expert opinion from a mechanic or quiz the service provider more about it. You can be proactive and check how the service provider performs the TC by visiting the workshop.

Why is Teflon coating given to two-wheelers or cars?

Two-wheelers and cars are often coated with Teflon to enhance their aesthetic appeal via shine and gloss. And because it is a cheaper alternative to CC.

How much time does it take for the implementation of Teflon coating?

The exact time taken for TC will depend upon the type and size of your vehicle. Generally, it takes a few hours to complete the process.

Is applying Teflon coating under the surface/underbody of new cars in Delhi a beneficial idea?

Underbody coating is usually performed as an anti-rusting measure. For concerns regarding whether it will be beneficial in a specific location, it is suggested to speak with a trusted mechanic or seek advice from the service provider regarding the right product.

Is it possible to opt for a Ceramic Coating treatment on a new car immediately after it has undergone Teflon coating or should there be some time gap between the two processes?

From a monetary point of view, if you want to opt for Ceramic Coating, then you can directly go for it instead of going for Teflon. If you have already gone ahead with TC and the CC was an afterthought, then you can wait for a few months, till the TC lasts, and then go for CC for optimal results. However, if you have some specific requirements, then it is better to discuss with a trusted mechanic or a professional coating provider.

My car is ceramic coated but its door needs to be repaired. Will there be any problems?

A skilled mechanic might be able to handle the door repairs without damaging the coating. However, it is suggested to discuss this issue with your mechanic or the coating provider.

What is the material in Ceramic Coating for cars?

Generally, the material used in CC is a liquid polymer.

Is the 9H level of hardness in Ceramic Coating good?

9H is a grade which is considered good concerning CC.

What is C3 coating? Is it better than Ceramic Coating or is it another name for it?

C3 coating is a nano-coating that is anti-static and weather resistant. Both ceramic and C3 coating work by creating a bond with the paint. Comparatively, C3 coating can offer long-lasting benefits. If you are confused whether you should opt for C3 coating or CC for your car, then have a detailed discussion with the service provider for optimal results, as the answer can vary based on the type of vehicle, its usage, geography, and budget.

Is it beneficial to opt for Powder Coating for a bike?

Powder coating can slow down rusting and offer the two-wheeler a stylish look. Whether you should opt for it or go for TC is a subjective choice. It is suggested to discuss the options with a fellow rider, trusted mechanic, or a professional coating provider.

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