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RV Ceramic Coating FAQ's
What are the benefits of a Ceramic Coating?
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Dramatically reduces maintenance, no waxing is required and cleaning is a breeze.
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Creates a diamond-hard 9H coating that protects the surface of your RV.
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Reflects UV rays, providing long-term protection from sun damage, fading and oxidation.
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Independent laboratory and in-field tests have shown 24-months of protection with more depending on location, usage, maintenance and storage - 6-8 times longer than wax.
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Higher ceramic content makes it strong enough for gelcoat. Also safe for use on fiberglass, painted surfaces, chrome, glass, plastic or metal.
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Extends the life of your gelcoat or paint.
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Gloss and color rejuvenation - Restores color and gloss 35% more than traditional wax.
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Super smooth hydrophobic surface repels stains from acid rain, bird droppings, mud, dirt and other road debris.
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Perfect for winter protection - prevents ice and snow adhesion and repels salt.
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Unlike wax, the coating is not susceptible to heat and will not melt or evaporate.
How does it work?
Nano-ceramic particles fill in the microscopic pores and imperfections of the surface and chemically bond with the gelcoat to form a diamond hard layer of protection against the elements making it easier to clean and significantly reducing the rate of oxidation.
Maintaining your Ceramic Coating
Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating greatly reduces the time and effort required to maintain your Oliver. Simply rinse your Oliver after each use, and use a microfiber wash mitt, towel, or soft bristled brush to wash the bugs off the front of your Oliver (It is highly recommended to dry the Oliver after rinsing to avoid water spots). We recommend washing your Oliver with CGI Detailing's Polymer Infused Soap and a soft bristled brush every 2-3 weeks, easily removing surface stains. To increase the life of Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating, we recommend the use of CGI Detailing's Ceramic Shield every 3-4 months to add a sacrificial layer which enhances the protective properties and gloss.
Q: What is a ceramic coating?
A: Ceramic coatings are liquid polymer coatings that are applied by hand. They are applied in liquid form, allowing the coating to fill in microscopic pores on the surface. After curing, the coating bonds with the surface, creating a hard, semi-permanent barrier. Ceramic coatings provide extreme gloss to the surface, giving a glass like look. Ceramics create a hydrophobic surface, preventing contaminants from penetrating the pores, making maintenance extremely easy while also preventing oxidation.
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Q: Are ceramic coatings permanent?
A: Nothing is permanent. Ceramic coatings come off through abrasion. The life expectancy of a ceramic coating, is based on a lot of factors, including: storage, seasonal year round exposure to UV, driving time, and climate to name a few. Following our maintenance program though, will significantly increase the overall performance. In our testing in Southern States like Florida, our RV Ceramic Coatings typically last over 24 months before re-application is required. Whereas in Northern States, we typically see 3-4 years before re-application.
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Q: How can I tell the RV is ready to be recoated with Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating?
A: You can tell the RV is ready to be recoated with Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating based on how the water reacts on the surface. Once the water stops beading up on the surface, it is time to reapply. Also, if the surface begins to lose the gloss and shine, this is an indication that Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating needs to be reapplied.
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Q: What is the process for reapplication?
A: Unlike other nano coating products, Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating does not need to be removed before reapplication. When reapplying Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating you will follow these steps:
1. Wash RV with Glidecoat Nano Wash.
2. Use dual action buffer or rotary buffer to apply Glidecoat Nano Polish.
3. Decontaminate surface with Glidecoat Surface Wipe.
4. Reapply Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating. In most cases, Glidecoat Nano Compound is not required in reapplication of the coating because the surface will not be heavily oxidized.
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Q: How long does Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating last?
A: After extensive laboratory and field testing, Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating has been proven to provide protection for over 24 months in South Florida, longer in northern areas. With the use of Glidecoat RV Shine and Shield every 3-4 months, you can increase the life span of your ceramic coating.
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Q: Do ceramic coatings peel off?
A: True ceramic coatings will fill the pores on the surface and then chemically bond directly to the surface making it hydrophobic. It does not peel and is only removed through abrasion.
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Q: Do I need to remove oxidation before applying Glidecoat RV Ceramic Coating?
A: Yes. Surface preparation is the most important step prior to applying Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating. The coating has been designed to enhance and protect the current condition of the surface. If applied over water marks or oxidization, it will lock in these imperfections and make them harder to remove. It is very important to restore the surface, removing any surface imperfections before applying Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating.
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Q: Will a ceramic coating eliminate water spots?
A: A normal drop of water contains a certain amount of dirt or minerals. When water evaporates on your RV’s surface, the minerals are left behind, creating visible spots. Detailers and consumers may assume that the hydrophobic quality of a ceramic coating will eliminate water spotting, since water slides off the coated surface. While it is true that some water will be repelled from the hydrophobic surface, other water droplets will bead and remain on the surface, creating the opportunity for water spotting. As long as the RV is rinsed with clean water and wiped down, with a chamois, spots will be eliminated.
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Q: How can I tell Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating is properly applied?
A: Once Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating is applied, there will be a noticeable difference in the shine of the surface. After application the surface should appear to be uniform and feel smooth to touch. If certain areas are not as shiny, an additional coat can be applied to ensure the surface is uniform. After the coating has cured (48 hours), a great way to test the surface is to spray the coated area with water. If the product has been applied properly, the water will bead-up on the surface. For best results, we recommend applying a minimum of two coats, three coats on highly sun exposed areas.
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Q: Recommended maintenance plan for the RV after applying the Glidecoat RV Ceramic Coating?
A: Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating greatly reduces the time and effort required to maintain your RV. Rinse your RV after each use, this will remove any contaminants or residue (It is highly recommended to dry or chamois the RV after rinsing to avoid water spots). We recommend washing the RV with Glidecoat’s Nano Wash and a soft bristled brush every 2-3 weeks, easily removing surface stains. To increase the life of Glidecoat’s RV Ceramic Coating, we recommend the use of RV Shine and Shield every 3-4 months to add a sacrificial layer which enhances the protective properties and gloss.
Q: Will my RV look brand new again?
A: Unfortunately, ceramic coatings are not a miracle coating. With the right preparation though, it will look new or as close to new as you can get given the age and condition of the gelcoat. On new RVs you will get a 10-15% bump in the gloss and shine from factory new gelcoat. On older RV’s we have seen readings on a gloss meter (it measures shine by reflecting a light of the surface) go from single digits to north of 90 GU, which is substantial.
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Q: What is the difference between Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating and wax?
A: Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating is designed to fill in the pores of gel coat or paint, bonding with the surface to create a diamond hard barrier. Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating enhances the gloss of the surface, while also providing protection 6 to 8 times longer than wax. On the other hand, when a wax is applied, it simply sits on top of the surface, which only provides short term protection. After wax is applied, each time the RV is washed, the wax begins to deteriorate and come off the surface. In warm climates, wax starts to evaporate at 110°F.
Q: What separates Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating from other ceramic coating products in the market?
A: Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating has been specifically designed for your RV and the challenges RV’s face compared to other automobiles. Many other ceramic coatings were originally developed for the automotive industry, then taking the same product and selling it for use on RV’s, making them ineffective and not as durable. Unlike other ceramic coatings, Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating does not need to be removed before reapplication, you can layer our product which provides even more protection. Glidecoat’s Ceramic Coating is a very versatile product. It can be applied to new RV’s to enhance gloss and shine of the factory finish, restore the shine of faded gel coat, or even be applied on stainless steel or aluminum surfaces.
Ceramic Coating or Wax?
The truth of the matter is that wax loses its surface functionality in a matter of weeks. Most manufacturers recommend waxing 3-5 times a year under average conditions. If you live in an area with higher temperatures (90°F or above) or have a darker colored RV, the wax can melt away even quicker – days instead of weeks. Functions such as UV blocking and stain resistance are the first to fail and then continue to diminish sharply. Most RV owners aren’t waxing this often, either because of the effort involved or because they are on the road. This means your RV is being left exposed to the elements and the surface is slowly deteriorating. Glidecoat RV Ceramic coating provides a superior level of protection. It actually bonds to the surface to create a layer of protection that won’t wash or melt away – even under high temperatures. In fact, Glidecoat has had extensive field testing on all forms of gel coat and painted surfaces in extreme weather conditions by accredited independent laboratories and has been proven to provide at least 24 months of protection under even the harshest conditions. Furthermore, under “average conditions” and through proper maintenance.
