Do You REALLY Need to Polish Before Ceramic Coating?

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