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Ceramic Coating for Cars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ceramic Coating for Cars: A Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR — Ceramic coating for your car provides durable paint protection and a glossy, hydrophobic finish that outperforms wax. The key takeaway from the guide is that success starts with thorough surface preparation—decontaminating the paint and performing paint correction if needed—followed by a careful two‑part application (CSL base coat, EXOv5 topcoat) and protection of glass and wheels. For maintenance, wash with a pH‑neutral soap, dry properly, and top up periodically with a ceramic sealant like C2V4 to maintain slickness. When done correctly, CSL can offer up to about 5 years of UV/abrasion protection and EXOv5 about 2 additional years, delivering long‑lasting ceramic coating results you can DIY or have professionally installed.

Ceramic coatings have become increasingly popular in the automotive detailing world, and for good reason. These advanced paint protection products offer a host of benefits that can transform the appearance and durability of your vehicle's finish. From enhanced gloss and hydrophobicity to improved scratch and chemical resistance, ceramic coatings provide a level of protection that traditional waxes and sealants simply can't match.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire process of ceramic coating your car, from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned detailing enthusiast or a first-time DIYer, you'll learn the essential steps to achieve professional-level results in the comfort of your own garage.

Preparing the Surface

The key to a successful ceramic coating application lies in the preparation of the vehicle's surface. Proper decontamination and paint correction are crucial to ensure the coating adheres properly and provides long-lasting protection.

Wheel and Tire Cleaning

Start by addressing the wheels and tires. These areas tend to accumulate the most dirt, grime, and brake dust, which can interfere with the coating's performance if not properly removed. Use a citrus-based all-purpose cleaner and a fallout remover to thoroughly clean the wheels, tires, and wheel wells. Agitate the surfaces with detailing brushes to ensure maximum decontamination.

Washing and Decontamination

With the wheels and tires taken care of, it's time to move on to the paint. Begin by washing the vehicle using a pH-neutral car wash soap and a high-quality wash mitt. Work from top to bottom, rinsing frequently to prevent water spots and swirls.

Next, it's time to decontaminate the paint. This involves using a citrus-based foam to break down any existing waxes or sealants, followed by a fallout remover to remove any embedded iron particles or environmental contaminants. Use a synthetic clay bar and the fallout remover as a lubricant to gently remove any remaining surface imperfections.

  • Wash the vehicle using a pH-neutral car wash soap and a high-quality wash mitt

  • Apply a citrus-based foam to break down existing waxes and sealants

  • Use a fallout remover and a synthetic clay bar to decontaminate the paint

Paint Correction

With the surface thoroughly decontaminated, it's time to address any paint imperfections through a process known as paint correction. This may involve light polishing or more aggressive compounding, depending on the condition of the paint.

For this project, the detailers opted to use a dual-action polisher and a finishing polish to gently refine the paint and prepare it for the ceramic coating. They used a polishing pad to ensure a flawless finish.

After polishing, it's essential to remove any residual oils or polishing compounds from the paint using a panel wipe or similar product. This step ensures the ceramic coating will bond properly to the paint's surface.

  • Use a dual-action polisher and a finishing polish to correct any paint imperfections

  • Apply a panel wipe to remove any residual oils or polishing compounds

Applying the Ceramic Coating

With the surface properly prepared, it's time to apply the ceramic coating. In this case, the detailers used a two-part system from Gtechniq: Crystal Serum Light (CSL) and EXOv5.

Applying Crystal Serum Light (CSL)

The first step is to apply the CSL base coat. This product is designed to absorb into the clear coat, providing up to 5 years of UV and abrasion protection. To apply, the detailers used a high-quality microfiber applicator and the "river method" to ensure even coverage.

After applying the CSL, they allowed it to flash off and then carefully buffed it off using a high-quality microfiber towel. This process was repeated across the entire vehicle.

Applying EXOv5

Once the CSL had been applied and buffed off, it was time to apply the EXOv5 topcoat. This product is designed to enhance the hydrophobic and oleophobic (oil-repelling) properties of the underlying CSL, providing up to 2 years of additional protection.

The application process for EXOv5 is similar to that of the CSL, using a microfiber applicator and the "river method." Again, the detailers allowed the product to flash off before carefully buffing it off with a high-quality microfiber towel.

  • Apply the CSL base coat using a microfiber applicator and the "river method"

  • Buff off the CSL using a high-quality microfiber towel

  • Apply the EXOv5 topcoat using a microfiber applicator and the "river method"

  • Buff off the EXOv5 using a high-quality microfiber towel

Protecting the Glass and Wheels

With the paint now protected by the ceramic coating, it's time to address the vehicle's other surfaces: the glass and the wheels.

Protecting the Glass

For the glass, the detailers used Gtechniq's G1 ClearVision Smart Glass coating. This quartz-based product provides up to 20,000 miles of protection, with extreme hydrophobicity at speeds of 40 mph and above.

The application process involves applying three coats of the G1 product to the windshield, with a single coat on the side and rear glass. After each application, the detailers waited the recommended time before using the included microfiber towel to remove any residue.

Protecting the Wheels

For the wheels, the detailers used Gtechniq's C5 Wheel Armour coating. This product is resistant to temperatures up to 12,200°F, making it an excellent choice for protecting the wheels from brake dust and other high-heat elements.

The application process is straightforward: simply apply the C5 coating directly to the wheel surfaces and use a microfiber towel to buff it off. The C5 coating provides up to 2 years of protection, ensuring your wheels stay cleaner for longer.

  • Apply three coats of G1 ClearVision Smart Glass to the windshield, and one coat to the side and rear glass

  • Use a microfiber towel to remove any residue after each application

  • Apply C5 Wheel Armour directly to the wheel surfaces and buff off with a microfiber towel

Maintaining the Ceramic Coating

Now that your vehicle is fully protected with the ceramic coating, it's time to discuss maintenance. Proper care and upkeep are essential to ensure the coating continues to perform at its best and provide long-lasting protection.

Washing and Drying

When it comes to washing a ceramic-coated vehicle, the process is relatively straightforward. Use a pH-neutral car wash soap and a high-quality wash mitt to gently clean the surface. Avoid using harsh brushes or abrasive cleaners, as these can compromise the coating's integrity.

After washing, use a high-powered blower or a microfiber drying towel to thoroughly dry the vehicle. This will help prevent water spots and ensure a streak-free finish.

Topping Up the Coating

Over time, the ceramic coating may begin to lose some of its hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. To maintain the coating's performance, consider using a ceramic sealant like Gtechniq's C2V4. This product can be applied during the drying process to help rejuvenate the coating and restore its slick, water-beading characteristics.

  • Use a pH-neutral car wash soap and a high-quality wash mitt to gently clean the surface

  • Dry the vehicle using a high-powered blower or a microfiber drying towel

  • Apply a ceramic sealant like Gtechniq's C2V4 to help maintain the coating's performance

Conclusion

Ceramic coating your car is a fantastic way to protect your vehicle's paint and enhance its appearance for years to come. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can achieve professional-level results in the comfort of your own garage.

Remember, proper preparation is key to a successful ceramic coating application. Take the time to thoroughly clean, decontaminate, and polish the paint before applying the coating. And don't forget to protect the glass and wheels for a complete, show-stopping finish.

With the right products and a little elbow grease, you can transform your car's appearance and enjoy the benefits of a high-performance ceramic coating for years to come. Happy detailing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a ceramic coating last on a car and what affects its longevity?

In practice, longevity depends on the product and care. The guide notes up to ~5 years for the CSL base coat and ~2 more years for the EXOv5 topcoat, with maintenance and environment influencing results. Using proper ceramic coating aftercare, washing with a pH-neutral soap, and periodic topping with a sealant like C2V4 can help maximize how long a ceramic coating lasts.

What is the step-by-step ceramic coating application process?

Key steps include: 1) thorough wheel and paint decontamination, 2) paint correction if needed, 3) panel wipe to remove oils, 4) applying CSL base coat with a microfiber applicator using the river method, buffing off, 5) applying EXOv5 topcoat and buffing clean, and 6) protecting glass with G1 and wheels with C5, followed by careful curing and maintenance.

Can you ceramic coat over scratches or do you need to fix them first with paint correction?

You should typically perform paint correction before applying a ceramic coating. Minor blemishes can be addressed during correction, but deep scratches may require professional repair before a coating will bond properly. The coating adheres best to a fully decontaminated, corrected surface.

Is ceramic coating worth the cost compared to traditional wax or sealant?

Many people find ceramic coatings worth the cost for long-lasting protection, easier maintenance, and superior gloss and hydrophobicity. However, upfront costs vary and depend on product choices, whether you DIY or hire a professional, and the expected coating longevity and aftercare needs.

What is the best ceramic coating kit for beginners and how do you start with DIY ceramic coating?

For beginners, look for a ceramic coating kit for cars that includes clear instructions and the right tools, i.e., a DIY ceramic coating kit. Choose brands with simple application steps, and start with proper paint preparation (decontamination, paint correction). Practicing the 'ceramic coating steps' in a controlled garage environment helps increase success.