Happy Friday everyone! This weekend, we wanted to take a break from our typical scheduled programming to spotlight some of the processes that make our work at Superior Detailer possible. While the vehicles we work on may look effortlessly sleek and smooth, it is often thanks to the serious equipment we have here at the shop that do the heavy lifting and deliver professional results - and it’s what sets us apart from other shops. Today, we wanted to focus on IR (Infrared Radiation) lamps and how we use them to lock in the Modesta auto ceramic coatings on our clients' rides.

So what does an Infrared lamp do?

At our shop, applying Modesta ceramic coatings isn’t a simple “apply and walk away” process. We take the extra step of using infrared curing to unlock the coating’s full potential. So, let's break down the science of IR lamp technology.

Unlike air-drying to let harden on its own, we utilize infrared (IR) curing, which involves specialized lamps (positioned around the vehicle) that emit infrared radiation. This energy penetrates deep into the freshly applied ceramic or glass coating, heating it from the inside out. Instead of just drying the surface, it delivers a full-depth, controlled thermal cure. Think of it less like waiting for paint to dry and more like baking something in the oven versus leaving it on the counter. Baking at a precise temperature for a certain period of time delivers predictable, desired results— and the same concept applies to properly curing Modesta coatings. When done using this method, the car gets a steady, flawless cure across the entire body, instead of merely relying on the temperature of the surrounding air, which may fluctuate depending on drafts and may unevenly affect different parts/sides of the vehicle.

The benefits

Modesta coatings, especially their glass-based options (BC-04, BC-05, BC-X), are engineered for high performance. Here’s why IR curing is essential and makes all the difference:

1. Accelerates Chemical Bonding

These coatings harden through a chemical cross-linking process. Infrared heat speeds up that reaction, helping the coating bond tighter and more completely to your vehicle’s paint.

2. Hardens to Maximum Durability

A properly IR-cured Modesta coating reaches its full hardness potential, making it more scratch-resistant, more water-repellent, and longer-lasting. It’s like supercharging the protective properties you’re already investing in.

3. Enhances Gloss & Optical Clarity

That signature Modesta gloss? Infrared curing helps achieve it. By heating and leveling the coating, IR lamps create a deeper, richer gloss effect with unmatched optical clarity.

4. Reduces Outgassing Time

Without IR curing, Modesta requires up to a week to fully cure. Using infrared, we dramatically reduce the time it takes before your vehicle can safely be exposed to rain or light driving—meaning you enjoy peace of mind sooner.

5. Prevents Premature Failure

If left to air dry, a coating may remain softer or more malleable than intended, leaving it vulnerable to damage. IR curing ensures the finish is hardened, stable, and built to last.

THE BOTTOM LINE

At Superior Detailer, we're not about slapping on coatings and calling it a day. Our work is an art form that we take pride in - requiring us to meticulously refine and perfect our processes - and that means using only the best products, equipment, and techniques to achieve worthwhile results. Our clients deserve only the best, and we strive to uphold impeccable standards that you can expect from the best ceramic coating shop in Orlando.

Now that you know the importance of IR lamps and how it significantly affects the quality of auto ceramic coatings, why not book a service with us? We'd be delighted to dress up your vehicle with a fresh Modesta coating that far outlasts those from other shops. Let us help protect your dream vehicle today! Click the link below to get started: