Teflon Coatings on Cars

Have you ever looked at a car and wondered how it has managed to retain its lustre year after year? Sure, waxing and cleaning help, but their secret is a Teflon polish car.

Teflon coating for cars is a blend of technology and chemistry that has enhanced car detailing. Essentially, it is a synthetic sealant that repels dirt and water and protects the paint of your car against UV rays and minor scratches. Typically, a proper coat of Teflon has a thickness of 0.2 microns and can last up to six to eight months.

Teflon coating (scientifically, poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE) coating) started as an industrial application for its non-stick and heat-resistant properties. Over time, its use has expanded to the automotive sector for its magical ability to protect a car's paintwork against external threats, thereby enhancing the car's aesthetic appeal.

It is essentially a type of polymer that forms a protective shield over the paintwork of the car and gives a glossy finish to your vehicle. Not only does it improve the shine of your car, but it simultaneously reduces the risk of scratches and swirls from robbing the lustre of your beloved vehicle.

Interestingly, Teflon is the same thing that is used in household cookware, such as nonstick pans. As Teflon coating enhanced the shine of vehicles, it soon became a popular choice among car owners and an affordable solution for protecting the paintwork.

Now that we know Teflon coating's meaning, the next thing to discover is its application process. The process of applying Teflon polish on a car is fairly meticulous for ensuring an effective application of the sealant.

Here’s how it is done:

Cleaning:- The most important step in the Teflon coating process is to thoroughly clean the exterior of the car and remove any dirt and grime. This is an essential step for ensuring a smooth and flawless application. In addition to washing and drying, the surface is often clay-barred to extract particles they could be embedded.

Paint correction:- If there are any swirl marks or damages to the paintwork, the imperfections are first corrected using polishing compounds.

Masking:- Certain sections of the car, such as the rubber seals and plastic rims, need to be covered and protected to keep from applying the Teflon coat in these areas.

Teflon polish application:- Using a spray gun or a special applicator, the Teflon coat is then applied to the exterior surfaces of the car in thin and even layers to ensure complete coverage. The coat is then allowed to dry for the time specified by the manufacturer.

Inspection and touch-up:- Once the coat dries, it is inspected for any imperfections, and if necessary, a touch-up or additional coat is applied.

Curing:- Following an initial application of the Teflon coating, a curing process is carried out wherein the car is exposed to heat or UV light to help the coating bond with the paint.

Detailing and final inspection:- Finally once the curing is completed, a final inspection is done to ensure flawless application, and this is followed by polishing the exterior to enhance the finish.

It is not for no reason that Teflon coating for cars has become a popular choice. In addition to protecting the glossy chine of your car, here are some more Teflon coating benefits to your vehicle:

Lasting Protection: Teflon coating is wonderfully durable and, therefore, a cost-effective solution to retain the aesthetics of your car. Unlike wax, which relatively wears off quicker, Teflon coating bonds with the paintwork of your car for long-lasting protection against UV rays, environmental pollutants, and oxidation.

Hydrophobic Properties: Teflon coating repels water - in other words, it has hydrophobic properties that offer a self-cleaning effect as the water cannot settle on the surface but rolls away.

Chemical Resistance: With Teflon coating, the paintwork of your car receives a protective barrier that can resist chemicals, including those found in tree sap, bird droppings, and road salts. Not only does this make it easier to clean the car, but it also minimises the risk of paint damage.

UV Protection: The harsh UV rays of the sun can cause your paint to fade and deteriorate over time. Teflon coat mitigates this damage through its protective layer that acts as a shield against UV rays.

Scratch Protection: The protective layer of Teflon coating shields your car against minor scratches and swirls. This is owing to the stiffness of the coating there is resistance when your vehicle comes in contact with bushes, branches, or other abrasive objects. Additionally, the smooth surface of the coating reduces the occurrence of swirl marks so your car can retain its flawless appearance.

Enhanced Shine: With a Teflon coat on your car, your car displays an unrivalled shine that is better than even waxing and polishing routines.

Ease of Maintenance: By doing away with the need to have your car waxed and polished routinely, a Teflon polish also reduces the maintenance cost of your vehicle.

In addition to knowing the benefits, it is equally important to know Teflon coating disadvantages so you can appropriately secure your vehicle:

Limited scratch resistance: Teflon coating is meant to minimise the appearance of minor scratches, so it is not completely scratch-proof. Deep scratches caused by sharp and abrasive objects can still penetrate the coating and damage the paint of your car.

Needs professional application: Unlike some other car coating options, Teflon coating can only be applied with professional assistance as it requires specialised skills and the right equipment for effective application.

Limited durability: Teflon coating is not a permanent solution, and the layer can peel off because of exposure to external elements, regular washing, or general wear and tear.

Initial cost: The initial car Teflon coating cost that has to be borne by the vehicle owner can be more expensive when compared to other methods, such as waxing or paint sealants.

Can come off: When you clean your car with soap or other detergents that are not meant for car washing, there is a risk of the Teflon layer peeling off of your car. To prevent this from happening, it is advised to wash your car with care and use the right cleaning technique and cleaners.

Getting an estimate of the Teflon coating cost would primarily rely on three factors: the size of your car, the quality of the Teflon coating, and the service provider.

Typically, however, the cost of getting a Teflon polish on a car will cost you anywhere between ₹5,000-₹15,000 depending on the brand you choose and the level of protection you have selected.

When getting a Teflon coat, it is important to note that cheaper quality products may not offer the same level of protection for the paintwork. Moreover, other factors can influence the price of getting a Teflon coating, such as the location and the expertise of the service provider.

It is advised to research and choose a reputable and experienced service provider to ensure that your car is in good hands.

Several factors can affect the longevity of Teflon coating, such as the quality of the product, the application process, and the maintenance practices. Generally, Teflon coating lasts anywhere between six to eight months

Here are some tips to make the Teflon coating of your car last longer:

Don’t over-wash your car, and only use quality products when cleaning

Don’t use any abrasive material, as it can peel off the coating

Use a microfibre cloth to dust your car

If your car was rained on, use a microfibre cloth to wick away the water without damaging the paint

Teflon coating is an effective solution to retain the gloss and lustre of your car. It comes with a host of benefits, from water-repellent properties and resistance to UV rays to being easy to maintain.

However, when driving, you are exposed to several other threats on the road. To secure your vehicles against these damages, it is advised to invest in a comprehensive car insurance policy.

When you buy car insurance with a comprehensive cover, your vehicle is secured from unfortunate road mishaps. Your car insurance compensates for third-party damages as well as for damages sustained by your vehicle and acts as a reliable financial safety net in distressing times.

You can simply raise a car insurance claim and leave the rest for your insurance provider to take care of.