Do You REALLY Need to Polish Before Ceramic Coating?

Do You REALLY Need to Polish Before Ceramic Coating?

Author: Jimbo Balaam interviews guest like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, Yvan Lacroix, September 17, 2025 Duration: 20:23

Do you always need to polish before applying a ceramic coating? The answer might surprise you. In this podcast episode, I break down the pros and cons of polishing first, as well as what happens if you skip it and go straight to a ceramic coating.

Whether you're a DIY car enthusiast or a professional detailer, understanding the trade-offs can save you time, money, and effort—and help you decide what's best for your car.

We'll cover:

  • What polishing actually does for your paint

  • The benefits of polishing before ceramic coating

  • The drawbacks of polishing (time, cost, risk)

  • The advantages of skipping polish

  • Why skipping polish might not give you the results you want

  • Real-world scenarios: new cars, daily drivers, show cars, and lease returns

  • A balanced approach that works for most people

By the end, you'll know whether polishing before coating is a must—or if you can safely skip it.


Products I Mention in This Video

Picture Perfect Polish (one-step compound & polish):
Jimbo's: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/picture-perfect-polish
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4meeU2H

Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray (spray-on protection):
Jimbo's: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/hard-as-shell-ceramic-spray
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mlqN6V

Gloss Boss (wipe-on ceramic coating, up to 5 years of protection):
Jimbo's: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/gloss-boss

Don't forget to subscribe for weekly car detailing tips, product insights, and real-world detailing talk.

Watch more detailing videos here: https://www.youtube.com/jbalaam


Hosted by Jimbo Balaam, The Auto Detailing Podcast digs into the craft, business, and culture of making cars look their absolute best. This isn't just about a quick wash; it's a deep, practical conversation for anyone whose passion or profession involves paint correction, ceramic coatings, and everything in between. Jimbo connects with legendary figures and working pros-voices like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, and Yvan Lacroix share their hard-won knowledge directly. You'll hear specific techniques for achieving flawless finishes, discussions on streamlining a detailing operation for profit, and honest talk about products and processes that actually deliver. The dialogue is grounded and focused on real-world results, whether you're perfecting your own vehicle in the driveway or scaling a full-service business. Each episode of this podcast builds on a simple idea: there's always a better method to learn, a smarter tool to use, or a fresh perspective to consider. The focus stays on actionable advice and efficiency, cutting through the hype to talk about what truly works. For enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, the podcast serves as a reliable workshop, offering a blend of inspiration and nitty-gritty detail that can be applied immediately. It's about the pride in the work and the community built around it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Auto Detailing Podcast
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