Has anyone compared "wood focused" ceramic coatings vs coatings used for autos, etc?

[Nicholson]

On 12/15/2023 at 6:48 PM, Chestnut said:

From my personal research into ceramic coatings for cars i can say the woodworking modifier is extremely similar. I will also say it's completely bonkers to consider. It takes a low/zero VOC product that is relatively safe and makes it hazardous. The ceramic coatings that are used in the car detailing world are recommended to be applied with VOC masks and nitrile or latex gloves at all times as the compounds in them are hazardous to your health.

Adding to this, from an academic perspective, wood-focused ceramic coatings and automotive coatings serve different purposes due to the substrates involved. Wood coatings often prioritize breathability and flexibility to handle expansion and contraction, while auto coatings emphasize durability and hydrophobicity for non-porous surfaces. Studies I commissioned from https://personalstatementhelper.com/ suggest that while automotive ceramic coatings might outperform in hardness and gloss, they can fail on wood due to the substrate's organic movement. Applying auto ceramic coatings on wood is also risky because of their chemical rigidity.

It's not even easy to discern from the SDS what level a finish is harmful. It doesn't state if the compound is water or fat soluble or if it's a heavy metal that never leaves your bloodstream. The LD50 of ethanol on an SDS makes it seem like it'll easily cause death. Yet we (humans) often consume ethanol in vast quantities, without death. Consuming it in vapor form has the same effect as liquid form, that said in vapor form it can be harmful mostly because ethanol vapor is typically quite pure so a big whif can give you a large dose. Is it more harmful to inhale it? From my research no, it just makes the compound enter your bloodstream in a different manner.

Here is my point. Taking a marginally safe product, mono coat, and adding a harmful modifier turns that finish into something not much different from lacquer or poly. BUT! both lacquer and poly are FAR FAR more durable. So why not just go the tried and true route? I mean that as poly or lacquer not "tried and true (tm)" which is a woodworking finish as well. My second point is cost, HOLY BATMAN, ceramic coats and monocoat are expensive. So WHY!?! Toss that stuff in the bin and grab some wiping poly and call it a day.

If you want a good safe finish. Start buying everclear and mixing your own shellac flakes. Every bit of research I've found points to being able to consume shellac, as it's often refered to as child safe.  Everclear is used to mix beverages and is often consumed safely in large quantities in this region. It tastes really good when you mix it with some water, cinnamon, and burnt sugar. To make it a bit more durable, wax it.

 

Great info, that what i was looking for

[nanisong]

Wood-focused ceramic coatings are optimized for bonding with wood finishes (e.g., polyurethane, epoxy) and are safer for indoor use compared to automotive coatings, which aren't designed for porous surfaces or prolonged human contact. These coatings provide water, stain, and UV resistance but are pricey. For your desk, they can help prevent coffee stains if compatible with your chosen finish. Test on a scrap piece first to ensure durability and avoid finish degradation. If unsure, stick to traditional finishes like polyurethane for proven protection.

[dwilliam]

Wood-focused ceramic coatings are designed specifically to protect wood from moisture, UV damage, and stains, while auto coatings are more suited for vehicles. The formulas differ, so it's best to use coatings tailored for wood.