DIY ceramic paint coating

[Bronco2fan]

Not necessarily. Newer rides may only need clay bar to remove surface contamination. Others have swirls and scratches over the whole body, and need to be taken care of. You can't use 1 step to remove them. Different grades of compounds needed to remove them and leave the paint and clearcoat smooth and blemish free.

Then prep for ceramic coating. Different products.

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[Bronco2fan]

Like these. Use what you feel comfortable with.

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[4sfed]

Like these. Use what you feel comfortable with.

Okay, so how do you know when to use each of these different polishes?

 

[Bronco2fan]

Get a really good LED light, not florescent, shine it on your car at different angles. If you see massive swirls or scratches start with the lowest number and work your way up till they're gone or almost imperceptible.

Like sanding wood smooth, you work your way up.

The ceramic can actually fill in the small ones to a point.

This is why if you never used a DA or similar polishing tool, people opt to have it done for them. ( Not cheap)  Time consuming and more than 1 product is often needed.

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[Vortech347]

I do a ton of detailing on my rides.  Adams is also my go to.  The one big thing about ceramic coating to remember is that it does in fact add an actual layer onto the paint.  So take your time, don't be in a rush.  Also one thing no one mentions is it's very common to end up with a spec of dust or dirt somewhere that gets into the coating.  Unless you're in a painters booth, it's gonna happen.  No big deal though, absolutely no one will notice or know it's there than you.

A product that's not Adams that I absolutely love for ceramic and non ceramic is called Clear Shine Nano Wash.  It's some sort of voodoo but for just a quick wipe spray it's sealing abilities are insane.  When I recently did a strip wash on my Cobra the NanoWash wasn't even phased on  it's sealing.

 

[4sfed]

Also one thing no one mentions is it's very common to end up with a spec of dust or dirt somewhere that gets into the coating.

Excellent!  That was a question I was gonna ask; their video mentions it being tacky for at least a little while after applying.  My garage is not hermetically sealed....so how do I get something out without ruining the coating?

 

[Izzybird]

Anyone do the “bag test”? When the wife bought her SHO she decided she wasn’t paying someone any longer to upkeep her cars, that job was now mine. I tried to remind her that I fix things, not clean...lol. So, I bought all the stuff, read tons on the detail forums, got advice from acquaintances, I can do this. Worked my rear off and the car was gleaming, surely I’m ready to start sealing it back up. Tried this “bag test” people talk about and it was a grit farm. Needless to say, I’ll just pay to have it done from now on. That’s why I like a beater truck, it gets washed when it rains!

 

[SHOdded]

Done it for the clay barring stage.  So easy to feel the before/after difference!

 

[Vortech347]

Also one thing no one mentions is it's very common to end up with a spec of dust or dirt somewhere that gets into the coating.

Excellent!  That was a question I was gonna ask; their video mentions it being tacky for at least a little while after applying.  My garage is not hermetically sealed....so how do I get something out without ruining the coating?

Just be mindful of it.  While you're doing it and it's curing don't go do yard work and keep the garage door closed.