The short answer is yes, you can polish ceramic coating, but it requires delicacy and expertise. At Gleamworks, we hear from lots of Vancouver car owners who want to protect their ceramic coating with an added layer of gloss and smoothness.
We’re able to remove minor imperfections and fine scratches through the process of polishing. We only use the finest pads and appropriate mild products to ensure we protect the coating.
Put all this together and our team understands what works best for the local weather and withstanding daily wear and tear. That’s why we put together these tips and this video demonstrating how to polish safely.
Can You Actually Polish Ceramic Coatings?
Polishing ceramic coatings is a topic that brings up a lot of questions for car owners in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Professional Detailers Customers are typically very picky. Many people want their car to look perfect, but want to protect their investment.
We are an independent group of tireless advocates for quality. So when a scratch or swirl finally does show up, we get that urge to grab the polish. Let’s call it what it is though – we don’t want to mislead anyone, polishing a ceramic-coated surface, in most cases, is just a bad idea.
Additionally, most standard polishing methods will break down or completely strip the coating, exposing your vehicle’s paint without any protection. If you’re considering polishing, even more caution is required to prevent expensive blunders.
1. Understanding the Polishing Process
Traditional car polishing is an abrasive process, utilizing compound polishes with abrasive pads to level out defects from the paint surface. The catch is, these abrasives don’t know the difference between clear coat and ceramic coating.
When used on ceramic coatings, they often end up thinning or stripping off the coating. Unlike washing or using a quick detailer, polishing is a significantly more aggressive process. Washing only removes dirt, but polishing removes a top layer of the coating.
2. Why You Might Need Polishing
There are instances when polishing is apparently necessary, such as when the coating has high spots, a bit of orange peel, or deeper scratches. In these instances, you can utilize a fine finishing polish with a soft foam pad.
Even a simple dual-action (DA) polisher will do the trick to smooth out any trouble spots. However, before running to get the polisher, see if you can examine the coating closely. Often, a simple microfiber towel and a light buffing can repair minor imperfections without the need for aggressive polishing.
3. The Big Risk: Damaging the Coating
This is where abrasive products can truly hurt more than they help. Excessive pressure or an improper pad can leave permanent marks, or worse, completely strip the coating. Most DIY kits from big box stores are very low quality.
With the right information, though, you can avoid failing fully and ensure your polishing process is a success.
4. Coating Thickness vs Polish Aggression
As we mentioned earlier, ceramic coatings are thin – typically only a few microns thick. Polishes designed for heavy-duty clear coat are too aggressive. Sure, you’ll find a few thicker coatings that can handle mild polishing, but the majority cannot.
So always make sure to identify which coating you are dealing with before attempting anything.
5. Spot Polishing vs Full Correction
If you get a small scratch, spot polishing can correct it without damaging the entire ceramic coating. Spot polishing is less risky and can be done by someone with basic knowledge.
Full correction, on the other hand, is more risky and best done by experienced professionals. Only a pro can determine whether a spot polish or full correction is appropriate.
6. Checking Your Coating Manufacturer’s Advice
Many coatings will never require a polish, only maintenance washes and details. So keep your paperwork close at hand and know what you have to work with.
7. When Polishing Makes Sense
If you have to polish, choose non-abrasive products that are specifically designed for ceramic coatings. Run a test spot in advance.
A cross-hatch motion and light, overlapping passes on a DA polisher with a soft pad is the safest route to take. For minor imperfections, a simple microfiber towel should do the trick.
Issues Appearing After Coating Application
After receiving a brand-new ceramic coating, we hope to see good protection as well as a lot of gloss and depth. Living in Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland has some additional challenges. Even the best coatings are susceptible to issues, particularly with the cocktail of rain, salt and urban soot.
That’s why coatings are no replacement for a protective magic shield. Things like road salts, heavy rain, pollen, and even the local car wash can chip away at the coating’s strength. Without fail, we notice all sorts of problems appearing, despite proper maintenance. Knowing these issues prevents our vehicles from being their prettiest.
Swirls and Minor Scratches
Swirls and minor scratches still appear, even under a ceramic coating. It occurs due to using the wrong wash mitt, using dirty towels, or going through automatic car washes. We find this happening the most when people try to cut corners with a quick wash or no rinse at all.
While these marks do not immediately go through the coating, they can have a negative effect on appearance by making it less brilliant. For these issues, we like to use non-abrasive products as a first approach. In most cases, a light wash or detail spray will do the trick without compromising the integrity of the coating.
We preach a lot, but it’s true – gentle hand washing with soft washable mitts and clean water is the ultimate prevention. This is where using two buckets comes in handy! Having one bucket for soap and another for rinse will help eliminate the dirt that leads to swirls and scratches. Moving too quickly here risks damaging the coating and/or paint due to excess pressure.
Stubborn Water Spots or Etching
Stubborn water spots or etching are a frequent annoyance, even with coatings. Our Vancouver tap water has a high mineral content, which will leave spotted residue behind after an event such as a rain or wash. If the sun dries these spots, they will cause etching of the surface.
We have water spot removers specifically designed for coated vehicles. These lift stains without damaging the surface. To prevent etching altogether, make it a point to remove any water with a clean microfiber towel after every wash.
Whenever you can, wash your vehicle in the shade. Use a quick detail spray to stop minerals from adhering. Routine cleaning prevents these marks from accumulating.
Environmental Fallout
Canadian winters with their heavy application of road salt and grime can be a true test for coatings. These months/conditions are the time we notice the most clogging and dulling. Salt, sand, and city dust can accumulate on the coating, dulling its glow and slickness.
Proper and frequent handwashing is a primary factor. We strongly advise a full decontamination wash every two to three months, particularly in the spring after snow melting road salt is prevalent. This does go a long way toward re-establishing the coating, but it’s not a permanent solution.
Often, a maintenance topper or in some cases even a reapplication is required. Look for signs of off alignment on your vehicle. Some areas, such as the hood and roof, are subjected to higher levels of exposure.
Hand washing and drying, as well as annual inspections, maintain the coating’s optimal condition year-round, no matter the season.
Dangers of DIY Polishing Attempts
While DIY polishing on ceramic coatings may look easy, the dangers are very real. Realistically, we cannot tell you how many drivers here in and around Vancouver believe that a quick polish will remove superficial light swirl marks or increase gloss. The misguided approach does more damage than good.
Polishing a ceramic-coated car is different than polishing bare paint. The chemistry, thickness, and application methods all bring new variables into play. Here’s why improper DIY polishing can result in expensive regrets and how we do it right.
Accidentally Removing the Coating
This includes accidentally removing the coating. Aggressive polishing, even using a fine compound, can remove the ceramic coating. Most DIY kits have a lot of SiO2 in them. While this may seem nice, in reality it complicates layering and repairs to the point of being next to impossible.
Once that top layer is gone, the paint no longer has its protective barrier. From the perspective of a Vancouverite, occasional water spots, road salt, and bird droppings are the result of this unavoidable reality. These things can literally ruin your paint overnight.
What’s the long-term impact? Bye-bye shine and protection. Both at once, poof! If left unaddressed, any subsequent detailing will need expensive paint restoration before a new protection coating can be applied. That’s why we encourage our clients to keep DIY polishing attempts to a minimum by letting the professionals handle heavy lifting.
When it comes to surface correction, experience is everything.
Creating Uneven Gloss or Haze
Creating uneven gloss or haze DIY polishing often results in an uneven gloss or a hazy appearance. This is often due to the user choosing the wrong pad, polish or machine speed. Instead we’re left with very patchy results, as some areas are left shiny while others are full of ugly dull haze.
In Vancouver, where cars are often parked outside, any haze or uneven finish stands out even more in natural light. Even some over-the-counter products will react poorly with the professional-grade coatings, creating a cloudy appearance. Trying out new products in a low-visibility location is always a good idea.
Without proper technique and lighting, the results can be hit or miss.
Voiding Your Coating Warranty
Nearly all high-end ceramic coatings include a warranty – but not if you attempt DIY polishing. Improper polishing, using strong chemicals or failing to keep maintenance log sheets can all void that warranty pretty quickly.
We can’t stress this enough, always advise your clients to have documentation on every wash and detail from their car’s history, what products were used. If you should ever need a warranty claim, this detailed documentation will show that you’ve maintained your coating as expected.
It’s not about just checking off a “don’t-do-it” list item – following the manufacturer’s instructions will save your investment for years to come.
Safe Polishing Methods for Coated Cars
For ceramic-coated cars to maintain their high-gloss finish in Vancouver, a light touch is essential. The right tools really do make all the difference! The city’s rain, pollen, and urban grime can act like sandpaper dulling a high gloss finish over time. Aggressive polishing is not the answer.
We prefer safer alternatives and specialized products for ceramic coatings by Adam Hughes. Our mission is to educate our clients on how to keep their glossy, protected cars looking great for years and years. With a gentler approach, intelligent solutions, and deliberate behaviors, we achieve long-term results without the danger.
Using Coating-Specific Polishes
We tend to use polishes designed for ceramic coatings. Since regular compounds or heavy abrasives will prematurely strip or mar the coating’s surface, we always go with ultra-fine or finishing polishes. These alternatives increase gloss and repair minor imperfections without degrading the coating.
Products to use CarPro Essence is a safe option for coated cars. From testing, it flows best when used with a dual-action (DA) polisher and a soft polishing/finishing pad. That’s why we use 4-5 pea-sized drops and spread them on the pad.
Next, we work on small, controlled areas, smoothing high points with light, overlapping strokes. This improves shine while not deteriorating the original protection.
Choosing the Right Polishing Pads
Choosing the Right Polishing PadsPad choice is nothing to sneeze at. We prefer to use soft foam or finishing pads as they create less potential to scratch or dull the surface. Microfiber or wool pads will tend to bite too hard, particularly on soft coatings.
As an example, a Lake Country black finishing pad works nicely with DA polishers for light or non-cutting correction. Using harsh pads will lead to more swirl marks and shorten the life of the coating.
Proper Technique is Crucial
Proper technique is just as important as the products we choose. Proper technique is crucial. We’re going with light pressure, going slow.
By using cross-hatch patterns, with overlapping horizontal and vertical passes, we create an even area that fades into the undamaged coating. Practicing the technique on less conspicuous areas will build confidence while preventing expensive errors.
We can’t stress enough the importance of working in small areas. Use just enough product to do the job and buffing with clean microfiber towels helps to prevent the appearance of new blemishes.
Less Aggressive Approaches First
Less Aggressive Approaches First Before polishing, we usually start with easy solutions. Starting with the least aggressive method first.
For very light marks, a simple rub with a clean microfiber towel can do the trick. For more persistent, but not terribly difficult stains, use a clay bar or detailing spray. Gtechniq Quick Detailer is a good product to maintain and clean the surface without damaging the coating.
Taking care of your car by washing it with a pH balanced soap will help prevent dirt and stains from setting in. When it comes to bird droppings or tree sap, immediate removal is essential to prevent etching.
Once we wash the car, we thoroughly dry it using either a microfiber towel or a blower. This avoids creating new swirl marks as well.
Keeping Your Coating Glossy Without Polishing
We get calls from clients all the time. They want to know how to keep their ceramic coating glossy for years without polishing. In Vancouver’s damp, sometimes torrential climate, maintaining that “just coated” glossy shine requires routine maintenance without the heavy-duty work.
At Gleamworks, we’ve discovered that putting the right habits in place can be a game changer. Paired with the proper tools, they go above and beyond to protect the gloss and integrity of your ceramic coating.
Regular, Gentle Washing Routines
Slow and steady wins the race. Keeping it simple goes a long way. We suggest hand washing every two weeks, or more often if your vehicle spends a lot of time parked outdoors.
Choose a pH-neutral car wash soap – for one, it won’t damage the coating and it won’t remove any of its protective qualities. For washing, we always use gentle wash mitts, such as a microfiber or lamb’s wool, which will gently glide over paint without scratching.
Never use an automatic car wash; the abrasive bristle brushes can destroy any coating, no matter how durable. Rather, wash by hand or use a touchless wash if you’re in a hurry.
Using Coating Toppers or Boosters
At least every 3 months, we recommend replenishing the ceramic layer with a booster spray or other ceramic coating topper. These products provide additional gloss boost while rejuvenating hydrophobic effects, allowing water to bead off like it did on day one.
In general, coating toppers or boosters are simple to apply – spray on and wipe off. For even more shine and UV resistance, we suggest topping them every 3-6 months. It’s a simple little step that will leave your car’s finish looking wet and glossy.
Safe Drying Prevents Water Spots
It’s not enough to just wash properly – after washing, drying is equally important. Unluckily, Vancouver’s tap water will leave mineral spots if allowed to air dry.
For drying, we recommend clean, plush microfiber towels, or a soft-blow car dryer. Dry by patting the surface rather than dragging the towel. This will help prevent swirl marks.
Safety first. Speedy drying keeps the glossy sheen immaculate.
Quick Detailers for Light Dust
When you get in a bind between washes, a bottle of quick detailer spray and a microfiber towel can go a long way. These gentle sprays safely lift light dust, pollen, or fingerprints without scratching, keeping your car glossy and new-looking.
We keep a bottle in the car for quick detailer touch-ups after we park under trees or near construction sites!
Polishing Before vs After Coating
At Gleamworks, we believe there’s an obvious distinction between polishing before versus after ceramic coating. Both are important but they are different tools to achieve different outcomes. Whether you’re getting a new car or restoring the paint on an older vehicle, prepping a car’s paint before ceramic coating ensures years of serious shine.
Polishing after coating, in contrast, is focused on addressing superficial defects without damaging the protective coat. Here’s a look at what makes each step different and why timing is important for car owners in Vancouver’s rapidly shifting climate.
Why Pre-Coating Polish is Essential
Cleaning and polishing before ceramic coating is essential. Vancouver drivers are well aware that our long wet winter months and bright dry summer days can cause unsightly water spots, swirl marks, and light scratches. Without this step, these imperfections become sealed beneath the coating.
We start with an intense wash and clay bar treatment to remove any surface contaminants. Next, we proceed to a two-step polish, first with a cutting compound and medium pad, then a fine polish with a soft foam pad. This process wipes the slate clean and makes sure that paint is super smooth to the touch.
In short, polishing creates a much smoother surface, which allows the ceramic coating to bond more effectively to the paint. When we polish and coat in 24 hours or less, adhesion is increased, and the finish will last longer.
Giving the paint time to cool down and cure post-polish is just as important. When the coating is well bonded, it provides excellent protection from UV light, rain, and urban pollution. These factors test our resolve every season here in the Lower Mainland. Customers expecting a showroom finish and years of performance will appreciate the attention to detail prep work provides.
Addressing Issues Post-Coating
Even with the most careful application, things can go wrong – a high spot or streak appears post-curing. Polishing post-coating can be done, but requires a delicate touch. Using a fine finishing polish and soft foam pad, we can often buff out minor flaws without stripping the coating.
Nonetheless, it’s a tricky task. Push too aggressively, and the coating fails to adhere. For larger problems, major gouges, or large, rough areas, consulting with a professional is your best course of action.
We have developed proprietary non-abrasive methods to achieve the desired look and feel, or when warranted, we will suggest a partial re-coat. In our experience, most light marks can be blended out with the right tools, but major fixes need professional help.
Professional Help vs Going It Alone
In Vancouver, car enthusiasts display their varied tastes. Some decide to do ceramic coating themselves, and some hire a professional for that perfect, glossy finish. Each route has its own distinct advantages. As with most things in life, the right answer often varies based on your level of expertise, time commitment, and love for your automobile.
Here, we outline the pros and cons of each to help you determine which approach is right for you.
When to Call a Detailer
A few occasions when it pays to bring in a detailer include situations where your ceramic coating is showing deep scratches, heavy swirl marks, or cloudiness. Don’t panic! A talented detailer will know how to make it look good without making things worse.
In Vancouver, with its rainy winters and summertime road dust, even the best coatings take a beating. To bring back that new-car gloss, you typically require professional-grade equipment and experienced fingers.
For larger projects, for instance, coating a fleet of cars or protecting expensive custom paint jobs, getting professional help is critical. Consistent maintenance visits with a shop you trust will ensure your coating is as healthy as possible. This simple practice goes a long way toward prolonging its life and sparing you later hassles.
Assessing Your Own Skill Level
So, it’s a good idea to be realistic about how comfortable you are with car care. If you’ve just washed and waxed in the past, going right to high-end polishing or ceramic coating work is intimidating. Those who attempt to do it themselves quickly face a steep learning curve.
Errors such as streaking or areas left untreated are frequent. We suggest starting small: try washing, decontaminating, or applying a simple sealant first. Not to mention, consider the cost of having to go back and fix something that may greatly exceed the cost of just going pro in the first place.
Understanding your own limitations will save you time, money, and a lot of aggravation.
The Value of Professional Expertise
Professionals are well versed in their craft. They go beyond experience and utilize tools and products that most DIYers do not have in their tool chest. In our Vancouver workshop, we use diffused lighting, climate-controlled humidity, and state-of-the-art polishers to achieve perfection.
We’ve seen what a professional’s expertise can do. Their expertise prevents expensive rework that would lead to clear coat failure or premature wear.
What many owners will tell you is the priceless peace of mind. They appreciate the absence of guesswork, time savings, and high-quality professional finish that endures. Getting professional help actually saves you money.
Taking this approach is a great way to avoid costly damage and ensure your car stays in top condition.