Ceramic Coating Installation Prep & Application Guide Process
Let’s Get This Ceramic Coating Installation Process Straight (NO WAX)
The better the prep, the better the results. Whether you’re working with a full-strength bottle or a spray application, ceramic coating installation success depends on one thing: surface prep. A properly prepped vehicle gets the most out of the coating—sprays can last up to a year, full coatings can hold strong for years—if the surface is prepped right.
At Appleton Car Wash, we use professional-grade products from trusted brands:
👉 Meguiar’s Ceramic Coating
👉 Adam’s Polishes Ceramic Coatings
👉 Ethos Ceramic Coatings
These are the same products we trust to deliver long-lasting protection and an exceptional finish for your vehicle.
Preparation: Make the Surface Ready for ceramic coating installation
1. Wash First (No Protection Additives!)
Use a shampoo without gloss enhancers.
- Use a Foam Cannon or Foam Gun.
- Use the Two-Bucket Method with Grit Guards.
- If going waterless, use multiple clean microfiber towels.
2. Optional Decontamination with Iron Remover
Removes embedded contaminants.
3. Dry It Properly
Use an ultra-plush drying towel or an air cannon. No water left behind.
4. Mask Off Plastic & Rubber
Use detailing tape to protect trim and seals during compounding.
5. Clay Bar the Paint
Use a clay mitt or bar with detail spray to remove bonded junk. Follow with surface prep to clean off residue.
6. Polish It Up (This Is Crucial)
- Start with compound + microfiber cutting pad.
- Follow with polish + foam pad to refine the finish.
- Always test a small area first.
7. Final Wipe Down
Use surface prep and clean microfiber to clear polishing dust. Ready to coat.
7. Application: Apply Like a Pro
Use surface prep and clean microfiber to clear polishing dust. Ready to coat.
Step 1: Before You Begin
- Work indoors for consistent temps and minimal dust.
- Use rubber gloves.
- Set up good lighting.
Step 2: Prep the Surface
Wipe panel with surface prep and borderless grey towel.
Step 3: Shake ThE Ceramic Coating Installation Bottle Well
Mix ceramic coating well.
Step 4: Application Methods
- Full Coating: Drop a few beads on suede applicator block.
- Spray Coating: Spray 2–3 mists onto microfiber applicator block (not paint).
Step 5: Apply in Sections
- Outline panel.
- Apply in overlapping straight lines.
- Don’t lift applicator mid-panel.
Step 6: Let It Flash
Look for rainbow/oily sheen.
Step 7: Time to Wipe Off
- Start wiping 30 sec to 3 min after application
- First wipe: suede microfiber, remove ~50% residue
- Second wipe: borderless grey towel, remove rest
Step 8: Repeat for All Surfaces
Paint, glass, wheels, chrome.
After Ceramic Coating Application: Double Check Everything
- Use UV light for coverage
- Inspect outdoors for high-spots
Cure Times (Keep It Dry!)
- Full Coating: cure indoors 24 hours
- Spray Coating: cure 4–6 hours minimum
Fixing Mistakes: High-Spots, Streaks & Sweat Beads
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Time Since Application Fix 1–2 hours Lightly damp microfiber or reapply coating, wipe immediately 4 hours Drop of brilliant glaze or white polish + microfiber 12 hours Polish with blue hex grip or machine polish (may weaken coating) 24–48+ hours Machine polish compound + re-coat
Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do
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Cure indoors
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Follow flash time and wipe thoroughly
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Inspect under natural light
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Perform regular maintenance washes
❌ Don’t
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Apply in extreme temps (60–80°F ideal)
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Leave high-spots unchecked
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Expose vehicle to water too soon
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Use harsh soaps/detail sprays during cure