Ceramic coating is one of the best investments for your car’s exterior, giving it a long-lasting shine. However, most San Jose and Bay Area car owners make mistakes that could ruin the outcome or damage the car’s paint during application.
At AJ Professional Detailing, we have dealt with it all—shoddy home ceramic coating jobs, missed surface preparation, and a lack of understanding of what ceramic coating does—and doesn’t. You must get it right if you want to ceramic coat your car. Below are the most common mistakes to avoid making sure you are providing the best protection to your vehicle.
What Is Ceramic Coating, and Why Should You Use It?
A ceramic coating is essentially a shield for your car’s paint and adds a layer of protection against dirt, water, UV rays, and day-to-day wear. Unlike wax, which usually wears off in weeks, ceramic coating works like a permanent layer as it bonds with the paint forming a durable and long-lasting protective layer for 2-10 years. It helps make your car easier to clean, makes it easy to repel water with its hydrophobic properties, and enhances a deep, glossy shine.
So, why should you use it? If you’re looking for a new finish for your car that’s not only sleek but also keeps it clean for longer, a ceramic coat is the way to go. It prevents fading, oxidation, and small scratches, keeping your paint looking good. Also, it reduces maintenance time and effort — no more constant waxing or polishing.
While making your car invincible isn’t gonna happen, though, it does a job great job of keeping your ride protected and looking its best! Whether you’re daily driving or showing off a weekend warrior, ceramic coating is an investment that will keep your pride and joy looking brand new for longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Ceramic Coating
1. Skipping Proper Paint Preparation
Most car owners make the mistake of not correctly prepping the paint before applying the ceramic coating. Microscopic dirt, old wax, or imperfections in the paint job can prevent the coating from sticking, even if the car looks clean.
What you should do:
- Use a pH-neutral soap to wash your car well.
- Use a clay bar to decontaminate the paint and remove any embedded dirt and contaminants.
- Use an iron remover to dissolve all the metallic particles that might have persisted on the surface.
If you see any swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation, polish or correct the paint.
Putting ceramic coating on unprepped paint is like painting over a dirty wall — it won’t last long, and you’ll be disappointed with the result.
2. Applying Too Much or Too Little Product
Applying too little product may leave areas unprotected or vulnerable, while too much can leave high spots or provide an uneven finish.
What you should do:
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely for how much to employ.
- Make sure to use even coverage and apply it in small sections.
- Distribute the product evenly using a suitable microfiber applicator.
Remember that, unlike wax. Ceramic coating is meant to bond with the paint, not just stack on stringently. More is not always better.
3. Not Allowing the Coating to Cure Properly
Another standard error is allowing the ceramic coating to cure before exposing it to water or other elements. If the coating has not fully cured, it will not provide the best protection.
What you should do:
- Do not wash the vehicle for at least 24-48 hours after application.
- Do not wash the car for a week to cure the coating properly.
- For the first few weeks of the curing process, store the automobile in a garage or shaded area to prevent dust and debris from settling on the surface.
Neglecting this step means distinguishing between water spots, streaks, or shorter durability.
4. Applying Ceramic Coating in the Wrong Environment
The ceramic coating application process requires certain atmospheric conditions to be successful, such as temperature and humidity. In cold and sunny weather, any dryness of the firing coating layer occurs too fast, which makes it troublesome to level the surface.
What you should do:
- Make sure to apply ceramic coating in the shade or indoors.
- For best results, work in temperatures of 50-80°F.
- Keep domesticated animals away from the growing area and avoid exposure to windy or dusty environments that could also contaminate the plants.
A controlled environment ensures an even bond and proper drying of the coating.
5. Expecting Ceramic Coating to Be Scratch-Proof
A common misconception about ceramic coating is that it makes your car paint 100% scratch-resistant. The same goes for the application. It does resist minor scratches or swirl marks but will do nothing if a rock, key, etc., scrapes against it.
What you should do:
- Use the correct techniques when washing your vehicle to protect against micro-scratching.
- Do not use power brushes for automatic car washes.
- Combine ceramic coating with paint protection film (PPF) to protect your outside against rock chips and road debris.
Knowing what ceramic coating cannot do will help you set realistic expectations and correctly maintain your car’s finish.
6. Neglecting Maintenance After Application
If your car has a ceramic coating, you can’t neglect maintenance. If not cleaned quickly, dirt, bird excrement, and other contaminants can still adhere to the surface.
What you should do:
- Using a pH-neutral soap and the two-bucket method, wash your car.
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals or wax-based products that can break down the coating.
- Apply a ceramic coating booster every few months to reinvigorate the hydrophobic qualities.
Regular maintenance will help your coating last as long as possible and keep your car looking beautiful.
Get the Help You Need at AJ Professional Detailing
Ceramic coating is one of the best solutions for protecting your car’s paint and improving its appearance. However, it is not effective if the application is incorrect. Whether you do it yourself or leave it to the professionals, avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure you get the most from your investment.
Whether you drive a Honda or a Tesla, AJ Professional Detailing is the best for ceramic coating. We cover not only San Jose but the entire Bay Area, CA! We want you to bring your vehicle to us for an easy, professional, long-lasting ceramic coat.