Ceramic coating…doesn’t need professional application, for most

[RHOfan]

I’ve read a bunch of interest in ceramic coatings. Seems many think it’s something that needs to be applied by a professional.

Well, if you are talking about a brand-new vehicle that has never been washed, you CAN do it yourself. Quite frankly, it’s easier than applying old-fashioned paste wax. Really! It’s a coating that simply needs to be “wiped on”, allowed to flash (develop a “rainbow effect”), and then gently wiped off with a specific type of towel. So easy…no hard rubbing or scrubbing.

Where things get messy is after a finish has some “wear & tear”, like a new car dealer wash or a public car wash, or a sloppy home wash. You see, ceramics can’t correct damage to the clear coat. If you apply it to most vehicles that have been maintained like 99.9% of vehicles on the road, it seals in all the nastiness.

So, tell you dealer “DO NOT WASH”, take your truck home and complete a gentle wash (I highly recommend rinseless, with at least 5 plush wash towels), clay bar with lots of lube, correct any scuffs that occurred during transit using a hand polish…THEN, use the ceramic coating of your choice. Do this one section at a time & aim for perfection on each small area.

If you plan to run your truck thru car washes, or wash using a wash pad & soap, prepare to re-apply every 6 months or use the pro-grade, ultra thick ceramic. If using the pro-grade stuff & you are a beginner, start with the sprays & move to the pro-grade as you get more experience.

I helped a neighbor thru this process. He was gonna pay $850 for a “pro” to apply sealant, plus costs to wash, decontaminate & polish. Would have cost him over $2K. It cost him $300 in materials & he completed the job in 2 hours (ceramic application was less than 20 minutes). He said, “That was too easy!” Now, would the $2000 job have looked better? Maybe a little, but only to the trained eye.

Any questions?

 

[JLM512]

Thanks for the info. Would you mind listing the specific products that were used? @RHOfan

 

[RHOfan]

Thanks for the info. Would you mind listing the specific products that were used? @RHOfan

My neighbor used Adam’s products…kind of 1 stop shopping for him, super convenient…I like many Adam’s products, too…but, there are many great options out there. For the beginner, stick with sprays & don’t spray directly on the paint…use a proper applicator. AND, do it in a well ventilated area as the chemicals used are pretty strong.

Adams is known for “fun smelling” products, so I once stuck my nose over a bottle of their spray ceramic. Let’s just say I won’t do that again. Burned like h#ll!

I do like that Adam’s has educational videos for most of the products & those can be invaluable.

My best recommendation for those who want to better understand how to properly care for their paint is to watch an old YouTube video that covers The Garry Dean Method…he kinda popularized the rinseless washing…many people think it’s just an eco-conscious thing (waterless washing is eco-conscious)…rinseless done properly is the SAFEST way to wash your vehicles.

 

[JLM512]

My neighbor used Adam’s products…kind of 1 stop shopping for him, super convenient…I like many Adam’s products, too…but, there are many great options out there. For the beginner, stick with sprays & don’t spray directly on the paint…use a proper applicator. AND, do it in a well ventilated area as the chemicals used are pretty strong.

Adams is known for “fun smelling” products, so I once stuck my nose over a bottle of their spray ceramic. Let’s just say I won’t do that again. Burned like h#ll!

I do like that Adam’s has educational videos for most of the products & those can be invaluable.

My best recommendation for those who want to better understand how to properly care for their paint is to watch an old YouTube video that covers The Garry Dean Method…he kinda popularized the rinseless washing…many people think it’s just an eco-conscious thing (waterless washing is eco-conscious)…rinseless done properly is the SAFEST way to wash your vehicles.

Thank you!! I’ll look in to this.

 

[Joe86]

ARMOR SHIELD IX DIY CERAMIC COATING KIT​

This is the best DYI kit! Easy to use.

 

[TheBarBack]

I ceramic coated my phoenix when it was new... was pretty easy, just takes time. The hydrophobic properties are great, I used Adam's

 

[TheBarBack]

 

[D&Sadventure]

Curious does that reduce drag? Did you pick up any additional speed?

 

[TheBarBack]

Curious does that reduce drag? Did you pick up any additional speed?

Technically it could... but bass boats are essentially completely out of the water when on pad, I've never noticed any performance difference... but it's a lot easier to clean

 

[GlossGodz]

I’ve read a bunch of interest in ceramic coatings. Seems many think it’s something that needs to be applied by a professional.

Well, if you are talking about a brand-new vehicle that has never been washed, you CAN do it yourself. Quite frankly, it’s easier than applying old-fashioned paste wax. Really! It’s a coating that simply needs to be “wiped on”, allowed to flash (develop a “rainbow effect”), and then gently wiped off with a specific type of towel. So easy…no hard rubbing or scrubbing.

Where things get messy is after a finish has some “wear & tear”, like a new car dealer wash or a public car wash, or a sloppy home wash. You see, ceramics can’t correct damage to the clear coat. If you apply it to most vehicles that have been maintained like 99.9% of vehicles on the road, it seals in all the nastiness.

So, tell you dealer “DO NOT WASH”, take your truck home and complete a gentle wash (I highly recommend rinseless, with at least 5 plush wash towels), clay bar with lots of lube, correct any scuffs that occurred during transit using a hand polish…THEN, use the ceramic coating of your choice. Do this one section at a time & aim for perfection on each small area.

If you plan to run your truck thru car washes, or wash using a wash pad & soap, prepare to re-apply every 6 months or use the pro-grade, ultra thick ceramic. If using the pro-grade stuff & you are a beginner, start with the sprays & move to the pro-grade as you get more experience.

I helped a neighbor thru this process. He was gonna pay $850 for a “pro” to apply sealant, plus costs to wash, decontaminate & polish. Would have cost him over $2K. It cost him $300 in materials & he completed the job in 2 hours (ceramic application was less than 20 minutes). He said, “That was too easy!” Now, would the $2000 job have looked better? Maybe a little, but only to the trained eye.

Any questions?

That sounds really good, but most vehicles that are transported by railroad have break dust contaminants, so you will have railroad break dust, also the vehicles transported by tractor trailer car carriers will have break dust also. To remove the contaminants you have to use to use chemicals and clay bar. This process will scratch most clear coats therefore polishing by hand will not remove etching or scratches. DIY sounds good until you mess up a 70k vehicle trying to save $2000, sounds really fun to do your own vehicle trying to save money, but ruining your brand new vehicle.

 

[RHOfan]

That sounds really good, but most vehicles that are transported by railroad have break dust contaminants, so you will have railroad break dust, also the vehicles transported by tractor trailer car carriers will have break dust also. To remove the contaminants you have to use to use chemicals and clay bar. This process will scratch most clear coats therefore polishing by hand will not remove etching or scratches. DIY sounds good until you mess up a 70k vehicle trying to save $2000, sounds really fun to do your own vehicle trying to save money, but ruining your brand new vehicle.

Not invalid points.

Personally, I like the challenge of learning new skills. And, I take my time. Detailing for me is relaxing. But I get that not everyone has the inclination or time to master these skills. If it creates stress for you, spend the $2K & let someone else do it! I’m just sayin’ applying ceramic coating is not as difficult as many think. And, I feel good when someone says my 2 year old car’s finish “glows”…that’s my hard work shining!

Just don’t be my former neighbor who got a brand new Tundra in that pretty dark blue shade. Or, maybe I could learn from him. He allowed his 4 & 6 year olds assist with the 1st wash. Yes, they dropped the wash sponges on the ground. Yes, they kept scrubbing with the sand contaminated sponges. Yes, his clear coat became horribly scratched. But you know what…dude could care less! He enjoyed bonding time with his kids. He didn’t notice the scratches. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.