Do You Need a Finishing Pad Before Ceramic Coating?
You’ve washed, clayed, and polished. But before you grab your ceramic coating, there’s one more step that could make or break your results: a finishing pass with a soft foam pad.
Why Final Polishing Matters for Coating Prep
Even after paint correction, micro-marring or polish residue can remain on the surface—especially on soft or dark paint. These microscopic imperfections reduce coating bond, clarity, and longevity.
What a Finishing Pad Does
A Black Finishing Pad refines the surface, removes light haze, and ensures your paint is smooth, clean, and uniform before applying any protection. It’s the last step before locking everything in.
Do You Need It Every Time?
- Yes: On black, dark, or soft paint that shows haze or trails easily
- Yes: When doing a full detail or pro-level ceramic coating job
- Optional: If you're using a one-step polish and the finish is already swirl-free (but a finish pass still helps)
How It Improves Coating Results
- ✅ Maximizes coating bond and longevity
- ✅ Increases gloss and clarity under the coating
- ✅ Removes any leftover polishing residue or haze
- ✅ Ensures the surface is truly clean before application
What to Use
- Pad: Black Finishing Pad
- Polish: Picture Perfect Polish
- Coating: Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
Finishing Pad Technique Before Coating
- Wipe down the surface with panel prep or IPA to remove oils
- Apply a small amount of polish to a clean finishing pad
- Use low speed and light pressure for 2–3 slow passes per panel
- Wipe clean with a soft microfiber towel
- Apply ceramic spray immediately after
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to finish polish before ceramic coating?
Yes. Even if the paint looks good, a finishing pad removes micro-defects and maximizes coating bond and durability.
Will it make the coating look better?
Absolutely. A refined surface enhances gloss, depth, and clarity under the coating layer.
Can I just use panel prep or IPA instead?
Panel prep removes oils—but not haze or micro-marring. A finishing pad is the mechanical step needed before the chemical wipe.
Does it matter what polish I use for this step?
Yes. Use a no-filler, low-dusting polish like Picture Perfect Polish that finishes clean on soft paint.
