Jan 17, 2024
With this being one of the most controversial topics on the internet amongst detailers, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Technically, yes you can apply a ceramic coating to a vehicle without having performed a paint correction, but we don’t recommend it.
Most manufacturers of professional ceramic coatings require that paint correction be performed during the preparation process before application of the ceramic coating. While some people may not agree with this, the reasoning for this is so that a thin layer of clear coat is removed, providing a fresh paint surface, creating optimal conditions for proper adhesion and bonding of the coating to the clear coat. Even with decontamination, contaminants can still sit on the surface of the paintwork, performing a correction eliminates any possibility of this happening, avoiding premature failure.
This is also recommended as a best practice because of the principle behind paint correction being done before any kind of protection. The life of sealants and waxes are extended when applied to the surface of a polished vehicle. This same concept applies to ceramic coatings being applied to the paintwork.
If you take a look at the paintwork of a new vehicle in the sun, you may notice small light scratches or swirling on the vehicle. These flaws can be caused from the vehicle ‘detailing’ and preparation done by the dealership. We normally recommend for customers to decline the initial wash service from the dealership to prevent damage before detailing. Flaws can also be caused during transport of the vehicle.
If the paint isn’t damaged from the dealership, shouldn’t a decontamination alone be enough before the coating?
Here’s the thing: the decontamination process includes usage of a clay bar, which even with the most delicate care can cause marring or scratches on the paintwork. The paint correction process removes these fine scratches to reveal flawless paint.
It's very unlikely that all of the above will not be beneficial, but in the case that you just want a bit of extra shine on your paint and aren’t worried about how long it lasts, then maybe using a ceramic coating straight on the paint could work for you. This won’t provide the professional result but can still enhance your car to an extent. Many people have tried it with some degree of success, but with no claims to longevity or durability.
In the case that you do an installation against manufacturer’s specifications and professional recommendations, it can be costly to repair a flawed application. It may even cost more than doing it properly outright if the coating fails prematurely or in only certain areas. Ceramic coatings are harder than vehicle paint, so removing them can be a pain and require more time and resources than that of a regular paint correction. Because of this, it’s just easier to do the right way the first time and save yourself from any inconvenience in the long run.
It's very unlikely that all of the above will not be beneficial, but in the case that you just want a bit of extra shine on your paint and aren’t worried about how long it lasts, then maybe using a ceramic coating straight on the paint could work for you. This won’t provide the professional result but can still enhance your car to an extent. Many people have tried it with some degree of success, but with no claims to longevity or durability.
In the case that you do an installation against manufacturer’s specifications and professional recommendations, it can be costly to repair a flawed application. It may even cost more than doing it properly outright if the coating fails prematurely or in only certain areas. Ceramic coatings are harder than vehicle paint, so removing them can be a pain and require more time and resources than that of a regular paint correction. Because of this, it’s just easier to do the right way the first time and save yourself from any inconvenience in the long run.
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