DIY Ceramic Coating: Should You Do It?

Every day, your car is exposed to countless external contaminants. Dust, dirt, debris, bird droppings, tree sap, and more; all these contribute to wearing down your vehicle’s external appearance. The best way to combat this is by adding an external protective coat to your vehicle’s surface. A ceramic coating is one of the most popular choices amongst car enthusiasts - and yes, you can have it done at home! But the question is: should you opt for DIY ceramic coating?

Why Ceramic Coating?

A ceramic car coating is primarily made of silica and titanium dioxide, which form a nanoceramic shield for your car’s surface. These two substances combine to form a hydrophobic layer that will protect your car from nearly all types of spills and staining. At the same time, it will preserve the quality and appearance of your paintwork by shielding it against debris and dirt. It will further protect against the deteriorating effects of UV rays and heat, which oxidizes your car's paint over time.

Why Might You Want To Do A Ceramic Coating At Home?

While a ceramic coating is usually done by a professional, you can now do it yourself at home so long as you get the right equipment and follow the correct procedure. People may prefer to have their ceramic coatings done at home to save costs. However, it is a labor-intensive job, and a poorly done DIY will only result in a poorly-looking car. So, you should do your research well before you proceed.

How To Prepare for DIY Ceramic Coating?

The first step is to get all the required equipment in order. These include:

• An industry-grade ceramic coating solution

• A clay bar or mitt

• A polisher or scratch recover

• Microfiber cloths

• A ceramic coating applicator

• Sponges

• Gloves

You can buy the necessary equipment one by one or make a smarter choice and invest in a quality ceramic coating kit. In addition to your required equipment, you should take some additional precautionary steps to guarantee the success of your project. For example, you should always work in a well-prepared environment with good ventilation, an internal temperature of around twenty degrees, and low humidity. You must also make sure that the area is not exposed to direct sunlight (sunlight will dry up the coating before you can spread it evenly).

The Procedure: How To Ceramic Coat A Car?

Now, let's dive into the actual procedure of applying ceramic car coating. Although it is simple enough, it demands plenty of patience, as you will experience it yourself.

Cleaning

The first step, and perhaps the most time-consuming of all, is the initial prepping. Start by washing your car, letting it dry completely, and wiping it with a microfiber cloth for a nice finish. You need a clean, unmarked paint job underneath; once you add the invisible coating, you won't be able to remove any stray scratches left behind. Even if your car is brand new, you NEVER want to miss out on the prep stage, as there may always be residue dust, glue, and other junk on it.

Removing Contaminants and Scratches

Now, you need to smoothen out your paint. The best way to do so is by using a clay bar or a clay mitt. A clay bar will pull out the finer particles and contaminants from your paint coat so they don't damage your car. The job doesn't end here; you will still need to put in some extra leg work for that perfect ceramic coat.

Use a machine polisher to work out all the scratches and swirl marks on your car. You should remove all these marks before you apply your ceramic coating. Finish off your prep work by applying polish to really give your car's paintwork a nice shine.

Applying The Ceramic Coat

With your car fully prepped, you can now apply the ceramic coat. Shake the container well and apply about ten drops of the formula to your sponge. Use the sponge to apply the ceramic layer to your vehicle and spread it evenly. Divide your car into sections so it is easier to work with. Similarly, only apply a little bit of formula each time; a little is enough to go a long way.

If you are applying it correctly, the applicator should slide smoothly. If it is skidding or dragging along the surface, add a few more drops of formula. Once you are done with a section, let the ceramic coat sit for a few minutes, and then use a buffer cloth to wipe away the excess. If you don't do it right, even the best DIY ceramic coating will not give good results.

Curing

After you are finished coating, give your car at least an hour to fully dry. You can then add on a second coat. You should then give the car at least three weeks to fully dry before you take it out for a car wash. This is known as the curing period, during which the ceramic coat will harden.

Maintenance

Adding your ceramic coat surely isn't the end. You should still invest in regular maintenance by clearing away contaminants layering over the ceramic car coating. The underlying paint will, therefore, remain preserved, and your vehicle will continue to look its best!

Why Choose Professional Ceramic Coating?

Doing a DIY ceramic coating can be an exciting experience, but there is always so much that can go wrong. The biggest reason why a professional will always be better is because they have the knowledge and skills. They can perform the job with precision without missing any corner. They also have the perfect environments set up for the job where they can prep, coat, and cure your vehicle without any complications.

Apart from this, they have access to the best quality ceramic coatings and all other necessary equipment you would otherwise have to purchase. They also know how to best prep your car without cutting corners so you have a smooth, glossy, almost brand-new-looking vehicle at the end of the day. This is something you cannot achieve with a DIY ceramic coating.

Final Thoughts

A DIY ceramic coating is possible at home. However, if you are an inexperienced individual new to the coating world or you simply want excellent results, you are better off leaving your project to the professionals. Brakeout Auto Detailing is the leading locally owned and operated auto detailing service across Centre County, PA. With years of experience under our belt, we are the trusted choice for any car owner seeking a quality professional ceramic coating service.

For more information, reach out to our team today!