What to Do Before Ceramic Coating: The Prep That Makes or Breaks It
You could use the best ceramic coating on the market… and still get poor results if you don’t prep the surface correctly. Here’s the one polish step that makes all the difference—and what to avoid if you want your coating to last.
Why Prep Matters Before Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coatings bond best to clean, smooth, residue-free paint. If you skip the polishing step—or use the wrong polish—you can create problems like:
- ❌ Coating failure or early breakdown
- ❌ Uneven bonding or “high spots”
- ❌ Trapped oils and fillers under the coating
The Mistake Most People Make
Many “finishing” polishes or surface prep sprays leave behind residue or gloss enhancers that interfere with bonding. Even so-called “coating-safe” polishes can contain oils or light waxes that need to be stripped with IPA.
The Smarter Way: Use a Coating-Ready Polish
Picture Perfect Polish finishes down clean, leaves zero fillers, and creates the perfect base for either spray ceramic coatings or full ceramic installs.
Why It Works:
- ✅ Zero waxes, oils, or gloss boosters
- ✅ Finishes clean with no need for IPA wipe (optional)
- ✅ Preps the paint for maximum ceramic bonding
What to Use After Polishing
Once the surface is corrected and clean, lock it in with one of these:
- Tough As Shell – Easy-to-use spray coating, up to 6 months of protection
- The Gloss Boss – Wipe-on ceramic coating, 1–5 years of protection
Both coatings bond beautifully to freshly polished paint—no extra steps, no weird interactions.
Simple Ceramic Coating Prep Routine
- Wash the car thoroughly
- Clay bar or mitt to remove embedded contamination
- Polish with Picture Perfect Polish
- Optional: Wipe with 10–15% IPA if you want total assurance
- Apply ceramic coating of your choice
Related Posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any polish before ceramic coating?
No. Many polishes leave behind oils or fillers that reduce coating bonding. Use one designed to finish clean like Picture Perfect Polish.
Do I need to do an IPA wipe after polishing?
It’s optional with the right polish. Picture Perfect Polish finishes clean, but a light IPA wipe doesn’t hurt if you want to be extra sure.
Can I apply Tough As Shell directly after polishing?
Yes—no waiting, no special prep spray needed.
Does this polish work under long-term ceramic coatings too?
Absolutely. It finishes clean enough for wipe-on coatings like Gloss Boss.
