How to Apply Ceramic Coating to Your Car: A 5-Step Guide
As a vehicle owner, you naturally want to keep your automobile in good condition from the inside out. That’s why you invest time and energy in regular hand car washes. You may also be meticulous about where you park or what car cover you use.
But no matter how careful you are, minor accidents can still occur. And whether you drove close to a hedge while backing up or got grazed by another vehicle parking next to you, these mishaps often leave heart-sinking scratches on your paint job.
This is one of the many reasons why investing in a high-quality coating material like Nano Bond Ceramic Coating is a worthwhile investment. Also called glass coatings, these products have the same chemical composition as glass and add a layer of protection to your car’s surface.
Applying ceramic coatings is a fairly straightforward process that you can do independently. Take note that the specific steps you need to take ultimately depend on the instructions on your preferred glass coating product, but here’s an overview of what the process looks like:
STEP 1: Prep the Car
Ceramic coatings like Nano Bond Ceramic Coating cling to the substrate of your car, so you have to ensure it’s free from dirt, debris and other residues before the application. Otherwise, these impurities will prevent the coating from bonding with the paint job and eventually ruin the aesthetics of your vehicle.
To start prepping your vehicle for detailing, conduct a thorough hand car wash. Using soap and water, remove all dried stains as much as possible. If wondering what the best car wash soap to use is, check out Best Auto Detailing Tips: Bringing you all the tips, tricks, and techniques from the world of professional auto detailing.
Using a clay bar after this is also highly recommended. Claying pulls embedded particles like brake dust, metal dust, road grit and other pollutants from your car’s surface — which can all be difficult to remove by washing alone.
STEP 2: Touch Up the Paint Job
Now that your car is dirt-free, it’s time to check for any scratches or chips in the paint and touch them up. You’ll have to do this meticulously because glass coatings create a semi-permanent layer of protection on your vehicle’s substrate. This does not break down that easily, so you won’t be able to touch up the paint for a while once it’s applied.
Afterward, remove any product residue by using a panel wipe. Mist the product onto the car’s surface and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth to ensure the ceramic coating will bond well later.
STEP 3: Apply the Ceramic Coating
Here are the supplies you’ll need to apply the glass coating on your car:
- The ceramic coating product
- Gloves
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Before proceeding, park your car in a garage (or any secure area) where it will be out of the sun and kept away from dirt or dust. Some products can be used outdoors, but it’s still recommended to let your car cool down before coating. Ensuring it’s within the ideal temperature range (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) will help the glass coating product adhere to the substrate well.
On that note, here are the three fundamental steps you’ll have to follow:
- Wear your gloves.
- Soak the sponge in the glass coating solution or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Using the soaked sponge, apply the ceramic coating on the car in vertical and horizontal swipes creating a crosshatch pattern. This ensures an even application.
- Work on small sections at a time and always check for even coverage before moving on, so you don’t end up with spots with excess coating.
STEP 4: Wipe Down The Glass Coating
The general rule is to let the coat sit on the surface for about five minutes. However, note that this wait time ultimately depends on the solution you will use, so read the instructions carefully.
If you’re using Nano Bond Ceramic Coating Detailer or Nano Bond Ceramic Coating PRO, you don’t have to wait too long. Once finished spreading, you should immediately use a towel to wipe and polish the car. The solution may still feel slightly wet, but this is normal. In fact, you may ruin the coating if you let it dry too much.
STEP 5: Let the Ceramic Coating Cure
You're already through with the most taxing part if you’ve reached this part of the process. The only thing left to do is let the ceramic coating cure properly.
To do this, keep in mind the following:
- Keep your vehicle parked in the garage for the next 24 hours to let the glass coating adhere to the surface properly.
- Take note that the ceramic coating takes at least two weeks to cure, so take extra care of your car during this period.
- Avoid parking your car outside or under the sun for long periods, and remove any debris right away until the coating has completely cured.
Use High-Quality Products To Give Your Car A Stunning Shine
Aside from following the proper steps in applying ceramic coatings, make sure you also use high-quality coating products to get the best results. Using a formulation that meets your needs and wants can make the whole DIY process easier — and make you truly satisfied with the finished product.
Nano Bond Ceramic Coating PRO is a new formula with more strength and increased durability. With an excellent high gloss effect, 2-3 years of proven durability and up to 760 degrees Fahrenheit of heat resistance, it can protect your car from scratches, chips, acid rain, rust, fading and water streaks. Shop today!