A ceramic coating is only as good as the prep beneath it and the application above it. Miss the prep and the coating bonds to polishing oil instead of bare paint — and fails prematurely. Apply too thick, work too slow, or skip the wipe-off window and you get high spots that require correction or full removal. Getting all of that right starts with having the right materials on hand in one complete, professional kit.
The CeraMaKote Kit from Polishing Systems Inc is a complete starter system for SiO2-based ceramic coating application. Everything in the kit is selected to work together — coating, applicator, and finishing towels — so the process from panel wipe to final leveling follows a consistent, repeatable protocol. Available alongside the full ceramic coating product lineup at Polishing Systems Inc.
What the CeraMaKote Kit Contains
The CeraMaKote Kit includes the SiO2-based ceramic coating solution, ceramic-lined applicator pads for controlled coating distribution, and professional microfiber towels for leveling and high-spot removal. The kit is sized for a complete one-vehicle application — appropriate for a first-time professional application or a single-vehicle DIY project.
Key Features and Why They Matter
- SiO2 ceramic chemistry — forms a hard, cross-linked silica matrix on paint that is significantly more durable and hydrophobic than wax or paint sealant. The coating repels water, contaminants, and UV with measurable performance over wax or sealant alternatives.
- Complete kit format — no sourcing applicators separately or improvising with the wrong towel. Everything needed for one correct application is included.
- Ceramic-lined applicator pads — designed to apply the coating in thin, even passes rather than heavy, uneven layers that are difficult to level.
- Professional leveling towels — the correct microfiber weight for removing coating flash and leveling the product before it cures.
- Works on paint, gel coat, glass, and trim — one kit covers the full exterior on a car or boat.
What This Kit Is NOT For
Ceramic coating is not a scratch-filler, a compound, or a polish. The paint surface must be fully corrected and decontaminated before coating application — ceramic locks in whatever finish is underneath it. This kit does not include compound or polish. Use Body Prep as your final IPA wipe before coating application. Do not apply over wax, sealant, or uncured polish oils.
Who Uses This
Professional detailers adding ceramic coating to their service menu will use the CeraMaKote Kit as their entry-level offering. DIY enthusiasts who have paint-corrected their own vehicle and want a multi-year protection solution. Marine owners protecting gel coat on freshly compounded boat hulls and topsides. RV owners protecting fiberglass roofs and sidewalls.
How to Apply the CeraMaKote Kit
- Correct the paint: Compound and polish to the desired finish level before coating. Ceramic locks in existing defects — correction must happen first.
- Decontaminate: Clay bar or iron remover to remove bonded surface contamination.
- IPA wipe: Wipe all panels with Body Prep or IPA solution to remove all polish oil residue. Coating will not bond over oil.
- Apply coating: Apply a few drops to the ceramic-lined applicator block. Spread in a crosshatch pattern — one panel at a time.
- Allow to flash: Wait 1-3 minutes (temperature-dependent) until the coating begins to flash and rainbow.
- Level and wipe: Use the included leveling towel to remove excess product before it cures. Work panel by panel.
- Cure: Keep vehicle dry for 24-48 hours minimum. Full hardness develops over 7-14 days.
Why Buy a Kit vs. Sourcing Components Separately
The coating, applicator, and towel in a matched kit are calibrated to work together. Improvised applicators apply too much product; wrong-weight towels drag through the flash window instead of leveling cleanly. The CeraMaKote Kit removes that guesswork for first-time applicators and detailers entering the ceramic service space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vehicles does one CeraMaKote Kit cover?
The kit is sized for one complete vehicle application — a full-size sedan or SUV. Smaller vehicles (motorcycle tanks, coupe roofs) may allow partial-second coverage. For multi-vehicle use or larger surfaces, order additional coating solution and applicator pads separately.
Do I need to polish before applying the CeraMaKote ceramic coating?
Yes — if there are any swirl marks, water spots, or oxidation visible, those defects must be corrected before coating. Ceramic coatings are transparent and will preserve whatever finish — good or bad — is underneath. The kit does not include compound or polish.
How long does CeraMaKote protection last?
CeraMaKote is a starter-grade ceramic coating that provides approximately 12-24 months of ceramic-level hydrophobic protection under normal driving conditions with regular maintenance washing. Longevity depends on environmental exposure, washing method, and whether a ceramic maintenance spray is used between detail cycles.
Can I apply CeraMaKote on marine gel coat?
Yes — SiO2 ceramic coatings are effective on gel coat surfaces that have been properly compounded, polished, and decontaminated. Marine applications benefit from ceramic’s UV resistance and hydrophobic surface, which reduces hull staining from algae and waterline deposits.
What is the temperature range for application?
Apply in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, out of direct sunlight. High temperatures shorten the flash window, making high-spot removal more difficult. Low temperatures extend cure time. Always work in a shaded, climate-controlled space when possible.
