Buzz
Discover the art of detailing your vehicle and eliminating surface impurities with our comprehensive guide
Essential Points to Remember
- Thoroughly cleanse your vehicle with a wax-free car soap.
- Utilize iron remover spray. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse off and dry using a microfiber cloth.
- Employ a clay bar to eliminate impurities from the surface. Subsequently, utilize medium-duty compound along with a dual-action polisher to polish the surface.
- Conclude by wiping your car down with a microfiber cloth to remove any residual debris.
Procedure
Start by rinsing your car with plain water.
Begin by hosing down your car’s exterior to remove loose dirt and debris. Start from the top and work your way down. Although dirt and debris may seem insignificant, failing to rinse them off initially could lead to micro-scratches in your car’s paint when washing.
- Choose a shaded spot for washing to prevent water spots and residue.
Thoroughly wash your car.
Opt for hand-washing your car using a microfiber cloth and wax-free soap. Fill a bucket with soapy water, dip your microfiber cloth into it, and start scrubbing! Work on small sections, starting from the top and moving downwards, rinsing periodically to prevent soap residue buildup. Ensure thorough cleaning, reaching into all crevices and corners—your car should be immaculate.
- Avoid using regular rags or towels to prevent paint scratches.
- Hand-washing is recommended for meticulous cleaning; any remaining debris can impact the ceramic coating's bonding.
Dry the vehicle using a microfiber towel.
Use iron remover and rinse your car again.
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An iron remover spray eliminates contaminants from your car’s surface. Wear disposable gloves and a dust mask before using the iron spray. Follow specific instructions on your product, but for most iron remover sprays, thoroughly coat the vehicle’s surface with the spray. Allow the spray to penetrate for a few minutes, rinse it off with a water hose, and dry the surface with a microfiber towel.
Use a clay bar on the vehicle's surface.
Clay barring removes any remaining contamination from your car. Thorough cleaning and eliminating contaminants are crucial for the longevity of your ceramic coating. Work on small sections, applying clay bar lubricant to the car's surface for smooth sliding of the clay bar. Gently rub the lubricated surface with the clay bar using back-and-forth motions, and wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.
- If the clay bar sticks to the surface, apply a bit more lubricant spray.
- Avoid circular rubbing motions to prevent scratching your paint job.
Polish the surface with a polishing compound.
Polish your car to eliminate minor scratches and refine the surface. Use a dual-action polisher to apply compound section by section. Switch to a clean pad and buff the surface with overlapping motions until the compound vanishes.
- A medium-duty compound is suitable for most cars. For older cars with scratches, opt for a heavy-duty compound.
- Even if your car is new and scratch-free, polishing is recommended. Ceramic coating enhances paint (highlighting imperfections) and even minor scratches can affect bonding.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the car.
A final wipe ensures your car's surface is flawless. Swipe the microfiber cloth over every panel and visible area to remove any remaining compound, smudges, and streaks. For added thoroughness, use an IPA spray designed for vehicle exteriors, though it's not mandatory.
- An IPA spray is an isopropyl alcohol solution used to eliminate oils and residue from a vehicle's exterior. Professionals often apply it before ceramic coating to ensure a strong bond.
Apply the ceramic coating immediately.
Contaminants accumulate quickly on cars, so apply the ceramic coating right away. Delaying after prep work allows dust and debris to settle on your car's surface, undoing your hard work. Apply the ceramic coating immediately for the strongest bond and best appearance.
Tips
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Ceramic coating typically lasts 2-5 years. When it's time for a refresh, repeat this entire preparation process before reapplying.
