What is the process of automotive crystal coating?

[StAmy]

The process of automotive crystal coating is as follows: 1. Wet the vehicle's paint surface with water, then apply foam and use a wool glove soaked in foam to remove dirt from the paint surface; 2. Further clean the paint surface using volcanic clay with QD liquid, which can adsorb fine dust particles on the paint surface, making it smooth; 3. After completing the volcanic clay treatment, thoroughly rinse and dry the vehicle; 4. Assess the paint surface's scratches and deterioration, categorizing them from severe to mild; 5. Use a non-woven cloth soaked with degreaser to wipe the paint surface for degreasing; 6. Wrap a sponge with a cloth, then drop a few drops of crystal coating liquid onto the cloth-wrapped sponge, and apply it evenly on the paint surface in straight lines or a grid pattern, ensuring no areas are missed; 7. After applying the crystal coating agent, allow it to react for an appropriate time, then use a dedicated ultra-fine car towel to wipe the paint surface until no residue remains, achieving a shiny paint surface.

[Shane]

I've been driving for over 20 years, and ceramic coating is all about the details. First, thoroughly wash the car, using a high-pressure water gun to rinse off dust and dirt, then wipe the body with a neutral car wash solution, leaving no stains behind. Next, use a clay bar to remove contaminants like iron particles and tar deposits, applying gentle motions to avoid scratching the paint. Polishing is crucial—lightly hand-sand to eliminate fine scratches, making the paint smooth and glossy. Then, thoroughly clean the surface with alcohol and degreasing cotton to ensure no oil or wax residue remains. Apply the ceramic coating according to the product instructions, working in small sections, evenly coating one area at a time. Use a sponge or cloth to spread it in one direction, then wait 5-10 minutes for it to slightly dry and cure before finally polishing with a soft cloth. The entire process takes about 3-4 hours. Doing it yourself at home saves money but requires steady hands. With regular maintenance, the paint can resist oxidation and last over 5 years longer. Though it seems tedious, it saves a lot of waxing time in the long run.

[SanKimberly]

My car enthusiast friends who love modifications all say that ceramic coating is amazing. The process starts with a thorough car wash, rinsing off the dirt as the most basic step. Use clay to remove stubborn stains, like those from road grime. Do a light polish, but don’t go too aggressive. Then, thoroughly clean the paint surface to ensure no grease remains. When applying the ceramic coating, work in small sections, spreading it evenly in one direction, wait a few minutes for it to harden, then buff it with a cloth. Once done, the car shines like new, with much better scratch and dust resistance. It’s recommended to choose big-brand products like 3M—don’t skimp on cost. DIY is pretty straightforward, just a 2-hour job on the weekend, offering great value. This method keeps the car radiant year-round and reduces the need for touch-ups, making it super cost-effective.

[AnnieRose]

From a long-term cost-saving perspective, ceramic coating is worthwhile. The process involves several steps: washing to remove dirt, clay bar treatment, polishing to eliminate scratches, degreasing for thorough cleaning, and then applying the coating. The application should be even, followed by buffing after drying. The entire process is time-efficient, costing only about 150 yuan in materials, which is cheaper than going to a professional shop. Regular ceramic coating can protect the paint for up to 2 years, avoiding the high costs of frequent polishing or repainting. After doing it twice, I saved nearly a thousand yuan in maintenance costs, and the car also looks better. The key is to choose the right product and follow the instructions without skipping steps.