Many clients here at Driven Sound and Security in Marquette ask why paint correction is the first step in our vehicle ceramic coating process. Many consumers have been misled by claims of waxes and sealants that “fill scratches” to make your car or truck look like new. Sure, silicones will add shine to your paint and might look good for a few weeks, but they don’t last much more than a month or two at most. Ceramic coatings like our Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra have been engineered and tested to last for up to nine years. This “coat of armor” will only look its best if the paint beneath it is flawless.
Proper Preparation Ensures a Perfect Finish.
If we only washed your vehicle before applying a ceramic coating, any debris that was stuck to the paint would be trapped under the coating and detract from the reflectivity of the clearcoat. Likewise, any light scuffs, swirls or holograms will distort light reflections at the base of the coating layer, amplifying themselves beneath the smooth top surface. Imperfections on the surface of the vehicle prevent the true richness of the paint from shining through. Likewise, stains from road tar or clearcoat damage from bird droppings would be locked into the paint by the coating. In short, the paint needs to be perfect before we apply the protective ceramic coating layer on the vehicle.
If the paint on your car or truck is in good shape, then our Level 1 decontamination and polishing package may be adequate to prepare the vehicle for our ceramic coatings. We wash the vehicle and remove fallout, brake and rail dust, tar and sap before we even go near the vehicle with our polishing pads. Once the paint is clean, we inspect it with a high-power light that is designed to reveal imperfections. We use a long-throw dual-action polisher and a microfinishing polish to remove swirls, haze, holograms and light scratches. Our technique leaves the paint surfaces smooth, and the polish doesn’t contain any fillers that can break down over time.
If the paint on your vehicle is in bad shape from drive-through car washes or has scuffs and scratches, then a Level 2 or Level 3 correcting process may be required. Some vehicles may even require wet-sanding in certain areas to remove deeper scratches. We’ll let you know what we recommend before we start.
The DrivenSS Ceramic Coating Process
Only after the surface is refined do we begin the process of applying the ceramic coating. The longevity of the coating depends on the number of layers we apply and the product you choose. We can tailor each service to your expectations and needs – whether it’s a work truck that you want to be easier to keep clean, a classic car that you only take out for cruises on the weekend, or your daily commuter that needs to look presentable.
We always work indoors in a climate-controlled detailing area. Under these controlled conditions, dust and pollen won’t contaminate the vehicle or the coating. Once the vehicle is done and the coating has cured, we’ll explain how to maintain it. Proper washing with the right pH-balanced soap, the correct wash mitt and the right number of buckets is critical to keeping the vehicle looking great. The ceramic coating adds an impressive layer of protection to the paint, but you can still do damage by wiping the car with a dirty sponge.
Marquette’s Vehicle Appearance Experts
If you are considering having your vehicle ceramic coated, drop by Driven Sound and Security in Marquette and talk to one of our detailing experts. We’ll let you know what it will take to make your car or truck look amazing. For more information, give us a call or send our team an e-mail. Don’t forget, we need to see your vehicle at our shop in order to provide an accurate quote.
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