Ceramic Coating Maintenance Guide

Ceramic coatings have changed the game when it comes to protecting our cars’ paint. These formulas provide a strong glossy shield that beads water, repels dirt and other contaminants. Ceramic coatings are not a cure-all, however, and require maintenance beyond what many think is necessary. If you want your ceramic coating to last as long as possible while remaining effective, then proper care must be taken. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best practices for maintaining your ceramic coat!

Why is Maintenance Important?

When properly cared for, ceramic coatings can last years with unparalleled protection and shine. But if neglected over time, these properties will deteriorate slowly but surely until they’re gone altogether. Consistent upkeep ensures that your investment continues performing at its peak level, which preserves resale value by shielding the vehicle’s finish.

Recommended Maintenance Steps

Wash Frequently

• Wash every two weeks at minimum on a regular schedule to remove contaminants not easily warded off by the hydrophobic nature of coatings that would otherwise cause water spots over time.

Two Bucket Method

To prevent swirls and achieve the best hand wash results, use the two bucket washing method:

• Fill one bucket with car shampoo solution, fill second bucket with clean water.
• Dunk mitt in clean water bucket before going into soap bucket; rinse out dirt each time.
• Start at top and work down – rinse off upper sections frequently throughout the process.

This will help keep dirt from being spread around onto other parts of the vehicle during the cleaning cycle, as well as minimize drying time needed between passes over the same area due to reduced contamination levels overall. Ultimately, only a few drops remain accumulated near the end where the final rinse is made.

Choose the Right Car Shampoo

• Not all shampoos are created equal, especially when working with ceramics. Use a ceramic coating-specific, pH-neutral shampoo designed for this purpose. They clean well without compromising the protection of your coatings.

Avoid Sunlight

• Wash in shade or cooler parts of the day when possible, as direct sun can cause waterspots and dried soap residue that may be difficult to remove and affect the performance of coatings.

Separate Wheel Cleaning Supplies

• Use different sets of tools for cleaning wheels versus tires since rims collect brake dust which is more abrasive than what accumulates on tire sidewalls from road grime etcetera.

Be Mindful of Environmental Factors

Although they are very durable against many things, ceramics can still suffer damage due to external factors like:

• High UV exposure
• Extreme winter conditions (snow/ice)
• Heavy rainfalls with constant water contact time duration exceeding 24 hours

Bird Waste and Tree Sap

Road Salt & Gravel

If these cannot be avoided, try parking inside a garage or use a high-quality car cover made specifically for protection against these elements whenever necessary.

Inspect Regularly / Touch Up Frequently

• Inspect the surface condition looking for signs of wear, tear, and damage. Repair them before they worsen into bigger problems.
• Apply some booster products like ceramic coating spray or other touch-up applications where necessary to keep them at peak performance level.

What Not To Do / Avoid

• Automated Car Washes
• Skipping Regular Maintenance

Though ceramic coatings minimize the need for maintenance, they still need a little care and attention to perform at their best.

Abrasive Products

• Any wax, traditional sealant, or abrasive cleaner should not be used on ceramic coated surfaces. They can cause damage and reduce its efficacy.

Dealing with Contaminants

Over time, regular washing may not remove all contaminants that stick to your ceramic coating. Here’s what you should do:

• Give it a Gentle Wash: Use any ceramic-friendly shampoo to get rid of loose dirt particles.
• Apply pH-Neutral Iron Remover: Spray this product on your car and allow it to sit for several minutes to dissolve embedded pollutants.
• Rinse Off and Dry: Ensure the vehicle is thoroughly rinsed, then use a soft, clean microfiber towel to dry it.
• Inspect and Touch-Up: Do an examination after decontamination; apply some boost if necessary to rejuvenate protection levels offered by ceramics.

Signs of Ceramic Coating Failure

Watch out for these signs that could indicate the failure of your ceramic coating:

• Loss in Shine: Lack of deep glossy look means there’s a need for reapplication or at least touching up areas.
• Hydrophobic Effect Reductions: When water starts sheeting rather than beading up easily, hydrophobicity is being lost from the coating's surface.
• Visible Coating Failures: Instances of peeling along edges or patchy sections indicating complete breakdown around such regions.

The Truth About Ceramic Coating Boosters

Good quality ones will also help revitalize and lengthen the lifespan of existing coatings. For optimum results:

• Choose a booster with a SiO2 content exceeding 20%.
• Use boosters as often as recommended by manufacturers.
• Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying any booster product.