A ceramic coating is a thin film of liquid that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle in order to improve its appearance and protect the body. It has benefits for both the vehicle and the owner.
Read more about the benefits here: “Benefits of Ceramic Coatings”
Now, how long does a ceramic coating take to apply? The short answer. Depending on the size of the vehicle and the process that the car detailer uses it can take anywhere from 1-3 days. What do I mean by this? Read on.
how long does it take to apply a ceramic coating
A ceramic coating was three major components to its application.
- The preparation
- The application
- Curing
How long does the preparation for a ceramic coating take?
The preparation for a ceramic coating is possibly the most important aspect of the entire job. Without a proper foundation and smoothed-out paint. A ceramic coating will come out terribly and will have a quarter of the longevity can have if properly applied.
The preparation stage requires:
- Washing the vehicle
- Clay barring
- Paint correction
- Drying and buffing off the product
The preparation can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on the detailer, the condition of the vehicle, and the quality of the service. However, since preparation is the essential part of applying a ceramic coating, it is completely justified.
How long does the application of a ceramic coating take?
The application stage of a ceramic coating involved taking silk and carefully applying the ceramic coating liquid on the car. While this is more simple that the paint correction for example, which can take 2 hours on its own. It still requires a substantial amount of attention to detail and cares to apply.
You can expect this stage to take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the vehicle and other issues that can occur during the application of the film.
How long does the curing process in a ceramic coating take?
This is the real kicker when it comes to the length of a ceramic coating. For 24 hours after the ceramic coating film is applied to the vehicle you need to avoid taking it out of the garage or the area where it was applied.
If any dirt, grime, or too much sunlight hits the liquid before it has cured properly, it could the effectiveness of the ceramic coating.
- Do not take the vehicle out of the garage or the location of the application for 24 hours.
While this isn’t technically a part of the application of the ceramic coating, it is still a part of the process needed for the highest quality results. So, adding it to the total of the “ceramic coating application” can definitely take more than 24 hours.
Multiple Applications of Ceramic Coating
The recommended number of applications of ceramic coating is two. If you request two layers of ceramic coating on your vehicle for added protection and gloss, it will double the amount of time required for the coating to cure on your paint.
This application of multiple coatings is solely responsible for ceramic coating’s ability to take up to 72 hours.
This is because the car isn’t allowed to leave the garage until it has fully cured, which can be anywhere from 48 – 72 hours depending on humidity and the conditions in the environment
Interested in ceramic coating?
If you’re in the Miami area and you’re interested in having a ceramic coating applied to your vehicle, book a quote today at any of the available buttons on the screen.
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