NEW CAR PREP
THE ULTIMATE CERAMIC SOLUTION
OVERVIEW
The NEW CAR PREP service is the most comprehensive solution for total automotive ceramic protection. If your vehicle already has a great paint finish, this service is perfect to lock in and maximize shine while protecting your investment. Ceramic coatings aren’t just for the paint. We apply specialized coatings to nearly every surface, including wheels, glass, chrome, trim, and the more hidden, but no less important parts of your car, such as door jambs, trunk and hood jambs, and inside the gas cap. Remember, these spots are prone to rust too if left unprotected.
This service is perfect for boosting gloss and visual appeal to the max, while providing peace of mind knowing that the entire vehicle (not just the visible exterior paint) is protected. Cars have many different types of surfaces and materials, so naturally, one type of ceramic coating isn’t going to work for the entire vehicle. Wheels, for example, require a much stronger and more heat resistant coating. We therefore use 3 different specialized coatings to better fit the needs of each surface.
DUE TO THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF CERAMIC COATINGS, A SUITABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. IF AVAILABLE TO WORK IN, A GARAGE OR SHOP AT THE CUSTOMER’S LOCATION IS IDEAL. If an indoor space is not available, we have to rely on suitable weather to perform the service, which may require extended wait times or rescheduling, especially during the Winter. Rain, snow, excessive cold, heat, or wind are all unsuitable conditions for this service. If the weather conditions are right, with no rain or extreme temperatures on the forecast for at least 1 full day afterwards, we can perform the service outside. We’ll set up a 12x12 canopy to work under to block the sun and maintain ideal paint temperatures.
Prices start at $1,200 and increase based on the size of the vehicle.
PAINT AND GLASS
Our paint ceramic coating maintains the paint’s flexibility, which is extremely important as the paint expands and contracts as it heats up and cools down. This coating is also ideal for glass and is applied to all windows except the windshield, as it may cause wiper chattering.
WHEELS AND METAL
Our wheel ceramic coating is much more heat resistant and is ideal for all bare metal surfaces, such as exhaust tips.
TRIM
Our trim ceramic coating is designed for all exterior plastic trim and bumpers and provides massive before and afters, restoring faded trim to a deep, rich, new look.
DECONTAMINATION
One of the most important steps in applying a ceramic coating is the initial prep work. Since this service doesn’t involve polishing, we focus on decontaminating the paint with high alkaline soap, iron remover, and in some cases, synthetic clay. These steps ensure the paint is perfectly clean, smooth, and free of contaminants such as brake dust, road tar, or industrial fallout that may get in the way of the coating.
WASH
Following an inspection, the vehicle is thoroughly washed. This wash is focused on prepping the paint for the coating and stripping it of any remaining waxes or sealants. Learn more about our entire wash process HERE.
IRON REMOVER
Iron remover chemically breaks down embedded metal particles in the paint, such as brake dust and industrial fallout. You can see the chemical reaction take place as the iron remover turns purple. This step removes the stubborn contaminants that a normal wash won’t.
CLAY BAR
In severe cases of embedded contamination, a clay bar or clay towel may be used to smooth out the surface. Clay is a mild abrasive that’s used with ample lubrication to “shave off” the embedded contaminants. Most vehicles, especially new ones, won’t require this step. Clay bars are typically only used when the car will be polished afterwards, as the abrasive quality of the clay may introduce minor swirling.
CERAMIC APPLICATION
Once the vehicle is 100% clean and dry, it’s time to apply the ceramic coatings. This is a time sensitive and careful process that requires extremely thorough application, buff off, inspection, and touch up to ensure the coatings are properly and evenly applied with no high spots or missed areas. This process will remain the same across every surface, with the exception of the trim coating not requiring a buff off. We break up the sequence by the type of coating, working on paint and glass first, then wheels and bare metal, then trim.
APPLY
With a microfiber applicator pad, the ceramic coating is evenly spread across the paint, one panel at a time. Depending on the ambient temperatures and humidity, the coating will start to “flash” as it cures in about 30 - 90 seconds. When you see a subtle rainbow effect appear on the paint, that’s when it’s time to buff off.
BUFF OFF
Dedicated, disposable ceramic coating removal towels are used to buff off the excess and level out the coating. The towels are rotated and clean sides are always used for the final wipe. It’s CRITICAL to make sure the towels are regularly rotated and the excess is sufficiently removed. Failure to do so will result in fully cured rainbow effects on the paint that will need machine polished off.
INSPECTION AND TOUCH UP
Once all panels, jambs, windows, wheels, and trim have been coated and buffed off, a final inspection is performed to address any potential high spots and ensure that a pristine, glowing, blindingly shiny finish is the end result.
CURE TIME
After the service is complete, the coatings will need additional time to fully cure. 6 hours in a dry environment is the minimum, so It’s recommended to keep the vehicle in a garage overnight, or a few days if the environment is humid or cold. If possible, avoid driving in rain or washing for a week following the service.
MAINTAIN
Ceramic coatings, while extremely durable and long lasting, still require some maintenance washing to perform at their best. Driving regularly will build up dust and dew on your car that will act as a sort of brick-and-mortar layer, covering up the ceramic coating and slightly reducing it’s hydrophobic properties. The good news is that ceramic coatings make washing much easier. The hydrophobicity allows water to carry the dust and dirt away much more effectively. Unless your vehicle is extremely muddy, you can sufficiently clean your car with a quick pressure wash and dry with a microfiber towel and drying aid.