How to Ceramic Coat a Car – Detailed Guide
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of protection and shine to your car’s paint, Ceramic Coat is a great option. Unlike traditional wax or sealant, ceramic coating creates a permanent bond with the car’s paint, offering long-lasting protection against UV rays, dirt, and other contaminants. But applying ceramic coating can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to car detailing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of ceramic coating your car, from the preparation stage to the application process, to ensure a flawless finish that will keep your car looking like new for years to come.
Ceramic Coat: What is it?
It is undeniable that a ceramic or graphite coating will shield your car’s paint from damage more than any wax could. A satisfied car owner should already have several life skills in their toolkit, including the ability to put a ceramic coating on their vehicle.
However, it doesn’t have to be daunting if this is your first-time car coating. Let’s walk through each stage of the process for applying a ceramic coating that will look amazing and shield the appearance for years.
What You’ll Need
The final results are entirely different when using high-quality goods. What you’ll need to complete the task is listed below.
- Ceramic coating
- Car soap
- Sponge
- Paper towel
- A wash bucket
First Step: Thoroughly Clean the Exterior of Your Car
Before applying ceramic coating, it’s important to make sure that your car’s exterior is completely clean. Even if you’ve recently washed your car, there may still be soapy residue and other debris on the paint that could interfere with the bonding process of the ceramic coating.
To clean your car, start by filling a wash bucket with water and car soap. Dip your sponge in the soapy water and use it to wash the entire exterior of your car, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt or debris around.
It’s important to know how to wash a car. Once you’ve finished washing your car, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off any remaining soap. Then, dry the car completely using a clean paper towel or microfiber towel. It’s important to make sure that the car is completely dry before applying ceramic coating, as any moisture can interfere with the bonding process.
Second Step: Remove Scratches and Swirl Marks if Necessary
To remove scratches and swirl marks, start by washing and drying your car as described in the first step. Then, apply a high-quality polish to a clean microfiber towel and rub it into the affected areas using circular motions. Be sure to work in small sections at a time, and apply only light pressure to avoid damaging the paint.
Once you’ve finished polishing the entire car, wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel to remove any residue. You’re now ready to apply ceramic coating!
Third Step: Car Coating Time!
Now that the labor-intensive stage is finished, it’s time to apply a glossy coating of ceramic coating. It’s recommended to carry out this precise operation in a room with a temperature regulation around 65 and 75 degrees.
To avoid confusion, carefully read the instructions which are included with your product. Apply the car coating in parallel, slightly overlapping lines to a smaller space, such as 3′ x 3′. If the applicator slides easily, it is being applied appropriately.
The “rainbow effect” will start to appear straight away as the coating dries and binds to the paint. In high-temperature or high-humidity areas, the time it takes for it to get cloudy will be between one and five minutes.
Apply light to moderate force in a circular motion to the spot you just painted, wiping away all of the leftover paint residues. Before continuing, use a light or torch to double-check your work.
Once the rest of your car has been covered, repeat the procedure. You may stop here with just one coat and be satisfied with the mirror-like finish you have. However, a second coating might be something you think about if you’re serious about wanting to keep your vehicle clean.
Although the ceramic coating may appear and feel dry, it has not yet entirely dried. In fact, you should keep it dry for a minimum of 48 hours after the process is finished. It is safe to drive after two days and to get it wet, but the ceramic car coating will continue to solidify for another 7 days or more.
Your car will become dirty once more even though the porous paint surface has been tiny flattened and water and grime don’t stick to it like they once did. Bird’s faeces will keep coming. Sap from trees will keep flowing. Continued exposure to the sun will cause damage. Maintaining the car coating will keep it looking its best, similar to how an engine needs an oil change.
Summing Up!
Ceramic coating is a great way to protect your car’s paint and keep it looking like new for years to come. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can ceramic coat their car at home. Just be sure to start with a clean and polished surface, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying the ceramic coating.
Remember, ceramic coating is a long-term investment in your car’s appearance and protection, so it’s worth taking the time to do it right. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using high-quality products, you can achieve a flawless finish that will keep your car looking great for years to come.
