Ceramic coating bikes is a procedure that has gained more and more traction in the last years. But what is a ceramic coating, why do you need one and what type of coating is the best for you? This article aims to answer all of these questions and also provide you with the ultimate guide to applying our Secret Surface coating.
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a high-quality protective layer that you can apply to your bike frame and parts as an extra layer of protection.
More precisely, it is the best protective coating for the paint layer of your bike. It usually consists of ceramic particles that create a hard layer around any solid subject that you apply them on. This way this layer protects against (micro) scratches and UV radiation. As a cyclist, you probably recognize the proud and sometimes even protective feelings about your bike. So encasing it in a thin shield is very attractive!
Why use a ceramic coating?
Of course you know that your bike won't look like new forever, but still, the first scratches on your new bike sting a bit when you notice them...
It's okay. We feel the same about our bikes. That's why we developed Secret Surface ceramic bike coating. This coating gel keeps your bike protected against water, dirt, salt, micro scratches and UV radiation.
With this coating your bike will certainly stay cleaner and factory fresh for longer!
Nano VS Non-nano coating?
Most coatings that are out there today come from the car detailing industry. Where professionals in expensive paint booths with great protective equipment apply these coatings to luxury cars. These coatings are usually described as 'nano' which means the individual particles are smaller than 1 millionth of a millimeter. This has benefits but also some serious drawbacks, which we discuss below.
Nano coating
Benefits:
- Can last up to several years
Downsides:
- Nano particles can cause serious harm when inhaled or absorbed by the skin, even leading to lung cancer.
- Must be applied by a professional to get a even result and to ensure proper safety measures are taken.
Non-nano coating
Benefits:
- No nanoparticles, eliminating the risk of harmful effects from inhalation or skin contact.
- Easy DIY application which takes minutes and can be performed at home without a mask or gloves.
- Environmentaly friendly, by using a water-based gel. Free of solvents and other PFAS chemicals.
Downsides:
- Lasts up to nine months.
Important note on safety
As already mentioned above, nano coatings should always be applied by a trained professional with the required protective equipment in a well ventilated space. Several large research institutes are warning for the health damage that can result from using these SiO2 based nano coatings in an improper manner.
This not only applies to end consumers but also to mechanics or other professionals in the cycling industry.
Never aerosolize a nano-coating outside of a controlled room, without a full face mask, gloves and closed safety glasses! When using a solvent based coating, always wear the correct gloves and other required protective gear!
Why choose Secret Surface?
✓ Excellent protection : Secret Surface provides exceptional protection against (micro) scratches, dirt, mud, water, and salt. The advanced formula ensures that your bike looks like new for longer and is more resistant to the elements.
✓ Safety : Secret Surface is 100% safe to use because it does not spray SiO2 but applies it via a water-based gel. This eliminates the risk of inhaling harmful particles and prevents particles from being absorbed through the skin.
✓ No nanoparticles : Our formula contains no nanoparticles, eliminating the risk of harmful effects from inhalation or skin contact.
✓ Ease of use : Applying Secret Surface is easy and requires no professional training or protective equipment. This allows cyclists to coat their bikes themselves without worrying about their health.
✓ Environmentally friendly : By using a water-based gel, Secret Surface is not harmful to the environment compared to solvent-based coatings.
The dangers of other products on the market arise from the spraying of nanoparticles, which can be harmful, or the use of solvents to make an SiO2 liquid, requiring specific gloves and other protective equipment. With Secret Surface, we have overcome these problems through an innovative approach. Our water-based formula without nanoparticles offers the same excellent protection as traditional SiO2 coatings but without the health risks.
How to apply Secret Surface?
Step 1:
Wash the entire bike
First, you have to degrease, clean and dry your entire bike. Use a bike cleaner like Dirt Destroy, Bio Filth Fighter or Badass Bubbles, bike cleaning brushes and a cloth for best results. Don't forget to clean the small corners and hard-to-reach spots. Make sure all dirt is gone. Dry your bike using a clean and soft cloth, like our Luxury Microfibre Polishing Cloth.
Step 2:
Prepare the surface
In this step, you need a cloth and a preparation spray - like Dynamic's Perfect Prep. This is a strong but 100% carbon safe degreaser that leaves no residue. This ensures the best performance and adherence of Secret Surface.
Spray Perfect Prep directly onto the frame from a 25cm distance, or spray it on a cloth first. Apply the formula in a circular motion to the surface, using the cloth to buff it in. Don’t rinse off with water.
Just let Perfect Prep dry; it leaves a perfectly clean surface.
Step 3:
Apply the coating
Now it's time for the real deal! In this step, you need Secret Surface and a clean Microfibre Cloth. Secret Surface has a pump applicator. Apply one pump a time on the cloth and gently apply the formula on the entire surface in a circular motion. Take your time - make sure you don't forget any spots. The coating will create a thin, clear but visible layer.
Tip: don't only use Secret Surface on your frame, but also on bike parts as the crank, rims and handlebars. Secret Surface is 100% safe for all materials, such as carbon, aluminum, titanium and all paintworks.
Step 4:
Let it cure
The quickest step of them all! Let the coating cure for 3 minutes. Afterwards, gently buff the coated area with a clean cloth. This will remove excess coating and leave a perfectly polished, protective layer.
Now you’re ready to ride your bike!
The durability of Secret Surface
Secret Surface lasts up to 9 months! Cleaning your bike after applying a coating is 100% safe and a must for keeping your bike well maintained. Take in mind that you should always use bike friendly cleaners. Use our Bio Filth Fighter, Dirt Destroy or Badass Bubbles for maximum durability of the coating.
Links:
(NL)Health Council (PDF)
(NL)ESN
(ENG)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - NIOSH: The CDC describes that nanoparticles, including SiO2, can enter the body through inhalation and cause serious health problems, such as pneumonia, inflammation, scarring, and genetic mutations in lung cells. Research has shown that exposure to nanoparticles in the workplace can lead to serious long-term effects such as cancer.
(ENG)EU-OSHA - Managing Nanomaterials in the Workplace: EU-OSHA warns of the health risks of nanomaterials in the workplace. They emphasize that nanoparticles, including SiO2, can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs, and that some nanoparticles can have similar effects to asbestos. It is crucial to take precautions when handling these materials.
(ENG)ScienceDirect - Skin absorption of inorganic nanoparticles and their toxicity: This article discusses how nanoparticles can penetrate the skin, especially in the presence of solvents, and the potential toxicity of this.
(ENG)Springer - Human Health Implications of Environmental Nanoparticles: This article discusses how nanoparticles, combined with solvents, can penetrate the body through the skin and the health risks that result from this.
(NL)Dutch Labour Inspectorate (PDF)
(ENG)European Commission - Potential Harmful Effects of Nanoparticles: The European Commission has conducted studies showing that inhaled nanoparticles can be deposited in the lungs and migrate to other organs, such as the brain, liver, and spleen. This can lead to inflammation and heart problems. The toxicity of nanoparticles is often greater than that of larger particles of the same substance.
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