The Ultimate Guide to Ceramic Coating: How To Ceramic Coat Wheels
Everything you need to know about washing and preparing wheels for a ceramic coating.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, creating a protective layer that bonds with the paint. This advanced technology offers a range of benefits that go beyond traditional waxes and sealants.
Unmatched Protection
One of the standout features of ceramic coating is its ability to shield your wheels from various environmental hazards. It forms a hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and brake dust, making your wheels easier to clean. Additionally, it provides robust protection against UV rays, oxidation, and chemical stains, ensuring your wheel finish remains vibrant and damage-free.
Long-Lasting Durability
Unlike wheel waxes or sealants that need frequent reapplication, ceramic coatings are designed to last for years. This long-lasting durability means you can enjoy a glossy finish without the constant upkeep. The coating also offers resistance to minor scratches and swirl marks, helping to maintain the flawless look of your wheels.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Ceramic coating doesn't just protect your wheels; it enhances its appearance. The coating adds a deep, glossy finish that makes the finish look richer and more vibrant. Whether you're driving in the city or showcasing your car at an event, ceramic coating ensures your wheels stand out.
Easy Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of ceramic coating is the ease of maintenance. The hydrophobic properties mean that water and contaminants slide off the surface, reducing the need for frequent washes. When you do wash your wheels, the process is quicker and more efficient, saving you time and effort.
Is Ceramic Coating Right for You?
If you're looking for a way to protect your wheels and keep it looking its best, ceramic coating is an excellent investment. It's especially beneficial for those who want long-lasting protection and a high-gloss finish without the hassle of regular waxing or sealing.
Is a Ceramic Coating Wheels Worth It?
Ceramic coatings offer numerous benefits for vehicle owners, providing both aesthetic and protective advantages. Here are some key benefits:
Keep Wheels Clean Longer: When wheels are clean – when the wheels, tires, and brakes are all fresh and sharp – it totally makes the look of the car or truck. Clean wheels are a great reason to look back and admire your car in a parking lot. We love them when they’re clean, but they get dirty so quickly – especially on European cars and cars with performance brakes. How do we get them clean, and how do we keep them clean for longer? The answer is: ceramic coating.
Dirty Wheels Look Bad: Wheels touch the ground. Every time you drive, that dirt gets up onto the wheel. And every time you hit the brakes, the wheels are showered in a fine metallic dust. If you've ever seen a car on the street with wheels that have never been washed – completely coated black with grime and brake dust – you know that dirty wheels have a devastating effect on the look of a vehicle.
Long-Lasting Durability: Unlike traditional wheel waxes or wheel sealants, ceramic coatings can last for several years, providing extended protection and reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
Enhanced Gloss and Shine: Ceramic coatings provide a deep, glossy finish that enhances the overall appearance of your wheels. The coating reflects light, making the wheels look more vibrant and well-maintained.
Ceramic Coatings Help Repel Dirt: Ceramic coatings create a semi-permanent hydrophobic layer that repels dirt and water. And when that layer is present on the wheel surface, it makes it so brake dust doesn’t readily stick on the wheel, and it makes it so the wheel washes clean much easier and much faster. Doing a thorough clean – preparing the wheel so that it’s a perfectly clean surface – and applying a ceramic coating to the wheels – that’s the best way to keep wheels clean
By investing in a ceramic coating, you can enjoy these benefits and keep your wheels looking their best.
Precautions:
Ceramic coatings are great for protecting your vehicle's paint and enhancing its appearance, but there are certain situations where they might not be the best choice:
High Initial Cost: Ceramic coatings can be quite expensive, especially if applied professionally. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider other options like waxing or sealants.
Professional Application Required: Applying a ceramic coating requires meticulous preparation and precision. If not done correctly, it can seal in imperfections like scratches and swirl marks. If you're not confident in your ability to apply it yourself, you might need to hire a professional.
DIY Challenges: If you decide to apply the coating yourself, be aware that it requires a clean, dust-free environment and precise application to avoid streaks or high spots. Mistakes can be hard to fix.
Misleading Durability Claims: While ceramic coatings are durable, they are not invincible. Real-world conditions like harsh weather, frequent washing, and bird droppings can wear down the coating faster than advertised. Regular maintenance is still required.
Water Spotting: Despite their hydrophobic properties, ceramic coatings can still develop water spots, especially in areas with hard water.
False Sense of Security: Ceramic coatings can create a false sense of security, leading some to neglect regular care. It's essential to continue proper washing techniques and periodic inspections to ensure the coating is doing its job.
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether a ceramic coating is right for your vehicle.
How to Ceramic Coat Wheels
Ceramic coatings have become increasingly popular among car enthusiasts and professionals alike. They offer superior protection, a high-gloss finish, and make maintenance a breeze. If you're looking to install a ceramic coating on your wheels, follow these steps to achieve the best results.
What You'll Need:
• Heavy-duty wheel cleaner
• Assorted wheel cleaning brushes
• Iron remover
• Tar remover
• Adhesive remover (To remove wheel weight glue if needed)
• Panel Prep Product
• Ceramic Coating, applicators, and removal towels
• Tire dressing and applicator
• Nitrile gloves
Step-By-Step Guide
1) Wash Your Wheels:
Spray wheel cleaner onto the dry wheel. While the chemicals work on the dirt and grime, spray an all-purpose cleaner onto the tire and scrub the sidewall. Agitate the wheel cleaner with brushes, wash the inner barrel and spokes, then rinse.
2) Decontamination:
Apply an iron-remover to the wheel and allow it to dwell. Then, agitate the wheel with your brushes and shampoo solution, and rinse thoroughly. Next, apply a tar remover to dissolve and soften any stuck-on tar. For larger tar deposits, a plastic razor blade may be necessary to scrape the tar off the wheel. Once the tar is removed, brush the wheel again with soapy water and rinse clean. Finally, use detailing clay and clay lubricant to remove any remaining embedded contaminants from the wheel surface.
3) Polish the wheel (If required):
If the wheels are showing discoloration or minor scratches in the clear coat, do a polishing stage on the wheel surfaces. Hand polishing will remove contaminants, and machine polishing will enhance the shine of the wheel's finish.
4) Panel Prep:
After polishing, wipe down the entire vehicle with the appropriate Panel Prep solution recommended by the coating manufacture, to remove any remaining oils or residues. This ensures the ceramic coating adheres properly.
5) Read the Instructions:
Before you begin, carefully read the instructions provided with your ceramic coating kit. Different products may have specific application methods and curing times.
6) Apply the Coating:
Put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands. Apply a few drops of the ceramic coating onto an applicator pad. Apply the coating to all painted surfaces of the rim in a crosshatch pattern (horizontal and vertical strokes) to ensure even coverage.
7) Level the Coating:
After applying the coating, wait for the recommended time (usually a few minutes) for the coating to flash. Then, use a new microfiber towel to gently level and buff off any excess coating. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and glossy finish. If the coating is smearing, flip the towel over or use another new towel. Multiple removal towels may be required.
8) Final Inspection:
After the excess is buffed off, inspect the vehicle for any high spots or streaks using a bright light. If you find any, gently buff them out with a clean microfiber towel. If the high spots do not buff off easily, re-apply the coating to that spot again and buff off immediately.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-grade ceramic coating on your wheels, providing long-lasting protection and a stunning finish. Happy detailing!
Helpful Tips:
Proper preparation is everything: PREP PREP PREP! We cannot emphasize that enough. Invest effort in getting the wheels perfectly clean before coating. This is the only way to get the best, longest-lasting results.
Patience is a virtue: You should budget about one hour per wheel (if they are in decent condition) The wheels in the video above required multiple cleaning stages, including polishing, and took around two hours each to completely prepare and coat.
Multiple applicators: Using a couple of different applicators for complete coverage. You can use an applicator on your fingertip for narrow spaces. You do not need to use a foam block all the time. This will help you get into hard-to-reach areas like lug bolt holes and around narrow spokes.
Common Mistakes:
Applying a ceramic coating can be a rewarding process, but there are some common mistakes that you should avoid ensuring the best results:
Inadequate Surface Preparation: Skipping or rushing the preparation steps, such as washing, claying, and polishing, can lead to poor adhesion and an uneven finish. Make sure the surface is completely clean and smooth before applying the coating.
Ignoring Instructions: Each ceramic coating product may have specific application methods and curing times. Failing to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions can result in suboptimal performance and durability.
Applying Too Much Product: Using too much ceramic coating can cause streaks, high spots, long flash times, and an uneven finish. It's better to apply thin, even layers and build up if necessary.
Not Allowing Proper Curing Time: The coating needs time to cure and bond with the paint. Avoid exposing the vehicle to water, dust, or other contaminants during the curing period as specified by the manufacturer.
Using the Wrong Tools: Using low-quality applicator pads, microfiber towels, or other tools can lead to scratches and an uneven application. Invest in high-quality tools to achieve the best results.
Applying in Poor Conditions: Temperature and humidity can affect the application process. Avoid applying the coating in extreme temperatures or high humidity, as this can impact the curing process and final finish. Having a workspace with good lighting also helps in the leveling process to ensure there are no high spots.
Neglecting Maintenance: After applying the ceramic coating, regular maintenance is essential to keep it performing well. Use a mild wheel cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals like wheel acids that can degrade the coating.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and successful ceramic coating application, providing your wheels with long-lasting protection and a stunning finish.
Maintenance:
Proper washing: During a maintenance wash, just rinsing the wheels is not enough to clean them. Even with a ceramic coating, you'll need to hand wash with a mild wheel cleaner.
Use a mild wheel cleaner: Do not use strong wheels cleaners or acidic cleaners after the wheels have been coated. Harsh cleaners and chemicals will degrade the coating. Plus, you won’t need a strong wheel cleaner as long as you are doing regular maintenance washings.
Reapply as Needed: Depending on the product, you may need to reapply the ceramic coating every year or every few years to maintain its protective properties and shine.
How Long Does a Ceramic Coating Last?
The frequency of reapplying ceramic coating can vary based on several factors, including the type of coating used, maintenance practices, mileage of use, and environmental conditions. Generally, it is recommended to reapply ceramic coating every 1 to 5 years.
Here are some signs that it might be time to reapply your ceramic coating:
Water Beading: If you notice that water no longer beads up on the surface of your wheels as it used to, it could be a sign that the coating is losing its effectiveness.
Gloss and Shine: The ceramic coating provides a glossy finish. If your car's paint looks dull and lacks the shine it had when the coating was first applied, it might be time for a reapplication.
Ease of Cleaning: One of the benefits of ceramic coatings is that they make cleaning your wheels easier. If dirt and grime are becoming harder to remove, it could indicate that the coating needs to be reapplied.
Regular maintenance and proper care can help extend the life of your ceramic coating.
Where To Buy Wheel Coatings:
At Auto Obsessed, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle's appearance. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right ceramic coating and provide professional application services. Contact us today to learn more and give your car the ultimate protection it deserves.
Watch the Complete Video Guide
The video shows what a ceramic coating is, how it works, how to prepare the surface for it, and gives tips to ensure you get the best, longest-lasting results from the ceramic coating you put on your wheels.
Watch the Video Below for all the Details.
YouTube Channel
See the latest How-To Tutorials and New Products Reviews on the Auto Obsessed YouTube Channel.
Don't miss out on the latest news and tips, helping detailers get the best results. Click Subscribe and click the notification icon to be notified when a new video is released.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Promotions, product updates, and best offers. Directly to your inbox.
