Your first
coating
The simple steps for long-lasting protection!
Take the leap - only, it's not a leap, it's a few simple steps. Once you car is coated with a ceramic coating, you'll see why everyone's so crazy about this detailers' favourite.
1 What does it do?
A quick guide to ceramic coatings.
A ceramic coating (or any "something-infused" coating - essentially the same if you ignore the hype around it) provides a thick layer that bonds to your clear coat. This physical layer provides huge maintenance benefits:
Makes washing & drying your car easy thanks to its water / oil repellency.
Essentially self-cleaning as dirt and oil that would normally stick, simply run off your paint.
Lasts much longer than a wax or sealant due to its chemical and mechanical resistance.
2 Preparing your car
The 3 necessary steps.
A thorough wash
Start with a standard, full wash - WITHOUT quick detailing of course. There should be no protection at all when applying a coating, or it won't bond to your clear coat.
Find steps to a thorough wash here on the academy.
Polishing
Depending on the result you want, this can be a light 1-step or heavy 3-step polish.
1-step to create a slick surface - if your car's new or in very good condition (or the perfect finish dosn't really bother you) then this is all you need.
Multiple step to create the perfect look AND slick surface - most cars will need this - if you want to apply long-term protection to your car, why wouldn't you get it looking perfect first?
Degrease
If you've done a light polish, all you need to do now is a standard, thorough degrease with Prep.
If you've done a multiple step paint correction, another wash is in order to remove all polishing oil, dust and/or residue. Simply use hot water and dishwasher liquid, before prepping the car with a degreaser.
Your workspace
Whether coating your car inside or out, temperature should be consistent (15-25°C) and there should be NO DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
The higher the temperature/humidity, the quicker you'll need to wipe off.
Lighting
Well-lit workspaces with indirect light are best - better to aim your lights at the ceiling than straight at your paint to see smudges.
A handheld light for close inspection is always good.
After coating
Keep in mind that if you're coating outside, you should add a layer of Cure or Ceramic Detailer 1 hour after coating.
Don't get the car wet for 12 hours.
Don't wash the car with strong chemicals for 14 days.
Find all of our Paint Degreasers here
3 Applying your coating
Don't be too careful, work quickly and go over the lines to be sure.
Pouring
Before we start, let's make it clear that these tips are for GYEON Q² One EVO, as it's the most user-friendly, first-time coating available.
First, drench your applicator so the coating soaks through.
Then, each time you pour it's just to top-up the amount of coating on the surface of the applicator - never letting the tip of the bottle touch it.
In general, it's better to use too much than too little.
Your 50 x 50cm area
Starting on your car's hood, as it's the most well-lit, comfortable and flat place to begin:
Imagine a 50 x 50cm square on the paint.
Draw a Z the size of your area with coating.
Fill in the Z in the opposite direction until you have an even spread.
Make sure you go over the lines of your 50x50 area, you want the sections to connect without gaps.
Apply with speed
If you go slow, the coating may bond unevenly to the paint, so work fast when applying.
As you gain confidence, this speed will allow you to complete larger and larger sections in one go - until you're ready to do a whole panel.
Pro Tip: Any left-over One EVO coating in your bottle can be used on plastics or wheels - why not!
Got Paint Protection Film on your car? Top up the self-cleaning and hydrophobicity with a PPF coating
4 Wipe to finish
To flatten the finish and remove residue.
Waiting time
The wipe-off window for One EVO is 10 seconds to 10 minutes (absolute maximum), so while there's no need to wait, you also have the freedom to coat much larger areas in one go.
First wipe-off
Use a coating towel, like the BaldWipe, for the initial wipe-off.
Go over / around the edges of your coating area to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Second wipe-off
Use a softer plush towel, like the SoftWipe, to remove excess material and buff your finish.
Again, go over the lines to be sure there are no gaps between sections.
Pro Tip: Once you're done, check with an inspection light for hazy areas that haven't been fully buffed with your second wipe.
5 Maintaining your coating
To flatten the finish and remove residue.
Regular washing
Now you have a coating on the car, this will be a breeze. Wash with standard wash products and watch the dirt and oil fall away with ease.
Avoid harsh chemicals, these can harm the initial hydrophobic effect, even though the coating is still there.
Decontamination wash
Do this every 6 months to get rid of the constant iron & tar build-up. Yes, you could do this every week, but there's really no need until it gets noticable.
You'll see a huge difference each time you do this, re-revealing the coating from the layer of tough contaminants.
Top up / boost
Protect your protection. Products like Ceramic Detailer are perfect to add a quick, glossy layer to your coating after each wash.
This layer will take most of the dirt and grime itself so the coating underneath lasts even longer.
6 Choosing the one for you
Which type of washer are you?
Your first coating?
One EVO is as easy to apply as a wax - and the most forgiving, 1-layer ceramic formula to get you started.
With the huge wipe-off window and easy application, this is the only coating we recommend to people starting out to gain experience.
Which size do I need?
The right accessories
It's not all in one box - for the multiple steps here's what you'll need:
Paint degreaser
Degreasing towels (1 or 2)
2 coating towels
2 buffing towels
Inspection light (optional)
