Do Teslas Use Non Stick Paint? - ElectricVehiclesFAQs.com

Non-stick paint is a treatment that is often applied to cars to protect their surfaces. This is done to ensure the longevity of the paint.

To our knowledge, Tesla cars do not have non-stick paint from the factory. However, drivers can opt for ceramic coating or PPF because it provides a protective layer over the Tesla’s existing paint. They also offer the EVs with more gloss and shine. Here are the deets.

Why Do Teslas Use Non-Stick Paint?

Tesla electric cars in California are equipped with high-end technology. While Tesla is not known for their quality standards, they do a fairly good job selecting long-lasting paints.

Teslas have a ceramic coating that acts as a repellent against dirt and water. This is no excuse to skimp out on regular maintenance, however.

Routine maintenance and the right product choice will extend your paint’s life. It will also keep your Tesla looking as good as new for years.

There are many reasons for choosing ceramic paint. These are as follows:

The lifespan of ceramic coatings is very high. This means less trouble for Tesla owners since they won’t have to pay more for a new paint job.
Tesla ceramic coating makes the car look glossier with a luxurious appeal.
It is easier to clean the electric car in California with ceramic coating. The same cannot be said about conventional paint.
Ceramic coating is also an excellent water repellant that prevents moisture from hugging the Tesla’s surface. This prevents discoloration and correlation, and preserves the car’s luster.

These synthetic sealants can be applied over the car’s suffice at high temperatures and quickly cooled so that it hardens quickly.

When properly applied, the ceramic coating provides an ultra smooth surface with no scratches or bumps. This is unlike conventional paint, which often requires buffing and waxing procedures – all of which can be laborious and expensive.

Read: How Much To Wrap Tesla Model 3

Two Paint Options for Tesla Drivers

Tesla owners can choose from two paint choices: static dissipative and anti-static.

Static dissipative

As the name suggests, this paint dissipates static electricity. Tesla makes this paint with the help of special particles that prevent the buildup of static electricity.

Static dissipative paint is often used in environments with a significant risk of sparks.

Anti Static

Anti-static paint is made using specially designed additives that stop the buildup of static electricity. This paint is almost universally used in popular electronic devices with a serious risk of electrostatic discharge.

What is the Quality of Paint in Tesla Cars?

Tesla isn’t exactly known for its quality standards. Many owners have complained about the quality of the paint.

Ti is prone to chipping and micro scratches. This is especially true on dark-colored Tesla cars, where the paint may appear gray or milky.

These problems are more likely to occur if the Tesla car has been on the road for a few hundred miles.

Moreover, Tesla paints chips in less prominent places such as the front of the rear wheels, bumper, and hood.

Tesla solves this problem by adding mud flaps (available with the cold weather package).

Owners who live in areas prone to extreme winters may want to opt for the cold weather package.

Tesla’s paint protection is often thin, as in most new cars. Thicker paints are less expensive and easier for manufacturers to apply.

It is said that one of the slowest steps in the car manufacturing stage is painting. The more cars you can paint, the more cars you can produce.

Streamlining painting can improve the assembly line and allow more Tesla to be produced.

This need to improve Tesla’s car output results in a few quality control problems. This is why the rate of wear and tear of Tesla paint is a bit high.

You can opt for ceramic coating, paint protection film (PPF), and regular car washing to protect your Tesla’s paint.

Read Tesla Overheat Protection

Does Ceramic Coating Suffice for Tesla Cars?

Although Tesla does not use non-stick paint, that doesn’t appear to be a problem. This is because stains and water spots can disappear when you apply a ceramic coating.

Ceramic coating can repel water, corrosives, oil, and various substances. Many experts agree that ceramic coating has a non-stick surface.

Ceramic coating is necessary because it reduces the rate of your car’s depreciation. Every car will decrease in value over time regardless of its make and model.

Tesla cars are susceptible to scratches, chips, and other damages that can erode their aesthetic quality.

This is why choosing ceramic coating is essential. It improves the surface’s life and ensures you won’t have to pay someone to paint your car.

Paint Protection Film vs. Ceramic Coating

Tesla owners have a choice here: paint protection film or ceramic coating.

Both options serve the function of keeping your Tesla looking as good as new. They have overlapping performance features.

More specifically, both coatings reduce exposure to UV and chemical contaminants. Let’s dive deep into both options here.

Paint Protection Film

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a unique material that can be applied to any painted surface on your Tesla.

It protects the quality of your Tesla’s paint by preventing damage from:

Chips and scratches due to road debris
Swirl marks due to frequent car washes
Chemical strains created because of chemical contaminants
Chemical etch marks caused by chemical contaminants
Mineral deposits left behind by hard water
Fading due to oxidation from excessive UV exposure

Click to know: How to Reboot and Restart a Tesla Electric Vehicle’s Screen?

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a type of liquid polymer that coats the surface of your Tesla. Ceramic binds itself with the paint to form a surface that repels water.

Ceramic coating can bond to chrome, wheels, glass, and plastics. Ceramic coating also fills tiny pores in the car’s paint. This is an excellent way of leveling out any uneven surfaces in the paint layer.

Ceramic coating has hydrophobic properties that make it difficult for chemical contaminants to bond with the car’s paint.

This can result in several significant benefits for Tesla owners:

It keeps the electric car in California cleaner for longer periods
It also makes it easier to clean dirt and debris from the car

Ceramic coating also shares many properties with paint protective film, such as:

Prevention of oxidation or fading from UV exposure
Prevention of chemical etch marks and stains caused by chemical contaminants

Which Option Should Tesla Owners Use?

As you can see, both ceramic coating and paint protection film are similar. However, there are a few differences that are worth mentioning

Ceramic coating is thinner than Paint Protection Film. Moreover, PPF’s unique chemical composition allows it to self-heal.

In other words, PPF can return to its original form if it hasn’t been damaged excessively. This allows PPF to absorb swirl marks, minor scratches, and chips without the risk of disfigurement.

Ceramic coating does not have this property. A few manufacturers make absurd claims about ceramic coating’s ability to eliminate the risk of swirl marks and scratches.

Most of them don’t know the actual properties of ceramic coatings. This isn’t to say that ceramic coatings are not helpful.

Ceramic coatings can repel water because of the hydrophobic surface created on the Tesla’s exterior.

Manufacturers are equipping paint protection films with a hydrophobic coat, but the effect does not hold a candle to full Ceramic Coating.

When you opt for ceramic coating for your Tesla, you get the benefit of repelling water. We recommend using ceramic coating if you live in areas prone to heavy rain.

If possible, we recommend combining Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film. This is the ultimate form of protection you can provide for your Tesla.

The way it works requires careful strategy.

Paint Protection Film is first applied to areas of the Tesla that are vulnerable to damage from debris on the road.

Ceramic coating does not protect against this type of damage. This is why areas of the car vulnerable to road debris should be covered with Paint protection Film.

This includes the fenders, hood, side mirrors, front bumper, rear wheel arch, and rocker panels.

Once these areas are protected with PPF, you can provide Ceramic Coating to the whole car. The coating bonds to the car’s factory paint and PPF. When applied over PPF, the ceramic coating adds a second layer of protection from stains and acidic etching.

It also keeps the car free from dirt, dust, and contamination. The result is that it increases the life of the film and paint.

PPF and ceramic coating will make short work of stains, etch marks, and oxidation. The best part is that the hydrophobic surface makes it difficult for chemical contaminants to bond with the car.

This ensures that the glossy shine of your Tesla is maintained for a long period. Together, ceramic coating and PPF preserve your Tesla’s paint and improve its appearance.

What is the Cost of Applying Ceramic Coating?

The cost of applying ceramic coating should be an additional $1000 to $2000. This mostly depends on where you live.

Before applying the ceramic coating, ensure the paintwork is properly applied to the car. Ceramic coating is an affordable option for Tesla owners and has several benefits.

Even though it may appear expensive initially, it provides long-term benefits and saves you money. This is because you won’t have to overspend on car washes, waxing, and paint jobs.

How Long Will a Ceramic Coating Last?

The non-stick ceramic coating will last three to five years. You have to take good care of it to ensure it stays in excellent condition.

Here are a few tips to improve the lifespan of the ceramic coating.

Park your Tesla in the shade and away from direct sunlight.
If possible, store your Tesla in a climate-controlled environment.
Avoid driving in the weather when it is extremely hot or cold.
Use clean water to wash your car. This will prevent fewer purities from adhering to the Tesla’ surface.

It is worth mentioning that ceramic coating takes a few weeks to cure. You should allow for three weeks just to be safe.

Three weeks is enough time for the material to set in its place. It would help if you were extra protective of your electric car in California.

This will be done if you opt for factory-installed ceramic coating. But if you opt for aftermarket ceramic coating, you must be extra careful.

This is because if any impurity falls on your car, such as dirt or mud, it won’t come out. The contaminant could become a part of the ceramic coating, and you may have to redo the process!

Click here: Difference Between Tesla AWD and RWD

The Most Popular Colors Available for Tesla Cars

Tesla does not offer a wide range of paint colors that other manufacturers provide. The company sticks to a few color choices for their cars.

This is mainly done to help Tesla cars stand out from the crowd. The exterior design of the car makes Tesla models look like a steal.

Red

The red and shiny surface of Tesla cars adds to their premium look. This color is often found in many vehicles and doesn’t have that ‘oomph’ factor. However, red continues to be a dominant color because it looks cool wherever you take it.

Silver Metallic

Silver provides a shiny and balanced color palette often used to offer a sense of luxury and modernity. Besides, neutral colors are ideal for keeping a low profile.

Solid Black

Black is the go-to choice for executives and anyone higher up the corporate ladder. It exudes confidence and creates a sophisticated look that is unrivaled.

Besides, it’s easier to look after electric cars in California that have a darker color!

Pearl White

White is the antithesis of black and increases your car’s visibility in the dark. White is also a functional choice for Tesla owners because it absorbs less heat naturally

Pink

Pink is a popular color that was popularized half a century ago. It’s an unconventional option but is ideal for anyone who wants to set themselves apart from the crowd.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, a quick low down on Tesla non-stick paint. Tesla provides an option of ceramic coating and paint protection film.

If possible, we recommend getting both to give your Tesla more protection.

Which option do you think is best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!