How to Wash a Car With Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating makes the process of cleaning your vehicle significantly easier. Dirt and other contaminants no longer stick to the paint and are easily removed by water.
However, this doesn’t mean that your car will become impenetrable. Rock chips, rogue shopping carts and chemical stains will still dent your bodywork.
Washing
One of the best things about ceramic coating is that it makes car washing much easier. Because the paint and clear coat are protected, contaminants like dirt and grime, bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt do not stick to your car as they would on an unprotected vehicle. They can be easily wiped away, making the washing process much faster. Also, the ceramic coating is very hard, so it can help to minimize any scratches or swirls that may develop during the wash process.
Unfortunately, while ceramic coating does make washing a vehicle much faster and less stressful, it does not make it completely scratch proof. The hardness of the ceramic coating can still leave behind some minor scratches and swirl marks if proper washing methods are not followed.
In order to prevent any damage to your paint, you will want to use a high-quality microfiber wash mitt and premium car soap that is formulated to be safe for ceramic coated vehicles. You will also want to avoid any abrasive or scouring pads, as these can easily scratch your ceramic coated paint surface. It is also a good idea to use the two-bucket method when washing your vehicle, as this will help to reduce the risk of any scratches and swirls.
It is also important to wash your vehicle in the shade, as direct sunlight will cause the soap and water to dry quickly on the surface of your car. This can lead to streaks and water spots, which will detract from the appearance of your car and shorten the life of the ceramic coating.
Lastly, it is a good idea to pre-rinse your car before you begin washing it. This can be done by rinsing off the wheels and sills with a separate bucket of water. You will then want to begin washing the body of your vehicle by starting at the roof and working your way down. Once you are finished washing the body of your vehicle, you will need to rinse it off once again using the same method that you used for pre-rinsing.
Rinsing
A ceramic coating can add tremendous value to your car and bring new life to a tired or scratched paint job. But like any other product it’s not without its fair share of hype and misinformation. Unfortunately, some people have an unrealistic view of what a ceramic coating can do for their vehicle and this leads to disappointment when the product fails to deliver. For example, some people take to the internet and post videos showing how their car’s ceramic coating can’t be scratched. They may even use brass brushes to prove the point! This kind of behavior is not only misleading but can also scare off potential customers from purchasing the product.
While ceramic coatings do provide unrivaled protection, they are not bulletproof. Your vehicle will still be vulnerable to damage if not properly maintained and cared by Ceramic Coating Florida. That’s why it’s important to understand what to expect from the product and how to protect it.
To start, it’s important to avoid contact washing a ceramic coated vehicle until the curing process is complete. After a week has passed you can resume contact washing, but only using the two bucket method with a ph neutral shampoo and a microfiber wash mitt. Aggressive chemicals can damage your ceramic coating and shorten its lifespan.
It’s also important to wash your ceramic coated vehicle in low sunlight conditions. This is especially true during the summer when it can get very hot. Direct sunlight will cause the soap to dry too quickly on your car, causing water spots and streaks. Soap left on the surface will also reduce the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coat and make it dirtier.
When you do wash your vehicle, be sure to rinse thoroughly. It’s not uncommon for debris to fly off your car during the wash cycle. This is because your ceramic coating has a smooth and slippery surface that allows debris to easily slide off.
If you have a premium microfiber wash mitt, a high quality pressure washer, and a ph neutral shampoo that’s made for ceramic coated cars, you’ll be able to safely wash your car with minimal risk of scratching. Just be sure to follow the two bucket method and rinse your wash mitt often.
Detergent
If you want your ceramic coating to last as long as possible, it’s important that you use a high-quality car wash soap. Low-quality products can be tough on the surface and shorten your ceramic coating’s lifespan. Ideally, you should find a soap that’s designed specifically for ceramic coated vehicles.
A foam cannon is also a great tool to have in your arsenal when washing a car with ceramic coating. It mixes a precise amount of soap, air and water to create thick foam that you can then use a premium microfiber wash mitt to gently glide over the vehicle. This will help to protect the paint and ceramic coating from scratches and swirl marks.
Avoid Going to the Car Wash
While you can get your car washed at a car wash, it’s not recommended. This is because the brushes on a car wash can introduce lines and scratches into the paint and ceramic coating. Also, you never know what type of detergents the car wash is using or if their rags are contaminated with other people’s dirt. If you must go to a car wash, try to stick with the hand washing stations instead of the automatic ones.
Ceramic coating is self-cleaning, so it does most of the work when it comes to removing contaminants from the vehicle. However, if you don’t wash your car regularly, the residual particles can build up and cause your car to become dull or dirty.
The best way to prevent this is by washing your car with a pH neutral shampoo and using a soft wash mitt to avoid scratching the surface. You should also wash the lower areas of your vehicle, such as the tires and wheels, separately so that you don’t risk contaminating the rest of the surface with brake dust or carbon deposits.
After washing your car with a quality pH neutral shampoo, you can then use an infused quick detail spray to further enhance the performance of your ceramic coating and bring back its hydrophobic properties. This is a great way to protect your investment in a ceramic coating and keep your vehicle looking its best!
Water
Ceramic coatings are a great way to keep your car looking new and protect it from the elements. But they do not give you a car that is impenetrable, and they still need to be washed regularly. Washing your vehicle too soon after a ceramic coating is applied can significantly inhibit the curing process and shorten its lifespan.
Similarly, using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers to clean your car can also ruin the ceramic layer. It is best to use a mild, pH neutral car shampoo that does not contain any added waxes or sealants. A pH balanced shampoo is safe on your paint, but will also remove stubborn dirt and grime from the surface of your car.
After you have chosen a shampoo, it is important to dilute it according to the directions on the back of the product. Using too much soap can cause it to foam up, which could damage your ceramic coating. Using a grit guard or wash mitt that is designed for ceramic coated vehicles is also essential. This will prevent any scratches from occurring to the coating. Lastly, you should always use the two-bucket method when hand washing your vehicle. This will help prevent the formation of swirl marks and ensure a smooth, scratch-free finish.
One of the quickest ways to ruin your ceramic coating is by taking it through an automatic car wash with brushes. These brushes can scratch and scrape your car’s paint and trim. In addition, if the brush bristles are contaminated with grit or dirt they can further scratch your paint and clear coat.
If you do decide to go through an automatic car wash, it is important to use the touchless rinse option. This will ensure that the brushes do not come into contact with your ceramic coated surface. If you are unsure of how to do this, you can ask the attendant at the car wash for assistance.
Once your car has been washed and rinsed, it is important to dry it with a microfiber towel that is designed for ceramic coated surfaces. This type of towel will not leave any lint or streaks and will help to protect the ceramic coating from scratching. Adding an infused quick detail spray in between washes is also a good idea as it will enhance the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coating.
Ceramic coating makes the process of cleaning your vehicle significantly easier. Dirt and other contaminants no longer stick to the paint and are easily removed by water. However, this doesn’t mean that your car will become impenetrable. Rock chips, rogue shopping carts and chemical stains will still dent your bodywork. Washing One of the best…