How To Apply Ceramic Coating To Ford Explorer?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 4, 2023

For anyone who's taken pride in their Ford Explorer, there's an undeniable satisfaction in seeing it gleam as though it's just rolled off the production line. Yet, we must reluctantly accept that nothing is truly everlasting. Over time, that polished shine diminishes, and unsightly blemishes start to form, marring the beauty of the Ford Explorer.

From the sporadic pebble ricocheting off the road to the inclement surprises British weather tends to throw our way - rain, snow, and hail - it's a constant battle to keep the Explorer's paint in its prime. Yet, with a bit of dedication and the right tools, one can uphold its regal appearance.

The fashionable talk of the motoring town? Ceramics. Regularly adding a ceramic touch to the bodywork of the Ford Explorer has become the in-thing for longevity of the paint.

Stay with me, and you'll soon be well-versed in the magic of ceramics and their motoring applications.

Key Considerations:

• When you think of ceramics, perhaps you envision a lovely teapot. Yet, in the car world, ceramic coating is a formidable chemical agent that stands tall against environmental wear, leaving typical waxes in its dust.
• It's not just about looking dapper. Ceramic coating safeguards against UV rays, nasty pollutants, minor mishaps, and even the British drizzle, all whilst serving up a glossy finish.
• To get it just right, there's a bit of a process: thorough cleaning of the Explorer's exterior, possibly some clay-bar action, accurate product application, and a good old wait for the coating to set.
• Post-application, you'd do well to tuck the Explorer away in a dim, sheltered spot for a day, and resist the urge to give it a splash for about a month, ensuring the coat sets perfectly.

The Ceramics Explained

Ceramic coating isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a monumental shift in car paint protection. It's leaps and bounds ahead of your everyday waxes and sealants. It's like comparing a Sunday roast to a sandwich - both serve a purpose, but one's clearly superior.

What exactly is this ceramic coating? Well, in layman's terms, it's a chemical concoction that, when applied, dries and forms a resilient film over the body of the Ford Explorer.

This protective layer keeps your Explorer shielded from the elements – UV rays, those pesky bird marks, and the general grime of the open road.

And what's even more delightful is that it's not a "do-it-again-next-weekend" sort of task. One application of ceramic polish can protect the Explorer for many moons, unlike conventional waxes that demand a redo every so often.

Why the Fuss Over Ceramic Coating for the Ford Explorer?

Aside from the fact that your Ford Explorer looks absolutely smashing with a ceramic coat, there's more than just the aesthetic perks.

While many might view ceramics as a vanity project, it goes beyond mere looks. Think of it as the Explorer's suit of armour, enhancing its longevity.

This isn't just any regular protection, mind. It's a veritable fortress against the muck and scrapes that threaten to sully its finish.

Opting for a ceramic finish on the Ford Explorer comes with a buffet of advantages:

• Defence Against the Sun. The Sun, while lovely for a picnic, can wreak havoc on a car's finish. With time, the Explorer's paint can dull and fade under its rays. Ceramics help fend off this solar assault, ensuring the paint doesn't crack or peel, which, aside from aesthetics, helps stave off rust.
• Guard Against Chemical Nasties. Chemistry is everywhere, and while it makes for a fascinating subject, it's less kind to our beloved vehicles. Whether it's road salts or noxious fumes, they all have it out for the Ford Explorer. Ceramic acts as the shield in this ongoing battle.
• A Barrier to Minor Abrasions. Life throws its fair share of pebbles and insects our way. With ceramics, the Ford Explorer gets that extra layer to fend off these minor annoyances. Though, a word of caution, larger hurdles will still leave a mark. Drive with care!
• Aegis Against Moisture. Due to its hydrophobic nature, water beads right off the Explorer post a ceramic treatment, making puddles and rain less of a concern.
• Radiant Finish. Last but certainly not least, ceramics bestow upon the car a gleam that turns heads. The Explorer doesn't just get a protective layer; it shines with renewed vigour.

Choosing the Ideal Ceramic Coating for the Ford Explorer

One could argue, with a generous splash of pedantry, that ceramic polishes are as varied as teapots at a village fête. However, in the vast landscape of car care, most share striking similarities in their compositions. Thus, for those on a quest for the optimal ceramic sheen for their Ford Explorer, it’s prudent to lean on collective wisdom: brand reputation, public consensus, and the all-important quality-to-price ratio.

Some ceramics have the endurance of a marathon runner, guarding the Ford Explorer for up to three years, while others might resemble a sprinter, showing signs of fatigue within a year. Ergo, it’s wise to gravitate towards renowned brands with choruses of applause in their reviews.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating

When one thinks of protection, the Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating springs to mind, akin to an invisible shield for your Ford Explorer, ensuring its splendour endures the test of time.

Beyond its role as a sentinel against UV rays, weather whims, and the detritus of the open road, this ceramic polish lends the Explorer a mirror-like finish without the incessant need for reapplication. It promises to keep your vehicle looking as if it just embarked from the assembly line.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating

The Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating is nothing short of a vehicular bulwark. This avant-garde polish bestows upon the Ford Explorer not just an enviable gloss but also a formidable defence against Mother Nature's frequent mood swings and the usual road rogues such as UV, bird marks, and general road mischief.

Furthermore, with its prolonged potency, there's no need for those tedious, regular applications, offering a convenient solution for the bustling Explorer aficionado.

Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating

The Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating epitomises sophistication and resilience in a bottle. Designed to offer unparalleled protection for the Ford Explorer, it is a paragon of consistency and reliability.

Experience the relentless power of this ceramic polish, ensuring the Explorer remains in showroom condition, and face the elements with unwavering confidence.

Migliore Strata Coating

The Migliore Strata Coating isn't just about making your Explorer look snazzy. It builds a formidable fortress, safeguarding it from the usual suspects like UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and contaminants. And for those who prefer to enjoy their journey rather than fret about frequent car detailing, this coating is your loyal companion.

Renegade Graphene Spray Coating

The Renegade Graphene Spray Coating harmoniously melds endurance with eco-consciousness. Apart from rendering your Ford Explorer dazzlingly glossy, it has the added boon of being eco-friendly. In a world yearning for sustainability, this polish is a nod towards a brighter, greener future.

Guided Steps to Ceramically Coat a Ford Explorer

At first glance, one might think, "Ah, it's a doddle!" However, coating your Ford Explorer in ceramic isn't quite as straightforward as making a cup of tea. There are nuances to be navigated.

An error in your method might not tarnish the Explorer's majestic paintwork, but it could certainly render the ceramic finish a tad...unpleasant. Irksome blemishes, cracks, and gaps might stare back at you. But fear not, adhere to the guidelines, and all should go swimmingly.

Attribute	Details
Difficulty	4/10
Time required	A mere 4 hours, with a day for curing
Helpers required	1-4 (Depending on your penchant for company)

Essentials for the endeavour:

• Good old paper towels;
• Microfiber car cloth;
• Microfiber car sponge;
• A trusty bucket of water;
• Decent car shampoo;
• Your chosen ceramic coating.

A Thorough Cleansing of Your Ford Explorer

Now, before any kind of coating, it's paramount to initiate with a rigorous cleansing ritual. Slather some foam onto your Ford Explorer's expansive surface, permit a brief respite for it to do its job, and then wash away with gusto.

Engage in gentle exfoliation using a microfiber sponge to evict the more stubborn trespassers from the paintwork. If the spirit moves you for an in-depth exploration on the topic, there's an informative piece right here.

Addressing those Past Indiscretions on the Explorer's Surface (Optional)

Now, our ceramic comrade here does wonders for protection but doesn't quite erase history. Any prior blemishes will merely lurk under the new finish, a touch like my old socks under the bed. So, it's sage advice to confront these miscreants head-on before the ceramic coating.

Consider:

• Bestowing a polishing session upon the Explorer;
• Delicately mending any nicks and dings;
• Resolving any dents, although hopefully there aren't many!

For a deeper dive into rectifying these marks, you might enjoy this read.

Clay-Bar the Explorer (Optional, but Rather Recommended)

No matter how assiduous one is with cleaning, some tiny foes, like sand and grit, can remain stubbornly lodged in the paintwork's nooks and crannies. Over time, these culprits can peek from beneath the ceramic, marring its polished finish. Surely, we wouldn’t want that?

This is where the art of 'clay-barring' comes into play. It’s rather like giving your Explorer a spa exfoliation. The process is surprisingly satisfying; gliding the clay bar gently across the body, watching as it lifts and captures those irksome contaminants. The result? A surface that's not just clean, but also exquisitely smooth and primed for coating.

For a more, let's say, scholarly overview of the clay-bar process, here's a detailed guide to peruse at your leisure.

Applying the Ceramic Elixir to the Ford Explorer

Oftentimes, these ceramic concoctions come with their own tool for application - could be a cloth or perhaps a brush. Should one be enclosed, it would be jolly sensible to make use of it.

If, however, your kit is looking a tad bereft of application tools, then consider these alternatives:

• A trusty microfiber cloth;
• Something of a coarser fabric;
• A gentle sponge, preferably automotive-grade.

Now, a word to the wise: refrain from dousing your Ford Explorer directly with the product.

Firstly, there's the unsightly risk of streaks and splotches. Secondly, and perhaps more vexing, the ceramic might set before you've adequately spread it. You'd then be faced with the laborious task of redoing certain areas.

Dispense, Wait, Marvel at the Shine

Once you've judiciously applied the ceramic, allow it a moment – say, 60 to 90 seconds. This brief hiatus allows the product to perform its molecular magic.

Pristine Finish with a Gentle Wipe

You'll likely find a residue of polish remaining on the Explorer. Gently buff this away with a microfiber cloth, being cautious not to exert too much force. We're looking for a mirror finish, not a stripped surface.

The end goal? A dazzling, reflective sheen.

Progress Panel by Panel

Having achieved perfection on one part of your Ford Explorer, you mustn't rest on your laurels. There's an entire vehicle awaiting your attention. Be meticulous and patient. For a standard SUV like the Explorer, I'd set aside a good 5 to 6 hours. A labour of love, as they say.

The Waiting Game: Hardening the Ceramic Layer

Bravo! The labor-intensive bit is done. While the ceramic may feel set post-application, it truly comes into its own after 24 hours.

For this duration, it's ideal to house your Explorer in a dark, sheltered location — perhaps a garage or a canopied space. This ensures that elements like rain, dust, and airborne muck don't play spoilsport with your handiwork.

A smidgen more patience, and the fruits of your efforts will be evident.

A Moratorium on Washes Post-Ceramic Application

There's a bit more waiting, I'm afraid. While the Ford Explorer can embrace the open roads after 24 hours, the ceramic coating needs around 3-4 weeks to achieve its zenith of hardness.

During this interim, it's wise to abstain from giving your Explorer a wash. Harsh chemicals or even high-pressure water can mar the still-setting ceramic finish. But on the upside, the Explorer should repel most of the dirt courtesy of the new coating.

If, however, you're feeling particularly rebellious, you could consider a gentle wash after a fortnight. But proceed with caution and perhaps a glance at the product's instructions.