Ceramic Coatings - How To

Applying a ceramic coating to a car is a meticulous process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Really, it's the preparation which accounts for >90% of the time needed, and the better you prep, the easier it is to successfully apply the ceramic coating itself. Ceramics create a protective layer on your car's paint, which enhances its gloss, makes it easier to clean, and provides long-lasting protection against environmental contaminants. Your vehicle is under constant assault by UV damage, bird droppings, dirt, road paint, tar, bugs, etc. Say nothing about the amount of SALT & BRINE they use to cover the roads here in New Jersey... all it takes is one tri-state winter to do some serious damage (aesthetic) to your paint.

Aside from Paint Protection Film (PPF), there's no other product which provides the protection & aesthetic benefits for as long as a properly installed ceramic coating. Think of ceramic as a sealant with the aesthetic benefits of wax, but instead of lasting ~4 weeks, it lasts 1-2 years (with proper maintenance)- it actually adds a hardened layer which adds thickness to whatever surface it's applied.

Here are step-by-step instructions for applying ceramic coating to a car:

Materials & Tools Needed:

Ceramic coating (PCD uses ONLY Dura-Coating Technology ceramics)

Car wash soap

Clay bar kit (includes the clay bar itself, along with lubricant)

Isopropyl alcohol (at least 70% concentration)

Microfiber towels

Applicator pads

Gloves

Face mask (for fumes)

Buffing machine

Polish/Compound

Step 1: General Preparation

Before you begin, make sure your car is out of the sun and cool (..or at least NOT hot!) to the touch. Follow these steps:

1.1. Pre-rinse vehicle and hand wash all exterior components (see my other HOW TO on how to wash your car) using a soap or shampoo that does not contain any additives (i.e.- wax, Hybrids, etc.) and a microfiber wash mitt. Rinse off all soap residue and dry the car completely.

1.2. There is not a question of IF your paint as contaminants, but how much...these include things like like tree sap, tar, oil, or even just stubborn dirt. Using your clay bar kit, work in 2'x2' sections lubricating the paint and working the clay bar across the surface in a grid pattern. When in doubt, follow the instructions provided with the kit or just Google "How to Clay Bar a Car".

1.3. Inspect the paint to identify any imperfections, swirl marks, or scratches. It's all gotta go! If severe/deep scratches, start with your Rubbing Compound and buff the exterior in 2'x2' sections in a grid pattern with medium pressure. Repeat with varying degrees of pressure depending on what kind of results you're seeing after each pass. Using a clean microfiber towel, remove all Compound/Polish from the surface. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2: Surface Preparation

2.1. Put on gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from chemicals and fumes.

2.2. Pour some isopropyl alcohol (at least 70% concentration) onto a clean microfiber towel and wipe down the entire surface of the car. This will remove any residual contaminants and oils, ensuring proper bonding of the ceramic coating.

2.3 (Optional) Can opt to re-wash the car altogether, or use isopropyl as mentioned above. Either way, ALL dirt/dust/cleaning products must be COMPLETELY REMOVED or the ceramic will not bond properly.

Step 3: Ceramic Coating Application

3.1. This is the only part where I'm going to be pretty ambiguous, given each product has very specific instructions. SO, read and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of the ceramic coating product you are using. Different products may have slightly different application methods, so don't think that YouTube video will necessarily apply to your coating.

Speaking of YouTube, I'd highly recommend searching "How to Apply Ceramic Coating" because there's only so much I can describe via text. Who reads nowadays anyway?

3.2. Apply a small amount of ceramic coating onto an applicator pad. Use a moderate amount; for context, Dura-Coating Diamond Coat requires ~1 spray per "section". What's a section? Keep reading...

3.3. Work in sections. Typically 2'x2' or 3'x3' is sufficient to where you can work with product without having drying issues. Pick an area of the car (i.e.- hood, roof, or a door panel) and apply the coating in straight lines or cross-hatch patterns, ensuring even coverage. Avoid applying too much product.

3.3.a. Don't apply too much product. MORE PRODUCT ≠ BETTER RESULTS

3.4. Allow the coating to sit on the surface for the manufacturer-recommended time, typically 1-5 minutes. This dwell time allows the coating to bond with the paint.

Step 4: Buff and Remove Excess

4.1. After the dwell time, use a clean, dry microfiber towel to gently buff off the excess ceramic coating. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can smear the coating.

4.2. Continue this process for the entire car, working one section at a time.

Step 5: Curing

5.1. After completing the application, allow the ceramic coating to cure for the manufacturer-recommended time. This is usually 12-24 hours, but it will vary depending on the product and environmental conditions.

Dura-Coating Ceramics cure in <60 minutes so can be ready same day, and even driven in the rain/snow immediately after application.

Step 6: Final Inspection

6.1. Inspect the car's surface under proper lighting to ensure that the ceramic coating has been applied evenly and that there are no streaks or missed spots.

Congratulations, you've successfully applied a ceramic coating to your car! Keep in mind that ceramic coatings provide long-lasting protection, but maintenance is still required. Regularly wash and maintain your car to preserve the coating's effectiveness and appearance.

A "new" (<500 miles) 4-door sedan should ONLY take 6-8 hours to apply, so bring snacks ;)