How To Apply Ceramic Coating To Subaru Forester?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 2, 2023

Every Subaru Forester enthusiast aims to keep their ride as pristine as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Yet, the passage of time is unforgiving - gloss diminishes, and pesky imperfections begin to tarnish the majestic stance of the Forester.

The paintwork of a Forester is no stranger to adversity. Think about the stray pebble, an unexpected brush against a hedge, or the relentless elements like rain, snow, and hail. The list goes on. To ensure your Forester continues to turn heads, it demands a bit of pampering.

Increasingly, Forester aficionados are turning to ceramic coatings to give their paint that enduring shield. Dive into this piece to grasp the why's and how's of this game-changer.

Key Takeaways:

• Ceramic coating is a formidable chemical protector that massively outdoes standard waxes, especially when it's about safeguarding a Subaru Forester's sleek finish.
• It's your best bet against UV degradation, chemicals, minor blemishes, and water, all while flaunting a mirror-like sheen.
• For optimal results, the process is meticulous: from deep cleaning the body to perhaps using a clay-bar, precise product application, and then, crucially, letting it cure properly.
• Post application, it's wise to let the Forester bask in a shaded, enclosed space for 24 hours. And if you're itching to give it a wash? Hold that thought for 3-4 weeks to ensure the coating achieves its full hardness.

Unveiling Ceramic Coating

Imagine armour, but for your Forester's paint. That's ceramic coating. Light years ahead of your regular waxes and sealants, it offers formidable defense against almost everything the road (and sky) throws at it.

So, what's this ceramic coating wizardry? Picture a specially formulated chemical potion. Slathered on as a liquid, it undergoes a metamorphosis to become a super-thin yet incredibly tough shield on your Subaru Forester.

From sinister UV rays, unappreciative birds, to the muck and grime of daily commutes, a ceramic coating ensures your Forester remains the belle of the ball.

And it's not some fleeting magic trick. Unlike the waxing routines that demand frequent curtain calls, a ceramic application is more of a grand performance that steals the show for months or even years. Think of the time, elbow grease, and money saved in the long run!

Why Ceramic Coating for Subaru Forester is a No-Brainer

More than just vanity, ceramic coating for the Forester is about preserving its heritage and grace.

While many coat for the glitz, the true value is in the invisible barrier it forms. It's not just a cosmetic upgrade; it's a shield ensuring the Forester continues to defy age and elements.

Against waxes and other contenders, ceramic coating is the undisputed heavyweight champ, offering robust defense against life's little (and big) annoyances.

For the Forester, ceramic coating is a multi-pronged strategy:

• Protection from the Sun. The sun can be brutal, sapping the vibrancy from your Forester's paint. And if unchecked, prolonged UV exposure can lead to paint cracking and peeling - a precursor to rust and corrosion.
• Guard Against Chemicals. From road salts to exhaust fumes, our world is rife with chemicals that are out to tarnish the Forester's glory. Ceramics put up a formidable defense, ensuring longevity.
• Defense Against Nicks and Knocks. Pebbles, bugs, and unexpected brushes against obstacles? The ceramic shield minimizes their impact. But remember, it's not invulnerable. So, driving with caution is always recommended.
• Water Resistant. With its hydrophobic traits, rainwater just beads up and rolls off the Forester, minimizing water spots.
• That Polished Look. A ceramic coated Forester isn't just protected; it's radiant. Flaunting a rejuvenated, glossy finish, it's bound to make heads turn.

Choosing The Right Ceramic Coating for Subaru Forester

Let's get one thing straight, ceramic coatings, for the most part, aren't worlds apart in their composition. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. While many might be similar, when choosing, you're best advised to lean on the collective wisdom of fellow motorists – think brand reputation, genuine reviews, and value for money. Trust me, you don't want to be the one testing an unknown potion on your prized Forester.

While some ceramic brands can have your Subaru looking spick and span for up to three years, others might start showing their age in just a year. So, go with brands that have consistently delivered for others.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating

Want your Forester to look like it’s fresh off the showroom floor for ages? Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating might be your go-to. This ceramic wizardry not only provides UV protection and a barrier against the elements but also ensures your Subaru shines with the enthusiasm of a new penny.

No need to break a sweat reapplying this magic every other month. One coat, and you're sorted for a long time.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating

When you're looking for something that's the automotive equivalent of a bulletproof vest, you might want to consider Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating. Designed for the harshest environments, this one ensures that your Subaru Forester's paint stays untouched by everything - from the ruthless sun to that annoying tree sap.

The best part? It's not a needy product. Apply once, and forget frequent touch-ups for a long time.

Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating

For the Subaru enthusiasts who won't settle for anything but top-tier protection, Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating is an obvious choice. It's like a security blanket, but for your car's paint. Fights off scratches, wards off UV damage, and ensures that your Forester retains that new-car gleam.

Why compromise on your car's appearance? With this, you're ensuring your Subaru gets the protection it deserves.

Migliore Strata Coating

When you want both, a guard and a showstopper for your Subaru, turn to Migliore Strata Coating. It's not just about good looks, but it's also about lasting looks. From battling UV rays to standing up against the harshest weather, this coating has got you covered.

Sit back, relax, and let your Forester shine without the frequent need for detailing.

Renegade Graphene Spray Coating

For those who are environmentally conscious but don’t want to compromise on their Subaru's aesthetics, Renegade Graphene Spray Coating ticks all the boxes. Not only does it provide a gleaming finish, but it's also crafted with eco-friendly ingredients. It's like giving your Forester a protective layer while also giving a nod to Mother Nature.

Choose eco-friendly, choose glossy, choose Renegade.

Guiding Your Subaru Forester to Ceramic Perfection

At first glance, slathering a ceramic coating onto your beloved Subaru Forester might seem straightforward. Yet, as with the intricate dance of shifting gears on a serpentine road, the details matter.

Mess it up, and while you won’t tarnish the Forester's hearty paintwork, you'll end up with a ceramic finish that looks more "patchy barn door" than "slick showroom shine". But fear not – get the nuances right, and you're in for a treat.

Visual blemishes like cracks and gaps aren't what you signed up for. Stick to the plan, and let’s do right by your Subaru.

Attribute	Details
Difficulty	4/10 (But focus is key!)
Time needed	4 hours of graft, 24 hours of patience
People needed	1-4 (More hands, merrier the work)

Your Ceramic Application Arsenal:

• Trusty paper towels;
• Microfiber champion cloth;
• Microfiber sponge (for the delicate bits);
• A trusty bucket of H2O;
• The finest car shampoo;
• Your chosen ceramic coating (the star of the show).

The Forester Bath Time

Picture this: A pristine Subaru Forester post-bath, gleaming under the sun, ready for its ceramic outfit. To reach this dream, first wash and prep its coat like a meticulous artist.

Spray some foam, let it have its moment in the sun (literally a couple of minutes), and then introduce it to a generous splash of water.

For the stubborn dirt marks pretending to be a part of the paint job, a gentle scrub with your microfiber sponge is the trick. A proper wash is paramount to make that ceramic stick.

Dive deeper into Forester bathing rituals right over here.

Forester's Facelift: Removing Blemishes (Optional)

Ceramics are protective guardians, not miracle erasers. Pre-existing battle scars from adventurous drives? They'll still peer through the ceramic layer. Before you armor up your Forester, it's a good idea to address these marks.

Get started:

• Consider a professional polish;
• Touch up areas playing peek-a-boo;
• Address any dents (Your Forester deserves a smooth surface!).

For the intricate details on nixing those nicks, jump right in here.

Clay-Bar Mastery for the Forester (Optional)

Deep cleans are good; ultra-deep cleans are better. Sometimes, the most meticulous wash still leaves behind gritty little remnants. These culprits can eventually mess with your ceramic's visual appeal.

Enter the clay bar: the unsung hero in auto detailing. It's like giving your Forester a spa exfoliation, removing those deep-seated impurities.

With gentle glides of the clay bar across the Forester's body, you're not just cleaning; you're prepping for a ceramic application that'll make heads turn.

Ready to get your hands dirty with some clay action? Learn the ropes here.

Prepping Your Forester for the Ceramic Dance

Usually, your ceramic spray comes with its own dance partner - be it a cloth or a brush. If it's in the box, use it. Why wouldn't you?

If the kit’s a bit stingy and doesn’t provide a tool, well, here’s what you’ll need:

• Microfiber cloth – the unsung hero;
• A rugged fabric cloth – think jeans but for your car;
• A gentle sponge – more cushion for the pushin' on your Forester's bodywork.

Now, don’t get overexcited and slap that ceramic directly onto your Subaru Forester.

First, nobody likes sudden stains. Second, if the ceramic sets before you've given it a good spread, you'll be redoing the whole show, trust me.

Layer Up, then Let it Settle

Once you’ve applied it, let the Forester bask in its ceramic glow for a minute or two. Think of it as letting a good wine breathe.

Wipe Away the Excess

With your trusty microfiber in hand, sweep away the surplus. Gentle strokes. No need to manhandle your Forester, it should shine without much elbow grease.

Repeat for Every Nook and Cranny

One section down? Good on you. But the Forester’s a roomy gal, so keep up the rhythm and cover her entirely. Think of it as giving every inch some love.

Let the Magic Happen

You've done the hard yards. Now, let the ceramic set in peace. A full day in a shaded, quiet spot – like your garage – will do wonders. Avoid water and grime, they’re not friends to fresh ceramics.

Hold Off on Bath Time

Even though you'll be itching to show off your gleaming Forester, resist the urge to wash it. Give it a few weeks – 3 to 4, to be precise. This lets the ceramic settle into a durable shield.

If you absolutely must, you can give your Forester a rinse after about a fortnight. But remember, the manufacturer's guidelines are there for a reason. So if things go south, don’t say I didn't warn you.