What Are the Rules After Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is expensive, but it lasts far longer than traditional car wax. When properly installed and maintained by Ceramic Coating Tampa it can protect your vehicle for up to two years.
The coating’s 9H hardness level and hydrophobic properties help to prevent water-based contaminants like mud, road grime, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. from bonding with your paint and causing damage.
1. Do Not Wash Your Car for at Least 7 Days
Ceramic coating is a chemical polymer solution that bonds with the paint of your vehicle to create an additional layer of hydrophobic protection. This layer repels water, making it easy to slide dirt and grime off of your car with a quick jet wash. It also prevents acidic contaminants in the air from bonding into the paint and creating chemical stains.
During the first week after your ceramic coating is applied, it is best not to wash your car or use any chemicals on it. If bird droppings or bug splatter do get on the car during this time, gently wipe them off with a damp cloth as soon as possible.
After seven days have passed, you can begin to wash your car again, but it is important to remember that the ceramic coating is still soft during this time. Avoid scrubbing hard on the surface of your car and use the two bucket method when washing your vehicle. The first bucket should be filled with a pH neutral automotive shampoo, and the second bucket should contain pure water for rinsing the wash mitt. It is also important to make sure that all of your cleaning supplies are cleaned before using them on a coated vehicle. This includes rags, buckets, and even the ceramic coating installer’s towels.
It is recommended that you only use pH neutral car wash products and never wax your car after it has been ceramic coated. The ceramic coating is not as durable as a wax, and the abrasive ingredients in some car wash soaps will scratch and degrade the coating over time. It is also a good idea to park your car in a shaded area, as UV light can damage and fade the paintwork of your car.
It is also a good idea to take your car to the detailer who applied the ceramic coating once a year. They can utilize their skills to rejuvenate the ceramic coating and restore it to its original glory. This is a cost-effective way to keep your car looking great and protect it from damage for years to come.
2. Do Not Wash Your Car for at Least 14 Days
Ceramic coating is an amazing technology that gives your car a candy-like gloss. It protects your car’s original paint from fading and dulling, which increases its resale value. Additionally, it prevents acidic contaminants from bonding to your vehicle’s surface, which would otherwise cause corrosion. But while ceramic coating is a great way to keep your vehicle looking new, it’s also important to understand how to properly maintain it.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their ceramic coating is washing their vehicle too often. While it is important to wash your vehicle regularly – at least once per month – it’s equally as important to use the right supplies and techniques. This will help ensure that the coating lasts as long as possible.
Using the wrong products or improperly applying pressure during the washing process can damage your vehicle’s paint and clear coat, as well as the ceramic coating underneath. To avoid this, it’s best to always wash your car by hand. This will prevent the ceramic coating from being damaged and it will also allow you to wash your vehicle more thoroughly.
When you do wash your car, it’s essential to use the two bucket method. This will prevent the soap from evaporating and contaminating your ceramic coating. You’ll also want to ensure that you use a pH-neutral soap, such as Koch-Chemie GSF. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that you rinse your car thoroughly before drying it with a microfiber towel.
Another thing to note is that you should never wash your vehicle in direct sunlight or at high temperatures. This is because both sunlight and hot temperatures will cause the water on your car to dry too quickly, which can lead to water spots.
Finally, you should always use a microfiber wash mitt when washing your car. This will help to prevent scratching your vehicle’s paint and clear coat. It’s also important to wash your wheels last. This will help to remove any brake dust that has accumulated on the surface. Finally, you should always take care of bug guts as soon as they appear. This is because the acids in the bugs can etch into your ceramic coating and clear coat.
3. Do Not Wash Your Car for at Least 30 Days
Ceramic coatings are an expensive investment, and they can only be maintained with proper care. It is best to not wash your car for at least 30 days after a ceramic coating, to allow the product time to fully cure and harden. This will make it more durable and resistant to damage, as well as provide the best results.
If you must wash your car before the coating has cured, it is important to use a touchless washing method and a pH-neutral soap. Do not use anything abrasive like clay bars, or compounding or polishing, as these will damage the ceramic coating and your paint.
It is also crucial to use the correct drying techniques after washing a ceramic coated vehicle. If the coating is not properly dried, it can cause water spots, which will degrade the coating over time. To avoid this, always use a large, high-quality microfiber towel, such as the 3D Hydro-Fil 1200 GSM towel, to dry your car after every wash.
Another great way to help extend the life of your ceramic coating is to regularly apply a ceramic coat booster. These sprays can be purchased from most manufacturers, and they will help to keep your car's surface slick, improve the hydrophobic properties of the ceramic coating, and help prevent water spots. If you don't want to purchase a separate product, most manufacturers have a ceramic coating refresher spray that comes with their flagship products, and it can be used once per month after a regular maintenance wash.
While ceramic coatings do go a long way in protecting your car from contaminants, it is still vital to wash your car on a regular basis. This will help to prevent contaminants from building up on the surface of your car, and will also protect against UV rays.
Ceramic coatings can be washed in any automatic car wash, but it is best to avoid them if possible. Many auto washes use cheap detergents, and the rags and towels they use may be contaminated with dirt from other cars. In addition, using a pressure washer on your car can actually scratch and damage the surface of your ceramic coating. If you must use a car wash, be sure to choose a touchless one and wash your vehicle with the two-bucket method.
4. Do Not Wash Your Car for at Least 60 Days
A ceramic coating is one of the most effective ways to protect your car from scratches and other damage. However, if you are not careful, your ceramic coating can be damaged. For this reason, it is best to not wash your car for at least 60 days after having a ceramic coating applied.
During this time, the ceramic will be cured and hardened to your car’s paint or gel coat. Washing your vehicle before this point will disrupt the cure cycle and cause the ceramic to fail.
It is also best to avoid automated car washes, whether you drive through them at a gas station or at a full-service carwash. These washes use brushes that can easily scratch a ceramic coated car and destroy its protective qualities. For this reason, it is recommended to use only touchless washes and pH-neutral washing soaps after your ceramic has cured.
While a ceramic coating can certainly improve your car’s appearance, it is not magic and will not hide imperfections like faded paint or swirl marks. It will, however, offer some protection from light marring and make it much easier to remove contaminants.
Moreover, it is important to remember that your ceramic coating requires maintenance. Depending on your environment and how you care for your vehicle, it can last between 2 to 5 years. This longevity is highly dependent on the prep work that was performed before applying the ceramic, as well as the quality of the product itself.
For example, a watered-down ceramic will not adhere or last as long as a high-end 9H formula. Furthermore, it is always important to ensure that your ceramic is applied correctly and by a qualified professional.
While not every person will have the ability to have their ceramic coating professionally applied, most people can afford a good quality product that offers similar results. By following the rules above and ensuring that your ceramic is properly maintained, you can enjoy your car’s improved shine and luster for years to come!
Ceramic coating is expensive, but it lasts far longer than traditional car wax. When properly installed and maintained by Ceramic Coating Tampa it can protect your vehicle for up to two years. The coating’s 9H hardness level and hydrophobic properties help to prevent water-based contaminants like mud, road grime, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, etc.…