How To Apply Ceramic Coating To Dodge Charger?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 30, 2023

Every Dodge Charger owner aims to have their car always looking pristine, like it just rolled off the showroom floor. But as with all things, age and wear can take their toll on the Charger's once-flawless finish.

The Charger's paint can be compromised by a plethora of factors - tiny dings from road debris, unintended scrapes, and the relentless elements like rain, snow, and hail. To keep your Charger looking its best, consistent maintenance is key.

One of the most effective ways to extend the vibrancy and durability of your Charger's paint is the application of ceramic coatings.

Dive into this article to learn more about this technique and its benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• Ceramic coating is an advanced protective layer, offering enhanced shielding for the Dodge Charger against environmental adversaries, surpassing traditional waxes.
• Applying ceramic coating ensures protection from UV radiation, chemical pollutants, minor abrasions, and water, all while maintaining a sleek, glossy look.
• To get the best out of ceramic coatings, it's essential to thoroughly clean the car, potentially using a clay-bar treatment, apply the product correctly, and give it adequate time to set.
• Post-application, the Charger should be kept in a shaded, enclosed area for 24 hours. Refrain from washing the car for 3-4 weeks to let the coating cure completely.

What is ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is the next big thing in car paint protection. It's a potent compound designed to safeguard the Dodge Charger's exterior from potential harm. While conventional waxes and sealants offer some degree of protection, ceramic coatings take it to another level.

What exactly is ceramic coating? Think of it as a unique chemical solution applied in liquid form that, once dried, creates a super thin yet robust protective layer on your Charger's exterior.

This revolutionary product protects the Charger from the harmful effects of UV rays, bird deposits, road grime, and more.

What's more, a ceramic coating ensures your vehicle remains pristine, come rain or shine.

Unlike the periodic reapplication required by traditional waxes, a ceramic coat is a one-and-done deal, offering lasting benefits, saving both time and money.

Why ceramic coating your Dodge Charger is a wise decision?

While many Charger owners might consider ceramic coatings for aesthetics, its benefits go beyond just looks. This coating offers a formidable defense mechanism for your car, enhancing its longevity.

Compared to alternatives like waxes, ceramic coatings offer a far superior protective barrier against dirt and scratches.

Here are some compelling reasons to ceramic coat your Dodge Charger:

• UV Protection: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the Charger's paint to fade and look dull. UV rays can even lead to cracking and peeling of the paint, exposing the underlying metal to potential corrosion. Ceramic coatings act as a shield against this.
• Defense Against Chemicals: Our environment is laden with chemicals. From road salts in the winter to exhaust fumes and even the very air around us, all can adversely affect your Charger's exterior. A ceramic coat can act as a barrier against these chemical agents.
• Guard Against Minor Abrasions: No one likes to see their Charger with little nicks, bugs, or random scratches. While ceramic coatings can't stop bigger impacts, they do an excellent job warding off these minor nuisances.
• Water-Repellant: The hydrophobic nature of ceramic coatings ensures water beads off your Charger rather than sticking to its surface.
• Brilliant Shine: A ceramic-coated Charger not only gets protection but also boasts a mirror-like shine, revamping its overall look.

Selecting the Right Ceramic Coating for Your Dodge Charger

Ceramic coatings, by and large, have similar compositions. The differences lie mainly in the brand reputation, reviews, and price-quality ratio. For best results, rely on the collective experience of fellow enthusiasts to pinpoint the top contenders in the market.

While some ceramic products can shield a Dodge Charger for as long as three years, others might lose their luster in less than twelve months. Thus, it's wise to choose a reputable brand with a trail of positive feedback.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating

The Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating offers a sophisticated shield for the Dodge Charger, ensuring prolonged cleanliness and shine.

This ceramic formulation lays down a transparent barrier on the Charger's finish, ensuring durability for the long haul.

It offers prime resistance against UV radiation, rain, dirt, and debris, meaning you'll be admiring a reflective finish without frequent reapplications.

With Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating, your Dodge Charger will maintain that showroom shine.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating 

The Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating provides unmatched protection against harsh elements. With its robust formulation, it offers a sheen that rivals a mirror's reflection.

This product offers a formidable shield against UV rays, bird droppings, pebbles, road grime, and more.

It ensures that your Charger's paint job remains clear and vibrant for a considerable duration.

What's more, Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating is a hassle-free solution, with no need for recurrent applications.

Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating

The Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating shines when you're aiming for top-notch brilliance and long-term protection for your Dodge Charger.

This premium ceramic spray creates a resilient barrier that fights off challenges like scratches, swirl marks, and fading.

With this product, your Charger will retain its fresh-off-the-lot appearance for an extended period.

Dive into the capabilities of this ceramic spray and safeguard your vehicle's aesthetic allure.

Migliore Strata Coating

The Migliore Strata Coating is more than just surface-level shine—it's a robust shield for your Charger. It efficiently guards against UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and other contaminants, ensuring a flawless paint finish.

Choose Migliore Strata Coating for long-lasting protection that minimizes the need for frequent detailing, letting you cruise in style.

Renegade Graphene Spray Coating

The Renegade Graphene Spray Coating strikes a balance between lasting protection and sustainable application. This eco-friendly ceramic coating not only adds a glossy finish but also stands up to dirt and contaminants.

With Renegade Graphene Spray Coating, your Dodge Charger won't just look good—it'll also have a reduced carbon footprint.

Mastering the Ceramic Coating Process for Dodge Charger

Ceramic coating may seem straightforward, but every Dodge Charger owner should note the intricacies involved. A slip-up won't harm your Charger's paint, but could leave a less-than-perfect ceramic finish.

Uneven areas or gaps may appear, detracting from the Charger's stellar looks. Meticulous adherence to instructions ensures a flawless outcome.

Attribute	Details
Difficulty	4/10
Duration	4 hours of application, 24 hours to set
Hands needed	1-4

Essential Supplies:

• Paper towels;
• Microfiber car cloth;
• Microfiber application sponge;
• A bucket of water;
• Performance car shampoo;
• Ceramic coating suited for Charger.

Precise Cleaning: Dodge Charger’s First Step

Initiating with a detailed wash sets the stage for a successful ceramic application. Lather your Charger with foam, allow it to sit momentarily, then rinse thoroughly.

Deep-rooted grime can be tackled with gentle microfiber sponge action. For more insights on pristine Charger cleaning, consider this in-depth guide.

Addressing the Charger's Blemishes (optional)

Remember, ceramics shield against new threats but won't erase existing scars. To truly showcase your Charger's design, tackle pre-existing blemishes before coating.

Suggested steps:

• Opt for professional polishing;
• Touch up any body imperfections;
• Smooth out any dents.

Discover techniques for addressing Charger scratches right here.

Clay Bar Treatment for the Charger (optional)

Standard washing won't always achieve the deep-clean a Charger deserves. Persistent contaminants can linger, potentially marring the ceramic finish down the road.

Employing a clay bar can lift these stubborn particles, ensuring your Charger's body is pristine and ready for coating. This method gently lifts off pollutants like road grime, tar, or tree sap.

Clay-barring not only ensures a clean Charger surface but paves the way for the next protective layer, be it wax or ceramic coating.

For a comprehensive guide on clay barring your Charger, visit this resource.

Applying Ceramic Spray to the Charger

Typically, a ceramic spray will come with its own application tool, like a cloth or brush. We'd suggest sticking to that if it's included.

If, however, nothing is provided in your kit, you might consider:

• Microfiber cloth;
• A cloth made of coarse fabric;
• A gentle car-specific sponge;

We'd advise against immediately applying the product directly onto the Charger's body.

For one, you could end up with unsightly stains or paint speckles.

Furthermore, there's a chance that the ceramic might harden before you spread it across the entire surface, forcing you to remove and redo the entire layer.

Set the Ceramic Coating and Wait

Once you've applied the product, give it a minute or so—roughly 60-90 seconds—to settle and start showing its qualities.

Buff Away Residual Product with a Microfiber Cloth

There's likely to be some remaining polish on the car. Gently go over the area with a microfiber cloth to get rid of it.

Ensure you've removed all the excess polish to avoid leaving marks. Remember, you're aiming for a glossy, polished Charger, not a streaky one.

Repeat the Process for Every Section of Your Dodge Charger

Treating one area is just the beginning. Each part of your Charger requires similar care. Depending on your Charger's size and condition, the time commitment will vary—though, on average, you're looking at about 4-6 hours. Invest the time, and your Charger will thank you for it with a sleek finish.

Allow the Ceramic Coating to Fully Harden

You've done the hard part. Now, it's a waiting game. While the ceramic begins to set within minutes of application, it truly solidifies over 24 hours.

During this period, it's best to store your Charger in a cool, dark environment, away from the elements. This ensures no external factors compromise the integrity of the fresh ceramic layer.

Patience is key here. The end result will be well worth the wait.

Hold Off on Washing Your Charger Post-Ceramic Application

Yes, there's more waiting. While your Charger is good to hit the road in 24 hours, the ceramic takes longer to fully set—typically, around 3-4 weeks.

During this time, it's advised to steer clear of washing your Charger. Certain chemicals in soaps or the force of the water can potentially harm the fresh ceramic coat. But with the new ceramic coat, your Charger will be more resistant to dirt and grime, meaning less frequent washes are required.

If you're itching to wash your Charger, you might consider waiting at least 1.5 to 2 weeks, but always refer to the product's guidelines. Just remember, proceed with caution.