What Is The Process To Ceramic Coat A Car?
A ceramic coating is a protective liquid polymer coating that is applied to the exterior paint of a vehicle. It bonds with the paint to create a glossy, protective layer that repels water, contaminants, and environmental damage. The coating forms a semi-permanent bond that protects the vehicle’s factory paint and can last several years with proper care and maintenance (1).
Ceramic coatings provide several key benefits:
- Protects against scratches, swirls, oxidation, and fading
- Creates a hydrophobic layer that repels water and makes washing easier
- Prevents contamination from environmental factors like bird droppings, sap, and road tar
- Enhances gloss and gives paint extra depth and shine
- Makes maintenance and cleaning easier
There are different grades and types of ceramic coatings based on quality and durability. Consumer-grade DIY ceramic coatings provide protection for 1-2 years, while professional-grade coatings applied by detailers can last 5+ years with proper maintenance. Costs range from $50 for DIY kits to $1000-2000 for professional application on an average-sized vehicle (2).
When to Get a Ceramic Coating
There are a few ideal times to get a ceramic coating on your vehicle:
On a new car – Applying a ceramic coating as soon as you get a new car can help protect the factory paint. A new ceramic coating creates a hydrophobic barrier that makes washing easier and prevents swirl marks, scratches, environmental contaminants, and UV damage over time (https://www.fresh-layer.com/blog/should-i-use-a-ceramic-coating-on-my-brand-new-car). Most manufacturer warranties are not voided by professional ceramic coatings (https://ceramicpro.com/should-i-ceramic-coat-my-new-car/).
After paint correction – Ceramic coatings adhere best to extremely smooth surfaces. Doing paint correction via polishing or compounding first will prep the paint for maximum bonding. Freshly exposed paint is ideal for coatings.
Ceramic coat over existing wax/sealant – While bonding may not be quite as strong, most quality ceramic coatings can be applied over existing wax or paint sealant. This allows you to get the benefits of a ceramic coating without completely removing the existing protection.
Prep Work Before Coating
Proper preparation of the paint surface is crucial before applying a ceramic coating. The prep process aims to thoroughly clean, decontaminate, and smooth the paint to ensure maximum bonding and longevity of the coating.
The first step is to thoroughly wash and decontaminate the paint using a pH neutral soap designed for auto detailing. This helps remove any dirt, grime, and contamination. Next, you’ll want to clay bar the paint, which lifts and removes bonded surface contaminants like industrial fallout that normal washing can’t eliminate. This leaves you with an ultra smooth surface.[1]
Once decontaminated, it’s important to remove any swirls and light scratches in the clear coat using a machine polisher and quality polish designed for ceramic coatings. The polishing process levels the paint finish to a uniform smoothness and clarity, allowing the coating to properly bond to the surface.[2]
The final step is to wipe down the paint using a panel wipe or solution of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). This ensures there’s no polish oils or contaminants left on the surface before applying the coating.
Applying Ceramic Coating
When applying a ceramic coating, it’s crucial to use thin and even coats across the paint. According to ethoscarcare.com, you’ll want to work in small sections of around 2 ft x 2 ft to ensure you don’t miss any spots or overlap coats. Apply a dime-sized amount of product to an applicator and spread it evenly until it’s almost invisible on the section.
Most ceramic coatings require 2-3 coats for maximum protection and durability. Allow 10-15 minutes between coats to cure. The coating will be dry to the touch at this point, but the chemical bonding process continues for 24-48 hours. Avoid getting the car wet or dirty during this full curing period. Once fully cured, the ceramic protection will be bonded at a molecular level to withstand years of driving.
Curing and Post Ceramic Coating Care
Proper curing is crucial for ceramic coatings to reach maximum hardness and durability. Cure times vary by specific product but are typically 24-72 hours.
Gtechniq recommends allowing 24 hours of curing time before getting the car wet after applying Crystal Serum Light ceramic coating according to their product documentation (https://gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/crystal-serum-light). Other brands like Cerakote suggest waiting 72 hours before washing the vehicle after ceramic coating application (https://cerakote.com/project-gallery/ceramic-coating/). Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cure time.
During the curing period, avoid getting the freshly coated surface wet. No washing or rain exposure. After curing, the surface can be washed but special care should be taken. Use a clean microfiber mitt and wash gently with a pH neutral soap. Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.
Maintenance and Top Up Coats
Properly maintaining your ceramic coating is crucial for ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Most professional detailers recommend getting a top up coat every 12-24 months, depending on usage and conditions (Source). Top up coats reinforce the original ceramic coating and keep your paint looking slick and protected.
It’s also important to only use ceramic coating compatible products for washing, polishing, waxing etc. Many typical car cleaning products contain chemicals that can degrade or strip away ceramic coatings over time. Using a pH balanced wash soap and microfiber mitts is recommended to safely get rid of dirt and debris without scratching the coating (Source).
When washing a ceramic coated car, follow these steps:
- Rinse thoroughly with water first
- Wash with a ceramic coating compatible pH balanced soap using the two bucket method
- Use a clean microfiber mitt and rinse mitt frequently
- Rinse off all soap with clean water
- Dry thoroughly with microfiber cloths
Avoid using dish soap or harsh chemical cleaners. Proper maintenance wash methods will help prevent swirls, water spots, and deterioration of the coating over time.
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:
Cost Difference: Professional ceramic coating services often range from $1,000-$2,000 for the entire vehicle, compared to DIY ceramic coating kits that cost $50-150. While the professional service costs more upfront, the results and longevity tend to be superior according to detailing experts.
Training and Technique: Professional detailers undergo extensive training and have experience properly prepping and applying ceramic coatings for maximum performance. DIY applications often fail prematurely due to incorrect preparation or improper application technique that professional training helps avoid.
Manufacturer Warranty: Most professional ceramic coating services come with multi-year warranties backed by the coating manufacturer. DIY ceramic coatings rarely offer a warranty, so there’s more risk and no guarantee of longevity.
While DIY ceramic coatings provide an affordable entry point, professional services offer superior results and protection when applied properly. Carefully weigh the cost versus benefits when deciding between DIY or professional ceramic coating services.
Common Ceramic Coatings
There are many brands and types of ceramic coatings on the market. Some of the most popular and highly-rated consumer-grade ceramic coating brands include Chemical Guys HydroSilek, Adam’s Polishes Graphene Coating, and Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions. These offer DIY-friendly application and more affordable prices around $50-150 for a full kit.
Professional-grade ceramic coatings designed for body shops and detailers include CarPro CQuartz and Gtechniq Crystal Serum. These offer enhanced durability and gloss with prices from $200-600 for professional installation. They require certified training to apply properly.
Most ceramic coatings today use SiO2 (silicon dioxide) technology. This provides a glass-like protective layer. Some newer formulas use SiC (silicon carbide) technology, claiming even greater hardness and durability. However, real-world testing shows little difference in performance.
Overall, professional-grade ceramic coatings may provide slightly better durability and gloss compared to consumer formulas. However, the difference is often negligible, and DIY ceramic coatings offer excellent value and performance for most car owners.
Ceramic Coating Myths
Some common myths about ceramic coatings include:
Myth: Ceramic coatings provide permanent protection
While ceramic coatings do provide durable protection for a vehicle’s paint, they are not completely permanent. Ceramic coatings may last 2-5 years with proper maintenance and care. Environmental factors like UV exposure will cause ceramic coatings to degrade slowly over time, requiring reapplication [1].
Myth: Ceramic coated cars never need waxing
While ceramic coatings minimize the need for regular waxing, occasional waxing is still recommended to provide an extra layer of protection, enhance gloss, and help maintain the coating. Wax can fill in any minor flaws in the ceramic coating as it wears down over time [2].
Myth: Ceramic coatings make a vehicle scratch proof
Ceramic coatings do not make a vehicle scratch proof, though they provide protection from light scratches and swirl marks. The hard ceramic layer helps absorb impact that could otherwise mar the clearcoat. However, the coating itself and the clearcoat underneath can still be scratched from debris or pressure washing [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions when considering getting a ceramic coating. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How long does the ceramic coating last?
With proper maintenance, a ceramic coating can last 2-5 years on average. However, the lifespan depends on factors like application method, exposure, maintenance, and the specific coating used. Quality professional-grade ceramic coatings like Ceramic Pro (https://www.ceramicprovancouversw.com/ceramic-pro-faq/) when applied correctly can last up to 9 years.
Can I drive the car right after coating?
No, you should not drive immediately after coating. The coating needs time to cure properly first. Most coatings require 12-24 hours of cure time before driving according to Ceramic Coating FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.ceramiccoatexpert.com/post/ceramic-coating-frequently-asked-questions-or-faqs). Driving too soon can affect the bond and durability.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
Costs vary greatly based on the product used and who applies it. DIY kits can be a few hundred dollars while professional application can be $1000-5000 for a full vehicle coating. Prices depend on the vehicle size, shop rates, coating brand, warranty inclusions, etc.
