Below are the general install instructions from Ceramic Pro. The process has been slightly modified for superior results.
The system includes two products: ION Base Coat and ION Top Coat. Both components must be applied to activate the system's full features and ensure maximum protection.
COMPATIBLE SURFACES
Car paint, glass, plastic, metal, rubber, polished and chrome surfaces, and non-absorbing textiles.
PRODUCT CONSUMPTION
1ml per 30x30cm (12x12”)
On average, a standard 50 ml bottle of ION Base Coat is sufficient for two complete layers on a medium-sized sedan.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
• Store between 5-25°C (41-77°F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of fire.
• Always store the product in an upright position. Do not turn it upside down. The shelf life of sealed products is 2 years.
• Once opened, securely close the bottle to prevent air entry. It is advised to use up an opened bottle as soon as possible, especially if only 50% or less of the product remains.
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WORKING CONDITIONS
The application of Ceramic Pro ION should take place indoors at 25°C (77°F) with 60-70% humidity in a clean, dust-free, well-ventilated room with good lighting. The use of air conditioning and air filtering systems is highly recommended to ensure an ideal environment for application.
SAFETY MEASURES
Although Ceramic Pro ION is not hazardous, it is recommended to wear protective gloves, goggles, and a respirator during the application process. Ensure easy access to clean tap water.
TOOLS AND EXPENDABLES
Depending on the application method, you may need the following tools: Ceramic Pro Cleaner, Ceramic Pro Nano-Primer, buffing pads, a polishing machine, an application pad or spray gun, an IR curing lamp, fresh regular microfiber towels for cleaning, fresh blue microfiber towels for application, fresh orange microfiber towels for wiping, automotive masking tape, a stopwatch, and a flashlight. For convenience and to avoid accidental damage to car surfaces, keep all your tools and materials on a tool trolley.
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SURFACE PREPARATION
Surface preparation is a mandatory step before coating application! Most surfaces require only cleaning, but car paint also requires the application of Ceramic Pro Nano-Primer to enhance the results.
Cleaning
• The surface must be defect-free and thoroughly washed using Ceramic Pro Cleaner or a solvent-based product to remove all contaminants such as dirt, bugs, tree sap, tar, water spots, and fingerprints.
• Ceramic Pro Cleaner is preferred as Isopropyl alcohol will not thoroughly remove all oils or polish residues.
• Apply Ceramic Pro Cleaner on microfiber towels rather than directly on the surface. Always use fresh, clean microfiber towels for cleaning and wiping.
• After washing and cleaning, ensure the surface is completely dry.
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PRODUCT APPLICATION
The primary goal of applying Ceramic Pro ION is to create a thick layer of coating on the surface. All methods, tools, and materials used are specifically developed and chosen to maximize the chances of achieving this objective.
APPLOCATION METHODS:
Applicator pad
• Recommended for those new to using Ceramic Pro ION.
• Pour about 20 drops of the product on the applicator pad.
• Apply the product using circular and zigzag motions without applying pressure.
• Work on small segments (about 60 x 60 cm), especially if you are inexperienced with Ceramic Pro ION.
• Ensure no spots are missed.
Spray gun
• This method requires special skills and experience, making it more suitable for high-level specialists.
• Fill the spray gun’s cup with enough product.
• Apply the product in a cross-hatch pattern, ensuring the segments overlap.
• Be cautious not to miss any spots.
Wiping
• Begin wiping 30-60 seconds after application, using the BLUE microfiber towel. If the ambient temperature is above 25°C, start wiping immediately after application.
• Use quick, intensive circular motions initially, then transition to wider movements from side to side of the coated segment.
• Repeat the procedure using the same side of the microfiber until all residue is fully removed.
• Use the ORANGE microfiber towel for the final finish. Lightly wipe the surface until it becomes perfectly glossy. Use the flashlight to check for roughness, swirls, and blurred parts. Repeat the process if necessary.
ADDING LAYERS
Unlike the 9H generation, Ceramic Pro ION Base Coat allows the addition of layers once it is fully dried. More specifically, a fully dried layer of ION Base Coat forms special connector-shaped structures out of particles that allow the next layer to merge with the existing one.
This feature adds flexibility to the application process. You can apply a layer of ION Base Coat, leave it, and return to apply the next layer at a convenient time, ensuring that the previous layer has fully dried. Accelerating the process with IR lamps is highly recommended while working with Ceramic Pro ION.
CURING OF ION BASE COAT
When the application and wiping of the coating are complete, cure the coating with IR lamps. Although not mandatory, this greatly improves the efficiency of the application and saves time.
• Heat the surface to 40°C and cure for 30 minutes. This should be sufficient to complete the process. You can then proceed to the next layer of ION Base Coat.
• If IR lamps are not used, drying at 25°C will take 45-50 minutes. Drying at lower temperatures will take even longer, over 60 minutes at 10°C.
•Once the application of the final layer of ION Base Coat is complete, allow it to dry for 2 hours at 20-30°C. Alternatively, use IR lamps to heat the surface to 60°C and finish curing within an hour.
APPLICATION OF ION TOP COAT
It is necessary to apply ION Top Coat to initiate the ion exchange reaction and unlock the maximum potential of Ceramic Pro ION.
• Apply ION Top Coat using the same method as for the ION Base Coat.
• Once the application is complete, heat the surface to 60°C for two hours. Afterward, let the surface naturally cool down to ambient temperature.
• Alternatively, curing at 25-30°C will take up to 8-10 hours.
Suggested combinations (packages)
2 layers of ION Base Coat + 1 layer of ION Top Coat
4 layers of ION Base Coat + 1 layer of ION Top Coat
FINISHING THE APPLICATION
Once the curing of the ION Top Coat is complete, the coating needs an additional 72 hours to undergo chemical processes and reach a fully-cured state. During this time, any contact with water and liquids must be strictly avoided. Water droplets will form spots that can only be removed by hard polishing and re-application of Ceramic Pro ION.
Install instructions above have been extrapolated from the official Ceramic Pro website below.