What Is the Best
Ceramic Coating?
Choose the complete process.
Preparation. Primer. Coating. Infrared curing. Aftercare.
Actual AusPro workshop photographJump to a section
Why 2.5+ days?New-car preparationHeat cycling before coatingOur workshop processP-01A primerThe infrared differenceModesta chemistry & valuesOne bottle per carMaintenance that makes senseCompare complete valueCommon questionsSources
For owners who value careful preparation, depth of finish and a coating installed to its specified process, our choice is Modesta. The value comes from the complete installation: the surface underneath, the coating system, the curing and the care afterwards.
Why our ceramic coating process takes 2.5 days or more
At AusPro Detailing in Greystanes, Western Sydney, a typical gloss-paint coating installation takes 2.5 days or more. That time allows for cleaning, decontamination, paint refinement, primer curing, coating application and systematic infrared curing.
The vehicle stays in an enclosed workshop where we adjust temperature and humidity for the work being carried out. This helps us manage the conditions for application and curing, rather than leaving the process exposed to changing outdoor conditions.
If you are comparing an eight-hour service with a multi-day installation, ask what each includes. Time alone does not prove quality, but the same words, “ceramic coating”, can describe very different scopes of work.
Our priority is completing the necessary stages properly. A clean, suitably prepared surface helps the coating make the contact it needs. Contamination and residues left behind can interfere with the result, while unresolved defects may remain visible beneath the protection.
Even a brand-new car needs assessment and preparation
A new vehicle can arrive with transport contamination, iron fallout, adhesive residue or minor marks from handling and washing. Its age is not a substitute for inspecting its actual condition.
The temporary sheets used to protect bodywork during storage and delivery are generally called transport protection film or transit protection film. Residue from these films needs appropriate removal. We assess remaining marks and refine suitable gloss paint rather than assume that delivery-day paint is already ready for a coating.
Light polishing is still an abrasive process. We choose the correction level, compound and pad combination around the paint, aiming for the required finish while preserving as much clear coat as practical. More cutting is not automatically better.
Infrared lamps have a second role before coating
Some water-spot marks, mineral staining and bug or sap etching can appear to have been corrected, then become visible again after the paint is heated. Where the condition warrants it, we use controlled heat cycling during preparation to help identify recurring marks before the coating is installed.
We heat suitable affected areas in a controlled manner, allow them to cool and stabilise, then inspect again. Further correction and another inspection may follow where appropriate. This approach also matters on a new car if its paint shows signs of contamination or environmental damage.
Deposits sitting on a surface and etching within the finish are different problems. Heat cycling is an inspection aid, not a promise that heat extracts every contaminant or that every etched mark can safely be polished away. The paint condition and remaining clear coat determine what correction is sensible.
Finding an unresolved problem before coating is preferable to discovering it afterwards, when correction may mean removing and reapplying protection in the affected area.
Infrared preparation and mineral deposits on new paint
Watch AusPro Detailing’s workshop demonstration of infrared heating during preparation on a brand-new vehicle. The video accompanies the heat-cycling and reinspection approach described above.
Installer reference: Custom Car Care Wagga describes controlled heat cycling, reinspection and further correction where required. This supports the distinction between preparation heat cycling and post-application curing.
What happens before your car is coated?
The following is our typical process for a suitable gloss-painted vehicle. Paint condition and the selected Modesta product determine the exact work and curing requirements.
Wash and decontaminate
We use our hot-water pressure washer as part of a thorough cleaning process, with appropriate products and settings for the surfaces being treated.
Remove iron and tar contamination
Iron remover targets ferrous particles, including brake and transport-related fallout. A suitable tar remover deals with bonded tar and adhesive contamination.
Clay and inspect
Clay treatment addresses remaining bonded surface contamination where required. We inspect the finish and establish the correction it needs.
Mask trims before polishing
Plastic trims, rubber seals and vulnerable edges are protected with suitable masking. This helps prevent compound staining and accidental contact from the polishing pad.
Correct and refine the paint
Our polishing system includes Modesta C-02 and a Micro Wool pad where suitable. The pad and polishing stages are adapted to the paint, with heat cycling and reinspection when needed.
Rewash and prepare the surface
After polishing, we rewash to remove dust and residues, using demineralised water through our purifier for the rinse. We then dry and wipe suitable paint with 99% IPA to address remaining oils and residue.
Apply and cure P-01A primer
For compatible gloss-paint systems, P-01A is applied as a finishing and priming stage. It is given the required curing time before the chosen coating goes on.
Apply the selected Modesta coating
The chosen coating is applied in our enclosed workshop in accordance with its product-specific procedure. Application conditions, coverage and levelling matter. For BC-08, BC-X, BC-04 and BC-05 installations, we use one full 30 mL bottle per vehicle.
Cure section by section with infrared
Our stated working setting for the gloss-paint installations described here is 60°C for 10 minutes per section. The selected product’s instructions govern surface temperature, time and lamp distance; this is not a universal setting for every Modesta product or substrate.
Finish with M1 SHOT and aftercare advice
After the specified coating and infrared stages, M1 SHOT provides temporary protection during the continuing cure period. We explain washing precautions and suitable maintenance before handover.
Workshop sequence and typical duration supplied by AusPro Detailing. Manufacturer references: C-02, P-01A, infrared requirements and M1 SHOT. Specific coating instructions take precedence.
P-01A creates the foundation for a bi-layer system
Modesta P-01A is a resin-based primer and finishing product designed to work with compatible Modesta glass coatings. The combination creates a bi-layer coating system: the primer layer followed by the chosen compatible coating.
More than an extra polishing pass
- Enhances gloss, reflection clarity and visual depth.
- Provides a resin film that helps conceal light micro-marring without relying on abrasive removal.
- Acts as a bridge between suitable paint and the coating, supporting adhesion and uniform application.
- Helps refine the appearance while reducing the need to chase every minor imperfection with further cutting.
We use P-01A as a final finishing stage to refine the presentation further. Application method and any additional primer layers must follow the compatible system’s procedure, including the required cure time.
Source: Modesta P-01A product information. Bi-layer here refers to compatible paint systems, not every Modesta product for glass, wheels, leather or matte finishes.
Infrared curing does more than dry the coating
Modesta requires short-wave infrared equipment as part of its professional coating process. Its installer guidance calls for the specified curing time, surface temperature and lamp distance for the selected product.
From a more porous structure to a denser film
The Modesta training material supplied with this guide explains the distinction between simple evaporative drying and heat-assisted curing.
In the illustration, evaporative drying leaves a more porous film. Controlled heat supports densification and polycondensation, helping form a denser, linked coating network with improved mechanical properties and structural stability.
In plain English: the curing stage helps the applied Modesta coating develop the structure it is designed to have. It is part of the installation, not simply a way to return the car sooner.
Public confirmation: Modesta infrared curing requirements. Structural explanation: the supplied Modesta training slides.
When comparing installers, ask whether they have the required equipment and how curing is included in the quoted service. For a Modesta installation, suitable infrared equipment and knowledge of its correct use are part of the process you should expect.
Why we choose Modesta’s product philosophy
Modesta’s researchers and developers create the company’s coating formulations. Modesta also manufactures its own products. Based in Takamatsu, Japan, the boutique manufacturer identifies quality, transparency, honesty and education as core values.
Its published quality statement describes using high-grade chemicals of the highest available purity across the range. That commitment applies across its product line, with each coating selected for its intended surface and use.
Materials selected for the job
BC-08 combines a three-dimensional matrix with traces of zirconium for gloss and water repellency. BC-X offers protection and visual enhancement for paint and suitable plastic surfaces. BC-04 combines glass-coating chemistry with nano-grade titanium, while BC-05 uses a three-dimensional molecular framework. P-01A provides the compatible resin primer foundation for the paint system.
More useful than a buzzword
A fashionable ingredient name or a headline hardness number does not explain surface compatibility, preparation or curing. We focus on the selected product, its purpose and the procedure needed to install it.
For us, integrity means allowing time for the specified stages, explaining what correction is safe, being clear about the finish and giving useful maintenance advice. Those are standards a customer can ask us to explain, rather than promises that rely on a label alone.
Sources: Modesta research and manufacturing, company values and quality statement, BC-08, BC-X, BC-04 and BC-05.
One car. One dedicated bottle.
Modesta lists BC-08, BC-X, BC-04 and BC-05 in 30 mL bottles, with one bottle specified for one car. At AusPro Detailing, we use one full bottle per vehicle for these installations. It is allocated to your car, rather than split across several customers’ vehicles.
When comparing a coating marketed as covering multiple cars from one bottle, ask about the bottle size and the specified application amount. Dividing the same volume among more vehicles leaves less liquid product available for each vehicle. Bottle sizes and formulations differ, so the correct amount must be judged against the particular coating’s instructions.
Our commitment is to give your vehicle the specified product allocation, together with the preparation, compatible primer and curing process that the system requires.
Manufacturer references: BC-08, BC-X, BC-04 and BC-05, each listed as 30 mL for one car.
Keep enjoying the finish you invested in
A freshly detailed car is only the beginning. Washing habits, contamination and environmental exposure influence how the finish performs over time. Modesta’s dedicated maintenance products give owners a practical way to care for the installed coating, with a different role for each product.
Modesta M2 Blast 200 ml
Bring back that freshly detailed gloss, with a smooth finish you can feel.
Modesta M2 Blast brings the technology behind professional M1 Shot into an easy-to-use maintenance spray for vehicle owners. Designed for regular care of Modesta-coated vehicles, it refreshes gloss, enhances surface slickness and leaves a clean, streak-free finish with an easy wipe-off.
Its protective surface effect helps repel water, dust and light contamination, making it a rewarding finishing touch after a maintenance wash. Suitable for compatible paintwork, plastic trims and wheels, M2 Blast helps you keep enjoying the appearance of your Modesta finish between professional visits.
- Refreshes gloss and enhances the appearance of coated paint.
- Leaves a smooth, slick surface feel.
- Adds water repellency and surface protection.
- Easy wipe-off for a clean, streak-free finish.
- Developed for frequent owner use on Modesta-coated vehicles.
Choose M2 Blast for regular finishing care and that freshly detailed look.
Manufacturer reference: Modesta M2 Blast 200 ml.
Modesta M3 Fire 200 ml
Remove the mineral spots that spoil an otherwise beautifully clean car.
Hard-water deposits can leave visible rings and spotting after washing or environmental exposure. Modesta M3 Fire targets those mineral deposits, helping reveal a cleaner, clearer finish where an ordinary wash has left marks behind.
Developed specifically for Modesta glass coatings, its near-neutral pH formula provides effective scale removal without relying on aggressive acids. Easy wipe-off and minimal residue make it a useful addition to a carefully maintained vehicle’s care routine, with suitability extending to compatible coated and uncoated paint, glass, plastics and polycarbonate.
- Targets mineral deposits responsible for water spotting.
- Helps restore a cleaner appearance after hard-water exposure.
- Designed with Modesta-coated surfaces in mind.
- Near-neutral pH formulation with easy wipe-off.
- Suitable for a range of compatible automotive surfaces.
Choose M3 Fire when mineral deposits need more focused attention. Deposits and paint etching are different problems; etched marks may need professional assessment.
Manufacturer reference: Modesta M3 Fire 200 ml.
Modesta M4 Smoke 200 ml
Care for the coating beneath the shine.
Daily driving exposes your vehicle to fine dirt, road film and environmental contamination. Modesta M4 Smoke is a wet-application cleaning conditioner designed to remove fine contamination from the coating’s surface structure, helping preserve its clarity and intended performance.
Its Polymer on Polymer Pollution Removal technology uses specialised polymers to help lift contaminants from the coating. Inspired by contact-lens cleaning technology, this focused cleaning action supports the protection you invested in without depositing an additional silicone layer or adding a separate water-repellent effect.
M4 Smoke fits into a regular maintenance wash, giving Modesta-coated vehicles a simple way to receive more targeted surface care.
- Cleans fine contamination from the coating’s surface structure.
- Helps preserve the coating’s appearance and protective characteristics.
- Specialised polymer cleaning technology.
- Wet application suits a regular wash routine.
- Cleans without adding an extra silicone top layer.
Choose M4 Smoke to help keep your Modesta coating clean and performing as intended.
Manufacturer reference: Modesta M4 Smoke 200 ml.
Fresh water beading alone is not a complete coating condition check. Identify the contamination and use the appropriate maintenance step, rather than judge the underlying coating only by a recent spray application.
Modesta DRIP: Deep Reflection, Instant Protection
Deep Reflection, Instant Protection. Give your next wash a finish worth standing back to admire.
Modesta DRIP combines polymerised siloxanes with Modesta’s own ultrasound-emulsified silicone technology in a convenient, water-based quick detailer. This hybrid formula creates a uniform protective layer that enhances gloss, paint depth and reflections while leaving a smooth, slick finish.
Strong water repellency helps water, dirt and contamination release more easily, so the surface is easier to clean and holds its freshly detailed appearance for longer. The protective layer also helps defend against UV exposure, oxidation, road grime and airborne contamination, supporting the finish beyond the initial shine.
Quick application and easy wipe-off make DRIP accessible without specialist equipment, producing a clean, streak-free result on compatible exterior surfaces.
- Richer gloss, visual depth and sharper reflections.
- Strong hydrophobic properties and a smooth surface feel.
- Helps protect against UV, oxidation and environmental contamination.
- Easier ongoing cleaning and convenient application.
Choose DRIP for standalone gloss and protection with straightforward spray-and-wipe convenience.
Choose the right product for the job. DRIP is a standalone quick detailer. It does not replace M2 Blast, M3 Fire or M4 Smoke for maintaining a Modesta-coated vehicle.
Manufacturer reference: Modesta DRIP.
A complete approach, adapted to your vehicle
Gloss paint, matte paint and wheels do not all call for the same preparation or product. Selecting the appropriate system is part of professional installation.
What are you actually getting for your money?
There is nothing wrong with comparing prices. The useful comparison is what is included, how the work is carried out and the support that follows.
- Will the paint be inspected and properly decontaminated, including on a new car?
- What correction and refinement are included, and how are trims protected?
- Is the specified primer part of the compatible coating system?
- Does the workshop have the required infrared equipment and include the curing stages?
- Where will the vehicle stay during preparation, application and curing?
- What aftercare precautions and maintenance guidance will you receive?
For vehicle owners in Greystanes and Western Sydney who value careful workmanship, this is why we recommend Modesta. The difference is in the combination of product, preparation and a methodical installation.
Choosing a ceramic coating in Western Sydney
Does a new car really need polishing before coating?
We assess the paint first. Suitable new gloss paint may benefit from light refinement to address minor marks and improve presentation. The aim is the least correction needed, not aggressive cutting because the car is new. Matte finishes follow a different process.
Do all Modesta products use P-01A?
No. P-01A and compatible glass coatings can form a bi-layer paint system. Do not extend that statement to every specialist product or surface. Matte paint, exterior glass, wheels and leather have their own requirements.
Is infrared curing optional for a Modesta installation?
Modesta’s current public installer guidance says short-wave infrared curing is required. The selected product’s instructions specify curing time, surface temperature and lamp distance.
Will a coating stop every scratch or water spot?
No. Ceramic protection is not a promise of scratch-proof or water-spot-proof paint. Careful washing, prompt contaminant removal and appropriate maintenance remain important.
How do I choose a Modesta installer near me?
Use Modesta’s official installer locator and ask the studio about its preparation, facilities, curing process and aftercare. AusPro is based in Greystanes, Western Sydney, and also supports the Australian Modesta installer network.
Your car deserves a process you can trust.
Explore Modesta protection and the work carried out at AusPro Detailing in Greystanes, Western Sydney. Elsewhere in Australia, find a certified Modesta installer through the official network.
Professional detailer? Explore the Modesta installer network.
Sources behind this guide
- Modesta: in-house research, development and manufacturing.
- Modesta: Japanese origins, quality statement and company values.
- Modesta: professional network and short-wave infrared requirements.
- P-01A: resin primer, compatible bi-layer system and finishing benefits.
- C-02: compound properties and polishing versatility.
- M1 SHOT: temporary protection while coating cure continues.
- M2 BLAST, M3 FIRE and M4 SMOKE: their distinct maintenance roles.
- BC-08, BC-X, BC-04, BC-05 and BC-M: product-specific chemistry and surface selection.
- Custom Car Care Wagga: heat cycling and reinspection as installer practice.
- Supplied Modesta infrared training material: conceptual explanation of coating structure.
Official product pages checked 31 October 2026. Manufacturer descriptions explain the product system; they are not an independent comparison of every ceramic coating. AusPro workshop practices, photographs and typical duration were supplied by Andrew Samperi. AusPro Detailing represents Modesta in Australia. Product instructions and surface suitability take precedence over this consumer overview.