Car Paint Protection – Things You Should Consider
Deciding upon using a ceramic coating is not something to do lightly. Although the latest DIY ceramic coatings are perhaps the easiest of all times to apply and maintain, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, in most cases, using a ceramic coating product is more problem than help.
There is a lot of wrong information floating around the internet especially regarding which paint protection products consumers should use. It’s important to get the correct information and we here just do that – to give you the most precise and fact-based information, so that you can make the right decision and don’t have to repent later.
If you’re not sure about using a product such as DIY ceramic coatings or you’re about to hit that ‘buy’ button, here are some things for you to consider.

Study Your Paint Correction Options
It’s not necessary to take your car to the paint shop in your area, just because its paint has damaged or has lots of swirls. Actually, several paint protection products can still be used on your own or you can get the job done by a professional detailer.
Paint correction does the job of repairing the damage to the clear coating on top of the paint. But if the damage has passed beyond the clear coat and has reached the paint surface and damaged it, it’s recommended to get the car professionally repainted or consider buying a new car.
The process of paint correction involves the following steps:
- Wash – cleaning with a wash mitt and removing debris
- Wet sanding or levelling
- Waxing and polishing
- Sealing the paint
Wash – cleaning with a wash mitt and removing debris Wet sanding or levelling
Waxing and polishing
Sealing the paint
Think twice before taking a DIY approach and check whether you’re really comfortable with it. If not, start hunting for a professional car detailer or car detailing company who can do it for you.

Wax and Polish
This is the most popular and time-tested car paint protection method. It’s a manually applied product that begins with a natural carnauba wax or synthetic wax, then with a polish that provides the gloss. Wax or sealant products often last about 6 weeks to 6 months. Later they need removal and reapplication.
Paint Sealants
This is the next level up. It’s actually an improved synthetically formed car wax and polish combined product. Just like car wax and polish, it’s applied manually but provides around 6 months of protection against UV rays, dirt, water, road grime and light chemicals.
Ceramic Coatings
This is the third upgrade from the two options above. You can choose between professionally-grade and applied coatings and DIY ceramic coatings. This product offers a hard layer of protection that in fact infuses on top of a clear coating once the curing process is over, to offer anywhere from 2 to 5 years of protection.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
PPF is on top of the paint protection pyramid. It’s a high-quality thermoplastic urethane film that is applied to the top of the painted surfaces of a new or second-hand car. It comes in multiple colors or also an optically clear version, in various thickness levels. You have to get it applied by a professional, and not by yourself. It’s more expensive but also longer-lasting.

Know Your Paint Condition
Before making any decision about any paint protection product, your first step should be to know the quality of your paint. A major myth about ceramic coatings is that they enhance or fix the paint. That’s actually not very true. In fact, it’s downright false. A ceramic coating intensifies the current condition of the paint.
As a cure, ceramic coating provides a thin, yet an extremely strong layer of ‘glass’ that protects the paint and clear coating. This essentially works like a magnifying glass.
Hence, if you’ve got the paint damaged, like sun damage, scratches, faded paint due to direct sunlight or swirl due to frequent car wash, you should actually delay your ceramic coating purchase.

Knowing what you have to consider and what your options are, you can now make a more informed decision for choosing your paint protection product. All the best!