CERAMIC COATING MAINTENANCE
WASH
Wash using the two-bucket method
Pro Tip - Use a third bucket dedicated to ONLY wheels.
Wash from the top down (cleanest part of the car first, so as not to drag the dirt and contaminants from the dirtiest part of the car all over the rest of the paint).
Include a grit guard in each bucket
This will help ensure the dirt and grime remain in the bottom of the bucket and not on your wash pad.
Use a high-quality wash pad or mitt
Clean your pad or mitt often, and replace periodically.
Use a pH-balanced soap
pH-balanced soaps and shampoos are safe for, and prolong the life of, your ceramic coating.
DRY
Compressed Air
The beauty of a ceramic coating is the hydrophobic properties. Because of this, you’re able to use compressed air to blow the water off the paint.
Options
A shop-vac on the reverse/blow setting
A leaf blower
An air compressor
The best option - a Master Blaster from Metrovac
Microfiber Towels
ALWAYS use clean, high-quality microfiber towels. I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Throw your Costco microfiber towels in the trash immediately.
Wash your towels after every use.
Take extra steps to keep your microfiber towels from touching anything dirty.
If they touch the ground, never use them on the paint from that point forward.
Pro Tip - Use lubrication/drying aid on the towel to act as a barrier between the paint and towel, and to help reduce the likelihood of scratches and swirls, like a waterless wash, or a ceramic detailer safe for ceramic coated cars.
MAINTAIN
If you begin to notice the hydrophobic properties begin to diminish, it’s time to decontaminate the paint.
Iron Remover
This product will attack the iron contaminants on the paint. Rinse the paint, apply the iron remover, wait 2-3 minutes, and rinse off. You’ll notice the product turning purple as it interacts with the contaminants.
Tar Remover
Similar to iron remover, the tar remover will remove sap, tar, adhesive, and the like. Use this to spot clean areas where these contaminants are present.
Ceramic Detail Spray
Apply a good quality ceramic detail spray to the paint.
Using only clean, high-quality microfiber towels, work one panel at a time. Spray a light amount of ceramic detailer on the panel, spread/wipe with one towel, then buff to a shine with the second.
This will add shine, depth, and will increase the hydrophobic properties.
DO NOT
Take the car to an automatic car wash
Use any sort of paste wax
Use a squeegee or chamois
Use a generic quick-detailer
Use any sort of scrubbing/abrasive sponge or applicator
Use any household soaps for washing