7 Reasons You Should Never DIY a Ceramic Coating

While DIY can be empowering and cost-effective in many cases, there are certain tasks that are better left to the professionals.

Despite the allure of saving money and the satisfaction of completing a project yourself, DIY ceramic coating comes with a host of risks and drawbacks that may outweigh any potential benefits. Here are seven reasons why you should think twice before attempting to DIY a ceramic coating.

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Difficult Application

Unlike waxing, which can be forgiving of imperfections, ceramic coatings need to be applied evenly and smoothly to achieve the best results. This process involves meticulous preparation of the vehicle's surface, including thorough cleaning, decontamination, and sometimes even paint correction to address imperfections.

Plus, ceramic coatings can’t be applied in direct sunlight or in temperatures outside of 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you need to have an indoor, temperature-controlled space to properly apply the coating. Otherwise, it will not effectively bond to the surfaces of your vehicle.

 

Potential Damage from Improper Application

If a ceramic coating is not applied correctly, it can lead to a range of issues that may damage your vehicle's paintwork. For example, applying the coating too thickly can result in an uneven surface texture or unsightly streaks.

Similarly, failure to properly clean and prepare the surface can trap contaminants beneath the coating, leading to adhesion issues and potentially causing damage when the coating is removed. In some cases, DIY applications may even result in scratches or swirl marks if the process is not carried out with expert care.

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Health Risks

Many ceramic coating products contain chemicals that can be harmful if mishandled. For instance, some coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances that can emit fumes during application. Without proper ventilation and protective gear, DIY enthusiasts risk exposure to these harmful chemicals, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues.

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No Warranty

One of the advantages of hiring a professional to apply a ceramic coating is the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. Professional-grade coatings often come with guarantees against defects or premature failure, providing assurance that your investment is protected.

In contrast, DIY coatings typically offer no such guarantees, leaving you responsible for any problems that may arise. Plus, if you encounter difficulties during the application process or have questions about maintenance, you won't have the benefit of expert guidance or support.

 

Low Quality

Professional ceramic coatings are formulated using advanced technologies and high-quality ingredients to deliver superior results, such as enhanced gloss, water repellency, and scratch resistance. In contrast, DIY coatings often have lower-quality ingredients that can create problems and lead to a less effective coating.

For example, most DIY ceramic coatings have a high percentage of SiO2. While this ingredient is necessary to make the coating hydrophobic, or water-resistant, higher amounts of it means you can’t layer the coating—which is part of what makes a ceramic coating so durable. In this way, the difference in quality ingredients can impact the overall effectiveness of the coating.

 

Short Lifespan

DIY ceramic coatings often lack the durability and longevity of professional-grade products. While some DIY coatings may offer temporary protection against environmental contaminants and UV damage, their lower quality makes them deteriorate faster than their professional counterparts.

More often than not, the longest a DIY ceramic coating will last is roughly two years. Meanwhile, professional coatings have a semi-permanent bond that allows them to last for up to seven years.

 

Regular Removal

As we mentioned before, unlike professional-grade ceramic coatings, DIY coatings are not designed to be layered on top of one another. Because of this, when it comes time to redo your ceramic coating—which again, is likely every two years if not sooner—you will have to remove the previous layer before applying the new coating.

Continuously having to remove ceramic coatings from your vehicle is not only time-consuming but can also increase the risk of causing lasting and irreversible damage to your vehicle’s topcoat.

 

While the idea of DIY’ing a ceramic coating may seem appealing, especially for those looking to save money or take pride in tackling automotive projects themselves, it's essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks.

From the challenges of application and the possibility of damage to health hazards and lack of warranty, a DIY ceramic coating poses numerous pitfalls for inexperienced enthusiasts. For those seeking optimal results and lasting protection for their vehicle, entrusting the job to a ceramic coating professional is undoubtedly the wiser choice.

 

 

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