Why polishing before ceramic coating is essential

A ceramic coating will only adhere permanently to a perfectly prepared, grease-free, and smooth surface. Any oxidation, old wax layers, or fine scratches can impair the bond. Polishing removes these residues and mechanically smooths the paint—ensuring maximum adhesion and shine.

Details on how a coating works and how to apply it can be found in our guide “Can I Apply a Ceramic Coating Myself?”.

Which polish is the right one?

Which polish you use depends on the condition of your paint:

• Heavily scratched or weathered paint: Two-step polishing. Start with an abrasive cutting polish to remove scratches and oxidation. Then use a finishing polish to eliminate holograms and create a high-gloss shine.
• Lightly scratched or well-maintained paint: Thorough one-step polish with a medium or one-step polish that removes minor defects and smooths the surface at the same time.

Both options provide an optimal base for the subsequent coating. You can find suitable polishes in our polish collection.

Surface Preparation: Paint, Glass, Wheels

It’s not just the paint that benefits from polishing. Glass surfaces and even, in some cases, the wheels should also be thoroughly prepared before coating:

• Glass: Use a glass polish to remove embedded dirt and water spots. This ensures clear visibility and optimal adhesion for glass sealant.
• Wheels: Start with a chemical cleaning (e.g., with an acid-free wheel cleaner), then thoroughly degrease. For painted (glossy) wheels, light polishing is also possible to remove the last embedded brake dust residues and achieve maximum shine.

After polishing: Degrease the surface

After polishing, it is crucial to completely remove all polish residues and oils from the treated surfaces. For this purpose, a special degreaser is used. Only on a clean, grease-free surface can the ceramic coating chemically bond.

Applying ceramic coating

Once the surface is perfectly polished and degreased, the ceramic coating can be applied. It forms an extremely durable protective layer that shields the paint for years from UV radiation, chemicals, and (very fine) micro-scratches.

Learn more about durability and costs in our article “Ceramic Coating – Costs, Durability, Professional Application”.