Graphene coating in Sydney

What is graphene coating?

Graphene is a form of carbon, a single layer of atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern, known for being strong, flexible and good at spreading heat. In car care, a graphene coating is usually a ceramic coating with graphene or graphene oxide added to the formula. The ceramic base still does most of the work. The graphene is there to change how the surface behaves.

Like a ceramic coating, it's applied as a liquid, bonds to the clear coat and cures into a thin, hard, clear layer that protects the paint for years rather than weeks.

What manufacturers say graphene adds

• Less water spotting. Graphene coatings are marketed as shedding water more evenly, which can help in hot weather and hard-water areas.
• A slicker surface. Dirt and water slide off more easily.
• Heat tolerance. Claimed to cope better with hot panels, which matters on dark cars parked in the Sydney sun.
• Less static. Some products claim the surface attracts less dust.

How much difference the graphene makes depends on the product and how much is in it. Some graphene-infused coatings perform very well. Others use the word mainly for marketing. That's why we focus on what matters most: the preparation, the application and the warranty behind the product.

Graphene vs ceramic coating: which should I choose?

Both protect against UV, droppings, sap and road grime, and both make washing far easier. In practice, the result depends far more on how well the paint was prepared and how the car is looked after than on whether graphene is on the label. A well-applied ceramic coating will outperform a poorly applied graphene one every time.

Graphene coatings can make sense if you:

• Have a dark car that shows water spots
• Park outside in full sun
• Live on hard or bore water
• Simply prefer graphene after doing your research

If you're not sure, tell us how the car is used and parked and we'll recommend graphene or ceramic, and explain the warranty that comes with each. Read more in what graphene coating is and how it works, or see our ceramic coating packages.

How we apply graphene coating

Graphene coating goes on exactly like a ceramic coating, and the preparation is identical:

• Wheels degreased, then a full hand wash including door jambs
• Iron fallout and tar removed, then a clay bar
• On used cars, machine polishing to remove swirls and light scratches first. See paint correction and ceramic coating
• Panel wipe to remove any polish oils
• Coating applied panel by panel and levelled by hand
• Left to cure, ideally under cover and away from rain

New cars usually only need the wash and decontamination. Used cars normally need polishing, which adds a day.

How long does graphene coating last?

That depends on the product chosen, the preparation and the aftercare. Graphene coatings are designed to last years, not months, and they come with a manufacturer warranty that varies between products. We'll tell you exactly what warranty applies to your car before you book.

Looking after a graphene coated car

The routine is the same as for any coated car: no washing for about a week, then a gentle pH-neutral wash every couple of weeks, a separate bucket for the wheels and a soft drying towel. Avoid automatic car washes with brushes and harsh degreasers. See ceramic coating aftercare.

Graphene coating across Sydney

We apply graphene coatings at your home or workplace across Greater Sydney, Macarthur, Wollondilly, the Sutherland Shire, Penrith and the Illawarra. You'll need a tap and a power point within reach, ideally in a garage or carport.