The Process Of Ceramic Tinting: What To Expect When You Book With Us

There’s a reason ceramic coating is one of the most talked-about ways to protect a car’s paintwork. It delivers that deep, glossy finish car owners love — but more importantly, it creates a durable layer that shields your vehicle from the harsh realities of life on the road. In places like Cairns, where UV exposure, humidity and salt air can wear down even a new car’s shine, ceramic coating isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade — it’s practical protection.

Still, it’s normal to have questions. What happens after you book? How long does it take? What do you need to do before and after? This guide walks you through every step of the process — from your first consultation to the final inspection — so you know exactly what to expect when you bring your vehicle in for ceramic coating.

Every ceramic coating starts with a proper consultation. We assess your vehicle’s paintwork and discuss what you want from the service — whether it’s deeper gloss, better UV resistance, or protection from Cairns’ salt air and road grime. We’ll also discuss optional add-ons, such as coating the wheels, glass, or trims, and explain how the coating works, what it protects against, and how long it can last with proper care. It’s about ensuring you’re clear on the process and confident about what’s ahead.

• Paintwork inspection to check for scratches, swirl marks, or oxidation
• Discussion of optional extras like wheels, trims, glass, or interior plastics
• Walkthrough of the product’s protective properties and lifespan
• Answering any questions about maintenance or environmental suitability
• Locking in your studio appointment and prep instructions for the day
  

On the day of your appointment, your vehicle enters a climate-controlled studio — a clean, stable environment that’s key to a flawless finish. By managing dust, humidity and temperature, we create ideal conditions for the coating to bond properly. Before anything is applied, the car is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. If there are any paint imperfections, they’re corrected first — because once the coating goes on, it seals in everything underneath.

• Exterior hand-wash with pH-neutral soap to remove dirt and oils
• Iron removal and clay bar treatment to extract embedded particles
• Paint correction if needed – removal of swirl marks or light scratches
  

Once the surface is prepped, the ceramic coating is applied by hand in small sections for full control. The liquid bonds chemically to the paint, forming a hard, transparent layer that resists UV rays, water, dirt, and contaminants. Using high-quality tools and techniques, we ensure even coverage across every panel. Timing is key — the coating must flash at the right moment before being levelled with a clean microfiber cloth.

• Applied by hand to small panels at a time for full control
• Buffed carefully to prevent high spots or patchiness
• Multiple coats may be applied, depending on your selected level of protection
• Additional products used for wheels, glass, or trims as needed
• Technicians constantly monitor lighting and reflectivity for consistency
  

After application, the vehicle stays in the controlled studio to allow the coating to cure and fully bond. Depending on conditions, this can take several hours or more. Once cured, we conduct a detailed inspection under proper lighting to verify even gloss, full coverage, and any imperfections — all of which are corrected before delivery.

• Curing under stable temperature and humidity conditions
• High-powered lights used to inspect panel gloss and reflection
• Surface checked for any remaining streaks, smears or missed areas
• Water-bead test may be performed to confirm the hydrophobic performance
• Final dust removal and microfiber polish before handover
  

When your vehicle is ready for pickup, we’ll run you through what to expect in the days ahead. The coating is already cured to the touch, but it continues hardening over time. It’s important to avoid washing the car during this period or exposing it to harsh elements unnecessarily.

You’ll also receive simple aftercare tips to follow so the coating settles in properly and performs as intended.

• Avoid washing or exposing the vehicle to heavy rain for the first 5–7 days
• Don’t use automatic brush-style car washes at any stage
• Stick with a pH-neutral shampoo and the two-bucket wash method
• Dry with a soft microfiber towel to prevent swirl marks
• Keep an eye out for any early residue or streaking – let us know if you spot anything
  

Ceramic coatings make cleaning easier by repelling dirt and water, but regular care is still essential. They don’t protect against physical damage from poor washing habits or neglect. To get the most out of your coating, follow a gentle wash routine and inspect your vehicle often. You can also maintain the hydrophobic effect with compatible spray sealants specifically designed to work in conjunction with the coating.

• Wash the vehicle regularly with pH-balanced products
• Use grit guards and soft wash mitts to avoid scratching the coating
• Apply maintenance sprays or toppers designed for ceramic finishes
• Avoid harsh chemicals like degreasers, abrasives, or strong acids
• Consider an annual check-up or coating refresh for high-wear areas
  

Booking a ceramic coating isn’t just about achieving a glossier finish — it’s about long-term protection that withstands real-world conditions. With a clear process, the right environment, and practical advice, we make sure your investment lasts. Once your vehicle’s ready, we’ll give you an aftercare guide and let you know when it’s safe to wash. And if you’ve got questions later — about maintenance, touch-ups, or anything else — we’re here to help.

• Booking confirmation includes time, drop-off and estimated pickup
• Please remove personal items and let us know if interior trims will be coated
• Expect to leave the vehicle with us for at least one full day
• Aftercare instructions will be provided upon pickup
• Ongoing support available if you need help with care or touch-ups
  

At Jay’s Tint, we apply ceramic coating with care, precision and a commitment to long-term performance. Our studio setup, experience, and local knowledge ensure your vehicle gets the protection it needs in Cairns' conditions. Ready to protect your car’s finish? Get in touch to book your ceramic coating today.