Oceanix Yacht Care – Certified Feynlab Ceramic Coating Installers
Oceanix Yacht Care is a Certified Installer of FEYNLAB® Marine Ceramic Coatings. We use professional ceramic coating systems to provide long-term protection for boat gelcoat, paintwork and other marine surfaces.
Ceramic coatings have become increasingly popular with boat owners looking for a higher level of surface protection. When correctly applied and maintained, a ceramic coating can provide excellent gloss, hydrophobic performance, UV protection and resistance to many of the contaminants found in the marine environment.
However, ceramic coatings are often surrounded by claims that make them sound almost too good to be true.
So what can a ceramic coating actually do, and what can't it do?
Here are seven common myths about ceramic coatings and the facts boat owners should know before making a decision.
Myth #1 – Ceramic Coatings Are a One-Time Solution
Fact: A ceramic coating is designed to provide long-term protection, but it is not a "set and forget" product.
Even a professionally applied coating needs regular washing and maintenance to perform at its best. Salt, bird droppings, water spots and other contaminants can still build up on the surface if the boat is not maintained correctly.
Regular maintenance helps preserve the coating's appearance, hydrophobic performance and overall condition.
Oceanix Yacht Care can provide ongoing maintenance programs to help keep ceramic-coated vessels looking their best.
Myth #2 – Ceramic Coatings Are Scratch-Proof
Fact: Ceramic coatings are not scratch-proof.
A quality coating can provide additional surface protection and, depending on the product, may help reduce the effects of light surface scratches and swirls. Some FEYNLAB® coatings also incorporate self-healing technology designed to help repair certain light surface marks when exposed to heat.
However, ceramic coatings cannot prevent damage from major impacts, deep scratches, rocks or other physical contact.
Think of ceramic coating as a protective layer, not an invisible force field. Boats remain boats, unfortunately.
Myth #3 – A Ceramic-Coated Boat Doesn't Need Washing
Fact: Ceramic-coated boats still need to be washed regularly.
One of the major benefits of ceramic coating is its hydrophobic behaviour. Water and contaminants are less likely to bond strongly to the surface, making the vessel easier to wash and maintain.
However, the coating does not make the boat dirt-proof.
Salt spray, bird droppings, grime, pollution and other marine contaminants will still settle on the vessel and should be removed regularly.
Regular washing is an important part of maintaining the performance and appearance of a ceramic coating.
Myth #4 – Ceramic Coatings Are Resistant to Everything
Fact: Ceramic coatings provide excellent resistance to many environmental and chemical contaminants, but they are not completely impervious to them.
Bird droppings, insects, salt deposits and other contaminants should be removed as soon as reasonably possible.
Prolonged exposure to aggressive contaminants or unsuitable cleaning chemicals can affect the coating over time.
For ceramic-coated vessels, we recommend using appropriate marine-safe washing products and techniques. Regular professional maintenance can also help ensure the coating continues to perform as intended.
Myth #5 – Ceramic Coatings Can Hide Scratches and Blemishes
Fact: Ceramic coatings are transparent and will not hide significant scratches, oxidation or other major surface defects.
In fact, the condition of the surface underneath the coating is extremely important.
If the gelcoat or paintwork is oxidised, scratched or dull, the appropriate correction work should be completed before the ceramic coating is applied.
This is why proper preparation is such an important part of the ceramic coating process.
A ceramic coating protects the finish you give it. It does not magically create a perfect finish underneath.
Myth #6 – New Boats Don't Need Preparation
Fact: Even a new boat requires thorough preparation before a ceramic coating is applied.
A new vessel may look perfect, but the surface can still contain manufacturing residues, transport contamination, dust, polish residue, water spots or other contaminants.
Any contamination left on the surface can affect the bonding and performance of the coating.
Proper preparation can include:
Thorough washing
Decontamination
Removal of surface contaminants
Machine polishing where required
Final surface preparation before coating
The cleaner and better prepared the surface, the better the foundation for the ceramic coating.
Myth #7 – Anyone Can Apply a Ceramic Coating
Fact: Ceramic coating installation requires experience, preparation and attention to detail.
The application process involves more than simply wiping a product onto the surface. Environmental conditions, surface preparation, application technique, curing and final inspection all have an impact on the finished result.
Oceanix Yacht Care has been installing FEYNLAB® ceramic coatings since 2014 and has extensive experience working with marine surfaces.
Our approach is to assess the vessel first, identify the condition of the existing surface and recommend the appropriate preparation and coating system.
Why Choose FEYNLAB® Marine Ceramic Coatings?
FEYNLAB® has developed ceramic coating technology for a range of automotive and marine applications.
The coating systems are designed to provide a combination of:
High gloss
Hydrophobic performance
UV protection
Chemical resistance
Surface protection
Easier maintenance
Different coating systems are designed for different surfaces and applications, which is why selecting the right product is an important part of the process.
For marine applications, the coating needs to be suitable for the conditions your vessel is exposed to, including UV, salt water, moisture and regular washdowns.
Why Professional Preparation Matters
One of the most important parts of a ceramic coating installation happens before the coating is applied.
The condition of the gelcoat or paintwork determines how the finished vessel will look.
If the surface is oxidised, faded or contaminated, preparation and correction may be required before coating.
At Oceanix Yacht Care, we assess each vessel individually and tailor the preparation and coating process to the condition of the surface.
This helps ensure the coating is applied to a properly prepared surface and provides the best possible finish.
Is Ceramic Coating Right for Your Boat?
Ceramic coating can be an excellent option for boat owners who want to protect their investment while making regular maintenance easier.
It can be particularly beneficial for vessels that:
Spend significant time in the water
Are exposed to strong UV
Experience regular salt exposure
Have high-quality gelcoat or paintwork worth protecting
Are maintained to a high standard
Are used regularly and need to be easier to keep clean
However, ceramic coating isn't necessarily the right solution for every vessel.
The condition of the existing surface, how the boat is used and the level of maintenance you are prepared to undertake should all be considered before coating.
Ceramic Coating Maintenance
A ceramic coating still needs to be maintained to achieve the best results.
Regular maintenance should include:
Appropriate washdowns
Removal of salt and marine contaminants
Prompt removal of bird droppings and other aggressive contaminants
Use of compatible cleaning products
Periodic professional inspections and maintenance
Oceanix Yacht Care can also provide ongoing maintenance programs for ceramic-coated vessels, helping protect the investment you have made in the coating.
Conclusion
Ceramic coatings can provide an excellent level of protection for boats when the right coating system is selected, the surface is properly prepared and the coating is correctly installed and maintained.
They are not scratch-proof, maintenance-free or a substitute for proper surface preparation.
When professionally installed and cared for, however, ceramic coatings can provide excellent gloss, hydrophobic performance and long-term surface protection while making your boat easier to maintain.
Oceanix Yacht Care is a Certified Installer of FEYNLAB® Marine Ceramic Coatings, with extensive experience in marine polishing, gelcoat and paint restoration and ceramic protection.
We work with vessels throughout Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.
Contact Oceanix Yacht Care for a free vessel assessment and quote.
Phone: 021 0620 223
Email: aaron@oceanix.co.nz