Preparing Car Paint for Ceramic Coatings with Mirka Abralon Pads

Preparing for Ceramic Coating with Mirka Abralon

Applying a ceramic coating is an excellent way to protect a vehicle's paintwork. The smooth glass-like shield created by ceramic coatings prevents swirl marks and oxidation, while making the paint easier to clean and keep clean. However, in order to get the best results from a ceramic coating, proper paint correction and preparation is essential.

Cleaning and Detailing Prior to Paint Correction

Before paint correction can begin, a vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned and detailed first. This process should include:

1. Cleaning the wheels and wheel arches
2. Cleaning door jambs and hard to reach areas
3. Washing and decontaminating the paint to remove bonded contaminants
4. Clay barring if necessary to remove embedded contaminants
5. Drying the vehicle completely before moving to the next steps

It is critical to remove all forms of contamination from the clear coat before paint correction. Remaining contaminants can interfere with the polishing process and also get sealed under the ceramic coating permanently.

Remove Surface Imperfections

The next step is to remove any above surface imperfections in the clear coat through polishing and paint correction. These imperfections may include:

• Swirl marks
• Fine scratches
• Water spots
• Etching
• Oxidation

Removing these imperfections through polishing ensures the ceramic coating bonds evenly to the paint for maximum protection. It also helps the coating enhance rather than mute the paint's clarity and gloss.

Using Mirka Abralon Pads for Paint Correction

Mirka Abralon pads are an excellent paint correction system to prepare paint for coatings. The unique flexible open cell foam interface smoothly sands clear coat to remove imperfections. At the same time, the pad's advanced design minimizes leaving behind deeper imperfections that can detract from clarity.

Abralon Grit Selection

Mirka Abralon pads come in a range of grits from 500 to 4000. Using the proper sequences of Abralon grits allows for removing paint defects while refining to a perfect finish for coatings. The 500 grit pads remove the most clear coat, while the 4000 grit puts on an almost polished-like finish.

For paint correction prior to ceramic coatings, starting with 500 grit then moving to 1000, 2000 and 4000 grits is recommended. Always follow the rule of only moving up increments of 500 grits to evenly sand the clear coat.

Using Mirka's Abralon 500 Pads

The Mirka Abralon 500 grit pad is the most aggressive pad in the Abralon family. With strong cutting power and durability, this pad makes quick work of removing above surface paint defects.

When paired with a quality polish, the 500 grit pad can make short work of wet sanding and heavy compounding stages. It is safe for use on ceramic coatings as well so can also be utilized if needing to prep coated surfaces.

Ensure the 500 grit pad stays lubricated and cool when operating to avoid excess paint removal. Work methodically over small sections until defects fully disappear before moving on.

Minimizing Holograms

The Mirka Abralon system is uniquely designed to cut down on holograms and pigtailing compared to traditional wet sanding. However, when working with coarse 500 grit pads, some holograms may still occur.

Be sure to frequently stop to check for holograms developing. If they do appear, switch to a 1000 or 2000 grit pad and work until holograms blend away. The multi-stage grit approach allows creating a smooth,even finish.

Final Polish

After completing paint correction with the Abralon pads, the final step is to refine the paint further. Follow up the 500 grit pad with lighter grit Abralon pads until achieving the desired level of clarity and reflectivity.

Finish up the process using a fine polish and foam pad to jeweling gloss. The paint should appear optically clear with no visible defects remaining before applying a ceramic coating.

Ceramic Coating Application

Once paint correction is complete, the paintwork is now perfectly prepped and ready for ceramic coating application. Be sure to avoid any contaminants contacting the surface before coating.

Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying ceramic coatings. Ensure full vehicle coverage to maximize protection and water beading performance.

Mirka Abralon pads help create incredible paint perfection as the ideal foundation for modern ceramic coatings. Start with the 500 grit to correct paint, then refine further for a crystal clear finish.

FAQs

What defects can Mirka's 500 grit pad remove?

The Mirka Abralon 500 grit pad can effectively remove surface defects like swirl marks, fine scratches, etching, water spots, oxidation and more from automotive clear coat.

What causes holograms during paint correction?

Holograms occur when clear coat is removed unevenly. Despite Abralon pads minimizing holograms, the coarse 500 grit may cause minor hologramming if worked too aggressively.

Do you need polish after Abralon 500?

Yes, after sanding with 500 grit, follow up with less aggressive Abralon pads then polish with foam pad to refine the finish to a flawless shine before ceramic coating.

Can you use Abralon pads on ceramic coatings?

Yes, Mirka Abralon pads are approved for use directly on established ceramic coatings if needing to prep or polish coated surfaces.