There are a lot of really great coating options out there, and it can be a very difficult decision on which one to choose. Depending on which article or forum thread you read, you may here one product is excellent and then someone else say it was total garbage. Long story short, there is no "perfect" product, some people may love a specific coating while another person does not, so do not get too caught up on trying to find the "best" coating available as it is an unachievable task.
What Coating Should I Buy? by Zach McGovern
The general process for applying a coating is as follows:
- Thoroughly wash the vehicle
- Decontaminate the vehicle with detailing clay (and chemicals such as iron and tar removers if needed)
- Polish away any imperfections or blemishes in the finish to your desired level of clarity
- Cleanse the paint of any residual products or oils by wiping with a prep solvent
- Apply the paint coating per the manufacturer's instructions
This video gives a general overview of coating installation, however remember to follow the specific manufacturer's instructions with regards to application times, cure times, layering times, etc. as they may vary greatly from what is recommended in the video.
Let me know if you have any questions!
-Zach