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      11-25-2020, 06:28 AM   #1
thebiglubinsky
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Ceramic coating for new car

Hey guys. I'm planning on doing a ceramic coating when I get my car next week. Does anyone know what paint prep is required for a brand new car? I'm definitely planning on washing with dawn, then found a 50/50 alcohol mix cleaning but should I also de-iron and machine polish?
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      11-25-2020, 03:39 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Hey guys. I'm planning on doing a ceramic coating when I get my car next week. Does anyone know what paint prep is required for a brand new car? I'm definitely planning on washing with dawn, then found a 50/50 alcohol mix cleaning but should I also de-iron and machine polish?
You need to address any paint imperfections (swirls, chips, scratches, water spots), and remove anything on the paint surface (wax, mineral deposits (using clay)), prior to coating.
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      11-25-2020, 03:51 PM   #3
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I rec’d my car with shipping plastic still on the hood. Did a full wash, ironX decontamination, clay bar, and then a minor polish. Then carpro eraser wipe down then ceramic.
I was actually amazed at how much crap oxidized off with ironX and then how much gritty feel the clay took off.
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      11-25-2020, 04:55 PM   #4
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Have it professionally done. It can be a painstaking process which needs to performed correctly in order to achieve desired results. It's pricey but you can justify the cost because good paint plays a major role in resale value. Just my advice, take it as you will.
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      11-25-2020, 06:19 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by No Boost View Post
Have it professionally done. It can be a painstaking process which needs to performed correctly in order to achieve desired results. It's pricey but you can justify the cost because good paint plays a major role in resale value. Just my advice, take it as you will.
I second this advice. Location?

There are folks who can point you in the right shop!!
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      11-25-2020, 06:25 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Hey guys. I'm planning on doing a ceramic coating when I get my car next week. Does anyone know what paint prep is required for a brand new car? I'm definitely planning on washing with dawn, then found a 50/50 alcohol mix cleaning but should I also de-iron and machine polish?
First off, Don't wash with dawn. If you don't know what to do to prep a car for ceramic coating you might ruin your paint during the correction process.

I'd advise you to take it to a well known local detailer. Preferably one with their own shop. Not a mobile one.
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      11-25-2020, 07:12 PM   #7
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Thanks guys! I was on the fence but think I'm going to pass and go with the Meguires hybrid ceramic wax after a thorough wash, decontamination, clay, polish. Seems more forgiving and I don't want to risk killing my paint. I actually won't mind doing it every 4-6 months.
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      11-25-2020, 07:16 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nioh_lbbm2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Hey guys. I'm planning on doing a ceramic coating when I get my car next week. Does anyone know what paint prep is required for a brand new car? I'm definitely planning on washing with dawn, then found a 50/50 alcohol mix cleaning but should I also de-iron and machine polish?
First off, Don't wash with dawn. If you don't know what to do to prep a car for ceramic coating you might ruin your paint during the correction process.

I'd advise you to take it to a well known local detailer. Preferably one with their own shop. Not a mobile one.
What do recommend for a prewash?
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      11-25-2020, 08:09 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by nioh_lbbm2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Hey guys. I'm planning on doing a ceramic coating when I get my car next week. Does anyone know what paint prep is required for a brand new car? I'm definitely planning on washing with dawn, then found a 50/50 alcohol mix cleaning but should I also de-iron and machine polish?
First off, Don't wash with dawn. If you don't know what to do to prep a car for ceramic coating you might ruin your paint during the correction process.

I'd advise you to take it to a well known local detailer. Preferably one with their own shop. Not a mobile one.
What do recommend for a prewash?
Any name brand shampoo is fine.
Then you want chemical decon/iron remover
Then physical decon with clay
Then IPA wipe down
Then paint correction and polish
Then apply ceramic

You want to make sure you paint is pristine before the coating or it'll be much more work to cut through the coating and back to the clear coat to correct any imperfections and swirls

If that's too much for you to do bring it to a detailer.

Here's a good DIY video

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      11-25-2020, 09:42 PM   #10
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Don't you want to wipe off the polishing compound with the alcohol mix before applying the ceramic?
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      11-26-2020, 12:33 AM   #11
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Pay a good local shop to do PPF. Ceramic is cool but stopping actual damage with PPF will for ever be king.
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      11-26-2020, 04:43 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebiglubinsky View Post
Don't you want to wipe off the polishing compound with the alcohol mix before applying the ceramic?
Yes that's what IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
is in my comment above
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      11-26-2020, 06:35 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JggyM2 View Post
Location?
I have a local guy who's been in the biz for years earning excellent reviews on Google, etc. Experience is key with the ceramic coating process as I'm sure you'll agree. Modern coatings are all good. All techniques are not

OP, try and find a sterile environment for your DIY project to limit contaminants from adhering.
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      11-26-2020, 06:38 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by AWC-F87 View Post
Pay a good local shop to do PPF. Ceramic is cool but stopping actual damage with PPF will for ever be king.
Agree if the paint is perfect or near perfect. No rock chips, scratches of any size. I was unable to go that route with my 13 year old car.
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      11-26-2020, 07:19 AM   #15
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I'm in the SF Bay Area and ceramic/ppf pricing is sky high!!! I've considered ppf but have decided it's not for me. I think I'll just stick with the novice "fake" ceramic options like the sprays/ waxes since I don't want to mess up my new paint. 🤷*♂️ I've used armor shield spray as a detailing spray just after a standard wash without any prep and it looks incredible plus my car is garaged.
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