Perhaps the current preferred form of paint protection for the casual do-it-yourself detailer, SI02 (ceramic infused) sealants.

These products have grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years with prosumers, individuals with a casual interest in detailing, or people looking for just something to feel like they are making some effort in preserving their car.  As common or popular as these products are, equally as common are reports of application issues and general complaints about the durability with these products.

Part 1 of Application Errors (Product Assumptions)

Let us start with durability problems.  Are you seduced by the fallacy of the overtly effortless simple spray and wipe, and detailed car? Does this mean all of your problems are solved?  This attitude is the cause of some of the durability and application problems.

What are your expectations for these products?  Do you believe that if any product has the word ceramic on it, the results will be comparable to that high priced quote that you received from a professional detailing business.  Absolutely not.  It is a sealant with traces of the same product in a glass coating.  But let’s just say you have realistic expectations.  Most products that under perform in the user’s eye to some extent are a consequence of a poor detailing process and effort (see picture below).  Also, finding a reputable supplier (like Detailed Image) leads to a better chance of finding a quality product versus being sold on made for TV items with grandiose claims and local big box store favorites.  Break down your detailing process.  Did you think a bottle was going to detail the car for you?

Everything works better when a car is detailed and then prepped for a last step product (wax, sealant, coating).

Even a wash and clay or chemical decontamination, followed by a mild panel prep would do wonders for your user experience and especially longevity.  Below is what is often still on your paint after washing.  You are seeing a picture of clay bar with invisible grime that was pulled off a painted surface.  Most detailers can recount several stories of customers stating their car is not that bad prior to this being norm of clay bar step.

It all goes back to respecting the process of detailing.  You cannot just throw some ingredients in a pot and call it a quality delicious meal.  Even a single step, that companies want you to think requires no instructions that they often put on the label, truly does require some thought.

Part 2 of Application Errors (Troubleshooting)

The second part, that often happens to even experienced detailers, concerns streaks/high spots from ceramic sealants.  For what it is worth, it has happened to me.  There are ways to fix the problem and methods to avoid this in the future.  Try rewashing thoroughly with mild panel prep step.  Then reapply ceramic sealant sparingly.  If you are comfortable spot cleaning with a mildly alkaline all-purpose cleaner, or a mildly acidic quick detailer, that would be my next step.  As a last resort a light polish will remove the excess product.

In the future here are some things to be mindful of.  Know your limitations in terms of the environment.  Foggy dewy conditions post wax/sealant application might just affect durability.  SI02 or Ceramic sealant products without a period of a dry environment may be compromised, not only in durability but potential streaks.  Shake the bottle, shake it up.  A common theme in troubleshooting READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, seriously.