How to Apply Ceramic Coating on Brand New Subaru Forester

Ceramic coating a new vehicle like the Subaru Forester is one of the best ways to protect the paint from contaminants, UV rays, and road grime. Even a new car benefits from proper surface preparation to ensure the coating bonds correctly and performs at its best.

In this guide, we'll walk you through a complete step-by-step process using professional-grade products to apply Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Coating PRO 5 Year on a new Subaru Forester. The same process can be used for other cars as well.

Key Products:

• Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Coating PRO 5 Year
• Labocosmetica Fiero Polish
• Armour Detail Supply Iron Remover
• Buff and Shine Uro-Tec Black Foam Pad
  
• Armour Detail Supply Panel Prep

The Prep - The Most Important Step

Your coating is only as good as your prep. The product won’t hide defects or bond properly to a contaminated or oily surface. So take your time and do it right.

Step 1: Wash the Car Thoroughly

Starting with a clean car is essential.

• Start with Wheels & Tyres
  
  • Spray Armour Detail Supply Wheel Cleaner on the rims.
  • Follow up with Armour Detail Supply Tyre Cleaner on the rubber.
  • Agitatewith Detail Factory Tire Brush, EZ Detail Wheel Brush (Large), Detail Factory Boar’s Hair Brush (24cm)
• Body Wash
  • Pre-wash the paint with Armour Detail Supply Decon Soap using a foam cannon. Let it dwell for a few minutes to break down grime, then rinse.
  • For your contact wash, use Armour Detail Supply Shampoo+ with a Maxshine Micro Chenille Wash Mitt.
  • Wash top to bottom using the two-bucket method.
  • Rinse thoroughly, then dry using a soft, high-quality microfibre drying towel.

Step 2: Decontaminate the Surface

Even new cars can have embedded iron particles from transport or brake dust.

• Spray Armour Detail Supply Iron Remover over the entire body of paint.
• Let it sit and react (watch for that purple bleeding effect), then rinse thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Vehicle

To maximise effectiveness and ease of application:

• Move the car into a shaded or undercover area - a garage or carport is perfect.
• Set up your lighting to clearly see the paintwork clearly and avoid missing any spots. We used Scangrip Light.
• Tape off sensitive trim, badges, and rubber seals with masking tape to avoid product transfer.

Step 4: Paint Correction

Although your Forester is new, light swirl marks or dealership handling scratches may still be present. New cars can benefit from a finishing polish to also bring out extra gloss.

• Polish the paint using Labocosmetica Fiero Polish and a Buff and Shine Uro-Tec Black Finishing Pad. 
• Work panel by panel using a dual-action polisher, then wipe off polish residue with a clean microfiber towel. We used Maxshine M15 PRO 5 inch and Mirka Cordless Polisher AROP-B 312NV 3Inch.

Step 5: Panel Prep 

This step ensures the surface is bare and clean for coating.

• If you polished with Fiero, you’re good to go - no extra prep required, since Fiero contains a primer for coatings.
• If you didn’t polish with Fiero and used another polish, apply Armour Detail Supply Panel Prep twice to ensure the surface is squeaky clean and oil-free.

Application – How to Coat a Brand New Car Like a Pro

Step 1: Prime the Applicator

• Before starting, shake the bottle and apply 3 full lines of coating to a fresh applicator block.
• For each panel after, you’ll only need a small top-up — a little goes a long way.

Step 2: Apply to 1–2 Panels at a Time

• Start with an "X" pattern, then outline the edges of the panel (“box it in”).
• Fill in the area using small, overlapping circular motions (like applying wax).
• Let the coating set for 1–5 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity (2–3 mins is typical).
• Look for small, uniform sweat beads before wiping off.

Step 3: Level & Buff

• First wipe: Use a short nap or pearl weave microfibre towel. Wipe gently in circular motions to level 95% of the coating. You’ll feel slight grab - that’s normal.
  • If it smears easily, it needs more time to set.
  • If it's hard to wipe off, it was left too long - reduce flash time.
• Second wipe: Use a plush microfibre to do the final buff and inspect for high spots or streaks (look for cloudy or uneven patches under light).
• Flip to a clean side of your towel every second panel, and flip or swap your applicator block once it starts to stiffen.

Optional: Second Coat

While Armour Quartz Coating is designed for single-layer protection, it can be layered. Just wait 1–2 hours between coats.

Aftercare – Let It Cure

Let the coating cure for at least 12 hours before exposing it to water.

After 4 hours, you can apply Armour Detail Supply AMPLIFY or Ceramic Spray Sealant to help protect during the curing phase.

Avoid washing or using any chemicals for 7 days to allow full curing.

Full Product List:

• Armour Detail Supply Wheel Cleaner
• Armour Detail Supply Tyre Cleaner
• Detail Factory Tire Brush
• Ez Detail Wheel Brush Large
• Detail Factory Boar's Hair Brush 24cm
• Armour Detail Supply Decon Soap
• Armour Detail Supply Shampoo+
• Maxshine Micro Chenille Wash Mitt
• Armour Detail Supply Iron Remover
• Labocosmetica Fiero Polish
• Buff and Shine Uro-Tec Black Foam Pad
• Armour Detail Supply Panel Prep
• Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Coating PRO 5 Year