How we protect long-term

Ceramic coating preparation

Detailing Wizards begins preparation for a ceramic coating application with a full visual inspection of the surface that will be treated. We will assess the condition of the painted surface and plan what steps to take in order to provide a high quality finish. We will thoroughly detail the car's exterior to the standards as documented in our exterior service to remove loose dirt, debris, and surface contaminants. It's important to clean wheels, tires, and wheel wells first to prevent cross-contamination onto any painted surfaces. Any loose contamination left on the surface can interfere with the decontamination and polishing stages, increasing the risk of scratching and reducing the efficacy of a ceramic coating's chemical bond.

Decontamination

We will begin with chemical decontamination to the standards as documented in our decontamination service to dissolve embedded iron particles and brake dust. We use a tar remover areas where road film accumulates or on select spots of sap-like contamination only as needed. Paint holds deeply embedded contaminants that may be difficult to see. Removing these chemically prevents damage to paint during mechanical decontamination and polishing.

We will continue with mechanical decontamination to the standards as documented in our decontamination service to physically remove deeply embedded contaminants and debris. We use a clay towel or clay bar only as needed using light pressure along with lubrication. Paint holds deeply embedded contaminants that may be difficult to see. Removing these mechanically prevents damage to paint during polishing. Ceramic coatings require direct contact with clean paint. Any remaining contamination will prevent proper bonding and can cause coating failure or visual defects.

Paint correction

We inspect all painted surfaces' condition under extensive lighting to the standards as documented in our paint correction service to assess necessary polishing needed for each section of a car's painted surfaces. We perform paint correction only as needed based on paint type, hardness, and defect severity to the standards as documented in our paint correction service. It's important to remove swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation, and water spots to provide the strongest chemical bond for ceramic coatings as well as the highest clarity of the painted surfaces being coated.

It's important to complete these processes thoroughly as any defects present will be sealed under the coating and become permanent until polished again.

Final preparation

After we finish polishing, we wipe down all painted surfaces with either Optimum Paint Prep or Gyeon Paint Prep to remove any residue from the panel, allowing for a strong bond for the ceramic coating without leaving streaks behind on the clear coat.

Ceramic coating application

We only apply ceramic coatings in a controlled environment without any direct sunlight. We use a suede applicator and foam block to apply the ceramic coating evenly across each section of a panel, one at a time. It's important to apply the ceramic coating in a straight line with overlapping passes for even coverage. Next, we give a flash time following manufacturer guidelines. Level and remove excess coating using clean microfiber towels, switching towels frequently to avoid streaking. It's important to work in a controlled environment in order to apply an even layer of ceramic coating to prevent high spots, streaks, and issues with curing.

In theory, reducing the amount of coating used would save on our service costs, but Detailing Wizards prefers to apply additional layers after initial curing in order to apply the most protection we can. No harm can be done by using more product, and we like to be thorough and apply ceramic coatings liberally. While doing this, it's important to adhere to the same application and leveling process for each additional layer. Additional layers increase durability, chemical resistance, and gloss, but we are critical to apply each layer correctly and within manufacturer specifications.

Curing

We begin the final finish by allowing an initial cure. We keep the vehicle indoors for a time according to the manufacturer's specifications in a controlled environment. Moisture, direct sunlight, and physical touch may have an adverse effect on the quality of the cure by removing material, resulting in a worse finish.

After the ceramic coating has properly hardened after the initial curing period, we inspect all panels under strong, white-balanced lighting to ensure a uniform finish without any present high spots. If any imperfections are present, we immediately address them before allowing for the full curing time to complete to ensure that each ceramic coating meets Detailing Wizards's high standard.

Maintenance

Ceramic coatings are extremely strong, but they are still not completely permanent. Many manufacturers claim that their coatings can last for years. In order for a ceramic coating to last for a long time, it's important to keep its vehicle clean. If a vehicle is accumulating heavy debris and enduring harsh, salty, acidic abrasive elements, the coating will begin to wear. It remains important to regularly clean a vehicle with a ceramic coating. The process of cleaning becomes significantly easier however. Dirt and soil more simply washes away and the car's paint and clear coat remain protected. With regular maintenance, a ceramic coating is able to last with minimal touch-ups for an extended time. Detailing Wizards will constantly monitor the condition of a ceramic coating and suggest a maintenance schedule that will work for each customer. It's important to avoid abrasive products and services that can strip away a ceramic coating.