Detail SMARTER w/ Yvan Lacroix & @diydetailofficial - Part 1 - Ceramic Coating Prep

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on preparing a vehicle for ceramic coating, as demonstrated by Yvan Lacroix from Detailers Business Academy. Proper preparation is crucial for achieving optimal results with ceramic coatings. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, providing practical tips to save time and money while ensuring your vehicle looks its best.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all necessary products and tools. Here’s a list of recommended items:

• All Clean (for washing)
• Incredible Suds (for foaming)
• MJJC Foam Cannon (for application)
• Quick Beads (for hydrophobic properties)
• Ceramic Gloss (for added shine)
• Work Stuff Wash Mitt (for washing)
• Iron Remover (for decontamination)
• Clay Towel (for removing surface contaminants)
• Drying Blanket (for drying)
• Polishing Pads (Gold Standard, Gold Waffle, Purple Wool, Rotary Jeweling)
• Rotary Polisher (Maxshine Rotary)
• Rinseless Wash and Panel Prep (for final cleaning)

Tips for Gathering Supplies

• Purchase from trusted suppliers like Car Supplies Warehouse and DIY Detail for quality products.
• Use coupon codes for discounts: CHELSEA10 for Car Supplies Warehouse and A2DCHELSEA for DIY Detail.

Step 2: Perform a Thorough Wash

Start by washing the vehicle to remove dirt and grime.

1. Rinse the Vehicle: Use a pressure washer or hose to remove loose dirt.
2. Foam Application: Fill the MJJC Foam Cannon with Incredible Suds and apply a thick layer of foam.
3. Wipe Down: Use the Work Stuff Wash Mitt to gently clean the surface, working from top to bottom.
4. Rinse Again: Thoroughly rinse off the foam to ensure no soap residue remains.

Practical Advice

• Always use a two-bucket method to minimize the risk of scratching the paint.
• Avoid washing the vehicle in direct sunlight to prevent water spots.

Step 3: Decontaminate the Surface

After washing, it’s essential to remove any embedded contaminants.

1. Apply Iron Remover: Spray iron remover onto the vehicle’s surface, focusing on areas prone to contamination.
2. Rinse Off: Allow the product to dwell for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly.
3. Use Clay Towel: Gently glide the clay towel over the surface to remove any remaining contaminants.

Common Pitfalls

• Don’t rush the decontamination process; take your time to ensure a clean surface.
• Make sure to keep the clay towel lubricated to prevent scratches.

Step 4: Dry the Vehicle

Proper drying is important to prepare the surface for ceramic coating.

1. Use a Drying Blanket: Use the drying blanket to absorb water without leaving streaks.
2. Ensure Complete Drying: Go over the vehicle multiple times to ensure it is completely dry.

Tips for Effective Drying

• Use a blotting technique rather than dragging the towel across the surface to avoid scratches.
• Check for any missed spots and dry those areas thoroughly.

Step 5: Final Prep with Panel Prep

The last step before applying ceramic coating is to ensure the surface is perfectly clean.

1. Spray Panel Prep: Lightly mist the panel prep solution onto the surface.
2. Wipe Down: Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe down the vehicle, ensuring no oils or residues remain.

Conclusion

Preparing a vehicle for ceramic coating involves thorough washing, decontamination, drying, and final surface prep. By following these steps and using the recommended products, you can achieve a flawless finish that enhances the durability of your ceramic coating. For further advancements in detailing, consider exploring additional tutorials in this series. Happy detailing!