11 Common Ceramic Coating Mistakes to Avoid for Car Owners

Applying ceramic coating for your car properly requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are common ceramic coating mistakes to avoid for car owners.

A standard auto paint job can cost up to $4,000. It's an investment, and just like any other investment, you should take measures to protect it. The best option is ceramic coating. 

Coatings create a layer of protection that can shield your vehicle from the sun's harsh UV rays and tree sap. They also repel dirt and mud, making your vehicle easier to clean. 



You'll need to avoid common ceramic coating mistakes to get the most out of the product. If you don't do enough prep or you try to install the coating when it's cold out, the results could be disastrous. Continue reading to learn more. 

1. Not Doing Enough Prep 

Ceramic coatings are just that. Coatings. The process is a lot different than waxing because you're not polishing your vehicle. 

Any dirt and debris you leave on the car will remain under the surface of the coating and become a permanent fixture. So, take a moment to wash your vehicle and wipe it down with a microfiber towel. 

Keep in mind that the coating isn't appropriate for the more sensitive sections of your car. Protect your headlights, trim, and taillights with masking tape before applying ceramic coating. 

2. Coating in Harsh Weather Conditions 

It's a good idea to check the weather channel before you begin the ceramic coating preparation process. If the temperature is below 40 degrees, you'll want to hold off until things get warmer. If you don't, the curing process will take too long and ruin the quality of your coating. 

You should also avoid applying your coating when it's too hot out. The scorching sun will interfere with curing about as much as freezing temperatures.

3. Applying Too Much Coating 

If you want your car to maintain its sleek appearance, be careful not to go too overboard with your coating. If you do, your car will be less shiny and greasier instead. 

Adding too much coating will prevent it from setting as it should, which can damage your car. Add a drop or two of the product to an applicator mitt and spread it evenly on your car. 

Application instructions can vary from product to product. Make sure to read the directions before you get started. 

4. Ignoring the Law of Stacking 

Wax and ceramic coating can work together in harmony as long as you follow the law of stacking.

First, wash your vehicle. Once it's good and clean, you can add your coating product. After the coating sets, you're free to wax the car. 

If you apply the wax before the coating, it won't be able to cure as it should. This will add to problems for your car. 

5. Not Letting Your Car Cool 

We know that you want to apply your wax product as soon as you pick it up. Being impatient will prove to be your downfall, however. 

You've got to give your vehicle some time to cool down before you set to work. Park your car under a tree, or place it in a garage and give it a few hours to chill. If you don't, your coating will have a distorted appearance.

6. Washing Your Car in the Sun 

Before you begin going through your car washing routine, park your vehicle in the shade. The hot sun will dry the body of your car a bit too fast. 

Not only will it cause detergent streaks, but it can also deteriorate the ceramic coating. 

7. Using Clay Bars 

Clay bars serve an important purpose. You can use them to remove tree sap and other contaminants from your car. 

Clay bars aren't the best option for buffing out scratches. In fact, they only make the scrapes more apparent. 

8. Not Giving the Coating Enough Time to Cure

It can take up to two weeks for a ceramic coating to set on a vehicle. This doesn't mean that you have to wait that long to drive your car. 

Three to four days will give the chemicals enough time to adhere to the surface of the vehicle to the point where it will be safe to take your ride for a spin. 

9. Washing With Dishsoap 

Dish soap doesn't work as a car cleaner. While it's great for cutting grease and getting rid of grime, it's too acidic to be used safely on your car. 

It will thin the paint and degrade your ceramic coating. You're much better off using a PH-neutral car soap. 

10. Using an Old T-Shirt as a Cloth

Old t-shirts make the best dusting cloths, but they don't work quite as well for wiping down a car. Using them will only serve to grind dirt and grime into your ceramic coating. As you can imagine, this will scratch it. 

Reach for a microfiber towel instead. It will absorb dirt into the fibers and safely remove it from the vehicle without damaging your coating. 

11. Going Overboard With Cleaner 

All-purpose cleaners are perfect for washing a car because you can't go wrong with them. They work in almost all instances. 

They're also inexpensive. Instead of buying a bunch of different products to clean your car, you only need to invest in one. 

The problem is that they can do more harm than good if you go overboard. The extra foam will create stains on the outside of your car. That's the last thing that you want! 

Follow the instructions on the bottle to ensure that you use the right amount. 

Common Ceramic Coating Mistakes to Avoid 

Your car paint is an investment. That's why you should protect it with a ceramic coating. 

It will protect the surface of your vehicle from UV rays and acidic contaminants. That is, as long as you avoid the common ceramic coating mistakes listed here. 

If you're not confident that you can handle the job, put your car in the hands of the professionals. Reach out to Top Line Tints & Audio and contact us today to get an estimate.