Paint Correction Process

How Important is the prep work prior to applying ceramic coating?

Answer:

It’s the most important step in the entire process. If you aren’t starting with a clean surface, you’re asking for trouble.
Imperfections in paint must be removed without causing additional harm or burning through the paint. We want to avoid any emergency calls to the local bodyshops for new paint quotes.

UNDERSTANDING PREP WORK:

Brand new vehicles can have paint issues as well. Even if you can’t see them, a trained eye can. They can consist of: Paint run, orange peel, dirt in the paint, sap, acid rain, bird dropping acids, and environmental fallout. After vehicles are release from the assembly plant, they sit in a compound waiting to be shipped to the dealer. Whether they are sitting there or on dealers lots, they have exposure to some harsh elements.
Prep time for new vehicles is far less compared to pre-owned vehicles, because they haven’t been exposed to actual day to day abuse. Issues mentioned above generally come down to smaller areas rather the entire vehicle. These areas can be carefully wet sanded and polished back to the paints original state.
Important: Don’t allow your new vehicle to turn old so quickly. To keep your costs down, have it coated by a professional right away, prior to driving it in our harsh environments and dirty roads.

Pre-owned vehicles on the other hand, have already been exposed to scratching, UV Rays, hazing, oxidation, swirling, dirt, harsh chemicals, tar, sap, acid rain, brushes, wash mitts etc. that oxidize, scratch and contaminate your entire paint surface. This is where costs start to creep up due to the time required to “correct” the problem of restoring the paint back to its original glossy state. In most cases, achieving 80-90% is considered a great accomplishment.

Prep for pre-owned vehicles:

Decontamination wash
Clay bar to level the surface. In some cases, wet sanding may need to be completed
A three stage machine polish using a combination of compounds, using aggressive cut, medium and ultra fine polishes. Swirling occurs during this process, predominately on dark vehicles. Moving to second stage medium helps reduce the swirling, while the final stage is an ultra fine finishing polish to smooth out and intensify your shine.
Surface restore all panels to remove any left over compounds and polishes.
Ceramic application process
Inspect application to ensure it’s level. Remove any additional residue and correct if needed.
Cure at 70 degrees for 12-18 hours, reinspect.

Prep for new vehicles:

Decontamination wash
Clay bar to level the surface. Fine scratches may be found and can be pulled by carefully wet sanding.
A Single stage machine polish using an ultra fine polish to add a little more pop in your paint, to really intensify that shine.
Surface restore all panels to remove any additional grime or polish.
Ceramic application process
Inspect application to ensure it’s level. Remove any additional residue and correct if needed.
Cure at 70 degrees for 12-18 hours, reinspect.