How To Apply Ceramic Coating To Subaru Outback?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 4, 2023

Now, if you own a Subaru Outback, you'd want it looking pristine and glorious as if it had just taken its first breath outside the factory. But, let's face it, we live on a planet where beautiful things don’t stay beautiful forever. Over time, even the majestic glow of the Outback takes a beating.

The paint job on the Outback is no match for the cruelty of the world – an unfortunate skirmish with a stray pebble, those vexing scratches you can't recall, and of course, the delightful British weather - rain, snow, sleet, and sometimes even the occasional sunshine. To keep your car's look from falling apart, you have to put in a bit of elbow grease.

One way to ensure your Outback's paint job doesn’t head south is by giving it a good ceramic treatment. It’s sort of like a spa for cars.

Don’t dash off just yet. Dive deeper into this read to understand the magic behind this ceramic hoopla.

Key Takeaways:

• Ceramic coating isn't just some fancy buzzword. It's a mighty concoction that shields the Subaru Outback's outer shell far better than those old-school waxes we've been using for donkey's years.
• Here’s a quick hit-list: It combats those pesky UV rays, fights off harmful chemicals, brushes aside minor annoyances, and keeps water at bay, all while giving your car that ‘just-waxed’ gleam.
• Putting on a ceramic coat isn’t like slapping on some sunscreen. It's an art. It's a science. You clean, maybe give it a clay-bar treatment (if you’re fancy), apply the product, and then let it sit, and harden. And for God's sake, don't be impatient!
• Once you’ve done the deed, let your Outback have a good night’s rest in a dark garage for 24 hours. And, here’s the clincher: Don't even think about washing it for the next month or so. Let the ceramic do its thing.

What exactly is this ceramic coating, then?

It's not pottery class. Ceramic coating is like the armour your Subaru Outback didn't know it needed. It's far superior to those old-timer waxes and sealants that give up after the first sign of trouble. This stuff means business.

What's ceramic coating, you ask? Picture a shield, but invisible, tough, and rather splendid at its job. It’s the bodyguard your Subaru Outback deserves.

UV rays, muck from the road, and the horrid residue from our feathered friends in the sky? Consider them all dealt with.

And here's the best bit: It's not some fly-by-night solution. Once you’ve given your car the ceramic treatment, you can forget about it for a good while. Unlike wax which demands reapplication like a needy child.

In a nutshell, it’s a one-time investment for a long-term glossy, protected Outback. Think of all the money, and Sunday mornings you'll save.

Why would anyone in their right mind ceramic coat a Subaru Outback?

Well, firstly, because it’s not just about looking snazzy. Yes, ceramic coating does add that extra dazzle to your Outback, but it’s also a knight in shining armour (quite literally).

It’s not just a pretty face. A ceramic coat provides a fortress-like protection, far superior to anything wax or its ilk can muster.

Here are the reasons you’d want to wrap your Outback in a ceramic cocoon:

• Protection from the Sun: Just as we like to tan, the Outback's paint can get quite a sunburn. Ceramic keeps the harmful rays at bay, ensuring your car's colour doesn't fade into oblivion.
• Guarding against chemical nasties: Our environment is chock full of chemicals. Road salts, exhaust, and even the air can wreak havoc on your Outback's pristine finish. Ceramic is like a superhero cape against these villains.
• Shields up against minor damage: Small stones, irksome insects, and those confounded scratches. A ceramic coat might not make your Outback invincible, but it'll make these annoyances think twice before leaving a mark.
• Water, water, nowhere: With its hydrophobic properties, rain will simply roll off your Outback like water off a duck's back.
• That polished look: Lastly, your Subaru Outback will gleam with pride, turning heads wherever it goes.

So there you have it, a few compelling reasons to give your Subaru Outback the royal ceramic treatment. And let’s face it, anything that keeps your car looking spiffy with minimal fuss is a win in my book!

Decoding the Ceramic Coating Puzzle for the Subaru Outback

Now, let's get one thing straight. Most ceramic concoctions for cars out there are as similar as a bunch of boy bands from the 90s. They may have different hairstyles, but the tunes are mostly the same. But how do you pluck out the Robbie Williams of the lot for your Subaru Outback? Well, you go by what the mob is raving about - brands, tales of triumph, and yes, the all-important bang for your buck. After all, we want something that stands the test of time, not something that'll flake off after a mild British drizzle.

While some ceramics can boast about their three-year-long affairs with cars, others have commitment issues and might ghost you within a year. Hence, your best bet? Stick with the big names that everyone and their dog are talking about.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating

Have a gander at the Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray Coating. If car protection was a sport, this would be playing in the Premier League. It's a champion at keeping your Subaru Outback's charm intact for years on end.

Imagine wrapping your Outback in a protective bubble that swats away UV rays, rainy spells, road muck, and airborne nasties. And, it doesn't demand your attention every weekend. A quick spritz and you're sorted for a good long while.

With this nifty spray, your Outback will not only gleam with pride but also wear an invisible armor that'll make it the envy of the lot.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating

Next, we have the Chemical Guys HydroSlick Ceramic Coating. If this ceramic was a bloke, it'd be the rugged type that saves kittens from trees. It’s essentially a guard dog for your Outback. The kind that snarls at UV rays, scoffs at road dirt, and has a proper laugh at minor annoyances.

This bad boy makes sure your car remains a sight to behold, gleaming and glistening, without asking for a re-spritz every other month. It's the sort of commitment we all need.

Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating

Then, we have the Adam's Polishes Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating. If this were a beverage, it’d be a fine aged whiskey. It gives your Outback that dignified shield against scratches, swirls, and those ghastly fades. And the shine? Oh, it'll have onlookers reaching for their sunnies.

With this in your arsenal, you're not just preserving your car's looks; you're elevating them.

Migliore Strata Coating

Stepping up next is the Migliore Strata Coating. Think of it as the bouncer for your Outback, keeping all the riff-raff away – be it UV rays, temperature swings, or contaminants. This isn't just about looking dapper; it's about long-term protection that lets you cruise with confidence and flair.

Renegade Graphene Spray Coating

Last, but by no means least, is the Renegade Graphene Spray Coating. It's not just another pretty face in the ceramic crowd. It shines, protects, and has an eco-friendly edge. So, while your Outback glistens, you can also pat yourself on the back for doing a bit for Mother Earth.

In essence, whichever ceramic champion you choose for your Subaru Outback, make sure it’s the one that promises, delivers, and perhaps lets you have that extra ten minutes in bed on a Sunday morning!

Unravelling the Ceramic Coating Tango for the Subaru Outback

Now, while you might think smearing ceramic on your Subaru Outback is as simple as buttering toast, there's a tad more nuance to it. Cock it up, and while your Outback's paint might still be in one piece, that ceramic layer will look as miserable as a wet weekend in Skegness.

You'd be met with cracks and crevices glaring back at you, which frankly, isn't the best look. But stick to the script and you'll be golden.

Attribute	Details
Difficulty	4/10
Time needed	4 hours for the elbow grease, 24 hours for the magic to happen
People needed	1-4 (or just one if you've had your Weetabix)

The kit you’ll need:

• Ordinary paper towels – nothing posh;
• Microfiber car cloth;
• Microfiber car sponge;
• A trusty bucket of H2O;
• Proper car shampoo;
• And, of course, the star of the show – the ceramic coating.

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub Your Subaru Outback

Alright, before any fancy ceramic business, give your Outback a good old wash. Lather it up, let the foam sit for a tick, then hose it down like there's no tomorrow. The aim? A squeaky-clean canvas for the ceramic masterpiece.

While you’re at it, show a bit of grit. Get a microfiber sponge and scrub away the stubborn muck that clings on like that one relative who overstays their welcome during holidays. And if you fancy a deeper dive into the meticulous world of car washing, here's an article that’ll feed your curiosity.

Tend to the Outback's Battle Scars (if you fancy)

Now, the ceramic is a shield, not a magic eraser. Past battle scars, dings, and dents will still peek through. So, before you get all ceramic-happy, it's not a bad idea to give your Subaru some TLC.

How, you ask?

• Polish those blemishes away;
• Touch up those nicks and chips;
• And for the love of cars, sort out those dents.

And if you're scratching your head over how to deal with those scratches, this link might be of some assistance.

The Clay-Bar Chronicles (for the truly devoted)

Look, even if you've scrubbed your Outback like a madman, some microscopic nasties will still be throwing a party on the paintwork. Sand, grime, and the remnants of that massive puddle you drove through last Tuesday. To get rid of these party crashers, enter the clay bar.

This isn’t some fancy spa treatment. Just gently glide the clay bar over your car's surface, and like a magnet, it'll pick up all those pesky particles.

It's like giving your Outback an exfoliation session. And once you're done, not only will the surface be smoother than a jazz record, but it’ll also be primed and ready for that glossy ceramic finish.

Still curious about the whole clay bar malarkey? This read should clear things up.

Unleashing the Ceramic Spray onto the Subaru Outback

Now, you'd expect these sprays to come with their own fancy applicators. And most do – be it a cloth or a peculiar looking brush. But if for some reason yours didn't, fret not! An impromptu toolkit can be fashioned out of:

• Your trusty microfiber cloth;
• A rougher piece of fabric;
• Or a car sponge. But, and I cannot stress this enough, one that doesn't resemble a brick.

However, I'd advise against dousing your Outback in ceramic straightaway. First off, you'd look a bit daft. And secondly, you'd risk leaving streaks, blobs, and all manner of unsightly residues. Not quite the showroom finish, eh?

The Waiting Game: Outback Meets Ceramic

Once applied, you'll need the patience of a saint. Let the concoction sit for a minute or so. It's like letting a fine wine breathe, allowing the ceramic to mingle and fuse with the paintwork.

The Art of Wiping (or How Not to Make a Hash of It)

Next, whip out that microfiber cloth and gently caress away any excess polish. Don't get overzealous; we're aiming for a gleaming Outback, not a streaky mess. The end goal? A finish that makes you want to put on sunglasses indoors.

Rinse and Repeat: Conquering Every Inch of Your Outback

So, you've mastered one bit? Well, you can't stop there. Continue this delicate dance, panel by panel, until every square inch of your Outback shines brighter than a supernova. Depending on your pace (and how many tea breaks you take), you're looking at a good few hours of work. But oh, the results will be worth it!

Now, Hibernate the Beast!

Celebrations are in order! You've done the hard bit. But, much like a cake in an oven, the ceramic needs time to set. Leave your Outback in a dim, sheltered spot – be it a garage or any cave-like structure you have handy. During this time, shield your steed from nature's surprises; any unwanted elements could wreak havoc on that fresh ceramic coat.

Exercise Patience: Resist the Temptation to Shower Your Outback

I know, after all that work, you'd want to show off a squeaky clean Outback. But hold your horses! It's best to let the ceramic settle in, which could take a good 3-4 weeks. You might think, "Oh, a quick rinse won't hurt." But even the gentlest of washes could tarnish your hard work. So, summon every ounce of patience and let nature do its thing. If you're itching for a clean, give it a gentle wash after about two weeks. But remember, gentle is the keyword!