Guide 10 · Detailing
Full detail and DIY ceramic coating
A ceramic coating only looks as good as the paint under it, so 80% of this job is the wash, decontamination and polish before the coating goes on.
Medium A full day The most rewarding finish on the list
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Tools I used
| Tool | Why you need it | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Foam cannon + pressure washer | Lifts grit before you touch the paint | Check price → |
| Two buckets with grit guards + wash mitt | Stops you dragging dirt across the paint | Check price → |
| Iron remover | Dissolves embedded brake dust (turns purple) | Check price → |
| Clay bar or clay mitt + lubricant | Pulls out bonded contamination | Check price → |
| DA polisher, polish and pads | Removes swirls so the coating locks in a clean finish | Check price → |
| Panel-prep spray (IPA wipe) | Strips polish oils so the coating bonds | Check price → |
| Consumer ceramic coating kit | The coating itself | Check price → |
| Plush microfibre towel pack | Leveling and buffing; use each one once | Check price → |
Shop the whole kit
8 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Add all 8 to cart →8 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Steps
- Rinse, foam, then two-bucket wash top to bottom. Wheels last, with separate tools.
- Spray iron remover, let it work a few minutes, then rinse.
- Clay every panel until it feels glass-smooth.
- Polish out swirls with the DA (see Guide 04).
- Wipe every panel with panel prep. The paint must be bare and oil-free.
- Apply the coating to a small section in a crosshatch pattern.
- Wait for it to "flash" (rainbow look), then level it with one towel and buff with a second.
- Check under a light for high spots (dark smudges). Keep the car dry for 24 hours.
Pro tips
- Work indoors, out of the sun and wind. Coatings flash too fast in heat.
- Work small sections. Missed high spots harden and need polishing off.
- Wash with pH-neutral soap afterwards to make the coating last.
Find a pro near you
When to call a pro
You want a multi-year professional coating with a warranty, the paint needs heavy correction first, or you'd rather pair it with paint protection film on the front end.
Rather not DIY it? Tell us where you are and local shops will send you a quote.