Sunshine Coast Ceramic Coating Application – A Professional’s Guide

You’re considering getting your car professionally ceramic coated but aren’t sure what the process involves? We get it, having your pride and joy out of action for a few days can be daunting. But the truth is, when done right by experienced professionals, ceramic coating application is a smooth and simple process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, from initial inspection to final inspection. You’ll see there’s no need to fret. We’ve coated hundreds of vehicles and can assure you yours will be in safe hands. With a little knowledge, your worries will turn into excitement about the glossy, protected finish ceramic coating will bring. So read on for a breakdown of the ceramic coating application process – you may even pick up some tips for maintaining the finish once we hand your car back over to you!

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What Is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your car’s paint, creating a durable, glossy layer of protection. 

 Ceramic coatings are made of silicon dioxide, which is the main component of glass. When cured, it hardens into a glass-like finish that’s resistant to contaminants. Unlike wax, it doesn’t wash away or break down easily over time.

A Protective Shield

A ceramic coating acts as an extra layer of armour for your car’s paint. It protects the paint from UV damage, oxidation, water spots, bird droppings, and scratches. The coating fills in microscopic pores and imperfections in the paint, creating an ultra-smooth surface that’s easy to clean. Dirt, grime, and mud have a hard time sticking to the glassy coating.

A Showroom Shine

Ceramic coating enhances the depth and clarity of your car’s paint, giving it a mirror-like shine that turns heads. The glossy, liquid-like finish makes the colour ‘pop’ and reflections crystal clear. Your car will look freshly detailed even weeks after an application.

Long-Lasting Protection

A professional grade ceramic coating, like Gtechniq, can last up to 9 years, depending on the number of layers applied. With proper maintenance, the coating will withstand repeated washings without breaking down or becoming dull. For the best results, use a pH neutral wash and dry with a clean microfibre cloth.Ceramic coating is an investment that pays off. It keeps your car looking new, saves you time washing and waxing, and gives you peace of mind that your paint is protected from whatever the road throws at it. The coating may cost more upfront, but the time and money you’ll save maintaining your car makes it worth every cent.

The Ceramic Coating Application Process Step-by-Step

Wash and Decontaminate

To apply a ceramic coating properly, surface preparation is key. First, your car needs a thorough wash and decontamination to remove any bonded contaminants. 

Give your car a good wash and rinse to loosen up dirt and grime. Then use a tar remover to dissolve any tar spots and a clay bar to lift bonded contaminants from the paint like industrial fallout. Rinse well with water to remove any remaining residue.

Correct Imperfections

Next, inspect the paint for any scratches, swirl marks or other imperfections and correct them. Minor scratches can often be polished out, while deeper scratches may need touch up paint. Any imperfections left under the coating will be locked in, so take the time to properly correct the paint.

Apply the Coating

With the paint correction complete, you’re ready to apply the ceramic coating. Carefully follow the instructions to activate, apply and buff the coating using the supplied applicator pad. Pay extra attention to trim pieces and panel gaps where the coating can build up.

Curing the Coating

After application, the coating needs time to cure to harden and bond fully to the paint. Avoid washing the car for 12-24 hours. The coating will continue to harden over the next 3-5 days. Avoid any harsh chemicals and only use a pressure washer on a low setting during this period.

With proper surface preparation and curing, a ceramic coating will provide a durable, long-lasting protective shield for your car’s paint. While not indestructible, it offers far better protection than a wax or sealant alone. With some basic maintenance, a ceramic coating can provide years of protection for your vehicle.

The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation for Ceramic Coating

To achieve the best results from a ceramic coating application, proper surface preparation is key. This means thoroughly cleaning, decontaminating, and polishing the vehicle’s paint to provide a smooth, clean canvas for the coating to bond to. We’ve explained the process above, but we can’t stress enough the importance of this step. Let’s dive into why it’s crucial and what risks you face if you skip or rush it.

Failing to Wash and Decontaminate properly

Failing to wash and decontaminate properly means contaminants will remain on the surface, creating a barrier between the paint and the coating. This can result in poor adhesion, reducing the coating’s effectiveness and lifespan.

Skipping the Clay Bar Treatment

Skipping the clay bar treatment leaves behind microscopic contaminants that can cause the coating to fail prematurely. These tiny particles can also lead to a rough finish, reducing the smooth, glossy appearance you’re aiming for.

Forgetting the Final Wipe Down

Skipping this final wipe down can leave residues that interfere with the bonding process. This can lead to patchy or uneven application, compromising both the appearance and the protective qualities of the coating.

With some time and patience, you can achieve professional-level results in preparing your vehicle’s paint for a ceramic coating. By starting with the proper wash and decontamination process and working through each step carefully, you’ll have a surface ready to gain the maximum protective benefits of your coating. Take your time—the results will be well worth the effort. Neglecting these steps, however, can lead to disappointing results and a waste of your investment in ceramic coating.

Curing and Maintaining Ceramic Coatings on the Sunshine Coast

Curing the Coating

Once the ceramic coating has been applied to your vehicle, it needs time to cure to reach maximum hardness and durability. During the curing process, it’s important to avoid washing the vehicle for 12-24 hours. This allows the coating to bond properly with the paint surface. After this period, you can wash and dry the vehicle as normal.

Regular Washing

To keep your ceramic coating looking its best, wash and dry your vehicle at least once a month. Use a high-quality car wash shampoo and wash mitt to prevent swirl marks. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly to remove all dirt and grime before washing. Wash from top to bottom using straight, overlapping strokes. Dry the vehicle with a microfiber drying towel to prevent water spots.

Avoiding Swirl Marks

Swirl marks and light scratches can dull the finish of a ceramic coating over time. To prevent swirl marks, use a high-quality wash mitt and drying towel, wash and dry using straight strokes, and avoid wiping in circular motions. You should also wash your vehicle in a shady area out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can heat up the paint and make it more prone to marring.

Using a Spray-On Ceramic Sealant

For maximum protection, apply a spray-on ceramic sealant 2-4 times a year. The sealant will help reinforce the ceramic coating and enhance the hydrophobic properties. Spray the sealant evenly over the vehicle and spread with a microfiber applicator pad using light pressure. Buff off any excess residue with a microfiber cloth. The ceramic sealant only takes a few minutes to apply but will provide up to 3-6 months of added protection.

By properly curing and maintaining your ceramic coating, you can enjoy a durable, glossy finish for years to come. With some regular care and maintenance, a quality ceramic coating will protect your vehicle from the harsh Sunshine Coast climate and keep your paint looking showroom new.

Ceramic Coating FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

How long does a ceramic coating treatment last?

A quality professional ceramic coating treatment typically lasts between 2 to 5 years, depending on the specific coating used and how well you care for your vehicle. At Paint Protection Pro, we use Gtechniq ceramic coatings which are designed to last up to 9 years with proper maintenance. The longevity depends on factors like how often you wash and wax your car, driving conditions, and environmental impacts like pollution or UV exposure.

Do I still need to wax my car after a ceramic coating?

No, you do not need to wax a vehicle after a ceramic coating treatment. The coating itself protects the paint and provides a durable, glossy finish. In fact, waxing can potentially damage the ceramic coating. We recommend only washing and drying your vehicle to maintain the coating. You should avoid using any abrasive chemicals, polishes or pads that could wear down the coating.

Will a ceramic coating prevent scratches and swirl marks?

A ceramic coating will not prevent scratches, swirl marks or other damage from occurring, but it can help reduce their appearance over time. The hard, glassy surface of the coating will make light scratches and swirls less visible. However, deeper scratches that penetrate the clear coat will still be seen. To avoid scratches and swirls altogether, be very careful when washing and drying your vehicle and avoid rubbing dirt or debris against the paint.

Why should I choose a professional ceramic coating over a DIY kit?

DIY ceramic coating kits may seem appealing, but for the best results, we strongly recommend hiring a professional. Professionals have the proper training, experience and equipment to thoroughly clean and decontaminate your vehicle’s paint before applying the coating. They can ensure an even, flawless application with no missed spots. Professionals also use high-quality coatings not available to the public, that typically last longer and have an even, glossy finish. For the ultimate paint protection and an exceptional finish, professional ceramic coating is the way to go.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect when getting your car ceramic coated by a professional. While it may seem like a long and involved process, a good detailer will make sure you’re looked after from start to finish. At the end of the day, you’ll be driving away with a stunning, glossy, protected finish that will keep your motor looking its best for years to come. The initial investment pays for itself in the long run when you consider the time and money you’ll save by not having to constantly wash and wax. So if you’re ready to give your car some TLC with an ultra-durable ceramic coating, make sure you find an experienced pro who takes pride in their workmanship. Your ride deserves the very best!

Best Ceramic Coatings on the Sunshine Coast!

We’d toot our own horn and say that a car ceramic coating from Paint Protection Pro is THE BEST on the Sunshine Coast!

You can easily view our pricing and availability to book online or give us a call on 0413 853 100.