When it comes to protecting and enhancing the exterior of your home, how crucial is choosing the type of paint? Well, over time, the quality of your choice can mean the difference between frequent and costly repainting or enjoying a long-lasting finish that not only saves you hassle years down the line but also saves money over time.
At Rhino Shield, we produce a state-of-the-art ceramic coating, but we want to talk honestly about the long-term value of these products compared to traditional water-based latex and oil-based paints. We will explore the technology behind ceramic coatings, their durability, energy-saving properties, and much more. However, to make an informed decision, it's essential to also consider the downsides of using ceramic coatings. We’ll discuss those too.
What Are Ceramic Coatings?
Ceramic coating is not just another paint; it's a revolutionary formula designed to offer unmatched protection and longevity. At the heart of this system lies the use of ceramic microspheres, which replace the inexpensive filler products commonly found in conventional paints. These microspheres come in varying sizes and are packed tightly together to provide a formidable barrier for your walls against heat, UV rays, and coating breakdown.
Do Ceramic Coatings Have Good Adhesion?
Our leading home-exterior ceramic coating, Rhino Shield, uses a two-coat system for ultimate adhesion. First, we place an adhesive primer sealer (APS) on the surface of a home. This creates a moisture seal that adheres to most surfaces. Then, we go over that with our Durable Finish Coat (DFC), which provides:
- UV ray reflection
- Abrasion resistance
- Dirt repellant
- Mildew and mold resilient
- Outstanding permeability
How Ceramic Coatings Save You Money Over Time
Unlike traditional paints, ceramic coatings are composed of urethanes and resins, making them a thicker (eight to ten times thicker than paint) product. This thickness enhances their hardness, forming a robust protective barrier against scratches, abrasion, and wear. This also means they don’t chip or flake, unlike latex paints. There is no need for frequent repainting, as the durability of these paints ensures they can withstand the test of time, even in harsh environmental conditions. In the long term, this will save you on costs.
Along with those advantages, the microspheres and thickness of ceramic coatings contribute to excellent soundproofing properties, helping to create a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
Will Ceramic Coatings Protect My Home Against Fires?
The fire rating scale measures the range of a fire’s spread distance (0 – 200) over a 20-minute burn. To be a class “A” fire retardant, the product must have between a 0 - 25 spread distance. Rhino Shield scored a 5. While this won’t ensure your home isn’t in peril of outdoor fires, it significantly decreases the likelihood of danger.
Below is a segment from an article by coatingsworld.com. It covers a story where our coating was put to the test during an outdoor fire.
But real-world fires are what test materials, and in 2022 a home in North Carolina caught fire which became fully involved. The home next to that home had been coated with Rhino Shield. When the local fire department examined the area, they were astonished the fire did not spread to the adjacent home. When they learned that the home was protected with Rhino Shield, they told the homeowner they were certain that’s what saved their home.
“The Spruce Pine fire department told us that considering the heat of the fire, they were impressed the adjacent building did not ignite,” said Moore. “When they found out the home was coated in Rhino Shield and looked into its ceramic and heat-rejecting properties, they were convinced Rhino Shield helped save that home.”
Ceramic Coatings Repel Water, Dirt, and Chemicals
- Water is the number one cause of building deterioration and damage.
- Ceramic coatings have hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. This means they repel water and oil-based substances, simplifying cleaning and maintenance efforts.
- Unlike traditional paints, which create a barrier between the substrate and paint, the Rhino Shield System seals to the surface, helping prevent water penetration.
- They also reduce the adhesion of dirt, grime, and contaminants, providing a more attractive exterior with less cleaning.
Breathability is an asset recently coming to attention with some of the permeable ceramics. Rhino Shield sets itself apart from the rest by being fully permeable, as certified by ASTM testing laboratories. Trapped water vapor and condensation from things like showers and pots can even invade permeable coatings that don’t have optimal breathing technology. This is the leading cause of coating failure and contributes to mold and mildew growth. Rhino Shield allows water vapors generated inside the home to escape.
Ceramic coatings excel in resisting chemicals, acids, and alkalis. This property makes them invaluable for protecting surfaces in environments where exposure to corrosive substances is a concern. For homeowners, this translates to peace of mind knowing that their exterior surfaces remain resilient against potentially damaging elements.
Ceramic Coatings Reflect Sunlight
UV protection is a hallmark feature of many ceramic coatings and is crucial for surfaces exposed to prolonged sunlight, where fading or material degradation can occur. In homes, it helps maintain the color and finish of exterior surfaces, preserving their aesthetic appeal.
The technology behind this UV resistance lies in their ability to reflect solar rays away from your home, instead of absorbing them, lowering wall surface temperature. This reduces energy consumption and not only keeps your home cooler but saves you money on air conditioning costs.
Thorough Testing
Rhino Shield has been thoroughly tested by leading outside laboratories, including BASF. The results not only affirmed confidence in our claims, but we showcase these beliefs with our 25-year warranty that is guaranteed, transferrable, and non-prorated.
In a 2022 testimonial from one of our customers, Rick Kral, he talks about the significance of Rhino Shield's longevity 18 years after installment:
“We’ve watched a lot of people get their house painted 3 or 4 times. We haven’t had to do any of it. I don’t know about you guys, but if I’m in the house for a long time, I don’t want to have to paint every 5 – 7 years.”
What is the Initial Cost of Ceramic Coatings?
Initial Cost: One of the most significant drawbacks associated with a ceramic coating is its upfront cost. Ceramic coatings are significantly more expensive than traditional paints, which may be the deciding factor if you plan to live in your home for a limited time. Below are the average costs for a standard 3-bedroom house:
- An exterior water-based paint job is between $5,000 – 9,000.
- An exterior ceramic paint job is between $13,000 - $18,000.
Check out this link for a comprehensive breakdown of what you are paying for with a Rhino Shield application.
Professional Installation Required: Proper application of ceramic coatings necessitates a professional installer. While this ensures optimal results, it adds to the overall project cost. For DIY enthusiasts, the complexity of the application may pose a challenge. Touch-ups on specific parts of the home can also pose an issue for the same reason.
Should I Paint with a Ceramic Coating?
Rhino Shield's ceramic home exterior coating holds the promise of exceptional durability, longevity, and protection against various environmental factors. However, it's crucial to weigh these boons against the blatant downsides, including the initial cost, and the need for professional installation. Make sure the decision to opt for Rhino Shield's ceramic coating aligns with your specific needs, budget, and long-term maintenance considerations. If you believe Rhino Shield is right for you, follow the link below to get a no-obligation, free quote.
