STEP 1

Before beginning, unpack your kit, organize your materials, and review the entire application process from start to finish. Make sure you have everything ready before coating begins.

Before starting:

• Check the weather and temperature. For best results, apply between 50–77°F.
• Choose a clean, dry, well-lit area protected from direct sunlight, wind, dust, and debris.
• Make sure rain or heavy moisture is not expected during application or the initial 24-hour cure, unless the vehicle will remain fully covered and dry.
• Plan enough time to complete each panel without unnecessary stopping once application begins.
• Inspect your pads, towels, cleaners, Clear Coat, and Catalyst so everything is within reach.

Catalyst Bottle Note: Your Catalyst bottle may look partially filled. This is normal and it contains the correct amount of Catalyst. The extra space is simply due to the bottle size.

Taking a few minutes to prepare your workspace, supplies, and application plan will make the entire process smoother and help produce a more consistent finish.

Step 3

Thoroughly wash the surface using Poppy’s Pre-Cleaner and water while scuffing with a Light Duty Grey Scuff Pad.

This helps remove:

• Dirt
• Oxidation
• Loose debris
• Surface contaminants

Once complete, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to fully dry before moving to the next step.

A properly cleaned and scuffed surface helps ensure proper coating adhesion and an even finish.

Step 5

Before applying the coating, thoroughly wipe down the surface using Poppy’s Wax & Grease Remover and clean lint-free or microfiber towels.

• Use a two-towel method: wet one towel with Wax & Grease Remover to clean the surface, then immediately dry it with a second clean towel.
• Pay close attention to panel edges, body lines, emblems, handles, crevices, and corners where dust, oils, sanding residue, and other contaminants can collect.
• Before moving on, make sure the entire surface is completely clean, dry, and residue-free.

Step 7

Before application, make sure all applicator pads and wiping rags are clean and free of debris or loose fibers.

• Use the included applicator pads for larger, flat surfaces.
• Use the included recycled knit wiping rags for tighter areas, edges, body lines, and smaller sections where more control is needed.

Keeping your applicators clean helps prevent lint, debris, and contamination from getting into the finish.

Step 9

The hood is a large, flat, highly visible panel, so plan your application before you begin.

• Start from one side and work across the panel using smooth, consistent passes with approximately 10% overlap, maintaining a wet edge and avoiding stopping in the middle of the panel whenever possible.
• Keep your applicator pad well saturated with Clear Coat throughout the entire panel. Large, flat surfaces like the hood and roof will typically use more product, so re-saturate the pad as needed rather than allowing it to become dry.
• A second person can be helpful, but is not required. They can hold the tray, keep product within reach, and help you move around the vehicle without interrupting your application.
• Use good lighting to watch your coverage and make sure the coating stays even across the entire panel.
• Hoods and roofs receive heavy sun exposure, so additional coats can be applied for an added layer of protection.

Step 10

Plan your reach before you start. Make sure you can comfortably reach the entire roof without leaning against freshly coated areas. A step stool or platform may be helpful.

• Work side to side using smooth passes with approximately 10% overlap, maintaining a wet edge as you move across the roof.
• Keep the applicator pad well saturated. Large, flat surfaces like the roof typically require more Clear Coat, so add product to the pad as needed rather than allowing it to become dry.
• A second person can be helpful, but is not required. They can hold the tray and keep product within reach so you can continue working without stopping.
• Use good lighting to check coverage and maintain an even, consistent finish across the entire roof.
• Because the roof receives heavy sun exposure, additional coats can be applied for an added layer of protection.

Step 11

Doors and quarter panels require extra attention around handles, trim, body lines, edges, and recessed areas.

• Before applying, plan your wiping path around tighter areas so you can keep a smooth, continuous motion once you begin.
• Apply the Clear Coat in smooth, horizontal passes moving in one consistent direction, working from the top of the panel downward. Maintain approximately 10% overlap and a wet edge as you go.
• Watch for excess buildup around edges, contours, handles, and detailed areas, and keep the applicator pad evenly saturated throughout the panel.
• Inspect each section as you move around the vehicle to ensure an even finish and consistent gloss throughout the side panels.

Step 12

Tailgates and trunk panels require extra attention around emblems, license plate areas, trim, edges, and recessed sections.

• Before applying, plan your wiping path around tighter areas so you can maintain a smooth, continuous motion once you begin.
• Apply the Clear Coat in smooth, horizontal passes moving in one consistent direction, working from the top of the panel downward. Maintain approximately 10% overlap and a wet edge as you go.
• Keep the applicator pad well saturated and watch for excess buildup around badges, corners, trim, and recessed areas.

Step 13

After application, allow the coating to cure in a clean, dry environment away from moisture, dust, and direct sunlight.

• Avoid water exposure for at least 24 hours and do not wash the vehicle during the initial curing period.
• For additional coats, allow the coating to cure, then lightly scuff the surface before reapplying to ensure proper adhesion.
• If any imperfections are found after curing, lightly sand or scuff the affected area and reapply as needed.
• Once fully cured, the coating will provide a smooth, durable finish while helping protect and improve the appearance of faded or failing clear coat.

Once the coating has cured, finish the vehicle using Poppy’s Detail Spray with Ceramic for added slickness, gloss, and maintenance protection.

Lightly mist the Detail Spray onto the surface one panel at a time and wipe clean using a soft microfiber towel. This helps remove light dust, fingerprints, or residue while enhancing the overall finish and depth of gloss.

The ceramic-infused formula helps maintain the freshly restored appearance while adding water beading and protection between washes.

For best results, use regularly as a maintenance spray to keep the finish looking clean, deep, and glossy.