Editorial Team DMI • September 1, 2023

New Car Paint Protection: What You Need to Know

When you invest in a new car, you aren’t just purchasing a mode of transportation. You’re investing in a prized possession, a symbol of hard work, and a testament to your style. And, just like any other investment, you’ll want to protect it. One of the first things new car owners think about is how to maintain that brand-new shine. This often leads them to the realm of paint protection. So, do new cars need paint protection?

In this article, from the expert team at Infinity Auto Styling in Bismarck, ND , we will explore the different types of protective coatings for new cars and uncover the various benefits that come with each. Let’s dive in!

Do New Cars Need Paint Protection?

Absolutely! While new cars do come with a fresh coat of paint, it is not immune to the elements. Environmental factors like UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, dirt, and debris can erode the paint over time. Protecting your car’s paint from the beginning ensures it retains its gloss and shine for a longer period.

Do New Cars Come with A Protective Coating?

When a new car rolls out of the showroom, its paint is often gleaming, reflecting the care and attention manufacturers invest in ensuring that the first impression is nothing short of spectacular. Central to this pristine appearance is the presence of a clear coat, a specialized layer applied to the car’s exterior paintwork. This clear coat, as its name suggests, is transparent, and designed to provide both a glossy finish and a preliminary line of defense against the elements. 

However, as robust as this coating might appear initially, it has its vulnerabilities. The clear coat can succumb to fine scratches, swirling patterns from improper cleaning, and damage from environmental pollutants like acid rain, salt, and road tar. While it’s true that the clear coat is essential and plays a pivotal role in preserving a vehicle’s initial charm, it isn’t a comprehensive shield. For those looking to enhance and prolong their car’s exterior brilliance, delving into the world of additional protective coatings becomes necessary.

A blue truck with a red tail light is parked in a garage.

What are the Different Types of Protective Coatings for New Cars?

Here is a summary of the different types of protective coatings available for cars:

Wax

Often seen as the traditional go-to for car enthusiasts, wax has been used for decades as a primary form of protection. Derived from natural sources like carnauba, waxes impart a deep, warm shine to the vehicle’s paint. However, its protective attributes have a relatively short lifespan. To maintain the benefits, one needs to reapply the wax frequently, usually around every 2-3 months. While it might seem routine for some, for others, the constant need for reapplication can be a deterring factor.

Sealants

Progressing in the timeline of automotive care products, we encounter sealants. These are chemically engineered, synthetic solutions designed to offer protection for longer durations than traditional waxes. Sealants can bond more effectively with the car’s paint, offering up to six months of protection in most cases. Besides safeguarding against contaminants, they render a glass-like shine, enhancing the vehicle’s aesthetics.

Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that, once applied, bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, creating a sturdy layer of protection. Its potency isn’t just in its defense against contaminants but extends to safeguarding the paint against UV radiation, which can cause fading over time. Moreover, due to its hydrophobic nature, water beads up and rolls off the surface, minimizing the risk of water spots and aiding in cleaning.

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Taking physical protection to the next level, PPF is essentially a thin sheet of durable polyurethane material that is applied directly onto the car’s surface. PPF’s primary function is to serve as a robust barrier against physical abrasions like rock chips, minor scratches, and even potential vandalism attempts. Available in clear or colored variants, PPF merges seamlessly with the vehicle’s appearance while ensuring its underlying paint remains unscathed.

What Else Can You Do to Protect the Paint on Your New Car?

In addition to applying a protective layer, you can follow these guidelines to keep your car’s paint looking fresh and new:

Regular Washing

Ensure that you wash your car regularly, using proper techniques and products.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Whenever possible, park in shaded areas to prevent prolonged exposure to UV rays.

Use Quality Cleaning Products

Invest in pH-balanced car shampoos, microfiber towels, and other high-quality cleaning tools.

Stay Vigilant

Address bird droppings, tree sap, or other contaminants as soon as possible to prevent them from damaging the paint.

A black ford f150 truck is parked in a parking lot in front of a building.

Top Quality Vehicle Protection Services in Bismarck, ND

For residents of Bismarck, ND, look no further than Infinity Auto Styling for top-notch vehicle protection services. We specialize in ceramic coating and PPF services to ensure your car remains as pristine as the day you drove it off the lot.

Schedule your service with us by calling +1 701-426-6715 or visiting our location at 2049 71st Ave NE Unit 4, Bismarck, ND 58503, United States . Don’t wait! Book your appointment today and give your new car the protection it deserves.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Infinity Auto Styling Blog

By SEO Team March 5, 2025
When it comes to owning a car, we all want our vehicles to look as fresh as they did the day we drove them off the lot. However, that shiny finish can quickly fade due to relentless UV rays and environmental factors. If you're tired of seeing your car’s paint lose its luster, it’s time to explore Paint Protection Film (PPF) and some effective ways to reduce fading. In this article, we'll share essential tips to keep your vehicle's appearance intact and discover how these protective measures can save you money in the long run. Trust me; investing a little effort now will pay off later in keeping your ride looking sharp! Paint Protection Film (PPF) acts as a transparent barrier that not only protects against physical abrasions but also significantly reduces the harmful effects of UV rays on your vehicle's paint. By absorbing UV radiation, quality PPF materials help prevent oxidation and fading, thereby preserving the original appearance of your car's paint for an extended period. UV Protection for Car Paint Car paint suffers under the relentless assault of sunlight, leading to fading and oxidation that can dull its vibrant finish over time. If you're someone who parks outside regularly, shielding your car from these harsh conditions becomes critical. Here are some effective methods for safeguarding your vehicle against UV damage. Key UV Protection Methods First on the list are wax and sealants. While they serve as a temporary solution, they can effectively create a protective layer against UV rays. You’ll find that applying wax every two to three months can be both budget-friendly and straightforward. It’s almost like giving your car a spa day! Sure, it requires reapplication, but the gloss it provides makes the effort worthwhile and keeps your vehicle looking fresh. Moving on to more long-term options, we come to ceramic coatings, which are increasingly becoming the go-to method for enthusiasts wanting robust protection. Unlike wax, ceramic coatings bond at the molecular level with the paint surface, creating a durable shield that lasts significantly longer—up to five years when properly applied. Although this type of coating often requires professional installation and comes with a higher price tag, the investment pays off in the long run by reducing overall paint degradation due to sun exposure. And there’s yet another option that many car owners overlook: UV-protective car covers. Using a cover when parking outdoors not only protects against UV exposure but also shields against bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental contaminants. These covers can be invaluable during those hot summer months when the sun is particularly intense. They act as an invisible barrier, ensuring your vehicle stays pristine inside and out. To give you an idea of the effectiveness of these methods, consider this: A test conducted by a leading automotive magazine revealed that cars treated with ceramic coatings exhibited 30% less paint fade after one year compared to those that were merely waxed. This statistic highlights the remarkable long-term benefits of investing in high-quality protective solutions.  As you weigh your options for UV protection, it's important to consider not just the immediate results but the enduring resilience of your vehicle’s paint over time. With all these strategies in play for maintaining your car's exterior beauty, let’s explore how specific protective films provide a shield against various forms of damage while extending the life of your vehicle's finish.
By SEO Team March 5, 2025
If you're like most car owners, you want your vehicle to not only look great but also stay clean and protected from the elements. Enter ceramic coating—a game-changer that provides a tough shield for your paint while making maintenance a breeze. Imagine a product that not only enhances your car's shine but also keeps dirt and grime at bay. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? The reality is that ceramic coatings are revolutionizing how we care for our cars, offering long-lasting protection and effortless cleaning solutions. In this article, we'll explore how this innovative technology works and why it's worth considering for your vehicle. Ceramic coating creates a protective hydrophobic layer on your vehicle's paint, which repels water and prevent dirt from adhering to the surface. This makes it significantly easier to wash your car, as contaminants are less likely to stick, resulting in a cleaner vehicle with less frequent washes required. Exploring Ceramic Coating Technology At its core, ceramic coating technology represents a significant leap in automotive care innovation. The secret lies in the formulation of these protective layers, primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2). This versatile compound forms a formidable barrier against the elements while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. When carefully applied, these coatings cure to create a hard, glass-like surface that glistens in sunlight and remains resilient against daily wear and tear. In practical terms, this means environmental contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, and even acid rain are thwarted from penetrating your car's delicate paint job. Think of it as wearing an invisible shield against all those potential threats that might mar your vehicle's finish over time. The durability of ceramic coatings is impressive; they can last for several years, depending on application quality and maintenance practices. As you consider this remarkable protection, think about how the application process works. When ceramic coatings are applied, those tiny SiO2 particles methodically fill in microscopic pores present in your vehicle’s paint surface. The result? A smooth, hydrophobic layer that actively repels water droplets and clings to dirt and grime, making your cleaning efforts less frequent and more effective. The implications of this technology go beyond mere aesthetics; it offers long-term benefits. For example, with lower friction between the coating and external elements, owners often notice that dirt doesn't stick as easily to their vehicles. This leads to an easier wash process—what might have once taken hours can often be reduced to a simple rinse-off. Having examined the remarkable properties and applications of ceramic coatings, let's shift our focus to explore their unique ability to resist dirt and grime effectively. Dirt-Repelling Capabilities One of the most alluring features of ceramic coatings is their extraordinary ability to repel dirt and water, keeping your vehicle cleaner for significantly longer periods. Imagine this: you wash your car, and within days it still sparkles instead of succumbing to the usual muck. This isn't just a fantasy—it's a reality for many who have made the investment in ceramic coatings. It all boils down to the science behind the hydrophobic effect. The Hydrophobic Effect The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings are nothing short of magical. When properly applied, ceramic coatings create an ultra-slick surface on your car's paint, causing water to bead up and roll off effortlessly. This process takes dirt and grime with it, preventing the buildup that typically sets in after rain or even simple road debris. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "lotus effect." Like the lotus leaf, which naturally sheds water and dirt due to its unique structure, ceramic coatings leverage similar principles to keep your vehicle pristine. Studies reveal that vehicles treated with these coatings can see up to 80% less dirt accumulation compared to untreated surfaces. In practical terms, this means fewer trips to the car wash and more time enjoying that shiny new look with little effort. Citizen Science: User Experiences User experiences speak volumes about the effectiveness of ceramic coatings. Enthusiasts share stories about how impressively clean their cars remain after applying a ceramic coating. For example, Jane from Seattle has expressed her satisfaction by noting that despite her daily commute through rainy weather, she noticed a significant reduction in dirt on her car’s surface. She describes it as if her vehicle is wearing an invisible shield against environmental contaminants.  Such testimonials are common among proud owners who swear by this technology. Not only does it maintain aesthetics, but it also adds value over time by preserving the integrity of the paintwork. Just imagine not having to scrub incessantly at stubborn stains; that's what users love about ceramic coatings! While these coatings excel at repelling dirt, they also provide robust protection against more severe environmental threats, ensuring that your vehicle remains not just clean but safeguarded against potential damage as well.
A red sports car is parked in a garage.
By SEO_editor SEO_editor June 22, 2024
It is important to choose a service that meets your expectations and provides excellent value. Here are some tips for selecting the best car detailing service. Where Can I Get Car Detailing In Bismarck? If you are wondering where to get your car detailed, Infinity Auto Styling offers unparalleled services that will leave your vehicle ... Read more
More Posts
Share by: