Applying a high-quality ceramic coating yourself is like having an expensive car and driving it only in reverse. It is somehow wrong, but for the money-saving option, you try doing it.
We don’t suggest applying the ceramic coating by yourself if you want to get the best results, especially if you are new to the coating. Shortcuts in applying ceramic coating will not work, especially when you require proper protection for car paint. However, ceramic coating application failure rates remain at one in every hundred. Here, I will discuss ceramic car coating blunders. These costly ceramic car coating mistakes can also destroy your car’s clear coat and time.
Common ceramic car coating blunders
Although Ceramic coating is not a DIY project, you can apply it yourself for a money saving. Follow the advice from Auto Boss experts to avoid these ceramic coating issues.
Don’t coat the car below 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Avoid applying ceramic coating on your car at low temperatures. Applying a car coat below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.4 degrees Celsius can be problematic. If you apply a car coat at this temperature, it may slow down the curing process. If the curing process is prolonged for longer periods, it will become useless.
Coating in an environment with high levels of humidity
People usually don’t care about the humidity level. It is the most common mistake people do in the DIY coating process. Airborne condensation also slows down the process of curing. It may result in an oily appearance.
Excessive coating
Excessive coating is a common problem when you apply it yourself. Too many ceramic coats can result in a greasy look if it doesn’t cure properly. It is a costly ceramic car coating mistake that can not be reversed.
Premature moisture exposure
If you expose a premature ceramic-coated car to moisture, your ceramic coating will wreck faster. Dew, precipitation, mist or testing with water before curing can compromise ceramic coating’s hydrophobic qualities.
Avoid skipping preparation steps
Adopting short and skip preparation steps before applying the ceramic coating layer can cause difficulty in applying and curing the ceramic coating. It is basic advice from Auto boss experts: clean your car thoroughly to yield accurate results. Shortcuts are not a good idea for applying ceramic coating.
Follow the Stacking law
The law of stacking is applying long-lasting products first. It is a very good option to apply a ceramic coating on your car; you can apply wax over it. If you are not following the stacking laws, you can’t spread coating over waxing. It will make the whole process end up negatively.
Avoid applying coating under the direct sun
Don’t apply ceramic coating under direct sunlight. It will wreck elbow grease. Give your car five hours of curing time under the shade or indoors. Let the ceramic coating cure before taking it into the sun.
Don’t throw ceramic coating on a hot surface
Avoid putting a ceramic coat on the hot surface of your vehicle. Some eager individuals attempt to apply coating prematurely after keeping it in the hot sun or driving their car. It is important not to make this type of mistake.
Don’t take a drive before curing
Usually, it takes only 48 hours for a coated car to cure completely, but driving a car with a cured coating can destroy your efforts. We suggest you take a break for at least two days, let the ceramic car coating cure and then drive it.
Avoiding common ceramic coating mistakes is quite simple. Don’t make common mistakes. You can contact Auto Boss for any guidelines.
Consequences when you apply ceramic coating wrong
Ceramic coating can protect your car from road salts, hard winters, acidic rain, or deserted paint protection, which repels it easily. However, improper ceramic coating can lead to problems like streaking, high spots, gritty textures, an oily-looking finish and poor coverage.
- On the positive side, nothing with ceramic coating damages your car paint. In the ceramic coating history, paint damage cases are extinct. However, you can encounter this scenario. If you apply a low-quality ceramic coating or make mistakes that can destroy the coating, it may also cause paintwork to get damaged.
- Too much alcohol and direct sunlight tend to cause serious issues. Avoid leaving isopropyl Alcohol on your car surface after wiping down. Use the right mixture ratio to make ceramic coating cure properly. However, in some states and provinces, using Isopropyl Alcohol can be a punishable crime.
- Take the best and highest-quality supplies and use them in a controlled environment. Proper application of ceramic coating can give you rewarding protection for years. However, poor application of coating can cause apparent abnormalities.
Importance of preparation work before ceramic coating application
Before the ceramic coating application, you will require preparation work. Conduct preparation work, especially proper cleaning. Clear and clean paint surfaces help microscopic molecules to suspend within ceramic coating liquid to embed in pours and invisible ridges. Proper preparation work is critical in achieving a successful application of ceramic coating. Remove glazes, waxes, sealants or old coating before applying a new coating.
Preparation work steps
You must complete some mandatory preparation steps before applying the coating layer on the surface.
Wash and Dry: Don’t go for an abrasive car wash; use two buckets of hand wash with microfiber cloths. Use high-reviewed pH-neutral car shampoo to clean the surface. Start cleaning your car from the top to the bottom to avoid cross-contamination. Use a new and clean microfiber cloth or towel. Dry your car’s surface as soon as possible. Quick drying can help you remove unsightly water spots created by washing.
Clay bar: Using clay bars on freshly washed and dry vehicles will remove stubborn impurities. You can get the best positive results depending on this additional step.
Polish and paint correction: After using the clay bar comes full buffing. Start buffing to add a shiny layer to your car’s plastic and clear coat. You can take the vehicle for paint correction if required.
Applying Isopropyl alcohol: Wipe out the vehicle surface destined to receive a ceramic coating layer with properly blended IPA. The isopropyl alcohol spray guarantees the car’s surface is cleaned of contaminants and residual oils. Apply a diluted isopropyl alcohol solution, allowing a grasping ceramic coating onto your car paintwork.
Conclusion
In today’s era of DIY enthusiasm, there is room for ceramic car coating blunders. All of the consequences come with skipping preparation work. It is not only good for your ceramic coating but for your car as well. Sometimes, you must buy a polishing compound to remove the protective coating before starting the process.
FAQs
What are common ceramic coating mistakes?
Applying ceramic coating by yourself can cause more damage than doing good. Improper coating application can leave high spots, streaks and a lackluster finish. You can get a free quote and cost assessment of your car coating.
Can you do something wrong in applying the ceramic coating?
Yes! Messing up in a DIY ceramic project is quite common. Improper application can cause streaks, hazing, spots or cloudy reflections. Although these ceramic coating issues will not damage your car paint, making them is difficult to reverse.
How do we know whether ceramic car coating failed?
If water droplets fail from rolling off from the car surface, your ceramic coating fails. You must consider replacing your ceramic coating if its hydrophobic quality is affected.
What are the drawbacks of coatings on cars?
Ceramic coating has drawbacks, including its cost, flaking or peeling off, difficult to apply or remove, and can be scratched and not permanent.
Can rain or snow ruin ceramic car coating?
No! Rain or snow cannot run a properly installed ceramic coating.