How to Ceramic Coat Your Car Using P&S Stout Ceramic Coating
TL;DR — This guide shows how to ceramic coat your car using P&S Stout by first thoroughly prepping the surface (washing, decontaminating, and clay/iron removal), then polishing the paint and glass for a smooth base, removing any emblem residue, and finally applying the P&S Stout ceramic coating in controlled sections with careful flash times. The result is a durable, high-gloss ceramic coating with hydrophobic properties that lasts roughly 5–7 years, and it includes DIY-friendly steps and clear ceramic coating aftercare instructions to keep the finish looking stunning.
Preparing Your Car for a Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coatings have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to protect and enhance the appearance of a vehicle's paint. One of the leading ceramic coating products on the market is P&S Stout, which offers an exceptional user experience for both installers and vehicle owners. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire process of preparing, polishing, and applying a ceramic coating to your car using P&S Stout.
Before we dive into the coating application, it's crucial to properly prepare the vehicle's surface. This involves a thorough cleaning and decontamination process to ensure the coating adheres properly and provides maximum protection. The first step is to give the car a complete wash, using the appropriate products and techniques to remove any dirt, debris, or contaminants from the paint.
Next, you'll want to decontaminate the surface using an iron remover or clay bar. This step helps to remove any embedded contaminants that may be present, such as rail dust or industrial fallout. Once the surface is clean and smooth, it's time to move on to polishing the paint.
Polishing the Paint and Glass
Polishing the paint is an essential step in the preparation process, as it helps to create a smooth, even surface for the ceramic coating to adhere to. The process involves using a RUPES polisher with an EdgeGuard Blueberry Pad and P&S Rehab Correction Cream to achieve a one-step paint correction.
The key benefits of this approach are:
-
The medium-cutting Blueberry Pad provides a significant amount of cut without causing any marring or swirls.
-
The Rehab Correction Cream is a compound that cuts and finishes in a single step, eliminating the need for a separate finishing polish.
-
By cycling the pads and blowing them out between panels, the team ensures consistent correction throughout the entire vehicle.
In addition to the paint, the team also polishes the vehicle's glass using P&S Clarity Cream and a RUPES battery-powered polisher. This step helps to remove any water spots or contaminants from the windshield and side windows, preparing them for a glass coating application.
Removing Emblems and Preparing for Coating
Before applying the ceramic coating, the team removes the dealership emblem from the vehicle. This is an important step to ensure a seamless, uniform appearance, as coating over the emblem could lead to issues down the line if the car is traded or sold to a different dealership.
To remove the emblem, they use a heat gun on low heat and a plastic scraper. This softens the adhesive, allowing the emblem to peel off cleanly. Any remaining residue is then removed using an adhesive remover and a microfiber towel.
With the paint and glass polished, and the emblem removed, the vehicle is now ready for the final step: applying the P&S Stout ceramic coating.
Applying the P&S Stout Ceramic Coating
The application of the P&S Stout ceramic coating is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the proper techniques to ensure a successful and long-lasting result. Sydni and Riley start by taping off any sensitive areas, such as the vents, to protect them during the coating application.
They then begin applying the Stout coating, starting at the highest point of the vehicle (the roof) and working their way down. The key things to remember during the application process are:
-
Work in small, manageable sections to ensure the coating is applied and wiped off within the 20-30 second flash time.
-
Use a generous amount of the coating on the first application, then use less for subsequent sections.
-
Wipe off the coating in two steps: first, a leveling wipe to spread the product, and then a buffing wipe to remove any residue.
-
Be vigilant for any high spots or areas that may need additional attention, as the coating cannot be re-wet or self-corrected.
One of the standout features of the P&S Stout coating is its user-friendliness. Sydni and Riley note that the coating is not sticky or difficult to work with, making the application process relatively straightforward, even for DIY enthusiasts.
The Benefits of P&S Stout Ceramic Coating
P&S Stout is a high-performance ceramic coating that offers a range of benefits for both the installer and the vehicle owner. Some of the key advantages include:
-
Exceptional Gloss and Depth of Finish: The coating provides a deep, glossy appearance that enhances the vehicle's paint, making it look almost as if you can "look down into the paint."
-
Durable Protection: P&S Stout is designed to last for 5-7 years, offering excellent resistance to environmental contaminants, UV rays, and chemical exposure.
-
Easy Maintenance: The coating's hydrophobic properties make the vehicle's surface easier to clean and maintain, with water and dirt easily beading and rolling off the surface.
-
User-Friendly Application: The Stout coating is relatively straightforward to apply, with a quick flash time and easy wipe-off process.
Additionally, the coating is compatible with a wide range of surfaces, including paint, trim, and wheels, allowing you to protect the entire vehicle with a single product.
Caring for Your Ceramic Coated Vehicle
Once the P&S Stout ceramic coating has been applied, it's important to follow the proper care and maintenance procedures to ensure the coating lasts as long as possible. Some key tips include:
-
Avoid Washing for 48 Hours: The coating needs time to fully cure, so it's best to wait at least 48 hours before washing the vehicle.
-
Use Gentle, pH-Neutral Cleaners: When washing the vehicle, stick to gentle, pH-neutral car shampoos and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could potentially damage the coating.
-
Maintain Regular Cleaning: Regular washing and maintenance will help to keep the coating in top condition and prevent the buildup of contaminants that could compromise its performance.
-
Avoid Pressure Washing: High-pressure water can potentially damage the coating, so it's best to stick to traditional hand-washing techniques.
By following these simple care and maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your ceramic-coated vehicle maintains its stunning appearance and protection for years to come.
Conclusion
Ceramic coatings have become an increasingly popular choice for vehicle owners looking to protect and enhance the appearance of their cars. With the P&S Stout ceramic coating, you can achieve a deep, glossy finish while also benefiting from long-lasting protection and easy maintenance.
The process of preparing, polishing, and applying the Stout coating is relatively straightforward, even for DIY enthusiasts. By following the proper techniques and taking the time to thoroughly prepare the surface, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting ceramic coating application.
If you have any questions about P&S Stout or the ceramic coating process in general, be sure to leave a comment below. And don't forget to subscribe to the RAG Company's main YouTube channel for more tips, tricks, and tutorials on all things detailing and car care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does P&S Stout last?
P&S Stout is designed for durability of about 5–7 years, depending on application technique, maintenance, and environmental exposure. This aligns with the coating’s claims of long-lasting protection and easy maintenance when paired with proper DIY ceramic coating aftercare instructions.
Do you need to polish before applying the ceramic coating?
Yes. The prep includes paint correction to create a smooth, even surface before applying the coating. Using a system like RUPES with a Blueberry Pad and Rehab Correction Cream helps achieve one-step correction, which is recommended as part of the ceramic coating application steps before sealant or coating laydown.
What is the proper curing time for P&S Stout?
Avoid washing the vehicle for about 48 hours to let the coating cure, which is a key part of the ceramic coating curing time. After this initial cure, use pH-neutral cleaners and follow the DIY ceramic coating maintenance schedule to protect the finish.
Can P&S Stout be used on glass and other surfaces besides paint?
Yes. The article notes that the coating can be used on multiple surfaces and that glass can be prepared with dedicated products like P&S Clarity Cream during the polishing phase. P&S Stout is compatible with paint, trim, wheels, and other surfaces, making it versatile for a full-vehicle ceramic coating application.
How do you apply P&S Stout by hand and what tools are best?
Apply by hand in small sections, starting at the highest point (like the roof) and working downward. Use a generous amount on the first pass, then less for subsequent sections, and perform a two-step wipe (leveling then buffing) within the recommended 20–30 second flash time. This follows the ceramic coating application steps and relies on a quality ceramic coating applicator pad or the best applicator for P&S Stout to ensure a smooth, even finish.