If you own an RV, you know it isn’t an ordinary vehicle. For lack of a better word, “It’s your own house on wheels.” It can even be qualified as a sanctuary for exploration and adventure. If you have an RV in your possession, you will naturally want to preserve your investment and keep it looking brand new for many years. There are many ways to do this. But applying a ceramic coating to your RV’s external body is ideal.
With all this said, considering the longevity of a ceramic coating for an RV is also important. In this blog, we will unpack how long a ceramic coating lasts on an RV and talk about additional factors that impact how long it lasts.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of an RV ceramic coating, you must first understand how a ceramic coating works and what a ceramic coating is.
Definitively, ceramic coatings are liquid polymers that bond physically with your RV’s paint surface. Once cured, ceramic coatings establish a long-lasting protective layer that can resist chemicals, UV rays, oxidation, and minimal surface stains.
The application process demands meticulous preparation on the surface of the RV. This process is followed by a cautious application of the ceramic coat, which has to cure for a predetermined period of time.
Usually, a well-looked-after RV ceramic coating lasts about three to five years or sometimes even longer; how long it lasts depends on many factors. These factors include: the quality of the ceramic coating, the quality of the RV surface, the quality of the application, and how well the RV is maintained.
Let us take a closer look at these factors.
Quality of the Ceramic Coating
Not all ceramic coatings are developed with the same quality ingredients. There are several formulations and brands on the market today. These range from professional-grade options to consumer-grade coatings. Under normal circumstances, ceramic coatings last longer, providing superior protection for your vehicle’s paint job. It’s crucial to select a brand with a noteworthy reputation and consider putting your money into a professional-grade ceramic coat to ensure you get the best results.
Application Process
The ceramic coat application process is a scrupulous process that demands very careful attention to detail. The process typically involves thorough preparation, proper cleaning, paint correction, and decontamination. All these “procedures” are important to ensure the coatings bond successfully.
Having your coating done by a professional is highly recommended. It’s important to search for a professional with experience with RVs because they will be able to properly assess the RV prior to the ceramic coating application.
Condition of the RV’s Surface
The state of your RV’s surface before applying the ceramic coating is instrumental in how long it lasts. If your RV’s paint has deep oxidation, swirl marks, and stains, addressing these issues is important to ensure an excellent final product. Paint restoration and correction will not only enhance the look and feel of your RV but will also allow for the ceramic coating to adhere better, resulting in a stronger, more durable, and better-looking paint finish. If the RV surface is too oxidized, the ceramic will not even work, so complete restoration will be required prior to receiving a coating.
Maintenance
Although ceramic coatings provide superb protection, regular maintenance is required to ensure a long-lasting bond. Additionally, washing your RV routinely with pH-neutral detergents and using tender cleaning methods are essential to preserving the ceramic coat application.
Further, to address possible wear and tear or damage that occurs in time, doing periodic inspections becomes important.
It’s also important to be mindful of how long you want your RV ceramic coatings to last. External elements like usage and natural weathering through wind, heat, and rain (aspects the coating does not protect against) will also wear down on the coating.
However, with all this said, it becomes important to be mindful of external elements and the means of maintenance and care you will need to invest in because all these elements ultimately determine the duration your ceramic coat will last.
In essence, to make the most of the lifespan of your RV ceramic coating, make sure you create a maintenance plan that you can stick to. Give your RV a regular wash, use tender cleaning techniques, and always use pH-neutral soaps. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive brushes, all of which could cause harm to the coating. Contact us, the coating experts of Bob Moses Ceramic Coating, for a free assessment and quote.