Best Ceramic Coatings

The best ceramic coating for cars offers paint protection and shine for less than $100.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit coating line project.

Written and Tested By:

Will Moore

Written and Tested By:

Will Moore

Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

Reviewed By:

Charles Noyes

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• Our pick for best ceramic coating in 2024 is the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating. It is affordable, has a simple application process, and offers some of the best protection.
• The CarPro CQuartz is for the car detailing perfectionist who wants a comprehensive kit for multiple vehicles. Additionally, the CQuartz from CarPro offered the best paint protection of any ceramic coating we tested.
• Although the cure time is long, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is an excellent budget pick and easy enough to use that it’s great for DIY purposes.

A high-quality ceramic car coating can change the look of your car by deepening your car’s paint color, adding a glass-like finish, and protecting your vehicle from the elements. But what’s the best ceramic coating for cars?

In this buyers guide, we review the best ceramic coatings for cars based on detailing experience, cost, performance, longevity, and consumer ratings. We’ll also explore how ceramic car coatings work, the pros and cons of using one, and what to look for in high-quality ceramic coating products.

We chose our list of the best ceramic coatings for cars based on ease of use, high customer satisfaction ratings, industry-tested performance, and overall value. We’ve given each product a superlative to help direct you to the product best suited for your car detailing projects.

What Is The Best Ceramic Coating?

The best ceramic coating in 2024 is the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating according to our experts’ in-person testing experience. However, we believe the CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating, and Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat are all worthy of consideration as well.

Top-Rated Ceramic Coatings

Each ceramic coating in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of use, appearance, and longevity. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.

The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each ceramic coating’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:

Brand/ModelOverall
RatingAwardCostChemical Guys
HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating4.5Best Ceramic Coating for Cars$40CarPro
CQuartz UK 3.04.2Best Ceramic Coating Paint Protection$95Turtle Wax
Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating4.2Best DIY Ceramic Coating$15Shine Armor
Fortify Quick Coat3.8Best Ceramic Spray$12

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best ceramic coatings in the sections below:

1. Chemical Guys HydroSlick: Best Ceramic Coating For Cars

• Cost: $40
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 6,100 reviews
• Unit size: 16.0 ounces (oz.)

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Review

The Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating has a simple and quick application process. After washing your vehicle, apply the gel, let it cure for as few as 30 seconds, and dry the treated surfaces with a high-quality microfiber towel. The ceramic coating is designed with SiO2 hydrophobic compounds to ensure water beads and sheets after application.While the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating doesn’t quite deliver the same level of shine and scratch-resistance as a traditional ceramic coating, it’s a great option for beginner detailers.

Here’s how the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating performed in each category:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)Ease of Use4.5Appearance4.5Longevity4.5Overall Rating4.5

Below are the pros and cons of the Chemical Guys HydroSlick ceramic coating:

Pros

Made from hydrophobic SiO2 polymers

Works on all exterior surfaces

Easy application process

Cons

Effects don’t last as long as other products

HydroSlick Chemical Guys: Our Experience

Chemical Guys HydroSlick formula is an easy-to-apply gel. The instructions are simple: wipe on, wipe off, and all you’ll need are some microfiber cloths. As with any ceramic coating, you’ll want to clean your car’s paint beforehand.

The results aren’t quite as durable as a multi-stage kit such as CQuartz but seem to last longer than what you’ll get from spray-on coatings. The gel is thick and feels like you’re applying a layer of protection. This is less obvious when using spray-on products, especially with a white vehicle.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers are typically happy with the appearance and shine the HydroSlick formula offers. At-home detailers looking for a showroom finish appreciate this product, especially since it’s relatively easy to apply. You’ll need to prepare your car first, but this coating adds a deep shine.

Reviews about longevity are mixed. While we found the product to last for a month (so far), some complain that it comes off after three or four car washes. Others say that HydroSlick lasts for a long time, so longevity may depend on how well you apply the product.

2. CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0: Best Ceramic Coating Paint Protection

• Cost: $95
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 1,600 reviews
• Unit size: 50.0 milliliters (ml)
• In the box: 50.0-ml bottle of CQuartz UK 3.0, 100.0-ml bottle of CarPro Reload Silica Spray, 16.0-inch microfiber suede towel, CarPro foam applicator block, and four microfiber suede applicators.

CarPro CQuartz Review

We recommend the CarPro CQuartz ceramic coating kit for any detailer keen on a professional look without the high price tag. After curing, the coating is chemical- and salt-resistant, as well as ultra-water-repelling. It’s also formulated with an above-average SiO2 quartz content, making the coating glossy and long-wearing. However, this ceramic car coating is not for beginners. Like many higher-quality ceramic coatings, you’ll need to prep your vehicle thoroughly before the actual application process. This includes:

• Washing with a wax-free, pH-balanced soap
• Removing any embedded iron from the paint
• Rubbing all surfaces with a clay bar
• Polishing to remove any streaks, water marks, or other imperfections
• Wiping down all surfaces with denatured alcohol

Here’s how the CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 performed in each category:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)Ease of Use3.0Appearance4.5Longevity5.0Overall Rating4.2

Below are the pros and cons of the CarPro CQuartz coating:

Pros

Chemical-, salt-, and water-resistant formula

Long-lasting application

Cons

Lengthy application process

Small applicator makes process take longer

CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 Kit: Our Experience

While applying the CarPro CQuartz protective coating is more involved than other products, the process isn’t overly difficult. We found the instructions easy to follow, and the kit includes everything you’ll need for application.

We only applied CQuartz to a small portion of the test vehicle, however. Covering the entire paint job of one car with the tiny applicator would probably take an entire day, considering the preparation steps you’ll also need to take.

Once applied, CQuartz offers appearance and protection like few other at-home kits. Customer reviews indicate this coating can last beyond a year.

CarPro CQuartz: What Customers Are Saying

Good and negative reviews seem to be fairly consistent about one thing: This product takes a long time to properly apply. Most users claim that once applied, it offers an excellent shine and long-lasting protection. The effort appears to be worth it for many people, but a few believe easier-to-apply coatings are good enough.

3. Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating: Best DIY Ceramic Coating

• Cost: $15
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 20,000 reviews
• Unit size: 16.0 oz.

Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating Review

The Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is affordable, offers exceptional performance, and is easy to apply. This ceramic coating features SiO2 polymers – silica nanoparticles – which give your car a glass-like look and shine. These polymers also aid in water repelling and sheeting after the ceramic coating cures.

In consumer tests, this product not only looks great but also proves it can withstand harsh elements and strong chemical solvents.This ceramic coating’s application process is simple, requiring only two sprays, a wipedown with a microfiber towel, and a 24-hour cure time. Here’s how the Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating performed in each category:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)Ease of Use5.0Appearance4.0Longevity3.5Overall Rating4.2

Below are pros and cons of the Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray:

Pros

Made from hydrophobic SiO2 polymers

Good for all exterior surfaces

Fruity fragrance

Easy application

Cons

Not super long-lasting

Shine outperformed by other coatings we tested

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating: Our Experience

Turtle Wax is far and away the easiest to use of the ceramic coatings we tested. The solution comes in a spray bottle so that all the user needs to do is spray and wipe. Application takes less than a minute for a small section of car. The time difference between this and other coatings is even more pronounced when coating an entire vehicle.

We found the shine to be nice but not any more noticeable than other ceramic coatings. As of now (one month after application), the coating holds up.

Turtle Wax Ceramic Coating: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers love how easy it is to apply this coating, and appreciate the quality shine it produces. While it doesn’t last as long as professional jobs and pricier products, Turtle Wax is inexpensive.

Dedicated enthusiasts with more time on their hands seem to prefer other options, saying that Turtle Wax requires several coats for a pleasing shine and that it doesn’t last more than a couple of months.

4. Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat: Best Ceramic Spray

• Cost: $12
• Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on over 79,000 reviews
• Unit size: 8.0 fluid ounces (fl oz.)

Shine Armor Review

The Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat is one of the most popular DIY ceramic coatings. The three-in-one formula acts as a waterless wash, coat, and shine for your vehicle. Not only can you apply the Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat to cars and trucks but also boats, motorbikes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and four-wheelers. Like the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating, this spray’s formula is between a wax and a coating, making it easy to apply but not as long-lasting.According to Shine Armor, the spray takes only 15 minutes to apply. Make sure your vehicle is properly washed (preferably with a pH-balanced shampoo) before applying the ceramic coating. You can use it on your clearcoat, wheels, windshield, and mirrors.

Here’s how the Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat performed in each category:

Review CategoryScore (Out of 5.0 Stars)Ease of Use5.0Appearance3.5Longevity3.0Overall Rating3.8

Below are the pros and cons of the Shine Armor Fortify ceramic coating: 

Pros

Three-in-one formula

Good on all exterior surfaces

Easy application process

Light grape scent

Want more information on coil coating line? Feel free to contact us.

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Cons

Only lasts around one month

Shine was outdone by other coatings we tested

Shine Armor Ceramic Coating: Our Experience

In many ways, our experience with Shine Armor was excellent. It is easy to use but comes in a lower-quality spray bottle than Turtle Wax ceramic coating. The shine is noticeable but not the best of the products we tested.

On our test vehicle, Shine Armor lasted at least a month, but based on customer reviews, we don’t expect Shine Armor to have as much longevity.

Shine Armor: What Customers Are Saying

The customer consensus is that this is an easy-to-apply ceramic coating with decent results. It may not offer extra-long protection, but it does add a quality shine and protection that lasts around two months.

Ceramic Coating Guide

A nano-ceramic coating can protect your car’s exterior from marring and other hazards. These coatings typically last much longer than a typical wax coating. While you can have a professional apply ceramic coating, these are also reasonably simple to apply yourself.

What Is A Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic car coating is a chemical, liquid polymer that bonds with a vehicle’s clearcoat and protects a vehicle’s paint from environmental damage such as: 

• Acid rain
• Grime, dirt, and debris 
• Industrial fallout
• UV rays 
• Water spots
• Bird droppings

Silicon dioxide is the key ingredient in ceramic coatings. It gives them hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water and take any moisture bead or sheet easily away from a car’s surface. This is why car enthusiasts often note the product’s cleaning properties – water and dirt can’t easily stick to your vehicle.

However, ceramic car coatings aren’t just functional. After application and curing, these products harden to give your car that “candy apple” shine. The best ceramic coatings for cars add a high-gloss finish to your paint job while also increasing the color’s depth.

Cost Of Professional Ceramic Coating

Drivers can have the ceramic coating done professionally or use do-it-yourself (DIY) products. Although pro-grade ceramic coatings have longer staying power – upward of three years – they can be expensive. A professional detail may cost between $1,000 and $2,000. High-quality, DIY ceramic coatings are an excellent way to get a professional-grade look without the professional price tag.

Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

Reasons you may want to add ceramic car coating to your detailing arsenal include:

Longer-lasting than car wax: While waxing gives your car a beautiful glow, it only lasts three to six months. Some of the best ceramic coatings for cars last more than a year. Applying a ceramic car coating may be more labor-intensive, but you don’t need to reapply it as frequently as traditional carnauba wax.

Protection from the elements: Ceramic coatings protect your vehicle from UV rays, debris, rain, stains, oils, dirt, contaminants, and industrial fallout. Depending on where you live, your paint job can take a beating. A ceramic car coating ensures your paint coating is guarded in the long term.

Cut down on cleaning time: After a ceramic car coating cures and hardens, your car’s surface will become slick, making it tough for water, dirt, and debris to stick. The fewer particles on your car, the less time it takes to clean.

Cost-effective way to enhance your car: On average, ceramic car coating products range from $15 to $25. Pro-grade kits cost more, but most are less than $100.

Can You Wax Over Ceramic Coating?

Vehicle owners looking for the best car care may try multiple methods to preserve the vehicle’s finish. While you can use wax after a ceramic paint coating has cured, it can be redundant. Both perform similar functions.

Buffing can help with paint correction and remove swirl marks, but adding wax for sheen and shine is a job already done by the ceramic coating.

“There is never a time, in my opinion, where you would use both a coating and a wax,” says Clark Webster, an auto detailing expert with over a decade of experience. “The wax would need to go on top of the coating, but the hydrophobic properties of the coating would render the wax useless. There are ‘top coats’ designed specifically for coatings, that help rejuvenate the base coating as well as add additional protection. This almost eliminates the need for traditional waxes.”

Ceramic Coating Vs. Car Wax

Ceramic coatings and car wax perform essentially the same function: to protect your paint and add a pleasing shine. But which is better? Detailing professional Clark Webster told us:

“Ceramic coatings are far more durable than waxes, so from a performance/durability/longevity standpoint, you’ll get more protection and less environmental breakdown from a coating than you would a wax. In general, a wax will last between three to four months. A coating can last anywhere from six months to five years.”

Of course, car wax is much less expensive than a ceramic coating. To pay a professional to coat your vehicle can cost as much as a new paint job. A ceramic coating that you apply yourself is much less expensive, but the application is difficult and it is easy to make mistakes.

That said, applying a ceramic coating is doable for the at-home enthusiast, but you may want to take a class in the process beforehand. Check with your local detailing shops to see if any offer training in ceramic coating application.

Best Ceramic Car Coatings: Bottom Line

Ceramic coatings are a step above the protection offered by a basic car wax, but come at a premium and sometimes require a skilled hand. Below are a few options ranging from budget-friendly to perfectionist.

Ceramic Coating: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about ceramic coatings:

What is the best ceramic car coating?

Based on our review criteria – cost, ease of use, performance, longevity, and customer ratings – Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 is the best overall ceramic car coating. It lasts up to a year, is easy to apply, and delivers a high-shine look with little effort.

However, we believe CarPro CQuartz offers the best appearance and protection, though it’s more expensive and much more tedious to apply.

Is ceramic coating good for your car?

Ceramic car coatings protect your car’s clear coat from environmental damage and UV rays, so, yes, they are good for your car.

How much does it cost to get your car ceramic coated?

Based on our research, a professional ceramic coating can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. You can buy a DIY ceramic coating kit for between $20 and $100.

How long does ceramic coating last?

Ceramic car coatings can last between three months and three years, depending on the product you purchase.

What kind of ceramic coating do professionals use?

The ceramic coatings used by automotive professionals are usually thicker than consumer-grade ceramic coatings and require a deft hand to apply to a car’s finish. While the best ceramic coats provide a new car look, they are not something an amateur can apply easily.

Is there a downside to applying a ceramic coating?

If there are any detractors of using the best ceramic coats, it would be that they are expensive, more difficult to apply than a car wax, and – if applied improperly – difficult to remove.

Is there anything better than a ceramic coating?

Graphene coatings are a popular alternative to ceramic coatings due to their excellent durability and water-repellent nature. That said, you can also apply a graphene coating on top of a ceramic coat.

Ceramic Coating Reviews: How We Tested

To test ceramic coatings, we applied each to a different section on the trunk, hood, and side panels of a white Ford Fusion according to any included instructions. Our testing team took notes on ease of use and appearance. Ceramic coatings were monitored over the following months to determine which ceramic coatings last the longest.

Ease of Use

Our ease of use score is based on how simple it is to apply the ceramic coating. Some ceramic coatings require several steps while a few are applied as simple sprays. Generally, we found that spray-on ceramic coatings do not last as long as those that must be carefully applied.

We gave the highest ease of use rating to ceramic coatings that could be properly applied the quickest.

Appearance

Our appearance score is based on how the ceramic coating looks once it is applied. To receive high marks in this category, a ceramic coating should have no swirling, leaving only a glossy shine if it is noticeable at all.

Longevity

Our longevity score is based on how long a ceramic coating lasts before it wears away. We based this score not only on our own experience but also on customer reviews. Considering both allows us to better know how well a ceramic coating holds up in different environments.

How We Score Products

Every ceramic coating we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a ceramic coating is among the best in a category. It can be applied in minutes, offers a perfect gloss with no swirling, or lasts for more than a year.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a ceramic coating performs better than average in a category. It can be applied with ease, leaves behind no swirling with minimal buffing, and lasts for close to a year.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a ceramic, based on our testing experience. It may take an hour to apply, offers a streak-free appearance with moderate buffing, or lasts for several months.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates a ceramic coating that performs poorer than average. It is difficult to apply, leaves behind streaks and swirls, or lasts for less than a month.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the ceramic performs well below expectations in a category. It should not be applied except by a professional, does not buff, or fails to provide any paint protection.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

Will Moore

Senior Writer – Motor1 Review Team

Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

Charles Noyes

Editor – Motor1 Review Team

As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.

Improperly applying a high quality ceramic coating is like having a Ferrari and only driving it in reverse. You may be getting somewhere, but it’s pretty obvious that you’re doing it wrong, and everyone around you knows it.

Like most DIY projects, there is a staircase of necessary steps that one must climb when applying a high-end ceramic coating like Armor Shield IX. Those who want the best possible results adhere to the rules, while those who diverge from the path run the risk of having a finished product that looks like crap.

There are no shortcuts in the world of ceramic coating, especially when protecting something as important as a car’s paint. Take your time and you’ll be rewarded with unrivaled protection and stellar shine. Ignore our advice, and you’ll find yourself stripping the entire vehicle down because your rushed ceramic coating job turned out looking like Michael Jackson after nose job #7.

To date, AvalonKing’s Armor Shield IX DIY ceramic coating kit has a failure rate that hovers in the 1 in every 100 applications. Any guess as to what caused that measly 1% to materialize? Ignore the directions, or try to expedite the process, and disaster ensues. It’s really that simple. These costly mistakes can be avoided if people just follow the advice in this article, and keep an eye out for any of the quality control issues listed below.

 

Most Common Ceramic Coating Mistakes

Devin Niemela shows how to properly install two layers of AvalonKing Armor Shield IX ceramic coating on his vinyl wrapped Evo.
Photo Credit: Devin Niemela/YouTube

AvalonKing didn’t cut any corners when it engineered Armor Shield IX. In order to make the world’s best DIY ceramic coating, we had to expend an extensive amount of time, money, energy, creativity, and patience. All car owners have to do is follow some simple application advice and avoid the following ceramic coating mistakes:

1. Trying to coat a car when the air temperature is below 40° Fahrenheit, or about 4.4° Celsius will be problematic because it will cause the curing process to slow to a crawl. If prolonged for too long, the ceramic coating will be rendered useless.
2. Coating a car in an environment with high humidity is another common mistake, as airborne condensation will slow the curing process, which often results in an oily-looking finish.
3. Excessive coating is also fairly commonplace, which also results in a greasy looking coating that refuses to cure properly.
4. Premature exposure to moisture will wreck a ceramic coating faster than you can say “smells like rain.” Precipitation, dew, mist, or testing the hydrophobic properties of the coating before it has fully cured can all compromise the quality of a vehicle’s ceramic coating.
5. Skipping crucial prep-work steps or trying to take shortcuts prior to applying a layer of ceramic coating will cause all manner of malady to manifest. This is basic car maintenance advice at its very core, so clean thoroughly, and don’t assume that shortcuts will yield positive results.
6. Not following the law of stacking, which requires the application of the longest lasting product first is fairly common as well. Remember, you can always wax over ceramic coatings, but you can’t spread a coat of Armor Shield IX on top of a layer of car wax and expect it to work.
7. Applying ceramic coating in direct sunlight will also wreck all of that elbow grease. Always allow that initial 4-5 hours of hardening time to take place under the cover of shade or indoors before moving the vehicle out into the sun.
8. Throwing a coat of ceramic coating on a hot surface is also a big no-no. Yet somehow, eager individuals still attempt to apply this product prematurely, often right after driving the vehicle or when it has been sitting in the hot sun.
9. Although it will take up to two weeks for Armor Shield IX to fully cure, only 48 hours are required prior to taking the vehicle for a spin. But that’s the absolute bare minimum. Cut that cure time and go for a cruise while your ceramic coating is still settling, and you’ll be one unhappy customer upon your return home.

The trick to avoiding these common mistakes is simple: DON’T DO THEM. Simply follow the super-easy, brilliantly illustrated directions found within each box of AvalonKing Armor Shield IX, and remember that if you ever get stumped all you’ve got to do is contact us via our helpline.

Consequences of Incorrectly Applying Ceramic Coating on a Vehicle

A vehicle with a properly applied coat of Armor Shield IX is ready for almost anything Mother Nature throws at it. From hard winter storms and road salt, to acid rain and desert paint protection, this stuff repels it with ease. However, incorrectly applying a ceramic coating can lead to issues like high spots, streaking, an oily-looking finish, gritty textures, and poor coverage.

On the bright side, there is nothing within a nano ceramic coating that can damage a car’s paint, and if you look at the history of ceramic coatings, cases of paint damage are pretty much nonexistent. To date AvalonKing has yet to encounter a scenario to challenge this statement, so don’t buy into the ceramic coating myths about how it will wreck your ride’s paintwork or glass, because that’s completely untrue.

Regarding the issue of streaking, direct sunlight and too much alcohol tend to be the two most common causes, so go easy on the day drinking, alright guys? In all seriousness though, leaving too much Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) on a surface after a wipe-down or not using the right mixture ratio will cause some pretty intense streaking. So watch out all you IPA lovers, because last time we checked streaking was a punishable crime in certain states.

On a more serious note, if you take the right supplies and use them in a controlled environment, you’ll be rewarded with a ceramic coating that will last for years. Mess around and ignore our warnings, and your vehicle will be stricken with maladies and piss-poor paint protection. It’s really all or nothing with this stuff folks, so if you’re not all-in you should probably go back to using that weak-ass wax.

The Importance of Prep Work Prior to Applying a Layer of Ceramic Coating

Prior to applying a coat of Armor Shield IX, or any ceramic coat product for that matter, a thorough round of prep work must first be conducted. In order for the nano-technology encapsulated within each bottle of Armor Shield IX to work well, it must come into close proximity to the clear coat/paintwork. This allows all of the microscopic molecules suspended within the liquid to embed in the invisible ridges and pours sprawled across the surface of the vehicle, which once cured creates an extremely slick, glass-like paint surface. Being that this is arguably one of the greatest perks of using ceramic coating products, proper prep work remains crucial to achieving a successful application.

We’re not just talking about removing bug guts, tar, bird turds, grit, grime, and anything else that’s embedded in your car’s clear coat. The removal of waxes, glazes, sealants, and/or old protective coating products must be done prior to application as well, so it’s going to take a bit of elbow grease on your end if you want stellar results.

So what are the mandatory prep work steps that must be completed prior to applying a layer of DIY ceramic coating?

• Wash and Dry- Use a 2-bucket system with microfiber products and a highly reviewed car shampoo to dislodge any surface skuzz, and always work from the top down in order to avoid cross-contamination. Then, crack open a fresh bag of fluffy microfiber towels and dry that ride as quickly as possible to avoid unsightly water spots from forming.
• Clay Bar- Hitting a freshly washed and dried exterior with a clay bar will lift any stubborn impurities that might be lurking within the clear coat. The best results often depend upon this additional step.
• Polish and Paint Correction- Now it’s time for a full buffing in order to add a layer of shine to the car’s clear coat and plastics, while kicking-off any airborne debris that might be lingering on the surface. After that it may be off to the body shop for some paint correction. This is a pricey, yet necessary step on vehicles that are driven regularly, as they are the most prone to unsightly damage like surface scratches, scuffs, and clear coat oxidation.
• Apply IPA- Wiping all surfaces that are destined to receive a layer of ceramic coating with a properly blended Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) spray will help guarantee that the surface is devoid of contaminants or residual oils left behind from the prior preparation steps. Once diluted, an IPA solution will allow the ceramic nano coating to grasp onto the car’s paintwork without damaging the clear coat or any exposed plastic surfaces nearby.

While this new wave of DIY enthusiasm is certainly exciting to see, there’s a lot of room for error within this market as well. Fortunately, the consequences of not adequately completing the required prep work (or skipping it entirely) before applying a DIY coating is never detrimental to the well-being of the vehicle.

The worst case scenario is that a can of polishing compound must be purchased in order to remove the ceramic coating prior to starting the entire process over once more. Since the cost of ceramic coatings has reduced significantly in recent years, this isn’t as big of an issue as it might seem, especially when affordable products like Armor Shield IX pack industry leading 9H ceramic coating hardness ratings for under $70.

Quick Tip: Armor Shield IX plays well with paint protection film (PPF), clear bras, and vinyl wraps just as long as they receive the same level of prep work as the car’s clear coat. So don’t hesitate to coat over these protective layers for additional durability.

Tips for Applying Ceramic Coating Products

When it comes time to apply a layer of ceramic coating on a car, the first thing you should be aware of is the environment in which it will be applied and the weather. Can the entire process be done outside? Sure. But being that you tend to have far less control over the types of foreign influence that can come into contact with a car’s exterior, the risk of having to redo a paint surface that’s rocking a layer of ceramic car coating is far greater outside. So to make sure that coated vehicle gets the loving it deserves, take the action indoors, and seek shelter within the confines of a garage.

As we explained earlier, anytime the temp drops below 40° Fahrenheit, or about 4.4° Celsius, it’s probably best to put the brakes on and wait for warmer weather or a heated garage option to materialize. The coating won’t properly cure (or cure at all) under high humidity either. So be advised that you’ll need to seek an indoors environment with a dehumidifier if the forecast calls for anything above 70% humidity.

In contrast, there is no high temp limit when it comes to the ceramic coating application process. Just note that higher temperatures require you to coat smaller sections at a time in order to prevent the ceramic coating from drying too quickly in between application and buffing. On the bright side, there probably aren’t a lot of people jumping at the opportunity of coating a car in 100°F weather, so this shouldn’t be much of an issue.

Weather aside, applying small amounts of ceramic coating in smooth, even strokes, and then allowing it to set before buffing the surface with a microfiber towel is crucial for the prevention of smearing and streaking. Apply too much product roughly or sloppily, and you’ll be forced to redo that area. Hop on the buffing stage too soon, and you’ll smear the partially liquefied ceramic coating and be back to square one yet again.

To avoid sounding like we’re dropping every chapter in the auto detailing history book on your desk, we’ll close with this final bit of advice. Properly applying ceramic coating to a car surface will protect it for years, so you might as well take the time and do it right the first go-around.

Want to learn more and nerd-out over a ton of tips on applying ceramic coating? You can tumble deeper down the ceramic coating “rabbit hole” by reading our definitive guide on applying ceramic coating. If knowledge is power, then AvalonKing believes in giving the power to the people. So stay informed, and keep on coating ya’ll. We love what you’re doing.

Quick Final Tip: If an indoor space is unavailable, and you must apply an automotive ceramic coating outdoors, seek the shelter of a carport and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The more controlled and sterile the environment the better, so consider bribing a friend or family member with beer and pizza in exchange for commandeering their garage for a day or two.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of coil coating lines. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.