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