Glass coating products are one of the latest sensations in the car wash industry. In fact, it is one of the hottest topics discussed in top car wash forums like autogeekonline and talkcarwash.com. As an auto enthusiast yourself, your curiosity naturally piques about this auto detailing supply. Some claim it to be the best product when it comes to enhancing a vehicle’s appearance while others say it is just a clever marketing ploy.
In one of our most recent posts, we introduced what glass coating is. We also enumerated a few of its advantages. This time, we’d like to take a closer look at glass coating products to help you decide whether it is worth investing in them.
Glass Coating Products: Pros and Cons
Before we plunge deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of glass coating, understand that it is not really made of glass, as some manufacturers would lead you to believe. Yes, it contains silica, which also goes into making glass, but that’s where the similarities end. Glass is made of the following materials: silica, sodium, calcium, magnesium, alumina, and potassium. Glass coating, on the other hand, is made up of silicon, silica, fluorine and titanium. Technically, glass coating products are just another type of car paint protection film. And, like any other material, it has its own set of pros and cons.
Pros:
Some consumers and auto professionals consider it excellent due to the following reasons:
Longevity
Although no specific time frame has been allotted for glass coating products, users and manufacturers claim that some brands can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending upon natural and man-made conditions. This, they say, reduces, if not entirely eliminates car waxing.
Protection
It forms a shield-like protection over any surface it is applied to. Thus, surfaces allegedly become resistant to sand, debris, and stone chips. It also prevents the formation of hard water spots and stains from bird droppings, tree sap, etc.
Beauty
Users profess that different glass coating products enhanced the appearance of their vehicles. The superb shine that they provide, they say, has given their rides a new life.
Safety
There is a claim that the right type of glass coating can deflect the harmful rays by up to 85%, thus increasing your protection against fatal diseases like skin cancer.
Cons:
Cost
Glass coating products are not cheap. Prepare to pay more than $1,000 for a small car and up to $2,000 for an MPV.
Difficulty of Application
Application of glass coating products requires the necessary tools and the hands of an expert. Otherwise, it might lead to an uneven application since this material hardens quickly. The process also needs to take place in a dust-free area to eliminate the chances of contamination from dust and debris. These contaminants may create minute bumps that can damage both the coating and the car paint.
Toxicity
Some glass coating products, according to drbeasley.com, “use extremely harsh chemicals that when you open the bottle, smell like a nice sampling of jet fuel. After speaking with many detailers who specialize in applying many of these coatings, they mention how they need to take frequent breaks to refrain from going light-headed”.
These are just some of the pros and cons of using glass coating products. You can use this list as a guide if and when you decide to use this material for your beloved possession.
Enjoyed this post? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more valuable tips, ideas, coupons, and extras!