[TusharK]

3M Ceramic Coating is said to provide a hydrophobic finish. It also ensures a powerful protection by providing a chemical resistance that shields the exterior car surface to the effects of salt, acid rain, tree sap, etc.

3M launches the science of shine & protection ceramic coating for the Indian automotive aftermarket

National, 08th November 2021: 3M India today announced the launch of 3M™ Ceramic Coating, a premium treatment for the Indian automotive and paint industry. Developed with 3M’s advanced technology that promises a premium finish and a powerful protection, ceramic coating enables easier car care procedure with minimal maintenance.

The product has been launched to establish the ultimate solution to all issues related to exterior car surfaces. 3M™ Ceramic Coating provides a long-lasting hydrophobic finish that makes it excellent for water beading, thus maintaining surface durability. It also ensures a powerful protection by providing a chemical resistance that shields the exterior car surface to the effects of salt, acid rain, tree sap and more such irritants.

Speaking on the product launch, P T. Mukund, Director, Automotive Aftermarket Division- Asia, said, “Asia Pacific region is expected to be 40% of the global market of ceramic coatings and at 3M, we have always strived to cater to the needs of Indian customers. Given the extreme weather conditions in India, the automotive aftermarket has always been on the search for the most durable coating for car owners. With that in mind, we are optimistic and enthusiastic that the launch of Ceramic Coating will give customers the best user experience and functionality.

Formulated after years of research and development, 3M has combined its ground-breaking science and real-world performance for the 3M™ Ceramic Coating treatment. The product helps to enrich paint gloss and shine, for a durable new-polish look for car owners and OEMs”

Commenting on the industry, Ashutosh Shirodkar, Executive Director, Country Business Group Leader - Safety & Industrial Business Group at 3M India, said, “We need to acknowledge and meet the demand of upgraded formulations for paint refurbishing and car repair in India. With 3M™ Ceramic Coating, car owners now have the option to choose a product that guarantees advanced paint gloss and shine.”

Highlighting the research aspect, Amlendukumar Singh, Manager AAD, 3M India said, “3M’s ceramic coating is yet another innovation that we are extremely proud to present in India. The formulation has been perfected to last up to five years. It's engineered in a way so that one formula can be used on paint, plastic trim, wheels and glass.”

[wolfsnare24]

I’ve had Ceramic Coating on my mind for the past couple months, but I’ve always been on the fence about it. 3M coming up with their range seems like the perfect choice!

Just called up my local 3M centre to enquire about this, for my Hyundai Venue the coating would be ₹26k. It takes about 4 hours for application, then 8 hours of drying (total one day’s job). There’s reapplication/maintenance 7 days later, 6 months later, and 9 months later with a 1 year warranty/service package included and 5 year lifetime depending on how you treat your car.

It’s heavy on the wallet for sure, but I’m seriously considering it. I’ll go check it out soon and let you guys know how it goes.

[RavSam]

Originally Posted by wolfsnare24

I’ve had Ceramic Coating on my mind for the past couple months...It’s heavy on the wallet for sure, but I’m seriously considering it. I’ll go check it out soon and let you guys know how it goes.

This ceramic coating and ppf wrapping makes me confused whether I would worry less about scratches and drive carelessly (as in careless about minor scratches and not actual driving) or would I be more worried about not worrying enough and getting scratches even after doing the above two things.

I tore my hair apart for first few scratches and even now a new scratch pains me but then after a few days I apply the ceramic coating, ppf and everything on my heart and brain.

[wolfsnare24]

Originally Posted by RavSam

I tore my hair apart for first few scratches and even now a new scratch pains me but then after a few days I apply the ceramic coating, ppf and everything on my heart and brain.

Hahaha!

I would think of it as a fee that increases tolerance of my mistakes. Bird poop won’t cause me to frantically rush and clean it immediately, a few scratches and nicks will elevate my BP only to 140 instead of 180. It’s the same funda as a phone scratch guard, I’ll probably only remember the cost of the coating when things go wrong and I’ll be glad I got it done rather than not.

Plus, my Venuegopal will now be S H I N Y

[Torque_Curve]

Originally Posted by wolfsnare24

I’ve had Ceramic Coating on my mind for the past couple months, but I’ve always been on the fence about it. 3M coming up with their range seems like the perfect choice!

Just called up my local 3M centre to enquire about this, for my Hyundai Venue the coating would be ₹26k. It takes about 4 hours for application, then 8 hours of drying (total one day’s job). There’s reapplication/maintenance 7 days later, 6 months later, and 9 months later with a 1 year warranty/service package included and 5 year lifetime depending on how you treat your car.

It’s heavy on the wallet for sure, but I’m seriously considering it. I’ll go check it out soon and let you guys know how it goes.

26k seems to be a steal for 3M branded ceramic coating, but this also depends on what exactly they're offering. Would you mind asking them about how many layers/9H hardness or whatever the relevant details like these are?

[AJ56]

How is this any different from the existing 3M Hypershield ceramic coating being sold?

[lsjey]

Here are a couple of layman questions:

1. Between PPF and Ceramic coating, which is better and why?
2. Do PPF and Ceramic coating provide the same benefits? Any differences?

Regards,
lsjey

[RMN]

Didn't know 3M had their own line of ceramic coating. Bit strange that they are late to the party now.

Originally Posted by lsjey

Here are a couple of layman questions:

1. Between PPF and Ceramic coating, which is better and why?
2. Do PPF and Ceramic coating provide the same benefits? Any differences?

Regards,
lsjey

1. Entirely different. Ceramic coating is well a coating, an invisible layer that bonds to the paint surface and remains for a long time. Advantages are, it provides better looking finsh and more importantly beeds water very well. Basically water drops are going to easily be dispelled as air hits it which means lesser amount of dirt is left behind. Makes cleaning easier and hence allows the paints finish to last longer. Provide 0 scratch resistance.

2. PPF stands for paint protection film. Its a sheet, sort of like a wrap material, invisible and is applied to the body. Its thick and basically does the same job as your phones screen guard. Takes all the scratches and swirls and protects the paint. A lot of minor scratches can be healed with heat too.

I generally do a mix of both. Areas prone to scuffs and scratches are protected with PPF and the rest with ceramic coating.

[hoodibaba_saggi]

Originally Posted by wolfsnare24

There’s reapplication/maintenance 7 days later, 6 months later, and 9 months later with a 1 year warranty/service package included and 5 year lifetime depending on how you treat your car.

Can you please elaborate more on the maintenance part ? I am planning to get the Ceramic coating done on my 2017 Honda Jazz and then drive it to my hometown in north India. Wanted to understand if this maintenance is something I could do myself. Thanks

[aishtin]

Yes the price looks like a deal. I will also inquire about it.

To answer one question about hardness and 9H etc. I think this is a false gimmick created by Ceramic Pro and others. Lastly they have also admitted on their website that they do not have any scratch protection in the ceramic coating.

I have been a science student. 9H is the hardness of Diamonds or Corundum. A regular pencil comes in a hardness of 2B, 1B, H and 2H. The 2H is the hardest lead and hence it writes the lightest. 2B is soft so it writes dark. The concept is how much it will get eroded against the surface it is getting rubbed against.

I went to Ceramic Pro store in Bangalore 2-3 years back. I was curious to know about this 9H. I asked then if I can rub a pencil on the coated car, which they didn't allow as their 9H coating will get scratched by a 2H pencil. This is literally laughable. Then I asked them to explain the 9H concept. They explain me, and that was hilarious:

9H in ceramic pro relates to the number of steps they do to work like : Washing - Claying - IPA - Sanding - Rubbing - Polishing - Glazing and two layers of Ceramic product that they apply. It is easy to fool someone who doesn't know detailing. These steps are a part of any detailing treatment for car surface improvement.

And few of them like Speed Car wash has launched a 10H as well. They have discovered a material harder than diamonds.... hahaha.

Originally Posted by Torque_Curve

26k seems to be a steal for 3M branded ceramic coating, but this also depends on what exactly they're offering. Would you mind asking them about how many layers/9H hardness or whatever the relevant details like these are?

[aishtin]

Hard scratches come on the surface of the car because of accidents (minor also considered). So Ceramic coating cant protect. Only PPF is the solution.

Now does ceramic have any scratch protection quality? Let me help answer that here:

The minor scratches like swirl marks are created while cleaning the car. They daily car cleaning guys who come to clean the car use a dry cloth or a dirty cloth to clean the car. The dust lying on the surface of the car is like an abrasive and creates these fine scratches, which we see as dullness on the surface. And to remove hard stuck particles (after rain etc), they use more pressure to clean, hence creating deeper scratches.

Ceramic coating provides hydrophobic property. Or for a layman to understand, it does not allow most of the things to get stuck to the car surface. So the rainwater falls off from the surface and does not dry up on the surface like a uncoated painted surface. This will prevent the siutuation of dry dust stuck on the car. This results in the reduction of effort required to clean such a car. Hence even if you see your car dusty, after you have done a ceramic coating, try blowing the dust with air pressure or use a very new microfibre cloth gently. You will see that with 1/10th of the pressure itself, you will get your car shiny again. And that is what prevents the minor scratches. One important caution is to educate your car cleaning guy to make sure that he sees the reduction in effort to clean your car after it has been coated. For a few times, be with him when he cleans your car. Give him a Microfiber cloth to clean your car. There are several threads on car washing and microfibers, read them too.

So, if you are worried about accidental damages, go for PPF first and on top of it get the ceramic coating done. That way the car will be protected and will stay glossy.

Hope this answers some of the doubts.

Originally Posted by Torque_Curve

26k seems to be a steal for 3M branded ceramic coating, but this also depends on what exactly they're offering. Would you mind asking them about how many layers/9H hardness or whatever the relevant details like these are?

Originally Posted by RavSam

This ceramic coating and ppf wrapping makes me confused whether I would worry less about scratches and drive carelessly (as in careless about minor scratches and not actual driving) or would I be more worried about not worrying enough and getting scratches even after doing the above two things.

I tore my hair apart for first few scratches and even now a new scratch pains me but then after a few days I apply the ceramic coating, ppf and everything on my heart and brain.

[ssjr0498]

Exactly why me too laughs at 3M now. One of the most overrated brands when it comes to car detailing. It is miles away from other brands like SONAX, Meguiar's etc. Their PPF is one of the worst amongst the branded lot and none of their car detailing products are worth mentioning. The only one's that are used commonly and are decent are the double side tape, N95 and other masks and their reflective stickers.

Also, as far as I know, 3M has been doing ceramic from the last 4yrs or so and they have been using their own brand! So I do not understand what is new in it?

Originally Posted by aishtin

Yes the price looks like a deal. I will also inquire about it.

To answer one question about hardness and 9H etc. I think this is a false gimmick created by Ceramic Pro and others. Lastly they have also admitted on their website that they do not have any scratch protection in the ceramic coating.

I have been a science student. 9H is the hardness of Diamonds or Corundum. A regular pencil comes in a hardness of 2B, 1B, H and 2H. The 2H is the hardest lead and hence it writes the lightest. 2B is soft so it writes dark. The concept is how much it will get eroded against the surface it is getting rubbed against.

I went to Ceramic Pro store in Bangalore 2-3 years back. I was curious to know about this 9H. I asked then if I can rub a pencil on the coated car, which they didn't allow as their 9H coating will get scratched by a 2H pencil. This is literally laughable. Then I asked them to explain the 9H concept. They explain me, and that was hilarious:

9H in ceramic pro relates to the number of steps they do to work like : Washing - Claying - IPA - Sanding - Rubbing - Polishing - Glazing and two layers of Ceramic product that they apply. It is easy to fool someone who doesn't know detailing. These steps are a part of any detailing treatment for car surface improvement.

And few of them like Speed Car wash has launched a 10H as well. They have discovered a material harder than diamonds.... hahaha.

[IamNikhil]

3M car detailing products are a joke, IMHO. Also, I personally believe that regular car maintenance is enough to keep it healthy and good-looking. None of the so-called "Ceramic Coating" services available in the market seem trustworthy to me. Never considered PPF, because it never suited my pocket. I am happy with my cars being regularly detailed with a local guy, who we have trusted for almost 15 years+ now.

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by aishtin

To answer one question about hardness and 9H etc. I think this is a false gimmick created by Ceramic Pro and others. Lastly they have also admitted on their website that they do not have any scratch protection in the ceramic coating.

I have been a science student. 9H is the hardness of Diamonds or Corundum. A regular pencil comes in a hardness of 2B, 1B, H and 2H. The 2H is the hardest lead and hence it writes the lightest. 2B is soft so it writes dark. The concept is how much it will get eroded against the surface it is getting rubbed against.

I went to Ceramic Pro store in Bangalore 2-3 years back. I was curious to know about this 9H. I asked then if I can rub a pencil on the coated car, which they didn't allow as their 9H coating will get scratched by a 2H pencil. This is literally laughable. Then I asked them to explain the 9H concept. They explain me, and that was hilarious:

9H in ceramic pro relates to the number of steps they do to work like : Washing - Claying - IPA - Sanding - Rubbing - Polishing - Glazing and two layers of Ceramic product that they apply. It is easy to fool someone who doesn't know detailing. These steps are a part of any detailing treatment for car surface improvement.

And few of them like Speed Car wash has launched a 10H as well. They have discovered a material harder than diamonds.... hahaha.

It is not a false gimmick, being a student of science you would know that the Pencil scale is very different from the Mohs scale of hardness on which diamonds are rated. The Pencil scale goes all the way upto 9H as well but this is very different from a Mohs 9H hardness rating.

There are basic test kits available to measure hardness on the Pencil scale, simply take a 9H rated lead nib to the coating in question and a high quality ceramic will resist any visible abrasion, your factory paint finish will not, that is 5-6H on the Pencil scale at best.

Ceramic coatings do increase hardness and scratch resistance but they are not scratch proof and can only protect upto their own thickness (5-10 microns) anything deeper will penetrate. I don’t know why the Ceramic Pro guys said that to you, it seems they are deeply ignorant about a core aspect of their own business. Regarding claims of anything more than 9H, that is simply a marketing gimmick as the Pencil scale ends at 9H, beyond that measurement isn’t possible. Cheers.

[aishtin]

Thanks AJ56!

I learnt a few things today because of you. I appreciate it!

But the term 9H that is being used to promote ceramic coating is a gimmick.


Thanks

Originally Posted by AJ56

It is not a false gimmick, being a student of science you would know that the Pencil scale is very different from the Mohs scale of hardness on which diamonds are rated. The Pencil scale goes all the way upto 9H as well but this is very different from a Mohs 9H hardness rating.

There are basic test kits available to measure hardness on the Pencil scale, simply take a 9H rated lead nib to the coating in question and a high quality ceramic will resist any visible abrasion, your factory paint finish will not, that is 5-6H on the Pencil scale at best.

Ceramic coatings do increase hardness and scratch resistance but they are not scratch proof and can only protect upto their own thickness (5-10 microns) anything deeper will penetrate. I don’t know why the Ceramic Pro guys said that to you, it seems they are deeply ignorant about a core aspect of their own business. Regarding claims of anything more than 9H, that is simply a marketing gimmick as the Pencil scale ends at 9H, beyond that measurement isn’t possible. Cheers.