In the past few years, EVs have skyrocketed in popularity and with that, a ton of new manufacturers have started popping up. One of the most interesting of these companies is Lucid. Targeting the high-end luxury market, these gorgeous vehicles are making waves in the luxury vehicle space.
This particular Lucid, the Air Grand Touring, rolled into the shop for complete protection. This client opted for Full-Body PPF, our Level 2 Ceramic Coating System and our Sides and Rear Ceramic Tint Package. The owner of this Lucid Air spared no expense for protection, and it will be worth it down the road.
Step 1: Decontamination Wash
Like always, this project will start in our wash bay, where this Lucid will get a comprehensive paint decontamination wash. The process starts with a generous application of Gyeon Q2M Iron and Q2M Foam. The iron remover and foam are important because they remove surface-level contaminants, including brake and rail dust, often accumulated during the vehicle’s transportation.
We always use the three-bucket method when washing any vehicle, significantly reducing the risk of introducing scratches or swirls to the vehicle’s paint. In our wash bucket, we’ll use Gyeon Q2M Bathe which is a slick and effective wash soap.
To address any embedded contaminants, we clay bar the entire car, a method that not only removes contaminants but also exfoliates the paint. This leaves us with a perfect surface for applying PPF and coatings. To complete this wash, we utilize a BLO Car Dryer, which is a touchless drying method, to prevent any reintroduction of contaminants or lint to the vehicle’s surface.
Step 2: Ceramic Window Tint
Next, this Lucid Air lands in the hands of our tinter, where it’s going to receive our Sides and Rear Window Tint Package. This option is very suitable for those who want a high level of heat and UV rejection on their whole vehicle.
Here, we use a specialized computer program to meticulously design and craft tint patterns customized for each window. Once these patterns are ready, we apply a slip solution to the windows before gently laying the window film over the solution. Using squeegees, we displace the slip solution from beneath the tint, allowing the adhesive to seamlessly stick to the windows.
Step 3: Paint Protection Film
With all four windows tinted, our focus shifts to the installation of paint protection film (PPF). The owner of this Lucid Air has opted for Full-Body PPF, which offers protection on all painted surfaces. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to protect your car, this is the package for you.
Using the same computer program, we create clear bra patterns for each body panel. These patterns are highly customized, enabling us to adjust them for things like cameras, sensors, or other intricate features, ensuring a perfect fit before we proceed with the installation. This professional-grade film is designed for optimal scratch resistance, protecting your vehicle’s paint against bird droppings, rock chips, road debris, and chemical stains.
The clear bra installation process shares some similarities with tinting, involving the application of a slip solution to the vehicle’s surface, followed by the careful placement of the film, which is then secured with a squeegee.
However, the major difference is that vehicle body panels typically feature intricate sculpting, requiring our skilled installers to exercise the utmost care in positioning the film, ensuring that it aligns correctly with every edge. Once all the paint protection film is in place, we allow the car to sit overnight, letting the film set properly. The following day, we inspect the car, checking for any air pockets or unwrapped edges.
Step 4: Ceramic Coating
Now that we’re happy with the clear bra installation, our detailers take over on this Lucid Air. This vehicle is receiving our Level 2 Ceramic Coating System. With this system, all painted surfaces will receive two layers of high-quality coating as well as dedicated coatings on the windshield and wheel faces. This ceramic coating for cars will repel water, making your car’s paint job stand up to the elements. This system delivers the highest level of protection from UV and chemical damage, while its scratch resistance ensures your car’s paint is safeguarded against the rigors of the road.
It’s important to start by wiping down the entire vehicle with Gyeon Q2M Prep and Q2M WaterSpot, removing any remaining lubricants or grease and giving the coating a perfect surface to bond with.
It’s time to start coating! We’ll pour our ceramic coating onto a specialized applicator and spread it onto one body panel at a time. For removal, we start with a short-fiber towel to remove the majority of the excess from the paint, then follow that with a long-fiber towel, which can penetrate deeper into the paint, removing the rest of the excess. We work one panel at a time to ensure the coating doesn’t dwell on the paint for too long.
Oncewe vacuum the interior and wipe down interior surfaces, this Lucid Air is ready for delivery. We love these cars and this one is looking great and staying protected for many years to come.
