Can I Ceramic Coat My Car Myself?
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied as a thin layer onto a vehicle’s painted exterior surfaces. Once cured, it chemically bonds with the paint to form a durable, hydrophobic protective layer. Ceramic coatings are made from silicon dioxide (silica) and other similar compounds. They work by filling in the microscopic pores and defects in the vehicle’s clear coat to create an ultra smooth surface.
Ceramic coatings are typically applied by professional auto detailers, though DIY-friendly consumer versions are also available. The liquid coating is either wiped or sprayed onto the cleaned and prepped paint. It is then allowed to cure for 12-24 hours to fully harden and bond. Once cured, the coating provides a high gloss protective layer that can last several years with proper maintenance.
Compared to traditional waxes, ceramic coatings provide greater protection from UV radiation, environmental contaminants, light scratches, swirling, and oxidation. The slick hydrophobic surface also makes the car much easier to clean by repelling water, dirt, dust, and other debris. Ceramic coatings are not permanent, but when properly maintained can provide years of protection and shine.
Overall, a ceramic coating essentially acts as a clear second layer of durable paint protection for a vehicle’s exterior. When professionally applied, it can provide benefits that go beyond what can be achieved through waxing alone.
Benefits of ceramic coating
Ceramic coatings provide numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for protecting and enhancing a vehicle’s exterior. Some of the key advantages of ceramic coatings include:
Protects against scratches – The ceramic coating forms a glossy, durable layer that helps protect the paint from swirls, scratches, and other minor damage from regular use and cleaning (source). This keeps the paint looking new for longer.
Protects against UV rays – Ceramic coatings contain UV blockers that help reflect harmful ultraviolet radiation away from the paint (source). This prevents fading and degradation of the paint from sun exposure.
Protects against corrosion and chemicals – The ceramic coating forms a protective barrier that helps prevent environmental contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, and acid rain from damaging the vehicle’s paint (source). This resists corrosion and etching of the clear coat.
Makes cleaning easier – The ultra slick ceramic surface prevents dirt, dust, and other contaminants from bonding to the paint (source). This allows you to clean and maintain the exterior more easily.
Downsides of Ceramic Coatings
While ceramic coatings provide many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider before deciding to apply a ceramic coating yourself or professionally:
The most significant downside is the expensive upfront cost. High-quality ceramic coating kits typically range from $50 to over $200 depending on the size of the vehicle and number of coats. Hiring a professional detailer to apply a ceramic coating can cost $1000-$3000 for an average sized vehicle. While the long-term protection and ease of maintenance ceramic coatings provide helps offset the initial expense, the high cost can make it prohibitive for many car owners.
Ceramic coatings also require proper preparation and application to achieve the advertised durability and performance. The vehicle’s paint needs to be in pristine condition before applying a ceramic coating, which requires thorough cleaning, decontamination, and often paint correction. Mistakes during the application process can result in an uneven or spotted finish. Patience and attention to detail are essential. Rushing through the steps or failing to properly prep the paint will reduce the coating’s effectiveness and longevity.
Lastly, while durable, ceramic coatings will need reapplying every 1-5 years depending on the product quality and number of layers applied initially. Environment and maintenance impact longevity as well. So the protection is not necessarily permanent like a conventional clear coat. The reapplication process is much quicker and cheaper than the initial application, but it’s still an added expense to factor in.
(sourced from: https://www.detailingdevils.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-ceramics-coating-cars)
DIY Ceramic Coating Considerations
When deciding whether to ceramic coat your car yourself, there are several important factors to consider beforehand regarding prep work, technique, curing time, tools/materials needed, and your environment. Proper planning and preparation is crucial for a smooth DIY ceramic coating process and high-quality long-lasting results.
Prep Work: Your car’s surface must be absolutely flawless before applying ceramic coating. That means thoroughly washing, decontaminating, and polishing the paint to remove any bonded contaminants or imperfections. Pay extra attention to door jambs, trim pieces, and hard-to-reach areas. Any leftover debris or unpolished blemishes will be sealed under the coating.
Technique: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing, activating, and applying the ceramic coating. Work in sections using thin, even back-and-forth passes to spread the liquid evenly without dripping. Maintain a wet edge between sections to prevent streaking.
Curing Time: Expect to wait 12-24 hours for the ceramic coating to fully cure, depending on humidity and temperature. Avoid getting water or debris on the uncured coating. The car must be kept indoors in a dust-free environment during this period.
Environment: Only apply ceramic coatings in a clean, dust-free environment with temperatures between 50-90°F. Avoid direct sunlight. Humidity below 50% is ideal. Wind and contaminants can affect results.
Tools/Materials: You’ll need a polisher/buffer, microfiber applicator pads, quality microfiber towels, latex gloves, paint thickness gauge, an IR thermometer, the ceramic coating liquid, prep solutions, and painters tape. Only use new, lint-free microfiber towels.
Step-by-step guide to DIY application
Applying a ceramic coating yourself involves several key steps:
- Wash the vehicle thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt, contaminants or waxes. Be sure to also clean the wheels, door jambs and fuel filler area (Source).
- Clay bar the paint to remove any bonded surface contaminants that washing alone can’t get rid of. This helps the coating bond directly to the clear coat (Source).
- If needed, polish or compound the paint to remove any swirls, oxidation or scratches. This allows the coating to bond to smooth clear coat.
- Wipe down the entire vehicle with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any polish oils or residues.
- Apply the ceramic coating in thin, even layers using a foam applicator or microfiber cloth according to the product instructions. Work in small sections.
- Allow the recommended cure time between coats and before getting the vehicle wet or exposing it to contaminants.
Taking the proper preparation steps allows the hydrophobic ceramic coating to fully bond to the surface to provide the best protection and longevity.
Mistakes to Avoid
When applying a ceramic coating yourself, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can ruin the finish and protection. Here are some of the biggest mistakes to watch out for:
Applying in Direct Sunlight – Ceramic coatings should always be applied out of direct sunlight, preferably in a garage or shaded area. Sunlight can cause the product to cure too rapidly, leading to an uneven finish (Source).
Not Properly Prepping the Paint – The paint surface needs to be completely free of defects, contaminants and oxidation before applying a ceramic coating. Any remaining imperfections will be locked under the coating permanently. Proper paint correction is essential (Source).
Applying Too Thick of a Coating – Ceramic coatings should be applied as thin, even layers. Putting on too much product can lead to streaking,high spots, and uneven curing. Use the minimum amount needed for full coverage (Source).
Not Allowing Proper Cure Time – It’s crucial to allow the full suggested cure time before the car comes into contact with water or the elements. Insufficient curing leaves the coating vulnerable to damage. Check the product instructions and don’t rush this step (Source).
Maintenance after application
Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving your ceramic coating and keeping your car looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining a ceramic coating:
Washing: Use a soapy wash mitt or microfiber wash pad, and rinse off dirt using a pressure washer before contact washing. Wash in straight lines rather than circles to avoid swirling. Use a car wash soap designed for ceramic coatings. After rinsing, always dry thoroughly with a microfiber drying towel. Avoid automatic car washes.
Top-up coats: Most ceramic coatings last 2-5 years. But a top-up coat every 12-24 months will refresh the hydrophobic properties. Use the same ceramic coating product for top-up layers.
Decontamination: Clay bar the paint 2-4 times per year to remove bonded contaminants. Follow up with a ceramic spray coating for added protection. Periodically use a fallout remover to eliminate iron deposits.
Avoid abrasives: Don’t use abrasive polishes or wash pads, which can mar the coating. Use non-abrasive ceramic coating cleaners instead.
Proper maintenance will help a ceramic coating last for years. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific coating.
Frequently asked questions
When applying a ceramic coating yourself, you may have some common questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions DIYers have about ceramic coatings:
How long does the ceramic coating need to cure?
Ceramic coatings need around 24 hours to fully cure before the vehicle is exposed to rain or washing. Be sure to garage your car overnight during the curing period [1].
Can I drive my car after applying the ceramic coating?
It’s recommended to wait 12-24 hours before driving the vehicle after applying a ceramic coating. This allows the coating to partially cure first [2].
How long does a DIY ceramic coating application take?
For DIYers, applying a ceramic coating can take 2-5 hours depending on the size of the vehicle and number of coats. Work in sections and allow proper flash times between coats [3].
What maintenance is required after ceramic coating?
Regular washing with a pH neutral soap and using a spray ceramic coating booster every 3-6 months will help maximize the life and performance of the coating.
Professional vs. DIY ceramic coating
When deciding whether to apply a ceramic coating yourself or hire a professional detailer, there are some key factors to consider.
The main advantage of hiring a professional is their expertise and training. Professional detailers have experience properly preparing paint for coating application, selecting the right products, and applying coatings to achieve maximum performance. They use specialized tools and techniques to get better results than the average DIYer can achieve at home (Source 1). Professionals also fully cure coatings using lighting and climate controlled environments.
However, DIY ceramic coatings have gotten much better in recent years and provide significant protection and gloss with easier application techniques (Source 2). DIY kits cost a fraction of professional services. With some preparation and patience, DIYers can obtain good results. Though professional coatings still outperform DIY options, the gap has narrowed.
Ultimately, professional ceramic coating requires a big investment, but provides maximum protection and longevity, especially for exotic or collectors cars. For the average vehicle owner on a budget, DIY kits offer a compelling balance of protection and affordability.
Conclusion
To summarize, ceramic coating your car provides great benefits like protection, shine, and ease of cleaning. However, proper preparation and carefully following application steps is crucial for long-lasting results. For many DIYers, having a professional apply the coating may be worth the extra cost to ensure optimal bonding and coating durability.
The key deciding factors on DIY vs professional coating are your experience level, patience, and budget. Ceramic coating is an advanced process with little room for error. If you don’t thoroughly prep and decontaminate the paint, apply the product evenly and patiently, or maintain the coating properly, it likely won’t last nearly as long. This can lead to thousands of dollars of lost value.
That said, with proper precautions, DIY ceramic coating is certainly possible. Having a professional detailer apply the coating will provide greater assurance, but costs considerably more. For those willing to invest the time to learn proper technique and preparation, a DIY ceramic coating can still provide excellent protection and gloss at a fraction of the price. Evaluate your specific situation carefully to determine if DIY ceramic coating is the right choice for your vehicle.
