Can I Polish Ceramic Coating?

Applying a ceramic coating to your vehicle will protect the original paintwork from potential damage from environmental contaminants. Ceramic coatings are a long lasting, highly effective method of paint protection and as a result, they’ve become extremely popular with car owners who are looking to retain the showroom shine of their vehicles. However, there is often confusion surrounding whether or not ceramic coatings can be polished. So, can you polish a ceramic coated car?

In this article, from the expert team at HydroSilex, we will look more closely at the best ways to maintain ceramic coatings and find out whether or not they can be polished without causing damage. 

Can you polish a car with a ceramic coating?

In short, the answer to this question is no. You should not polish a ceramic coated car. 

Ceramic coatings are essentially a layer of nano-ceramic particles that form a bond with the surface of your vehicle. The particles create a hard, durable layer that is highly resistant to damage from the elements. The coating is applied in a thin layer and is meant to provide long-lasting protection for your vehicle.

The reason you can't polish a ceramic coating is that it is designed to be a permanent layer. Unlike wax or sealant, which can be removed or worn away over time, ceramic coatings are meant to last for several years. The coating forms a strong bond with the surface of your vehicle, which means that any attempts to polish it off will likely result in damage to the coating and the underlying paint.

What happens if you polish a ceramic coating?

Polishing a ceramic coating can cause several problems, including damage to the coating and the underlying paint.

Polishing a ceramic coating can create scratches and swirl marks on the surface of the coating. This can be especially problematic as ceramic coatings are designed to be highly durable and resistant to scratches, so any damage to the surface of the coating may be difficult or even impossible to repair.

In addition, it  can damage the bond between the coating and the surface of your vehicle. This can cause the coating to peel, flake, or become otherwise compromised, which can reduce its effectiveness in protecting your vehicle.

Ceramic coatings are designed to provide a high gloss finish that lasts for years. Attempting to polish the coating can actually diminish the glossy finish that the coating provides, resulting in a dull or uneven appearance.

What’s the best way to repair your ceramic coating if it begins to look old and faded?

If your ceramic coating begins to look old and faded, the best way to repair it is to perform a deep cleaning of the surface and apply a ceramic coating booster or a new layer of ceramic coating.

Follow these basic steps to ensure that your ceramic coating continues to look good for years to come:

Clean the surface

The first step is to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or contaminants that may be dulling the finish of the ceramic coating. Use a high-quality car shampoo designed for use with ceramic coatings or a dedicated ceramic coating cleaner to ensure that the surface is completely clean and free of any residues.

Decontaminate the surface

Once the surface is clean, you may need to use a clay bar or a dedicated decontamination product to remove any embedded contaminants that may be difficult to remove with regular cleaning.

Polish the surface

If the surface has any minor scratches or swirl marks, you may need to use a machine polish to remove them. Use a mild polish with a foam pad to avoid damaging the ceramic coating.

Apply a ceramic coating booster

After the surface is clean and polished, apply a ceramic coating booster to restore the gloss and protection of the ceramic coating. Ceramic coating boosters are designed to extend the life of your ceramic coating and restore its hydrophobic properties.

Apply a new layer of ceramic coating

If the ceramic coating is severely faded or damaged, you may need to apply a new layer of ceramic coating. 

Read more:

How To Apply Ceramic Coating Spray?

How To Apply Rv And Camper Ceramic Coatings?

Premium ceramic coating products from HydroSilex

HydroSilex produces a wide range of premium DIY ceramic coatings and ceramic coating aftercare products that will give you a high level of protection for your vehicle. Here is a selection of products that will help to protect your ceramic coating and increase the longevity.

HydroSilex Ceramic Soap

HydroSilex Ceramic Soap is a specially formulated soap that provides optimal performance for your paint. It contains ceramic particles that leave a thin layer of SIO2 behind, which makes your paint more hydrophobic or water-repellent.

This soap is perfect for maintaining your ceramic coated vehicle and can also be used as a standalone soap. Its high foaming, concentrated formula is safe for use on all paint finishes. It is an ideal wash soap for ceramic coated surfaces, as it is tough on grime while being gentle on the coating and paint.

Additionally, it is highly concentrated and high foaming, helping to maintain the coating on your vehicle. It can be used in foam guns or foam cannons, and has a pleasant blueberry scent.

HydroSilex All-Purpose Cleaner

HydroSilex All-Purpose Cleaner is a high-tech cleaner that blends strong cleaning agents with a base that is safe to use on all surfaces. This unique combination makes it a reliable choice for most cleaning tasks around a vehicle, RV, boat, or home.

Our formula is pre-mixed and ready-to-use, making it easy for you to use straight from the bottle whenever needed. It is a powerful degreaser that can be used on heavy-duty areas such as engine bays, wheel wells, exhaust tips, and door jambs. It is also an excellent option for cleaning dirt buildup on your tires, instantly dissolving brown marks.

Additionally, it is safe to use on paint, plastics, and metals, making it a versatile cleaning solution. This all-purpose cleaner cleans, degreases, and decontaminates surfaces effectively, making it an ideal option when you need something stronger than car wash soap.

HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash

HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash is an innovative and ultra-slick solution designed to improve your car detailing experience. Its advanced formula coats contaminants with a slippery layer, allowing you to easily wipe away dirt without leaving micro scratches on the surface. As the solution is ceramic-based, it is an ideal way to maintain surfaces that are coated with HydroSilex Recharge. 

The ceramic formula is infused with SIO2, leaving behind a glossy finish after use. This solution is perfect for use as a quick detailer to wipe down a dusty car. It is also an excellent option for maintaining HydroSilex Recharge and can be safely used on uncoated, waxed, or ceramic coated surfaces. You can use it for waterless washing or quick detailing, making it a quick and easy way to wipe down your car without harming the paint.

HydroSilex is a one stop shop for all the best car detailing products on the market. We have many years of experience in forming high-quality products to help car owners maintain their vehicles. Visit our website at https://www.hydrosilex.com to choose the best  cleaning solutions, products and tools for your vehicle.