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How to Ceramic Coat Your Wheels Fast: 30-Minute Step-by-Step

How to Ceramic Coat Your Wheels Fast: 30-Minute Step-by-Step

The Benefits of Ceramic Coating Your Wheels

Ceramic coating your wheels is a must for any car enthusiast looking to keep their wheels looking their best for years to come. As Anthony from The Rag Company explains, ceramic coatings offer a number of key benefits:

  • Easier Cleaning: Ceramic coatings create a hydrophobic, or water-repelling, surface on your wheels. This means that dirt, brake dust, and other grime will have a much harder time sticking to the surface, making it a breeze to clean your wheels with just a quick rinse.
  • Chemical Resistance: Ceramic coatings act as a protective barrier against nasty chemicals like brake fluid, road tar, and paint that can otherwise stain and damage your wheel finish. This makes it much easier to remove any spills or contamination.
  • Less Brake Dust Buildup: While the amount of brake dust that accumulates will depend on the type of brake pads you're running, ceramic coatings generally help reduce the amount of brake dust that sticks to the wheel surface.

In short, ceramic coating your wheels is a game-changer that will keep them looking showroom-fresh for years, while also making maintenance and cleaning a breeze. It's a must-do modification for any car enthusiast.

Preparing Your Wheels for Ceramic Coating

Before you can apply a ceramic coating to your wheels, it's important to properly prepare the surface. As Anthony explains, there's a key difference in the prep process for brand new wheels versus used wheels:

New Wheels

When dealing with a fresh set of brand new wheels, you might be tempted to just unbox them and get to coating right away. However, Anthony cautions against this approach. If you ceramic coat the wheels before having the tires mounted, you run the risk of the wheel weights not sticking properly, which can lead to balance issues and vibrations.

Instead, Anthony recommends having the tires mounted and balanced first, before bringing the wheels home to ceramic coat them. This ensures the wheel weights will adhere properly without any issues. Once the tires are on, you can then move forward with the full prep and coating process.

Used Wheels

For used wheels that have already had the tires mounted, the prep process is a bit simpler. You'll still want to thoroughly clean the wheels using a dedicated wheel prep product to remove any residual oils, grease, or contamination from the surface. This ensures the ceramic coating will have the best possible adhesion.

Anthony recommends using the Armour Detail Supplies Panel Prep for this step, as it's specifically formulated to work in conjunction with their wheel coating product. However, the general principles can be applied regardless of the specific products you're using.

Applying the Ceramic Coating

With the wheels properly prepped, it's time to apply the ceramic coating. Anthony is using the Armour Detail Supplies Wheel Coating for this job, but the process can be applied to any high-quality wheel coating product.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You'll need the following items to get started:

Step 2: Prep the Wheel Surface

Start by spraying the wheel prep product directly onto a clean microfiber towel. Wipe down the entire wheel surface, including the barrel, face, and any hard-to-reach areas. This ensures you're removing any residual oils, grease, or contaminants that could interfere with the coating's adhesion.

Anthony emphasizes the importance of getting into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the lug holes and where the spokes meet the outer lip of the wheel. This is where a lot of brake dust and grime tends to build up, so thorough cleaning is crucial.

Step 3: Apply the Ceramic Coating

With the wheels prepped and ready, it's time to apply the ceramic coating. Anthony recommends starting with the wheel barrels first, using your microfiber applicator to apply an even, consistent layer of the coating.

Be sure to work in sections, applying the coating in a circular motion and overlapping your passes to ensure full coverage. Anthony notes that the Armour Detail Supplies coating is thicker than many other products on the market, so you don't need to apply it too heavily.

Once the barrels are coated, move on to the wheel faces. Again, work in sections, starting in the center and working your way outward. Pay close attention to the recessed areas around the spokes and lug holes, as these are prone to trapping dirt and grime.

After applying the coating, let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow it to flash off slightly before using a clean microfiber towel to wipe away any excess. You're looking for a smooth, slick finish without any high spots or uneven coverage.

Step 4: Inspect and Touch Up

Take a final walk around the wheels to inspect your work. If you notice any high spots or areas that need a bit more attention, you can use a small amount of additional coating and your applicator to touch them up before the final wipe down.

Anthony also recommends snapping the center caps back into place and coating them as well, as this will help maintain a consistent, uniform appearance across the entire wheel.

Mounting the Coated Wheels

With the ceramic coating applied and cured, it's time to mount the wheels back onto your vehicle. Anthony advises handling the wheels carefully, as the coating is still in the initial curing stage and can be easily marred by improper handling.

The key is to only grab the tires when mounting the wheels, avoiding any direct contact with the coated surfaces. This will ensure you don't accidentally damage the fresh coating.

Once the wheels are mounted, Anthony recommends allowing the coating to fully cure for a few days before exposing the wheels to water or heavy use. This ensures the coating has time to harden and develop its full protective properties.

Maintaining Ceramic Coated Wheels

One of the biggest benefits of ceramic coating your wheels is the ease of maintenance. Thanks to the hydrophobic, chemical-resistant properties of the coating, keeping your wheels clean is a breeze:

  • Washing: You can safely wash ceramic coated wheels with just a simple rinse, as the coating will prevent dirt and grime from sticking. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the coating over time.

  • Brake Dust: The coating's slick surface makes it much harder for brake dust to adhere, so you'll find your wheels stay cleaner for longer between washes.

  • Chemical Spills: If you happen to get any nasty chemicals like brake fluid or road tar on your wheels, the ceramic coating will act as a protective barrier, making it easy to wipe away the contamination.

With proper maintenance, a high-quality ceramic wheel coating can last for years, keeping your wheels looking showroom-fresh for the life of your vehicle. It's a must-do modification for any car enthusiast looking to take their wheel game to the next level.

Get Ready to Ceramic Coat Your Wheels Today

Ready to take the plunge and ceramic coat your wheels? Be sure to check out the full range of Rag Company products to get the job done right. And don't forget to subscribe to their FAQ channel for more helpful tips and tricks on automotive detailing and paint protection.

With the right products and a little elbow grease, you can have your wheels looking better than new in under 30 minutes. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start ceramic coating those wheels!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it worth doing a DIY ceramic coating on wheels, or should I hire a professional?

You can absolutely do a DIY ceramic coating wheels project, and many hobbyists run through a full process themselves. The article discusses DIY ceramic coating wheels alongside professional options, noting that quality wheel coatings and proper prep matter as much as expertise. Whether you go DIY or pro, consider factors like the product thickness, curing time, and your own comfort with handling wheel prep and application.

What are the essential steps to prep wheels before applying a ceramic coating?

Prep is crucial. The wheels should be cleaned and degreased to remove oils and contamination. For new wheels, mount and balance the tires first so wheel weights stay secured, then proceed with full prep. For used wheels, use a dedicated wheel prep product (like Panel Prep) to decontaminate the surface. In both cases, focus on getting into all the nooks around lug holes, spokes, and the barrel to maximize coating adhesion.

How do you apply a ceramic coating to wheels in a step-by-step way?

Gather supplies (wheel coating, prep product, microfiber applicator, and towels). Start with prep on the wheel surface, then apply the coating in sections—first the barrels, then the faces—using a circular, overlapping motion. Let the coating flash for 2–3 minutes, then wipe away excess with clean microfiber. Inspect for high spots and touch up as needed, including the center caps if desired, before mounting the wheels.

How should I maintain ceramic-coated wheels after application?

Maintenance is simple thanks to the coating’s hydrophobic and chemical-resistant properties. Rinse or light wash to remove dirt without harsh scrubbing, and avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the coating. The coating helps reduce brake dust adhesion and makes future cleaning easier, preserving the finish between washes.

How long does a ceramic coating last on wheels, and when should I reapply?

With proper care, a high-quality wheel coating can last for years, maintaining a showroom-like appearance. Longevity depends on factors like driving conditions and cleaning habits, so reapplication is based on wear and performance over time rather than a fixed timetable. Proper curing and avoiding harsh chemicals will help maximize how long your ceramic coating rims longevity remains strong.

TL;DR — Whether you’re aiming for a 30 minute ceramic coating wheels result or a fuller DIY project, the key takeaway is that ceramic coating for wheels offers easier cleaning, better chemical resistance, and less brake-dust buildup, making maintenance a breeze. Start with proper prep: for new wheels mount the tires first so weights stay balanced, then clean and degrease for maximum adhesion; for used wheels, decontaminate with a dedicated wheel prep product. Apply the coating in sections—from the barrels to the faces—allow a 2–3 minute flash, wipe away any excess, inspect for high spots, and then let the coating cure for a few days before exposure to water or heavy use. With the right products and careful technique, you can achieve showroom-like wheels and keep them protected for years. Along the way you’ll also learn practical, step-by-step methods that bridge DIY work and pro results, including how to prep wheels for ceramic coating, how to apply ceramic coating to wheels, and how to maintain ceramic coated wheels for longevity.