How To Ceramic Coat a Car: DIY Guide

Start by washing the exterior of the car thoroughly. Use a car wash soap and a microfiber towel to clean off any dirt, dust, or grime. Rinse the car with a water hose and let it dry. See our detailed guide on how to wash a car properly.

Tip
Do not use dish soap or household cleaners, as they can strip off existing wax or sealants and affect the bonding of the ceramic coat.

After washing the car, use a top-quality bug spray to remove dried-on tar, bugs, or tree sap. Also, clay bar the car to eliminate any contaminants embedded in your clear coat. If you’re not sure how to go about it, see our article on clay barring a car.

Tip
If the clay bar becomes dirty or contaminated, fold it to reveal a fresh, clean surface. After doing that several times and the bar becomes saturated, discard it for a fresh piece to avoid scratching the paint surface.

This is not a compulsory step for a DIY ceramic coating task. However, if your car’s paint surface has swirl marks, scratches, or other imperfections, address them with polish and a polishing pad. After polishing, wipe down the paint surface with a microfiber towel to remove any polish residues.

Note
Paint correction is time-consuming and requires skill and experience to avoid causing further damage to the paint surface. If you’re not confident in your abilities, seek professional help or skip paint correction altogether.

Once the surface is clean and free of contaminants and imperfections, use isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining oil or polish residue. Apply the alcohol to a microfiber towel and wipe the surface in a circular motion.

Step 5: Give It a Final Once-over/Dry/Clean
Before applying the ceramic coating, it’s important to give the paint surface a final check and ensure it’s completely clean and dry. If needed, use a microfiber towel to wipe down the surface and remove any residues or water spots.

Apply the ceramic coating using an applicator pad. Apply a few drops of the coating to the pad and spread it evenly over a small section of the surface. Work in small sections to ensure complete coverage. After applying the coating, wait a few minutes to allow the coating to bond with the paint.

With the paint surface cleaned and prepared, you may apply the ceramic coating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. However, as a general rule, you want to:

1. Shake the ceramic coating bottle well to thoroughly mix the product.
2. Apply a few drops or a thin line of the ceramic coating onto the applicator pad or cloth.
3. Apply the ceramic coating onto the paint surface using light, overlapping motions. Work on small sections at a time and avoid applying too much pressure to prevent streaks or uneven application.
4. Allow the ceramic coating to sit on the paint for the time specified by the manufacturer. This allows the coating to bond with the paint surface properly.
5. Use a clean and lint-free microfiber towel or the material recommended by the manufacturer to buff off the excess coating. Again, use light and circular motions.
6. Continue this process until the entire vehicle is coated.

Tip
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific ceramic coating product you’re using, including the recommended curing time, as it may vary depending on the brand and type of coating.

After applying the ceramic coating, let it cure properly to ensure the best results. Curing time may vary depending on the brand and type of ceramic coating, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Just ensure to park your vehicle in a dry and dust-free area, preferably indoors or under a cover, to protect it from environmental contaminants while curing. Also, Avoid getting the car wet during this curing period. After curing, you can perform a water test or inspect the coating to ensure it has properly bonded.

Once the ceramic coating has fully cured, maintain it to ensure its longevity. Regularly wash the car using a gentle car wash soap and microfiber towels while avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the coating. Also, consider using a ceramic coating spray every few months to enhance the hydrophobic properties and prolong the durability of the coating.