Confirming a ceramic coating was previously applied

[MV2020]

Any advice on how to verify if a car had a ceramic coating applied? It would help to know for re-sale value or how to care for the paint.

[acuRAS82]

Any advice on how to verify if a car had a ceramic coating applied? It would help to know for re-sale value or how to care for the paint.

I just bought a car 2 weeks ago and came to the conclusion it had a previous ceramic coating based on the beads I saw during initial rinse off of my first wash. I have used a lot of SiO2 sprays but no real coatings; however, the beads are similar between the two. Very tiny and many roll off very easily. The trails left behind when they do roll off is unmistakable as well.

So how did I assume real coating over SiO2 Spray? The vehicle was at the dealership 3 months before my purchase. I very highly doubt the dealership uses SiO2 sprays due to cost and shelf life (plus I don’t view them as Geeks/Autopians who know about all this stuff). Plus, any dealership brags about every ounce of effort they put in, and there was no mention of protection being applied. The dealership also washed this car every week or two during those 3 months and I would assume they don’t use the most costly, gentle soaps.

Therefore I was left with either: the previous owner used a substantial SiO2 Spray within a month or two of trading in; or the previous owner used a coating anytime in the last year or more. Since I believe the normal population is more likely to pay a detailer for a full fledged coating versus knowing about the new, hottest SiO2 sprays, I assumed coating.

The above doesn’t mean I’m right. I could have waited to see how long the coating-ish beads lasted but I got better things to do and panels to touch.

Not sure my response helps, but key takeaway for me was to assume that 99% of the population is not into car care products like we are, and assume that 99% aren’t SiO2 Spray topping on a regular basis.

[FUNX650]

Any advice on how to verify if a
car had a ceramic coating applied?

•By using a Scanning {Tunneling}
Electron Microscope (STM)

•If possible:
By personally contacting the (reputable)
Detailer/Coating Installer


Bob

[MV2020]

Any advice on how to verify if a car had a ceramic coating applied? It would help to know for re-sale value or how to care for the paint.

That makes sense and your POV is a big help. Thank you for sharing it.

[acuRAS82]

^^This must be for Bob