Detailing Guides
Videos, articles, infographics and more on washing, polishing and ceramic coating.
Matte Finish Care
Articles and vides on how to maintain a matte finish car in its original appearance.
How Should I Ceramic Coat My Car?
Ceramic coatings are like the high tech evolution of wax, but they can also be tricky to use. Learn what prep is needed, what coating to use and what techniques are best in this DIY Decision Guide.
Do I Need to Polish Before Applying a Ceramic Coating?
Polishing a car before ceramic coating can seem like a lot of work. You might even be wondering if you can skip it entirely. In this video, I’ll explain why that’s a bad idea, and why polishing doesn’t have to be as hard as you think.
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What happens if you don't polish?
vs.
Polished
Unpolished
Scratch-Free Appearance
Swirls Visible Under Coating
Brilliant, Glossy Finish
Dull, Oxidized Appearance
Smooth, Easy Application
Rough, Frictious Application
Years of Durability
Premature Coating Failure
What to Look for in a Ceramic Coating
What Ceramic Coating Should I Use?
There are a ton of different ceramic coatings on the market. Some are harder to use and some are more forgiving. Some are thick and some are thin. Some bead water, others sheet it. If you’re doing this yourself, choosing the right coating matters. Here’s what to look for.
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How Do I Apply a Ceramic Coating Without Messing It Up?
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is grabbing the most aggressive pad and polish they can find and going straight to work. In reality, the smartest way to polish your car is to start with a test spot and let the paint tell you what it needs.
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BASIC CERAMIC COATING PROCESS
Apply
Divide large panels into smaller sections. Apply the coating to one small area at a time, crosshatching and overlapping by 50% to get full coverage.
Level
Look for flashing. Once the coating has flashed, wipe with a clean microfiber towel to level the coating, then flip the towel and buff to remove excess.
Inspect
Use an inspection light to check for high spots. Use a fresh microfiber towel to re-level any visible high spots, then repeat the process across all sections.
Caution – High Spots May Occur
High spots are areas where the coating hasn’t been fully leveled that can only be removed by polishing once the coating is cured. Be sure to always inspect for high spots after applying and re-level if any are found.
Caution – Avoid Automatic Washes
Once the coating is cured, DO NOT use automatic washes to clean your car’s paint. The harsh chemicals and abrasive bristles will reduce your coating’s lifespan significantly through premature wear.
How Long Does it Take For Ceramic Coatings to Cure?
You can’t drive the car for at least an hour. You can’t get it wet for 24 to 48 hours. You definitely can’t wash it for at least a week. These are all things you’re told not to do while your ceramic coating is curing. But how long does that curing actually take, and what happens if you don’t follow the rules? Let’s explain.
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