Car enthusiasts can distinguish between 10H and 9H Ceramic Coating, but some car owners may not know the difference. This article aims to explain what 9H and 10H Ceramic Coating is and what it can do.
What is 9H, 10H Ceramic Coating or 11H, 12H in Ceramic Coating?
Firstly, it is important to understand that the H in 9H and 10H refers to hardness. It is not measured by the MOHS scale, which measures the hardness of other minerals, with diamond being the hardest. In contrast, pencil hardness scale measures the hardness of automotive ceramic coatings. The idea of a 9H or 10H diamond hardness is not true. Some companies and manufacturers may use it to trick customers or marketing purpose .
Now, if it is said that it was measured by the pencil hardness scale, then it is most likely true. But how does one measure it comparing to a pencil’s hardness?
However, how does one compare it to a pencil's hardness? Pencil manufacturers used the scale for their quality analysis. They would compare pencils and how they could scratch a surface. In the case of ceramic coatings with 9H and 10H hardness, it means that they can withstand a pencil scratch with 9H or 10H scale.
MOHS vs Pencil Hardness.
It's crucial to distinguish between the MOHS hardness scale and the pencil hardness scale. The MOHS scale is a universally accepted measure of the scratch resistance of materials, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). However, there is no such thing as a 10H or 12H rating on the MOHS scale. The highest achievable rating is 10, represented by materials like diamonds.
Now, is there much difference between 9H and 10H hardness?
Definitely.
Yes, definitely. A 10H hardness can endure a deeper scratch or marring than a 9H ceramic coating. It also lasts longer than 9H. Many ceramic coating products are made of SiO or Silicon Dioxide. For ceramic coatings with 10H hardness, they are mostly made of over 88% pure SiO2 content. Compared to other 9H coatings, this updated version of coating hardness increases to 10H, so it lasts longer and works better on protecting your car paint.
How we know the coating is really 10H or 9H?
This is an excellent question :
Lack of Independent Certification:
This is an excellent question. Many ceramic coating manufacturers flaunt impressive hardness ratings without providing any certification or test reports from globally recognized companies such as SGS or KTR. Without independent verification, these claims remain unsubstantiated and leave consumers questioning the authenticity of the advertised hardness levels.
At Car Studios, we prioritise transparency and integrity in our products. Our ceramic coatings undergo rigorous testing by reputable SGS companies to ensure they meet industry standards for quality and performance.
Why is 10H Better?
There are many reasons why a 10H hardness is better than 9h hardness. First of all, it lasts longer, and second, it is more durable. However, it is more difficult to apply, and mostly, it is only professionally used. It is also harder to remove because of the same reason.
When organisations such as SGS test ceramic coatings, they typically use a 9H or 10H pencil at a certain speed and angle, as stated in the test report. If the hardness exceeds 10H, it's important to note that there is no equipment available to test that hardness accurately. In such cases, the test report may simply state the hardness as "above 10H," indicating that the coating surpassed the limits of conventional testing methods.
Most DIY automotive ceramic coatings are only up to 9H hardness. These materials are only composed of less than 80 percent of Silica Dioxide.
At Car Studios, we offer both levels of hardness with the products we use. We have professionally used Alpha Coat with 10H hardness, which is fully tested and certified by SGS. Moreover, it is the first 10H ceramic coating that passed the hardness test. We also offer Aqua Coat Plus for enthusiasts.
We also offer Aqua Coat Pro for enthusiasts.
How about to 11H and 12H?
There is simply no equipment or pencil that exceeds the 10H threshold. Therefore, any coating marketed as 12H or 11H is inherently unrealistic and misleading. At Car Studios, we believe in setting realistic expectations and providing accurate information to our customers. Our ceramic coatings are formulated to deliver exceptional protection with a certified hardness rating of above 10H, offering peace of mind and lasting results. Don't fall prey to misleading marketing tactics – choose Car Studios Ceramic Coating for genuine quality and performance.
On the other hand, we have Ceramic King for beginner DIY enthusiasts.
But, if you want to really feel the ceramic coating on your car, it is best to bring it to a ceramic coating specialist like us! Contact us now and we will schedule a visit for you and your car.
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Different between Consumer grade ceramic coating and Professional grade ceramic coating