Ceramic Coating
Frequently Asked Questions
PPF or Ceramic Coating
Both serves a very difference purpose and function.
PPF protects your painted surface against scuffs, chips and damage, while a Ceramic Coatings provide some level of protection against chemicals (not resistant) and will keep you car cleaner for longer and ease the cleaning of you cars surface. It will however not provide the level of protection for your car as a PPF would.
Can I apply any Ceramic Coating on top of my PPF?
We only endorse the application of XPEL FUSION Plus Ceramic coating on top of XPEL Paint Protection Film. This is because it bonds to the top coat on a molecular level, which will see the film retain its self-healing ability. Some other coating may damage, harden and even discolour Paint Protection Films and XPEL/CPP may void your Film warranty. It can however also be applied on painted surfaces.
Here are some examples of damage caused to film due to incorrect Ceramic Coatings being applied on the film, including but not limited to premature yellowing, holes forming, cracking, hardening etc:
Which goes on first, PPF or Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coatings purpose is to keep your car clean for longer by preventing anything from sticking to the surface, so naturally, PPF will lift or even not stick at all when a Ceramic coating is applied before a PPF Application. Aways apply a Ceramic Coating after PPF installs and when the film has fully cured.
What is in FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating?
FUSION PLUS™ uses Silicon Dioxide technology. It’s a complex chemical matrix that is unique to us. A combination of several technologies that cross-link very strongly.
What are the benefits of a Ceramic Coating?
Ease of maintenance, hydrophobic properties, and self-cleaning properties.
How long will FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating last?
FUSION PLUS™ is backed by a 4-year warranty. We do recommend using our XPEL Ceramic Boost spray to help protect the finish and enhance the hydrophobic properties.
Is FUSION PLUS™ scratch resistant?
Yes, FUSION PLUS™ is a 9H ceramic coating that is scratch resistant.
How many hours before the car can get wet?
We require a minimum of 6 Hours before getting wet (time may need to extend depending on conditions).
How many days before you can wash the car?
Full cure takes 3 days – full cure should be reached before washing the vehicle(-time may need to extend depending on conditions).
Does the warranty apply to a loss of hydrophobicity?
No, the warranty states: FUSION PLUS™ will help protect your vehicle’s paint finish against oxidation, loss of gloss, UV damage, Bug impacts, colour fading, acid rain and paint chalking.
Where are the full warranty details?
Warranty details are listed on the website.
What are the scenarios to choose XPEL PPF vs ceramic coating?
The first thing to know is that the two products are not comparable and thus not a true comparison to one another. Paint protection film provides a urethane layer of protection against rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coatings, even when cured, is microns thin and is not engineered to stop rock chips. That said, it is an excellent product for protection against environmental contaminates such as bird droppings, bug guts, and more. Not to mention that it makes cleaning off track rubber much easier. To further answer the question – ceramic coatings are for people who want some basic protection along with increased shine, gloss, depth of color, and great hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. PPF are for the people who want actual protection against rock chips and scratches.
What are the benefits of FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating?
Ease of maintenance, hydrophobic properties, and self-cleaning are benefits of FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating.
What does 9H mean?
9H hardness is a rating based on the Pencil Hardness Test, commonly used by manufacturers of clear and pigmented surface coatings. The Pencil Hardness test is used to determine the scratch resistance of a coating surface by using pencils to scratch the surface and rate the scratch resistance in relation to that pencils hardness and other materials of similar hardness.
What is the warranty on glass and wheels?
XPEL FUSION PLUS™ is not warrantied for wheels or glass.
Is there any maintenance required on Ceramic Coatings?
Any Ceramic Coating, not just XPEL FUSION™, requires an annual topup or Maintenance.
Even though it is the Customers responsibility for getting their annual inspections / top up, maintenance treatment done with a Certified XPEL dealer. We do send out annual SMS’s to remind customers to do their annual maintenance as a courtesy, if the application has been done by us or registered by the dealer who applied it.
What does the installer do on the annual check-up?
They basically do a thorough wash, decontamination and treat the coating with i.e. XPEL Ceramic Boost
What is recommended on top of FUSION PLUS™ during inspection?
We recommend using XPEL Ceramic Boost to add extra gloss and slickness to the ceramic-coated surface.
How can we tell if the integrity of the coating is in need of repair?
You should be able to visually see a difference from one section to the next. Low spots, oxidation, acid rain, bug impacts, etc, can cause issues if not addressed properly.
Why does it become glossier over time vs less unlike other coatings?
As the coating cures (3 days) it hardens and becomes glossier as a result.
How does a ceramic coating alter the paint surface?
The coating links with the painted surface creating a new functional layer. By creating an inseparable bond on a molecular level with the vehicles paintwork you get a coating that cannot be washed off like a wax or sealant.
Can you use any car wash product on FUSION PLUS™?
If your vehicle is protected with XPEL FUSION PLUS™, it is highly recommended you use an approved car wash solution, such as XPEL Rinse Free Car Wash, which is formulated to help encapsulate the dirt and help keep your surface protected and scratch free. XPEL Rinse Free Car Wash has been tested and works great with FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating. Once you finish washing your vehicle, we recommend using XPEL Ceramic Boost spray, for an extra slick, hydrophobic surface. We also have XPEL Detail Spray for quick wipe downs in between washings, you should however not use soaps that contain waxes on vehicles coated with Ceramic Coatings as it tends to ‘clog’ the coating, decreasing the coatings ability to bead and will appear if the coating has ‘failed’ or lost its Hydrophobicity.
Can XPEL FUSION™ be applied at my house/mobile?
Unfortunately we need a highly contained environment and control over the vehicle during and 48 hours after fitment. Any form of Contamination on the Ceramic Coating during this curing process can be detrimental. It is for this reason Ceramic Coating applications can only be done at our or our dealers premises.
How long is my vehicle required for the coatings to be applied?
Your vehicle will be needed anything 2 to 3 days, depending on the options chosen and the preparation required before hand, which is dependent on the condition and preparation required before the coating can be applied.
Can the coating be applied directly after a PPF Fitment?
Yes it can, though it is recommended that the PPF needs to cure fully and the post fitment follow up check must have been completed, before the ceramic coating can be applied to the areas where the film has been fitted. This is in case areas of the fitment where the PPF has been applied requires replacement.
