Do you need to polish before ceramic coating? What you need to know:

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Polishing tips for beginner detailers kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4eblJ9nd5injtk

[@MaanoJaan]

#1

[@MaanoJaan]

#1

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

#1 what?

[@outsiderides4220]

We tried going that route and it backfired for us. The customer insisted the new truck didn't need polishing cause it was" perfect" from the factory. We include a 1 step in all our packages but he declined it, so we had him sign a contract stating he declined it and we proceeded. The coating brought out all the defects in the paint and he was furious with the end product. I put that contract in his face and he shut up. I refunded his money, told him to never come back and do not recommend anyone he knows to us. I will always polish before coating.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Good insight but I’ve never once had this issue

[@boxoffisa]

Glad you had contract and he signed. 😅. I was looking into something like this. The video is too long. Wanted to know if I am gonna coat only or first polish then coat.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@@boxoffisathere are chapters

[@arnoldbriddle9698]

I wouldn't have gave him a refund. You suggested polish. He declined. If he wanted it fixed he would have had to pay more than the original price bcuz u would have to remove the ceramic in order to re-do.

[@winston-1111]

You are right! Ivan was too. I've been pondering about this and this morning I decided that I will also be offering just the ceramic coating. Polishing before a coating may enhance the looks, but if the client does not want it, then who are we to decide otherwise. We can advise, sure, but let the final decision be up to the client. Great video!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Absolutely we are glad to polish but if you’re happy with the way it looks there’s no real need.

[@tojieb4153]

True you don't need to but if the customer wants defects removed you have to. One thing about polish is that it makes things shine. Even if I have a brand new vehicle I give it a light polish to bring out the best in the paint. The only thing I totally agree with you is that a proper panel wipe is crucial. I know a guy that's been doing ceramics for years and he's applying 9 year ceramic immediately over an sio2 infused polish. Guess he didn't read the directions which say wait 24 hours before applying ceramic. If not do a panel wipe after polishing.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Absolutely if the client wants it we love to polish and make stuff awesome again!

[@simplesolar1]

at the end of the day paint polishing/correcting is one service alone and ceramic coating a car is a separate service…so why would i give a free paint correction with the coating…now im gonna be Professional and explain to a customer the reasons we suggest a paint correction with it but if they don’t want it then now my job is to understand i have to come down off my detailers ego and give the customer what they want which is great Customer Service so im giving them the coating alone with all steps but polishing

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Exactly!

[@justinbelk89]

This is the 2nd video I’ve seen I questioning this. I saw another gentleman addressing the customer’s concerns and not wanting that expense nor was concerned about perfection and while at the same time he could still serve the customer and still make a profit.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

That’s what I do. If the client wants it I’ll go to town (you can see our videos on this subject). But if they are happy with the way the paint looks there’s no real need

[@huckzilla5438]

I respect your opinion piece on this and I think you have some valid points. Also, I don't think you're spewing anything non-sensical as others have said. You clearly stated that it's what the customer wants. It really depends on how much your customer cares how deep he wants to go with the detailing. And, for the record, I'm not a professional detailer. I'm just a serious enthusiast who's obsessed with my vehicle's finish being as perfect as possible (aka, ego). I have always done a paint correction after claying my vehicle. It's time consuming and I've actually moved to doing an all-in-one correction. I have always used a surface prep on the vehicle before applying the final coating. The results continue to speak for themselves. There's always more than one way to do a job. Given that you are in this field full-time, I would expect nothing less than you always guiding your customers in the right direction based on their needs. Cheers!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Absolutely, that’s the goal!

[@stephenlouden480]

i only polish very neglected clear coat. If a clear coated surface is new or just nice looking and clean. clean it again. iron decon it, use a synthetic clay towel that doesn't mar then panel prep and ceramic coat it!. I just coated a 6 months old Tesla.. the customer even asked if i can polish it for extra money he doesn't mind paying and I said "oh no polishing on this paint is necessary, keep your money" . he was shocked that i didn't jump at the offer but i explained our all the same as you did. he tipped me extra for honesty and for the info. so i left him with tips and c some detailing products for him to maintain the coating though he will have me back monthly to do a basic detail. many KZbin detailers are sponsored by polishing companies and hype up polishing to be mandatory no matter what. I've unsubscribed to their channels and advise others to as well. do what's needed when it's needed. no more no less. good luck everyone

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Thank you this is a great comment and I agree I do a lot of this where I tell people don’t sweat it and keep your money if you’re happy with

[@rustyshaklferd1897]

On a new car perhaps. A used car with swirl marks and scratches the ceramic just seal them in. I’d prefer as close to pristine paint before applying ceramic coating. Depends on how bad the condition of the paint is. And you definitely want to use a rust remover. Ceramic coating over break dust or train wheel dust wil just let it rust more over time. I’d use a metal/ rust remover and clay at the very least.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

For sure but that’s up to the client!

[@ivtec9z]

It’s like you said you don’t have to unless you want to get defects out. Most people don’t care and the ones that do are the ones that will argue counter points to you. It comes down to personal preference and honestly how dark the colour is.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Yep. Sorry this is older and I just responded. But a lot of times I think the car looks better polished and the person can’t tell. That’s not a knock on the client but just goes to show what’s important to different people

[@mhonella]

Thank you for the informative video. Thinking about ceramic coat for my 2023 Vette and worry that polishing might do more damage than good. Great to hear the honest opinions of a professional.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

If you’re happy with the way the paint looks it’s not required. If you need some areas addressed (I’ve had to do that before on 2023), so long as the person knows what they’re doing it will be fine!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I know this is an older comment but one thing I’ve seen is that most C8 coupes have suction cup marks in the paint above the back glass

[@videomaniac108]

I brought my nearly new black Nissan 370Z to a detailer to have it polished and coated. All I can say is that there was a night and day difference in the level of gloss and depth and clarity of the clearcoat, with the underlying pearlescent base coat shimmering more noticeably. There were three stages of polishing done, with the final stage being a jeweling polish with a very fine grit abrasive. Clearcoat thickness measurements done before and after showed very little clearcoat being taken off, since there were no major defects to polish out. I was more than satisfied with the result and would say to anybody who has the money and who wants his car to look this way to consider going to a good experienced detailer to discuss expectations and options.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Yes but you noticed and cared. I never said don’t ever do polishing. I said go with what a client wants. Frankly most cars do not need three steps. People use it to brag about we do a three step but it’s not necessarily a better result it primarily needed if the paint is soft and the previous step still left micro marring from the polish.

[@videomaniac108]

​@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatingsI did not say, nor imply, that you said one should never polish a clearcoat before having it coated. My point was that there can be a benefit to it, if that is what one wants and is willing to spend the money to achieve it. As you said, it may not be viewed as necessary by most people; it's certainly not cheap. My installer forewarned me about the peculiarities of the clearcoat on my particular car and how that would require special steps to ensure that the clearcoat wouldn't be overheated during polishing. I would say that one should do some research on the pros and cons of polishing and then have some realistic expectations based on that and what a good detailer tells you.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@videomaniac108 there are no “special steps” required to ensure the “clearcoat doesn’t overheat” outside of just knowing what you’re doing with polishing in general. I would caution listening to some of these “detailers” that upsell people either to get more money or because they don’t know what they’re doing.

[@videomaniac108]

I researched the problems in polishing the Nissan 'Scratch Shield' clearcoat, a soft self-healing clearcoat, on some auto detailing forums after I was alerted to it by the installer. He used the same method that had been used by other experienced polishers, draping terry towels soaked in ice water to harden the clearcoat just before polishing a particular panel and limiting the polishing time to reduce overheating. The person who did the polishing had been recommended to me be a well-known detailer in the industry. He also has an impressive clientele, with many very high-value cars. So, I trusted him and was not disappointed with the result. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, only relating my positive experience with a professional installer who did a very good job on my car.@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

⁠@@videomaniac108they may have done a good job and I’m glad you were satisfied with the outcome. But many Z cars later, it sounds like it was over complicated

[@johnrod90jr]

I've been pondering on this subject is trying to upsell the ceramic and correct the clear coat when a customer does not know the difference between the clear coat when I know that the ceramic company is making a profit selling the kit they don't have to do anything but you have to do all the dirty work and they get all the credit and earnings.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I’ve shown people look how bad the swirls are and they say I don’t see them. So why bother polishing

[@johnrod90jr]

Yes sir I've been doing this for 30 years people don't know the difference between a car wash and a detail you start a detail and you finish washing the car customer comes outside and they say it looks good already and that is just the pre-clean they say to your why I am killing my self when the customer does know the difference.

[@bluestonemetallic7]

…at the end of the day, it really depends on the condition of the vehicle. If the paintwork is in great condition/shape, then polishing would not be necessary and considered a waste of time/money.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

100% agree and it also depends on what the client wants?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

*wants! What do you think

[@bluestonemetallic7]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings …in general, if a customer can save a buck or two, it’s all good. Unless, a customer is very particular about his/her vehicle, then he/she will spend the extra money for the overall coating project. I just don’t like the so-called pros telling folks you “have or need to” do this ‘n do that even though the vehicle is showroom condition.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@@bluestonemetallic7 yep I agree 100%

[@petedetraglia4776]

Would you paint over bad body work??? Cause the client may not know or care...Same question should be asked about the clear coat cause once a good long last ceramic coat goes down it can take double the time to fix and recoat ceramic...Sometimes the detailer knows better than the client because when it look like shit aftewards they are going to want their money back and you wasted your time along with risking your business reputation...That is more important to me....

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

The issue you are describing ends up being about expectation and setting realistic goals with your client.

[@randyredman2427]

Can honestly say really good video and hit the points always questioned. Really it's what the customer wants. Most mine want some defects removed and I even spot wet-sand. But I always do a quick enhancement as takes about an hour. Really this ensures me the leftover wax or whatever is removed and brings out some defects. My go to is LC blue pad on Rupes Mark2 with 3D ACA520. But like you mentioned prep IS the key as this process is followed by Meguiars Surface Prep. Then coating it is. But defect removal is ego driven and there's customers that don't care as you stated. They may just want the ease of maintenance. Key is and always is "what are your concerns with your vehicle". Then we solve that problem.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Most of our jobs are polish first jobs as well! It’s whatever they want

[@Dad_at_50]

Been coating for years and I disagree .. must be my ego 😂

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

You got four points you can tackle!

[@Dad_at_50]

Jesus dude I can’t get past 4:00 I actually listened to Joe Biden’s press conference longer .. the money grab is what you are doing you hack .

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

What money grab?

[@tojieb4153]

Correcting the paint a polishing are two different things. Polish makes things shine. If I get a new vehicle that doesn't need correction I use at least a finishing polish. I do a panel wipe after every polish with new car solvent. Do you need to polish before applying ceramic? No. It's your name on the finished product that's why I polish every vehicle I coat.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Having your name on it is one of the things I talk about actually

[@boxoffisa]

Do you polish before coating?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Are you asking me or him?

[@anthonydinoto3812]

are you saying that all the products I have bought to make a car look good from various, is a waste of money and time

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

When did I say that

[@Tommaso77777]

Yes, a little common sense goes a long way! Honesty appreciated!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Absolutely! Best to be honest and do what the client (or yourself) needs not force everyone to get something they might not need

[@Tommaso77777]

Im just learning after 56 years, & my terminally sick Father told me to not compound & polish his car. Glad I listened, and didn't do it. Thank's for the reinforcement 🙏@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@menemenetekel9997 it might need it or it might not but that’s up to you!

[@Tommaso77777]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings

[@virajparikh4016]

I’m about to buy a new car, it’s white. I was thinking of ceramic coating. I love that someone actually says what I was thinking. For a new car, why do I need to clay bar before ceramic. I saw that you recommended Q2M prep. So would I wash, then use Q2M prep, then ceramic?? What ceramic do you recommend for my white car?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I actually use acrysol for a panel prep most times now but any solvent based prep should be fine for you. You could clay the car especially if the paint feels rough still after washing. I would suggest using an iron and fallout remover and agitating it especially on a light colored car as embedded iron particles from the rail or factory will show rust (not the rust you’re thinking but just those particles). If you search for sb3 ready on my channel you’ll find my video. I would wash. Iron. Prep. Ceramic. At a minimum if your paint doesn’t feel rough. For an easy to apply coating you can buy as a consumer i would pick up some American detailer garage venom 3 year. Search for that on my channel and it will show you how to apply.

[@user-gb5vi9qs2t]

What do you use to ensure there is no wax or sealant on the paint and glass? I've found that oftenpaint prep isn't enough to remove it

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Acrysol

[@chaitanyasamardhi8495]

Thank you for a genuine video.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I try to make good content that people enjoy!

[@randomhobbyist99]

Great video, planning on coating my leased wrangler but didn’t want to polished it. Just want to make it easier to clean since it’s just a daily family hauler.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Yep. Just make sure you get a good panel prep spray such as sb3 ready or meguiars m122 to make sure the surface is prepped. You can find videos on how to apply ceramic on my channel

[@randomhobbyist99]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings thank you I’ll definitely check those out.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

They’re meant for pro coatings you can’t get consumer but the idea is similar

[@randomhobbyist99]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings yea seems pretty tough finding a 6-9oz bottle of the Meguiar's M122 Surface Prep. Only can find in large quantities

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Hi Eric try this amzn.to/45TOzQI

[@swashtv3639]

I have a client scheduled in a few days with a 96 BLACK Porsche boxter. He doesn’t want to pay for the paint correction, just wants the protection from ceramic. But I’m worried if I clay bar, I’ll have to polish afterwards and take that 2 hour hit. My guestion is, should I clay if I’m not polishing after, or don’t clay either? This is my first time doing a ceramic coating and not polishing beforehand.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Hi, me personally I wouldn’t often clay a black car without polishing. You can explain that you think the car could benefit from a clay bar but even with a less aggressive clay is likely to leave some marring. You can also show them in an inconspicuous area to see. At the end of the day if I’m ever in a spot where I disagree with a client’s decision personally I try to present them options with the pros and cons of each and give them the freedom to decide. At the end of the day if they still don’t want it I would do a good decon, solvent prep, and potentially some American detailer garage f bomb pre treatment before washing and call it good

[@edwardospells7477]

What about if the paint is in really nice condition and doesn’t need polishing but has a 6month ceramic coating cheap one added a year ago . Has the faded enough so I can just wash then add panel prep before adding a new ceramic coating ? Thankyou

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

It depends. Is it still performing at all?

[@rustyshaklferd1897]

Most ceramic coatings Iv used or seen recommend isopropyl alcohol wipe down. If that’s not sufficient what is? Acetone? Xylene? Toluene?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Solvent based panel prep

[@dakohtagaskin9647]

Just bought a new white Tundra, I was thinking about doing Ceramic to make it easier to clean. Any prep recommendations such as clay bar?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Is it brand new?

[@dakohtagaskin9647]

Yes, brand new.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@dakohtagaskin9647 I would decontaminate the paint with iron and fallout remover and maybe a clay towel at a minimum

[@dakohtagaskin9647]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings any suggestions for products? Was looking at chemical guys website.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Remove iron & fallout with Undrdog Purps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCQdJaCYtBmgZI

[@AndySantiago-yd5lh]

What kind of polish you recommend ?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I use Sonax cut and finish the most

[@MrFlingtoe]

Is using rubbing compound the same as using a clay bar? They seem to have the same effect. Just curious before I do anything

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

It’s not the same

[@arwin9645]

Sir that means we no need do polishing .Just straight apply ceramic coating after washing?. I am new to car detailing .Pls guide me sir

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

It’s not physically required no. You do need a panel prep spray though

[@arwin9645]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings Ok Sir..Thank you So Much Sir for the info ☺️

[@PerfectionsDetail]

While I respect everyones opinion, point 1 through 3 I'm one person that can definitely prove to you and all your viewers this information is incorrect. On video for anyone to see basic science that anyone can understand and be 100% able to pick up on camera the facts. I love that people put out content but when it's damaging to our industry I'd love to help educate all and seeing you're only 180ish miles from me I'd love to come visit and make a part 2 to this video. Point 4 is 100% fact and in general the cause of most "failures". Please let me know if you'd like to get together sometime. You can drill me with 1000's of questions live and I'd be more than happy to help educate our industry.

[@Dad_at_50]

180ish miles .. he’s a couple towns over from me. Like 20 miles , and he is in the same coating company as I am . Like close enough where customer would more then likely price shop us

[@PerfectionsDetail]

@@Dad_at_50 you're more than welcome to come watch and learn in person as well if he's ok with it. All I want is our industry moving forward together putting out factual information. We can discuss any subject detailing related.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Plenty of cars on the road, where is your shop? I vaguely remember Lampasas. I can send you people if we get too full!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@life of detailer despite you calling me a hack 😉 no harm no foul on my end

[@Cesar_Smiles]

Hey I have a question & I hope you can get to it as fast as possible. I’m getting a brand new car tomorrow, and I research the process to ceramic coating, I believe I can do it myself, but everywhere I see people say you have to polish your car to get a shiny look, is this the case for a brand new car??

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Depends if you’re satisfied with the way it looks

[@Cesar_Smiles]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings how would I go about polishing my car? Should I hand polish it or do I need a machine? And if so, is there a video you can refer me to?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@Cesar_Smiles I would suggest a machine but I don’t have how to videos on how to polish

[@Jassi23K]

Im thinking about applying can coat evo on my car without claying and polishing. I will wash thouroughly and do a wipedown. Is this ok to do or will the can coat evo not protect the car well enough?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

I’m not familiar with that specific coating but ensure you use a solvent based panel prep

[@johnfreeman440]

I'm not sure what advantages using Can Coat EVO really holds over using a quality 3 year bottled ceramic coating. EVO has a service life of +-6 mo. so you are reapplying often. A quality coating like DIY Detail 3 year Graphene ceramic coating and many similar products hit the same $59.99 pricepoint but will provide roughly 3+ years of protection and be more water spot resistant with the additional graphene found in the formulation. There is a slightly increased install time because you do level the coating instead of wipe and leave like the Can Coat, but not really more difficult than wax application at the end of the day.

[@jont5320]

Great video! How would you remove all the wax or sealant on the paint if you don't polish?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Acrysol

[@jont5320]

Thanks for answering! Greatly appreciated

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@jont5320 absolutely

[@johnlanore599]

Hey question, if the customer doesnt want a buffing job but wants m27 ceramic sealant should I atleast panel prep to get the most longjevity out of the product? I am sure I know the answer would just like the reassurance. lol Thanks in advance. Also after a 24hr cure could I top the meguires m27 with touchless from mirror finish its a foam cannon applied ceramic sealant? Would it bond since there both a ceramic sealant product? Thanks again..

[@johnlanore599]

Grest video btw!!!

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Hi john. I would always do a panel prep if you can just to ensure it works as long as possible. I’m not as familiar with what you can top m27 with but what I would say is I typically tell clients not to wash their vehicle for about a week following our ceramic coating offerings just to ensure it has time to fully harden.

[@johnlanore599]

ok thanks, Mcguires says to let cure 24hrs after removing the sealant from paint. I appreciate your input..

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Feel free - if you want to polish, to check out this video on some of our polishing products we like to use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4eblJ9nd5injtksi=Yf6I8r1WhJ_KVczO

[@carljackson6942]

I got a new 2024 Chevy Camaro Panther collectors edition it has black metallic trim coat paint on it. I want to ceramic coat it, would you polish it first

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

How do you feel about the paint currently?

[@carljackson6942]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings the paint is pretty sharp, I use some cheap ceramic spray when I bought it a month ago and it’s pretty slick I did some hand buffing on some paint issues I found before I sprayed it. I’m going to get some better lighting in my garage. I went over it with a light and fixed what I found. I will do it again before putting ceramic on it. I thought about doing a light polish to enhance the shine before coating it.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Yeah that never hurts but I would use a machine especially on black

[@carljackson6942]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings The car has matte stripes on it should I tape the up after I’ve done all the prep work and before ceramic coating it?

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@carljackson6942 don’t polish the stripes for sure but if you’re just going to ceramic coat you can coat right over them

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Product links: Flex PXE80: bit.ly/3HUU46T Lake Country Blue HDO foam pads: bit.ly/4bA6Jtq Rupes claw tool: bit.ly/3w9wFvL Meguiars M110 Ultra Pro Speed Compound: bit.ly/49uNkbK Meguiars M210 Ultra Pro Finishing Polish: bit.ly/3uwKhRl Meguiars M122 Surface Prep Spray: bit.ly/3SBUoMQ ScanGrip Matchpen R inspection light: bit.ly/3SRBW45 ScanGrip Multimatch 8 larger inspection light: bit.ly/3SSdtvm Get discounts by signing up to Detail Wise (paid for itself with my first order, anywhere from 10-25% off based on level, 10-15% on average): bit.ly/4byt1fi

[@arnoldbriddle9698]

I call BS. Polishing always makes paint look better even on a brand new vehicle. Of course you want to protect and maintain the gloss you produced for the customer. Coating over swirls and scratches is stupid IMO. Defects will be more pronounced. The thing to remember is don't believe everything you see on youtube or FB.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Clients don’t always know, OR care

[@arnoldbriddle9698]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings Yes but you know. It's all about integrity.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

@arnoldbriddle9698 it’s not about integrity. If I go into a restaurant with an ala carte menu and say I just want a steak with no sides they don’t bring me a bunch of free sides Some clients don’t care. They have a white work vehicle that they just want to be able to spray off easily. They don’t care if it’s swirled

[@arnoldbriddle9698]

@@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings You've got a point but what would you advise if someone came in with a 2023 Jag that was swirled up? Would you tell them it doesn't need polishing? If they decide not to then it's on them. I 've had that happen and they were not happy with the results.

[@mindfulseconds21]

You just fell into point 1 being ego lol. If the client knows it has swirls but they don’t care about that, all they want is ease of maintenance then why force them towards a correction all that’s going to do is push them away from your business.

[@gnomesdetailingllc]

Lmao

[@MarkasTZM]

Great Info. Looking for advice on a DIY ceramic coating on a new Toyota in 3 stage Pearl White. Was planning on wash rust remover, clay bar, and panel wipe but prefer not to machine polish my new paint. I'm wondering if there could be any benefit from a light hand polish with some particular product, perhaps wax/oil free, that would be relatively easy and risk free. Would do a proper ipa wash after of course, but I would only want to use a polish that added few if any oils and waxes. Better not to add them at all. Or, if I found any defects in a panel what polish would you recommend to be used by hand on this new vehicle? I think I'm leaning to just leaving well enough alone and not polishing at all after viewing this video. Finish should be more than adequate for my daily driver so why add stuff after a successful clay bar leaves a smooth surface.

[@HarkerHeightsCeramicCoatings]

Yeah. So this what I would suggest. 1. Use iron remover while it’s still dry so the water doesn’t prevent it from attaching. So either wash and dry or make sure it’s dry 2. Agitate the iron or not depending how bad 3. Clay if you want but I would use a mild clay if you don’t plan to polish 4. Skip hand polishing in my opinion. Determine if you need to machine polish or just skip it based on your personal feelings about the condition of the paint. 5. If you polish, or not, use a solvent based panel prep such as sb3 ready vs isopropyl alcohol wipe down it will be more effective