Is it difficult or worthwhile to do it yourself? The answer in large part depends on you, where you are in skill/comfort and what are your expectations. I get that it is not practical for many people to pay once or several times for a luxury service. But I want people to be mindful, not full of arrogance when taking on this DIY project. I started out doing somewhat more basic detailing. I also did not add ceramic coating services to my business until year 3 of starting.
Let us start with understanding what product is really a ceramic coating bottle.
Don’t grab a product and assume it is a ceramic coating because the bottle says CERAMIC. If a popular fast food restaurant told you about their Prime Rib sandwich or Lobster sandwich, would you blindly believe them? We are at that point in this industry.
There are some great products, for what THEY REALLY are, that have the word ceramic in it. I could form a consensus with most reputable detailing business owners who provide a similar service that I do. We would be in agreement if it is not in a glass or metal bottle, it is not a ceramic coating. If it is not in a glass bottle, it is likely not a fully-fledged (2+ year) ceramic coating. This does not mean it will be a high-quality or even good product. What I described would be considered the bare minimum to screen for a REAL product.
On to your paint. Do what makes you happy, but don’t be a polishing hero. Just like many of us have heard it is not that bad, then expect a really bad looking interior. The words it will buff out, we find almost always to be at least significantly worse than the person thinks or is saying.
This is how thick your paint is. This is ideal as it is often thinner than this. Yes all of the magic in something measured by microns.
When you get in trouble and are asking for help online, be detailed and specific. A picture of pads, a polisher without type/style, the brand name of a polish with 7 different polishes does nothing for the people who ACTUALLY could help you. Many of the people that respond without more information are generally not the most knowledgeable or responsible in terms of steering you into a positive direction.
Detailing is not doing one thing or two things. It is a multitude of steps, some (not all) may be necessary even if you do not believe them to be.
Are you experienced detailing your car in the following fashion? Wash, chemically cleaning the paint with an iron remover, followed by using a clay bar, some polishing (with a dedicated polish (not an all in one)) to your satisfaction, and (of equal importance) thoroughly use a panel prep prior to coating? If this is beyond the work you want to put into a ceramic coating, then this is not for you. If the following feels overwhelming, then it may not be for you currently. I would recommend doing the following steps with a wax or sealant, to get your comfort level up.
Expectations will mean something different to me for a coating application. If you never have used a ceramic coating before and you are relatively new to detailing, I would recommend choosing an easier coating to apply versus chasing the more advanced longest lasting option. I would lean on choosing coatings that have a long window of removal as you gain experience. You might develop a preference for a more wipe on and wipe off, but you might enjoy going from one panel or half a panel at a time.