How to Apply Ceramic Coating on Your Car? [Step by Step DIY Guide]

Published: 09/14/22 •  6 min read

Step by Step DIY Guide to Apply Ceramic Coating on your Car with simple and easy method.

Protecting the paint is the most effective method to keep a car in good condition and preserve its value. In the past, the process of applying ceramic coating was expensive. Today, ceramic coatings have become one of the hottest paint-protecting products in the cleaning-and-detailing services. Earlier, they were only intended for professionals, but the latest technologies have made the application of nano-ceramics a DIY project for the casual car enthusiast too. 

Ensuring you do it correctly is essential as these coatings must be applied correctly, or you will end with a cluttered mess. Here is a short step-by-step guide to applying the ceramic coating to achieve the most effective results with lasting shine.

How to Apply Ceramic Coating on Car?

apply ceramic coating

Car maintenance is messy, mainly when you clean up the surfaces, you have never done earlier, such as headlights splattered with bugs. Before you apply the ceramic coating to your vehicle, make sure to follow all the directions provided by the manufacturer.  

You will need an even surface, like a driveway or garage floor. To do this, you will require a well-ventilated and shaded area to shield your vehicle from elements as the ceramic coating cures.

Here are the essentials you will need to keep your clothes and yourself clean:

Other requirements:

Step 1: Prepare

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

One of the most common misconceptions concerning ceramic coatings is that it enhances the surface by removing scratches, swirls as well as faded paint. This is a false claim. 

Ceramic coatings are paint protectants that protect the paint surface. If the paint surface already has swirls and scratches, the ceramic coating will increase or magnify the damage rather than cover it up. Therefore, we highly recommend correcting the paint, prior to applying the ceramic coating.

In the application of a ceramic coating, the prep work involves:

Step 2: IPA cleaning

IPA is the Isopropyl Alcohol. It is an excellent solution for removing cleaning chemicals and polishing oil from the body of your car. It is not the typical IPA that you can find in the medical stores, but an exclusive nano-based IPA solvent that comes with the ability to de-grease.

Because ceramic coatings are made of nanotechnology, you must utilize nano-based IPA cleaners to remove all polishing oil to facilitate proper bonding of the ceramic coat.

Step 3: Application of Ceramic Coating

After the preparation and the pre-wipe cleansing is done, you can begin applying the ceramic coat. But, prior to proceeding, once again make sure the application area is thoroughly clean. If even a tiny amount of dirt gets stuck to the paint while applying the ceramic coating, it will bind to the coating. Additionally, buy high-quality ceramic coatings for long-lasting results. Also, ensure that the ideal temperature is about 21 to 28º centigrade, and the humidity is less than 50 %.

You may also like: How long does ceramic Coating last?

The application steps are as follows:

  1. Shake the bottle thoroughly prior to use.
  2. Wrap the applicator sponge all around with the fabric.
  3. As directed, dab a few drops of ceramic coating compound on the sponge.
  4. Apply the coating in a small area. Apply the coating in a criss-cross design, first horizontally and then vertically. It will ensure that no place is left uncoated.
  5. Next, wait for approximately 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the temperature, until you see bubbles.
  6. Now, gently remove the excess and level the vehicle surface with the microfiber cloth.
  7. Repeat in smaller sections until the car is completely covered.
  8. After coating the vehicle, allow the product to cure over 24 hours within a closed space, without moving the vehicle.

Tips to Apply Ceramic Coating

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Ceramic Coating Application- FAQs

DIY ceramic coating is not just an excellent way to maintain the shiny look for a longer time but also offers an extra layer of protection for your car’s paintwork. It can save you hundreds of dollars.

Also read: Is Ceramic Coating worth it?

Yes. Ceramic coating not only shields the wheels but is also highly durable. 

Ceramic coating is a paint protection coating for plastic and metal surfaces. You can also use it on vehicle surfaces such as wheels, window glasses, chrome, as well as Interior Leather Fabric.

Benefits of the ceramic coating are-

  • Easier Washing & Maintenance.
  • A fresh mirror-like glow with an even and smooth surface.
  • It guards the vehicle against small scratches and swirl marks.
  • Protects vehicles from harsh UV rays as well as other environmental pollutants.
  • The coating retains the higher resale value of your vehicle.

Ceramic coating is for both. 

It is a must for a new vehicle to:

  • Make it look more stunning, and add a mirror-like shine.
  • Prevent scratch marks and swirls. 
  • Keep your car in good condition easily and effortlessly. 
  • The hydrophobic characteristics of ceramic coating help easier washing.

In old vehicles, it:

  • Eliminates the dullness due to aging.
  • Restores showroom shine and further safeguard it.
  • Keep your vehicle in good condition easily and effortlessly.

Closing Words

The coating is subjected to a phase of crystallization. After fully cured, it gives fantastic properties such as hydrophobicity, shine, and luster. It also shields against UV rays, color fade as well as other environmental dangers.