Post Ceramic Coating Wash Guide!
Understanding Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings, such as CarPro Professional provide a protective layer over the vehicle's paintwork. These coatings offer benefits like UV protection, water repellency, and resistance to contaminants. However, to maintain these advantages, it's essential to follow a proper washing routine.
Essential Washing Tools and Products
To effectively wash a ceramic-coated vehicle, consider the following tools and products:
pH-Neutral Car Shampoo: Use a shampoo like CarPro Reset or NV Snow Foam, which is designed to be gentle on ceramic coatings.
Two-Bucket Wash System: Employ two buckets—one for the soapy water and one for rinsing the mitt—to minimize the risk of introducing contaminants back onto the vehicle's surface.
Microfiber Wash Mitts and Towels: Opt for high-quality microfiber mitts and towels to prevent scratching and swirl marks.
Grit Guards: Place grit guards in the bottom of each bucket to trap dirt and debris, reducing the chance of reintroducing contaminants onto the vehicle.
Drying Aids: Products like CarPro Reload or NV Boost can be used post-wash to enhance the hydrophobic properties and add a layer of protection.
Step-by-Step Washing Process
Pre-Wash the Vehicle: Begin by rinsing the vehicle with water to remove loose dirt and debris. Applying a snow foam pre-wash, such NV Snow, can help loosen stubborn contaminants.
Two-Bucket Hand Wash: Using the two-bucket system, wash the vehicle section by section. Dip the microfiber mitt into the soapy water, wash a panel, then rinse the mitt in the clean water bucket before re-soaking it in the soapy water. This method helps prevent scratching by reducing the transfer of dirt back onto the vehicle. A good soap is CarPro Reset.
Rinse Thoroughly: After washing each section, rinse the vehicle thoroughly to remove all soap residues.
Dry the Vehicle: Use a clean microfiber drying towel to dry the vehicle. Gently blot the surface to absorb water, avoiding any harsh rubbing that could cause swirl marks.
Apply Drying Aid: Once the vehicle is dry, apply a drying aid like CarPro Reload or NV Boost to enhance the coating's hydrophobic properties and add an extra layer of protection.
Decontamination and Maintenance
Over time, contaminants such as iron particles, tar, and tree sap can bond to the ceramic coating. Regular decontamination (3-6 months) is necessary to maintain the coating's effectiveness:
Iron Remover: Products like CarPro IronX can be used every 3–12 months to remove ferrous contaminants.
Tar and Bug Remover: Use specialized cleaners to remove tar spots and bug residues without damaging the coating.
Spot Cleaning: For bird droppings or tree sap, promptly clean the affected area with a quick detailer like CarPro ECH2O or NV Detail Spray to prevent potential damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the longevity of your ceramic coating, avoid the following:
Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid household cleaners, dish soaps, or acidic products that can degrade the coating.
Automatic Car Washes: These can introduce contaminants and cause swirl marks.
Drying with Dirty Towels: Always use clean, high-quality microfiber towels to prevent scratching.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Regular washing and periodic decontamination are essential to maintain the coating's effectiveness.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of a ceramic-coated vehicle involves more than just regular washing. By using the right products and techniques, you can ensure the coating's longevity and maintain your vehicle's pristine appearance. Products from CarPro, NV Car Care, and Waxit Car Care offer specialized solutions tailored for ceramic-coated vehicles. For residents in Prestons and the surrounding areas, Infinity Detailing Studio provides professional detailing services to help maintain your vehicle's ceramic coating. Visit our Ceramic Coating and Paint Correction pages for more information on our services.
