Have you been thinking about getting your car’s exterior protected with a ceramic coating but wondered if the decontamination step is really necessary? I was in the same boat not too long ago before I had my dark gray Honda Accord coated last fall. Let me share what I learned through my research and experience.
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The Pre-Coating Preparation
When I first contacted a local shop that specializes in Auto Detailing & Ceramic Coating, they told me the process would involve a full decontamination of the paint before they could apply the coating. This included clay barring the whole car to remove embedded contaminants and doing a full polish to remove oxidation.
Being a bit skeptical, I asked them why this prep work was so important. They explained that for the ceramic coating to properly bond to the paint and last as long as possible, the surface needs to be as clean and smooth as possible. Any remaining contaminants or imperfections in the clear coat could cause issues over time.
Clay Barring – Grime Grabber
They weren’t kidding about the amount of embedded contaminants in my paint! When I watched the detailer clay barring my hood, I was amazed by how much brake dust, tar, and other particles were sticking to the clay.
No amount of washing seemed to fully remove it. Seeing it in person really convinced me that this extra step was worthwhile. The coating would have a much better chance of bonding perfectly with a truly clean surface.
Polishing is Necessary
After the clay bar treatment, the polishing step removed any minor swirls or fine scratches in the clear coat, leaving a smooth gloss.
The detailer explained that any minor defects could create unevenness that the ceramic coating may not level out. Taking the time to polish meant the coating would apply with an optically flawless surface for superb water behavior.
Peace of Mind is Priceless
My Accord looked showroom new after the full decontamination. When the ceramic coating went on a few days later, the results were dazzling. Six months later, the beading and sheeting effects are just as impressive as day one.
I’m glad I invested in the proper prep work up front. Knowing I have a pristine, protected surface for the next few years is totally worth it for the sake of my paint’s longevity.
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