A clean and shiny car is the dream of every driver. However, being on the road, a car is prone to environmental challenges. Dust settles, rain streaks, and the sun beats down on the car paint. To get a shield against these, you need a ceramic coating. It protects the colour and shine of your car.
You can apply this protection coating yourself or contact AVX professionals for an expert finish. This article guides you through the process to help you with your car’s makeover.
What is Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a stronger, clearer coat that protects the car’s paint. It is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with the factory paint.
Ceramic Coating creates a strong, semi-permanent layer on the exterior and gives your car a new surface. Unlike car wax, which sits on the surface, ceramic coating becomes part of your car’s paint. The ceramic layers are a strong barrier against dust, sunlight, water and chemicals.
Also Read: Ceramic Coating vs Traditional Wax for Paint Protection
Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Your Car
Ceramic coating provides a long-lasting shine to your car. It enhances the look of your car and protects your investment. Moreover, it saves you the hassle of frequent repaints or resprays to get a shiny outlook.
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Enhanced UV and chemical resistance
Being on the roads means constant exposure to the sun. The ultraviolet (UV) rays break down the clear coat, ultimately damaging the car’s paint. Ceramic coating creates a hard barrier reflecting UV light, keeping your paint vibrant and shiny.
Chemicals also attack car finishes. For example, tree sap is sticky and corrosive, and road salt is terrible in winter. A ceramic coat resists these threats. It does not allow these chemicals to penetrate the clear coat and protect the paint in the long run.
Swirl Mark Reduction
While washing a car, the repeated use of towels creates swirl marks on the surface. They are challenging to buff out or remove.
The ceramic layer is harder than the clear coat and does not allow the water to dry off on the surface.. This keeps your car looking shiny for a long time.
Easier Cleaning
Washing a ceramic-coated car is simple and easy. The coat is so smooth that it does not allow dirt to stick. Moreover, ceramic coating also creates a high gloss. This makes it easier for mud to wash off with water. It reduces the need for excessive scrubbing or using chemicals. This further protects the outer layer and helps maintain your car’s shine.
Hydrophobic Properties
Hydrophobic means water-fearing. When you pour water on a ceramic coat, it beads up. These beads are tight and round and roll right off the surface. This rolling creates resistance for body water stains and removes the dirt from the car surface. It keeps your car clean between washes and makes drying effortless.
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Tools and Materials Needed for Application
To apply a ceramic coating, you need cleaning supplies, surface preparation tools, and the coating materials.
To get a thorough wash, you will need a pH-neutral car shampoo, a clay bar, and a surface cleaning solution. For a more professional look, car polishing before ceramic coating is recommended.
For coating, you will need a ceramic coating DIY kit. Make sure to choose a reputable brand. The kit usually includes the applicator pad and gloves. However, if not, get those separately, along with microfiber towels and a mask.
In addition to this, you need to have good lighting and a covered area. You can not apply ceramic coating in sunlight. Before starting your project, arrange good light in a covered area like a garage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Ceramic Coat
Not having the having the the right tools and materials is not good enough to apply ceramic coating. It is important to learn the technique too. The application of ceramic coating requires careful attention and following the step-by-step guide to attain desired results.
Clean and Wash Your Car Thoroughly
Clearing your car is the most important step. It ensures that the coat sticks to your car paint, not dirt. First, rinse the whole car and remove loose dirt.
Wash the car with pH-neutral shampoo using the two-bucket method. Fill one bucket with soapy water and the second with clean rinse water. Dip your wash mitt in the soap, wash a section, and then rinse the mitt in the clean water bucket. This keeps the wash water clean and prevents dirt from dragging across your paint.
Also Read: How to Wash Your Car at Home the Right Way?
You should wash every panel, including the wheel and lower sills. Then, dry the car with a drying towel or air blower.
Clay Bar Treatment for Smooth Surface
Brake dust and industrial fallout usually stick to the clear coat of car paint, which is not visible. Run your hand over the paint; if it feels rough, it is not smooth enough for coating.
Use a clay bar and spray the lubricant onto a small section. Rub the clay bar gently over the lubricated area and fold the clay frequently.
Work panel by panel and wipe off any lubricant residue. The car’s surface should be glass-smooth before the application of ceramic coating. You can also get a car polish before ceramic coating for perfect and long-lasting results.
Apply Ceramic Coating Evenly in Sections
Before applying the ceramic coat, use a surface cleaner to remove any oil or dust residue from the surface. Spray the cleaner onto a clean microfiber towel and wipe down the entire car.
Open your coating kit and put on your gloves. Wrap the applicator cloth around the block. Put a few drops of the ceramic liquid onto the applicator. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount.
Always work in small sections and apply the coating in a cross-hatch pattern. Move the block horizontally, then vertically, to full coverage. When the coat starts to bond, it will flash or give a rainbow appearance.
Let the Coating Cure Properly
You must wait for the coating to set up. The time varies depending on the product and humidity, usually 30 seconds to two minutes. Read your kit’s instructions precisely.
If you wait too long, the coating will harden and become difficult to remove or buff. If you wait too little, you wipe the product right off.
Watch the panel while drying. When the coating appears slightly oily or tacky, it signals the time for buffing.
Buff and Inspect for Any Missed Spots
Take a clean, high-quality microfiber towel and gently wipe the section you just coated. Use long, straight passes to remove the excess coating. This will smooth the surface and give your car a brilliant gloss. For long-lasting shine, use a second towel for the second final buff.
Immediately after buffing, inspect the panel carefully. Look for a slightly hazy or oily smear. It indicates the application of too much product. Use the corner of your buffing towel to gently level these spots immediately to create a smooth look.
How to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating can last up to 2-5 years, depending on the application and regular maintenance.
As part of initial maintenance, you must let the coating completely cure. It can take up to seven days. In the meantime, you should avoid washing your car. After the coating settles, regular washing of your car is crucial for maintaining its coat. Use a pH-neutral car soap and avoid using car polish or wax after ceramic coating.
Consider applying a ceramic maintenance spray every few months. Make sure to wash your car before applying the spray. It will ensure that the spray protects the coating, not the dust.
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Conclusion
Caring for what you love makes you proud. Applying a ceramic coat at home demands effort and patience, but the results are promising. Before starting your project, it is important to have the right tools and learn proper techniques. Use high-quality products and follow safety precautions to stay safe while protecting your car. Ceramic coating will give your car a long-lasting shine and serious protection for the paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of ceramic coating varies largely depending on the product’s quality, application, and maintenance. Professional-grade coatings may last 5 years or more with proper care.
The best paint protection for you depends on your needs and budget. If you want the best protection and are willing to pay for it, ceramic coating or PPF are the best option.
Ceramic coating makes the paint more resistant to light scratches, but it is not scratch-proof.
Yes, ceramic coating offers much longer-lasting and stronger chemical protection than wax.
Paint correction is considered essential before applying a ceramic coating. It ensures a flawless finish, proper bonding, and long-lasting protection.
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