Ceramic coatings provide long-lasting protection for your car’s paint by creating a durable, hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and contaminants. It helps prevent oxidation, UV damage, and chemical staining, while making the car easier to clean and maintain. Additionally, it enhances the gloss and depth of the paint, keeping your vehicle looking freshly detailed for years with minimal upkeep.
This is by far one of the absolute BEST forms of paint protection you can apply.
Steps
1. Wash the Vehicle (Full Guide Here)
Use a pH-neutral car shampoo and wash mitt to clean the entire surface
Focus on removing dirt, grime, road film, and old waxes or sealants
Rinse thoroughly and dry using microfiber towels or a blower
2. Decontaminate the Paint (Full Guide Here)
Apply an iron remover to dissolve embedded brake dust and iron particles
Rinse thoroughly after the iron remover reacts
Use a clay bar or clay mitt with lubricant to remove bonded surface contaminants
Wipe dry and inspect the paint for smoothness
3. Paint Correction (Optional but Recommended) (Full Guide Here)
Inspect for swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation
Perform a one-step or two-step polish to correct visible imperfections
Wipe down each panel with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution to remove polishing oils and residues
4. Apply the Ceramic Coating
Work in a clean, shaded, and dust-free area
Add a few drops of coating to an applicator pad
Apply the coating in a crosshatch pattern (side-to-side, then up-and-down) in 2×2 ft sections
Wait for the product to flash (rainbow or haze appears—follow product-specific timing)
Level and buff with a clean microfiber towel to remove excess
Use a second towel to eliminate any high spots or streaks
5. Curing and Aftercare
Avoid water contact for at least 24 hours
Let the coating fully cure over 5–7 days or more, depending on the product
Do not wash the vehicle during the curing period
Maintain using pH-neutral soaps and avoid abrasive or wax-based products
Bonus Tip - High Spots 🙁
After applying a ceramic coating to your vehicle, it’s crucial to inspect the surface carefully for any missed high spots. High spots are uneven areas where excess product hasn’t been properly leveled, and they can leave streaks or hazy patches on your paint. The longer time left untreated, the harder they become to remove.
To spot them effectively, examine the coated surface under multiple types of lighting—natural sunlight, LED, shop lights, or even your phone’s flashlight. Different lighting angles can help reveal imperfections that might otherwise go unnoticed.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a flat piece of white poster board and shine a light on it while observing the reflection on your car’s paint. This simple technique can make high spots more visible, allowing you to correct them before the coating cures fully.
Proper inspection ensures a flawless finish and maximizes the protection, shine, and longevity of your ceramic coating.