I was told that some paint protections can actually be bad for your paint. Is that true?
This is actually quite correct. During the 1980’s and until the end of the 90’s many formulas contained silicone. This is no longer commonly used as silicone-based formulas were often referred to as ‘a panel beater’s nightmare’. Silicone is a synthetic rubber which is widely used in many industries and products today including plumbing (as a water sealant) and building/construction. When used in paint protection it can cause problems if there is a need to repair and repaint any damaged panels on the vehicle. This is because the silicone permeates into the porous surface of the paintwork and unless completely removed prior to repair, paint won’t stick to the substrate and will ‘ball’. Most reputable brands replaced the silicone with a fluoropolymer (for example Teflon) which eliminated this problem, however the abrasion caused by dirt and road grime caused the protection to break down over time and require reapplication. The HYDRO ceramic formula contains no silicone or fluoropolymers and because the coating has abrasion resistant properties, will not require reapplication for the lifetime of ownership of the vehicle.