Applying a ceramic coating to a car can feel like a very daunting process. Many first-time ceramic coating users wonder if additional layers are necessary, or will cause any problems.
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer…
Most ceramic coatings benefit from 2-layers to get the maximum performance, however it depends on the specific coating. Typically, it is recommended to wait 1-2 hours before applying a second layer. Applying more than 2 layers is unlikely to provide any benefit as additional layers will be rejected.
It Depends on the Ceramic Coating
Different ceramic coatings advise different layering systems when applying the protection. The most common are:
- Single layer of the ceramic coating
- Dual-layer of the ceramic coating
- Single layer of the ceramic coating + single layer of top-coat
- Dual-layer of the ceramic coating + single layer of top-coat
Some ceramic coatings advise using a “top-coat” layered over the ceramic coating in order to boost the performance and durability. Never use a top-coat from any other brand than the one that produces the ceramic coating you’re using as they are unlikely to be compatible.
When a top-coat is advised, you must follow the recommended waiting period advised otherwise it could affect the curing process of the coating underneath.
It’s also important to note that the top-coat is rarely essential, but should always contact the manufacturer beforehand to get their advice on whether it is an essential step.
Here are some of the most popular ceramic coatings on the market and the layering system they advise.
You’ll notice some brands only recommend a single layer of the coating, as this is because the first layer will reject any additional layers so it is not beneficial to applying a second layer.
| Ceramic Coating | Essential Number of Layers | Recommended Layering System |
| Garage Therapy Cerberus | 1 Layer | 2 Layers + 1 Layer of Chimera Top Coat |
| Gyeon One Evo/ Pure Evo | 1 Layer | 1 Layer + 1 Layer of Cancoat Evo Top Coat |
| Gyeon Mohs/ Syncro Evo | 1 Layer | 2 Layers + 1 Layer of Cancoat Evo Top Coat |
| Gtechniq EXOv4 | 1 layer | 1 layer + 1 Layer of Crystal Serum Light Top Coat |
| Gtechniq C1 | 1 layer | 1 layer + 1 Layer of EXOv4 Top Coat |
| CarPro Cquartz | 1 layer | 2 layers |
| Fenylab Original | 1 layer | 2 layers |
| Pyramid Car Care | 1 layer | 1 layer |
| Artdeshine Ayicon | 1 layer | 1 layer |
How Long to Wait Between Layers
In most cases it is recommended to wait 1-2 hours before applying the second layer of a ceramic coating, however it does depend on the brand so you must always check the specific application instructions for the coating that you are applying.
It is important to wait long enough before applying a second layer to ensure that the first layer has cured to some degree and will not be solubilised by the second layer and serve no benefit. It is also important not to wait too long before applying the second layer as in this case it will be rejected by the first layer if it is no longer “tacky”.
Here are some popular coatings and the waiting period required before applying a second layer.
| Ceramic Coating | Essential Application | Wait Time |
| Garage Therapy Cerberus | 1 Layer | 1-2 hours |
| Gyeon One Evo/ Pure Evo | 1 Layer | 1 hour |
| Gyeon Mohs/ Syncro Evo | 1 Layer | 1 hour |
| Gtechniq EXOv4 | 1 layer | 1 hour |
| Gtechniq C1 Crystal Lacquer | 1 layer | 4 hours |
| CarPro Cquartz | 1 layer | 1 hour |
| Fenylab Original | 1 layer | 1-3 hours |
Unsure how much ceramic coating you’ll need? Check out this complete guide.
Benefits of Applying Multiple Layers
Although most brands state that only a single layer of the coating is required to achieve the maximum durability claim and protection level, there are some advantages of applying a second layer if this is specifically recommended by the brand.
The main benefits are:
- Slight increase to durability
- Provides a thicker layer of protection (better for scratch-resistance and UV)
- Ensures even coverage
It’s important to recognise that applying a second layer of coating will not double the durability or drastically improve the performance of the coating, but it can have some minor effects which make it worthwhile in a lot of cases.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
There are some drawbacks of applying a second layer of ceramic coating that are important to mention:
- Additional time required to apply a second layer (including the wait time in-between layers) can make the application process very time-consuming and labour-intensive
- Additional cost as you are using double the amount of coating
- Risk of dust settling on the car between layers. This needs to be controlled (environmentally e.g. in an indoor space) or removed without contact (e.g. using a car dryer or compressed air) before applying the second layer of coating otherwise marring/ swirl marks will be induced.
Check out my complete guide to applying a ceramic coating at home.