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How do I Prep for a Ceramic Coating?
You wouldn’t put on a new suit after playing in the mud, eat fresh food off of a dirty floor, or go off-roading immediately after a car wash, right? So why on earth would you ever apply a ceramic coating before making sure the surface is properly cleaned and looks its best? Before applying any ceramic coating, ceramic spray coating, or sealant of any kind, it is key to make sure the finish is in perfect condition and correctly prepared. Creating the ideal situation for applying a coating ensures optimum bonding and the longest lasting results, and it’s easier than you might think.
STEP 1: WASH
Start off by properly washing your vehicle. We recommend a wax-free, gloss-free soap like Clean Slate. Clean Slate isn’t just wax-free, it will also strip away any remaining sealants, waxes or glazes. Only once the surface is residue-free will your ceramic coating be able to properly bond to your paintwork. If left on the surface the residue will act as a barrier between your ceramic coating and paintwork, preventing a strong bond and proper adhesion.
STEP 2: CLAY
Once the surface is clean, it is important to clay the paint to remove any surface contamination that washing may not have been able to remove. If not properly removed, the contamination underneath your ceramic coating will be locked under there for years! If left unchecked that contamination would wreak havoc on your paint and cause irreversible damage.
STEP 3: POLISH
Even if your vehicle is new it may still need to be polished and some paint correction may still be required. It is important to polish paint to correct imperfections and perfect the finish because once the ceramic coating is applied it will lock those scratches and swirls under the coating and you will not be able to remove them without first removing your ceramic coating. No one wants a semi-permanent eyesore!
STEP 4: WIPE
Once the surface has been properly washed, cleaned and perfected, the last step before proceeding to the coating process is a cleansing wipe-down to remove any oils, waxes or silicones that may still be on the surface. We recommend using Wipe Out to prepare the surface for coating, which will remove any lingering and leftover waxes, sealants or glazes. Use a clean and lint-free premium microfiber towel for best results. Now that the surface is perfectly clean and residue-free, you are ready to apply your ceramic coating!
CONCLUSION
The most durable and highest level of protection available in the industry at this time is Ceramic Coatings. While this advanced coating may seem intimidating, application is simple as long as you do the proper steps outlined above. An important professional tip to remember is your coating is only as good as the finish of the surface you are about to coat. So, don’t skimp out or cut corners, follow the steps above and enjoy the most durable protection the industry has to offer!
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