Ceramic coating is a hard shell that gives vehicles long-lasting protection from chemical stains and etching. You can coat your car by hiring professionals or doing it yourself. But before you manage a time for coating from your busy schedule, you need to know how long does it take to ceramic coat a car?
Actually, how much time it will take to ceramic coat your car depends on the size of your vehicle. For example; a standard-sized car takes only a few hours to complete the coating. Besides vehicle size, it also depends on some core factors that you need to know before coating your car.
This informative article will reveal your coating time and those factors so you can plan your time appropriately.
How Long Does It Take To Ceramic Coat A Car?
Applying a ceramic coating will take you 2-3 days approximately. The coating application takes roughly an hour, but the preparation phases typically take 1-2 days. Afterward, the coating should be allowed to cure for at least 12-24 hours.
What Is The Process Of Ceramic Coating?
The ceramic coating process is held in three steps. First, prepare your car before applying the ceramic coating. Then use this coating properly onto your car, and finally, leave it to cure; that’s it!
1. Prepare your car for ceramic coating
Ceramic coatings connect to your vehicle’s substrate. So, before applying the ceramic coating, your car needs a detailed cleaning. However, the cleaning procedure will involve the steps listed below.
- Wash your car with ceramic coating friendly quality soap and clean water will be your first step. Make every effort to remove all stains, dust, grime, and bird droppings from the car’s surface.
- If your car has stubborn spots, you can try clay bar cleaning. Most clay bars can include some automobile shampoo, which facilitates the removal of tiny dirt.
- Ceramic coatings have a lifespan of around 2 years. So, if your car’s paint has flaws like chips or scratches, you must repair them before applying the ceramic coating.
- Use a final polish if necessary. This polish will enhance the appearance of the ceramic coating and remove any remaining impurities.
2. Apply ceramic coating
Drive your car to a secured location. Choose a garage or a shady area before applying the ceramic coating. Also, check the temperature of the car’s surface (50-70°F). If your car washes outside in the heat, give this a few hours to cool down.
- Now, keep the necessities nearby: the ceramic coating, two sponges, a microfiber cloth, gloves, and spray silica. You may start the coating procedure when every necessary thing you have.
- First, put on your gloves. Now, saturate a sponge with a ceramic coating solution and then thoroughly rub the solution into the car.
- Paint the car’s ceramic finish in both vertical and horizontal swipes. This will ensure that no area is missed and provide uniform covering.
- If the solution begins to harden on the sponge, you should toss it out and use a fresh sponge.
- Allow the coating to settle on the vehicle for at least 5 minutes. But don’t put it off too long. It may cause the solution to dry and harden.
- After 5 minutes, use your microfiber cloth to dissolve the coating, resulting in a smooth and lustrous finish.
- Use silica spray to create a protective and water-resistant layer on ceramic surfaces. This makes the solution shiny and prevents water marks as well.
- After finishing the process, leave your automobile inside the garage for 1-2days, and it’ll let the coating stick entirely to and set on the surface.
3. Let the coating cur
- Depending on the outdoor temperature, it will take around 2/3 weeks for the ceramic coating to properly cure. You are free to drive throughout this time.
- However, you must be careful. To reduce dust accumulation, avoid parking your automobile outside or in the sun for extended periods of time.
- You can wash car after ceramic coating curing process is done. After driving, re-garage the car to ensure safety.
How Long After Ceramic Coating Can You Drive The Car?
Ceramic coatings require around 24 hours to dry or cure the car. But professional layers might take from 7-10 days to properly heal. Therefore, taking up your car the next day is preferable, and it’ll be safe to drive again.
How Long Does A Ceramic Coating Last?
Ceramic coatings last 2 to 5 years, depending on how well they are maintained and cared for. Many professional ceramic coatings come with a warranty that lasts a lifetime. However, regular maintenance is necessary to make it possible.
Is There Any Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating?
Despite all of the benefits it offers, ceramic coating does have a few disadvantages, some of which are listed below:
- Professional application is costly.
- Not fully scratch proof
- Water spotting is still a possibility.
- Although some claim it doesn’t remove rock chips.
- DIY installation is more challenging than using wax or sealant.
- Before ceramic coating, any paint flaws should address.
- Hydrophobic and gloss qualities require maintenance as they become less effective with time.
Conclusion
It’s not a big deal to ceramic coat a car. But the big deal is that you should know the time duration and proper technique before applying this hard protector to your vehicle.
So we have discussed everything in this article to improve your knowledge of ceramic coating. We hope this information will help you ceramic coat your car successfully. Best of luck!
