Graphene coatings are a relatively new product available for use on vehicles and can be thought of as the next level of ceramic coatings. Available from professional detailers and as a DIY product you can use at home, they’re a versatile way to keep your car looking great.

So is a graphene coating worth it?

Will you get the same kind of results by putting a DIY graphene coating on at home as a professional detailer?

Let’s start with the basics: what a graphene coating is and why it’s one of the best options available to vehicle enthusiasts. Then we can walk you through picking the right coating for your needs, how to apply it, and how to maintain it.

What is a Graphene Coating?

Stronger and lighter than steel, graphene is a revolutionary material with several potential applications. It’s made from a single layer of carbon and is extremely flexible, able to form any shape imaginable. Furthermore, this material is so durable that companies like Boeing and Airbus are currently considering using it to reinforce their airplanes.

Graphene coatings take graphene, which is only a single atom thick, and reduce it to a more usable form called graphene oxide. This allows it to be mixed with a ceramic base and produces a coating that offers even better protection, durability, and longevity than traditional ceramic coatings.

Since graphene coatings have a ceramic base, they have many of the same characteristics as traditional ceramic coatings. However, they also bond chemically to your vehicle’s paint through the use of solvent-based carrier fluids, forming a semi-permanent barrier.

While this chemical bond offers great protection, it also means that care must be taken when applying the coating, and mistakes need to be fixed quickly to avoid becoming permanent as well.

However, using the right DIY graphene coating for your needs and experience can allow for easier application than a professional-grade coating used by detailers while still producing a long-lasting, effective result.

Graphene coatings aren’t limited to paint either. You can find graphene coatings for plastic trim, chrome, and even as a tire shine to keep every part of your vehicle looking better than ever. Some spray-on coatings are also multi-surface, so be sure to check the label to see what surfaces you can apply it to.

Why Should You Use a Graphene Coating? What Graphene Burst Customers Are Saying:

Graphene vs. Waxes and Sealants

Waxes and sealants have been on the market for decades and are inexpensive, widely available, and straightforward to use. They do offer a glossy coat and help water bead on the vehicle's surface. However, they don’t last very long, usually only weeks to a few months, and don’t offer much protection.

Graphene coatings are a much tougher, longer-lasting option, even if they take a little more skill to apply. They can last anywhere from 6 months up to 4 years or longer, and they provide much better protection against scratches and are even more hydrophobic and water-repellant.

Waxes and sealants are also more sensitive to heat from the normal use of the vehicle or environmental heat and exposure to the sun. This can cause them to soften and collect or trap dust and other contaminants. On the other hand, Graphene is relatively resistant to heat, and the natural conductivity of the material helps repel dust rather than attract it.

Graphene vs. Traditional Ceramic Coating

So if a graphene coating is just a ceramic coating with a little something extra, why not just use the ceramic? The answer to that is simple. Everything a good ceramic coating does, a good graphene coating does it even better. A graphene coating takes all the best traits of a ceramic coating and amplifies them. It also helps minimize less desirable tendencies, such as water and soap spots.

Because graphene oxide’s chemical structure allows it to form a microscopic honeycomb structure, creating a high contact angle and a low sliding angle, graphene coatings are highly water repellent.

This means that instead of just making the water bead on the surface of your vehicle, the high sliding angle causes those beads to roll off easily, and it even rolls off some of the dirt that would otherwise accumulate.

Properly applied graphene coatings are also much more durable than traditional ceramic coatings. Graphene is one of the strongest coatings globally, and even after being reduced to graphene oxide, it retains that high level of strength. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it’s immune to nicks and scratches, but it does make it more resistant to water etching and any debris picked up by your wash mitt or drying towel when you wash your vehicle.

The added graphene makes the finished coating incredibly glossy and slick, leaving a smooth feeling after curing. The kind of sheen achieved by a well-applied graphene coating is unmatched. Today, there are products on the market like Graphene Burst, which offer a glass-like shine that will keep your vehicle looking great all year round.

What Kind of Graphene Coatings are Available?

The three main types of graphene coatings are professional-grade graphene coatings, DIY consumer-grade graphene coating kits, and DIY spray-on graphene coatings. Each type has its pros and cons, and which one you choose will depend on your skill level and personal preferences.

DIY Spray-On Graphene Coatings (Recommended for Most Car Owners)

DIY spray-on graphene coatings are the best option for car enthusiasts that want to apply the coating themselves, want to do it fast, and want it to look like it was done by a professional. They are incredibly easy to apply, similar to spray-on waxes and sealants, but they also offer the superior protection of graphene. They are also the most affordable of the three types of graphene coatings and are geared towards beginners and those without the time to apply a typical consumer-grade coating kit.

You have to be careful which spray-on graphene kit you buy because not all of them last all too long. Graphene Burst can last one year which is above average for the product category. Not lasting the longest usually isn’t too much of a concern, though, because its relative ease of use and affordability make reapplication simple and cost-effective. It is also the most versatile type and can be applied to windows, mirrors, and rims in addition to the paint, reducing the number of different products you need to have on hand to care for and protect your vehicle.

Limited Time Discount: Get 30% Off Torque Detail Graphene Burst

DIY consumer-grade graphene coating kits are great for car enthusiasts that want to do their own coating at home. You may have to go online to find these coatings, but they don’t require any special training or certification to purchase and use. Doing so also means they’re usually more affordable than professional-grade coatings.

DIY coatings are often easier to apply and more tolerant of mistakes, though you will want some detailing experience to help things go smoothly. While still very durable, these coatings simply don’t last as long as professional-grade coatings. You will have to reapply the coating every few years or as needed to ensure continued protection.

Professional-grade graphene coatings are the kind you’ll see offered by professional detailers. They’re the longest-lasting and offer the most protection of all graphene coatings. But unfortunately, they are also the most difficult to apply, and mistakes can be particularly difficult to correct.

Manufacturers require specialized training and certification before a detailer can advertise and offer these coatings. This ensures that the detailer can properly apply and maintain the coating to provide the best results.

This can make them among the most expensive coatings to have put on. In addition to the cost of materials, dealers have to invest in continued training, recertification, and any subscription fees the manufacturer charges. Doing so results in higher-end expenses to you, but they are very high-quality and can last much longer than DIY graphene coatings.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a detailer to apply a professional-grade graphene coating is the reputation and reliability of the detailer. With such a high-cost product, it can be tempting for some detailers to cut corners during the process to pad their profits. While most professional detailers offer quality services, vetting their qualifications can provide peace of mind.

Which Graphene Coating is Best for You?

Because there is no one graphene coating that is best for all vehicles and owners, you should try to identify the best one for your vehicle and your specific needs. There is a lot of information to sort through and consider, but you can start with the simplest parts. If you have the skill and a love of detailing, a DIY consumer-grade graphene coating kit might be the best way to go.

Do you feel you don’t have enough experience detailing to apply one? In that instance, you can choose between taking your car to a detailer to have a professional-grade graphene coating applied and using an easy-to-apply spray-on graphene coating.

The professional-grade coatings will have the best quality and longevity, but they will also be more expensive and usually require continued professional maintenance. However, this can still appeal to those who want the protection and shine of a high-quality graphene coating but don’t have the time to properly apply one themselves.

A DIY spray-on graphene coating will have to be applied more frequently. Still, it has the lowest cost, least complicated maintenance, and easiest application process without sacrificing the enhanced level of protection. In addition, it requires the least amount of care and is the most forgiving of mistakes during application. For a good balance between durability, longevity, and ease of use, check out a product like Graphene Burst, an advanced spray-on graphene coating.

Preparing Your Vehicle for a DIY Graphene Coating

Before you start applying any kind of coating, you want to make sure you properly prepare your vehicle. This means removing any dirt, debris, and contaminants from your vehicle so nothing will get between the clear coat and the graphene coating. Skipping this can prevent the coating from properly adhering to the surface of your vehicle and result in poor performance and decreased longevity of your coating.

Step 1: Wash & Decontaminate

Recommended Read: Two-Bucket Method For Washing Your Car (Detailing Essentials)

Start with a good wash using a car shampoo without any protective additives. A foam gun would be the best tool to use here, but if you don’t have one, good quality wash mitts using the “Two Bucket Method” will reduce the chance of scratching during the wash.

Some contaminants, such as iron, aren’t readily removed during normal washing. To make sure you get everything, a decontaminator should be used, as well as an iron remover if it’s not included in the decontaminator.

Lucky for you, the Torque Detail Decon Kit provides to you the ULTIMATE wash and decontamination experience. It comes with Decon Soap which is a powerful car wash shampoo that not only cleans your paint but removes surface contamination such as iron deposits and removes and previous wax coatings that would sabotage your graphene coating application.

Step 2: Dry

Recommended Read: The BEST Way to Dry a Car For Beginners

This might seem like an obvious step, but it’s still very important. Once you rinse off your soap and decontaminator, you want to towel dry your vehicle to prevent water and soap spots. A plush microfiber towel will easily dry your car without scratching it. Shop for the best quality microfiber towels for car detailing.

Step 3: Remove Bonded Contaminants with a Clay Bar

Recommended Read: How To Clay Bar A Car: The Surefire Guide To Decontamination

You’ve gotten off everything just sitting on the surface, but you’re not done yet. Some contaminants will start to bond to your vehicle’s clear coat and must be removed using a clay bar or clay mitt. Be sure to wipe off any clay residue when you’re done.

If you have purchased the Torque Detail Decon Kit for step #2, you are in luck! It includes an easy to use clay bar pad and clay bar lube.

Applying a DIY Spray-On Graphene Coating

Spray-on graphene coatings are the simplest to apply, but you still can’t just spray it on and walk away. If you haven’t already, make sure to move your vehicle inside a garage before following these steps.

We will be demonstrating the graphene coating application process using Torque Detail Graphene Bust.

Step 1.) Follow Our “Preparing Your Vehicle for a DIY Graphene Coating” steps

If you have not already, follow our instructions in the previous section. Preparation is everything when applying a graphene coating.

Step 2.) Shake Up Your Bottle of Graphene Burst Coat very well

We have found that shaking a spray-on graphene coat product before applying leads to a much better end result.

Step 3.) Ensure the Surface of the Car is Cool and Dry

The car’s surface should not be too hot from the sun. Do this job on a cool day. Also ensure the car is dry.

Step 4: Prime a Clean Microfiber Towel

Facing away from your vehicle, spray your clean microfiber towel one to three times. This ensures the towel is properly covered in the coating and will produce a more even application.

Step 5: Apply the Coating

Spray the coating on your vehicle in small 4x4 areas, then buff in the solution using straight-line motions. Alternatively, you can outline the area to be coated, then fill in the remaining space, again using straight-line movements to ensure even application.

Step 6: Using a second clean microfiber towel to buff and polish

Buff the surface of your car’s paint one panel at a time until you reach your desired shine.

Step 7: Allow the Graphene Coating to Cure

Let your graphene coating cure for 6-12 hours in a cool, dry area. If you are able to leave it alone for 24 hours, go for it!. You should take care to protect your vehicle from moisture, dirt, and debris during this time. In addition, you should avoid driving your vehicle during this time to prevent exposure to anything that may damage your new coating.

Maintaining Your Graphene Coating

After your new graphene coating has fully cured, you still need to maintain your vehicle to get the best, longest-lasting protection from your coating. While washing your vehicle every week to two weeks is recommended, you can usually get by just cleaning as needed as long as you do it correctly.

How to Wash Your Vehicle

Again, if you have a foam gun, this is the perfect opportunity to use it, along with rinsing your vehicle thoroughly before getting started with the soap. The more dirt, debris, and other abrasive material you can remove without touching your vehicle, the less likely you will create scratches in the coating. Using the “Two Bucket Method” can help minimize the risk of scratching by reducing the amount of grit on your wash mitt.

A graphene-friendly shampoo with a neutral pH will be your best friend. A non-neutral pH can start to break the coating down so that’s why most car wash soap will not fit the bill.

Towel drying your vehicle and avoiding washing in direct sunlight can help reduce water spots and preserve the gloss and shine after a wash. You can use a high-powered air dryer, but these can be quite expensive, starting at upwards of $300, without any better effect.

You should avoid automatic car washes if at all possible due to the harshness of the chemicals commonly used, but if you have to go through one, make sure it’s a touchless car wash. Washes with big rolling brushes can be very abrasive, and large curtains of wash clothes can accumulate dirt and grit from every vehicle they wash and drag it across your vehicle, causing scratches.

If your graphene coating starts to look dull, it’s still protecting your vehicle’s paint from scratches, but the hydrophobic layer might need a little restoration. You can use a graphene topper or detail spray to rejuvenate this layer, followed by a good buff to restore the gloss and shine.

You can also do a decontamination and iron removal to strip off any contaminants sitting on top of your coating. Doing this every few months can keep your coating performing at a high level for a longer period.

For DIY spray-on coatings, you do want to keep an eye on both the look and the performance to determine when you need to re-apply. Once your coating reaches the limits of its durability, follow the steps above to reapply it as needed. This is often every six months to a year, though this can vary greatly based on the specific spray-on coating you use and the conditions your vehicle is regularly exposed to.

Graphene Burst Coat:
This Year's Hottest Spray-On Graphene Product

New to the graphene coating market, Graphene Burst Coat is a spray-on graphene coating boasting simple application and protection lasting up to a year.

This custom formulation simply needs to be sprayed on, then wiped off, creating a protective barrier in a matter of minutes. It also offers a glass-like shine and acts as a protective jacket for your vehicle to repel dirt and contaminants and shield your paint from harsh weather.

This spray-on graphene coating can be used on your paint, windows, glass, rims, alloy, and fiberglass.

For all-around protection, you can also purchase the related Graphene Tire Shine to protect every surface of your car.

Are Graphene Coatings Right For You?

If you feel like this was a lot of information, here’s a concise-yet-comprehensive recap.

Graphene is a carbon-based material and is one of the strongest materials in the world. Raw graphene can be reduced to graphene oxide and added to a ceramic coating base to create an even stronger coating that provides enhanced protection and water-repelling abilities. It also has an unmatched gloss, and slick feel when properly applied.

There are three main types of graphene coatings: professional-grade, DIY consumer-grade, and DIY spray-on. Professional-grade coatings are the strongest and longest-lasting but require professional application and maintenance and come at a higher cost. Consumer-grade coatings can be applied by anyone with some detailing experience, have a shorter lifespan than professional-grade, and are priced in the middle of the pack. Finally, spray-on coatings are the easiest to apply and the most affordable, but they don’t last as long as other types of graphene coatings. The graphene coating you choose should match your vehicle’s needs and your preferences, skill level, and available time.

You should always thoroughly clean and detail your vehicle before applying a coating, then follow the steps above. Maintaining your coating involves regular washing using shampoos and techniques that reduce physical and chemical harm to your coating. Furthermore, using toppers and detail sprays can rejuvenate your coating if it starts to dull, and DIY coatings may need to be reapplied as they wear off.

If you want a high-quality, durable spray-on graphene coating, look no further than Graphene Burst for all of your vehicle’s graphene coating needs.