If you’re like me, you take great pride in your vehicle – from keeping it clean and shining to making sure the inside is just as neat as can be. So when I heard about ceramic coating for cars, I was eager to try it!
Little did I know that my perfect car would turn into a disaster zone because of a bad ceramic coating job. If you’re ever considering getting your car coated with ceramic material, make sure to read this first. I’m going to share my story and some tips on fixing ceramic coating gone wrong. Read on to find out more!
What is ceramic coating?
Before we jump into the story, let’s first take a step back and understand what ceramic coating is. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with your car’s paint. Once it dries and cures, it creates an extra layer of clear protection. This added layer helps to protect your paint from things like UV rays, dirt, grime, and even small scratches.
It’s important to note that ceramic coating is not a paint protection film (PPF) or wrap. While PPF and wraps also act as a layer of protection, they are applied on top of the paint (hence the name “paint protection”). Ceramic coating, on the other hand, bonds with the paint to create a permanent layer of protection.
Can you mess up the ceramic coating on your car?
The short answer is yes – you can definitely mess up the ceramic coating on your car. In fact, that’s exactly what happened to me!
I took my car to a local detailer to have the coating done. Unfortunately, the detailer did not do a good job and my car ended up with streaks, lines, and smears all over the paint. It was an absolute disaster.
So what can you do if you find yourself in a similar situation? Here are a few tips:
– Wipe off the coating immediately with a microfiber cloth.
– If the coating is already dry, use a clay bar to remove it.
– If the damage is severe, you may need to sand down the area and repaint it.
What causes ceramic coatings to go wrong?
There are a few reasons why ceramic coatings can go wrong. Here are some of the most common causes:
Superficial prep work
It’s important to note that one of the most common reasons for poor ceramic coating application is skipping prepping your car. This can lead not only in imperfections but also problems down range such as dirt stains and brake dust buildup which will ultimately show on a future coatings job! Make sure you fully clean every inch if this area, removing all contaminants before starting anything else; don’t be lazy when it comes time – make an effort from start-to finish so everything goes smoothly
A great way I’ve found success with getting top notch finishes at home without having too many issues associated early on during prep work
The use of too much, or too little product
Applying too much or too little product is also a common mistake when it comes to ceramic coating. If you apply too much, the coating will be difficult to remove and can cause streaking. On the other hand, if you don’t apply enough, the coating will be less effective and won’t bond as well to the paint.
It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to only apply the coating as directed.
Improper outdoor temperature conditions
Applying ceramic coating in extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold) can also cause problems. If it’s too hot, the coating will dry too quickly and will be more difficult to remove. If it’s too cold, the coating will take longer to dry and cure, which can lead to streaking and smearing.
The ideal temperature for applying ceramic coating is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Not enough lighting
It’s important to consider lighting when applying any detailing product, whether it be a professional grade car wax or ceramic coating. The best thing you can do is have access and inspect your vehicle from different angles with hand-held lights so that high spots on panels aren’t missed during application of the finish!
Low quality products
There are a lot of ceramic coating products on the market, and not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are just downright terrible.
If you’re thinking about getting your car coated, make sure you do your research and use a high quality product. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your paint, and you’ll end up with a subpar finish.
>>> Best ceramic coating for black cars
How do you fix a ceramic coating that’s gone wrong?
Absolutely! But it’s not always easy to fix.
Our friend with the CG in this YouTube video will have to use an power polisher and the correct abrasive product if he wants all those high spots gone though because of how bad things are damaged on his vehicle.”
How to remove high spots in coating
If you find yourself with high spots in your ceramic coating, there are a few things you can do to remove them.
1. Level the Coating with a Microfiber Cloth
Sometimes, a spot on your floor will be impossible to get rid of. However! You can always try leveling the coating with microfiber cloth and if this doesn’t work for you then move onto step 2 where we’ll discuss other remedies that might suit what kind of problem (highlighted)you’re having at home or in business-or both!!
2. Apply more Coating To the Affected Area
You can try to blend the affected area in with surrounding paint by applying another layer of ceramic coating. You need watch out for overdoing it, though-you may make things worse instead! Only use a small amount on your applicator pad (1 or 2 drops)
3. Polish By Hand to Remove The Coating
High spots are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can actually be harmful and difficult to remove. If you’ve tried the above methods but still have high places on your driveway or parking lot that need attention then I recommend trying some light cut polish with an auto polishing pad first before getting aggressive; this way we’ll know what kind of product will work best for us!
4. Compound / Machine Polish To Remove The Coating
When hand polishing the car does not work, you need to move on using a more aggressive machine polish combined with compounds. It will take longer and be tedious but at least now your detailing skills are saving time by removing both coating along side some level of paint from high spots on vehicles which have been coated before going back over them again in order fix this problem permanently
Failing even after trying all these techniques can lead people into believing they failed because there’s no way possible for success without professional help – when really what happened was just too much effort put forth towards solving an issue that wasn’t fully understood
Applying ceramic coating over badly prepared paint
The paint needs to be in good condition before a ceramic coating can be applied. If the paint is in poor condition, the ceramic coating will not adhere properly and will not last as long as it should.
It’s important to make sure the paint is free of any contaminants before applying the coating. This includes things like wax, polish, grease, and oils. If these contaminants are not removed, they will prevent the ceramic coating from adhering properly.
The paint should also be free of any defects. This includes things like scratches, swirls, and etches. If the paint is not smooth, the ceramic coating will not be able to properly bond with the surface.
If the paint is not properly prepared, the ceramic coating will not last as long as it should and will not provide the desired level of protection. The coating will also be more likely to peel and flake off over time.
It’s important to take the time to properly prepare the paint before applying a ceramic coating. This will ensure that the coating lasts as long as it should and provides the desired level of protection.
Applying ceramic coating over swirls/damaged paint
Preparation is key to a great finish! This includes machine polishing the paintwork after it’s been applied. Without this step, you’ll end up with swirly or scratchy swirls and scratches that will be difficult (if not impossible)to remove later on down the road–especially if they’re located anywhere beneath your ceramic coating layer(s). It might seem like an average job when viewed externally but upon closer inspection I’ve found many complaining about their “average” looking shine turns out as simply having mediocre finishes at best due internally unevenness in quality levels between various sections/colors being used by painter.
Tips for applying ceramic coating
You can absolutely DIY ceramic coatings on your cars, but you should take these professional tips into consideration. The process isn’t as straight-forward and requires some effort on behalf of the home owner– so don’t give up before even getting started!
1: Preparation and paint correction
Ceramic coatings can be applied to a vehicle’s exterior in order protect it from the damaging effects of UV rays. However, before applying these finishes every last speck of dirt needs removing which is why this prep work accounts for 75%-90% out detailer’s time regardless if they are doing their job at home or taking car(s) somewhere where there will provide more thorough cleaning services including an automatic machine polishing operation with lighting appropriate for such tasks!
Applying the ceramic coating will leave any imperfections locked in.
2: Controlling your motions
A common mistake is an inexperienced detailer rushing through the process and not being mindful of their surroundings. This can lead to making smears in the coating orNot only that, but you also need to be careful of where you’re walking and what you’re leaning on. If you lean on a dirty car, you’ll transfer that dirt onto your ceramic coated car and ruin the finish.
3: One panel at a time
The hardest part about detailing is making sure that you do it right. It takes patience, skill and practice to be an expert detailer but there are some mistakes even professionals can make- like forgetting one panel or not wiping down evenly across all surfaces of your vehicle
A few minutes after applying ceramic paint protection film (carp), users should apply waxes/soaps followed by clay abrasives then final polish if necessary.
4: Test-run in an inconspicuous spot
It’s always a good idea to test-run any new product on your car in an inconspicuous spot before using it on the whole car. This way, you can make sure that you’re happy with the results and that the product is compatible with your paint.
>>> Related: Ceramic coating process
FAQs about ceramic coating gone wrong
Can a ceramic coating gone wrong be fixed?
If the ceramic coating is not properly applied, it can be fixed by reapplying the coating.
How long does a ceramic coating last?
A properly applied ceramic coating can last for several years.
What happens when a ceramic coating fails?
When a ceramic coating fails, it can cause the paint to become dull and faded.
What is the downside to ceramic coating?
The main downside to ceramic coating is that it is not a permanent solution. It will need to be reapplied every few years to maintain the protection it provides.
How much does it cost to get a ceramic coating?
The cost of a ceramic coating can range from $500 to $2000.
Can ceramic coating be removed?
Ceramic coating can be removed, but it is a difficult and time-consuming process.
What are the benefits of ceramic coating?
Conclusion
If you have a ceramic coating gone wrong, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to try and fix the situation. Answer The Question has outlined some of those steps in this blog post, but if they don’t work for you or the problem seems too complex, reach out to a professional detailing company for assistance. They will be able to help you restore your car’s finish to its former glory. Have you ever had to deal with a ceramic coating issue? What did you do? Let us know in the comments below.
