How to Maintain Ceramic Coating On Your Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying the Ceramic Coating to Car Surfaces

Applying a ceramic coating to your car is a great way to protect its paint and maintain its glossy appearance. However, the process of applying the coating can be intimidating for those who have never done it before. Therefore, we recommend having a professional auto detailer like Final Approach Detailing apply the ceramic coating! Here are some steps to follow when applying a ceramic coating to your car's surfaces:

First, ensure that your car's surfaces are clean and free from any contaminants. This will ensure that the coating adheres properly to your car's surfaces. Use a high-quality prepping solution to clean and prepare the surface before you begin the application.

Next, apply the ceramic coating in small sections using a foam applicator or microfiber towel. This will ensure that you apply an even coat across all surfaces. Spread the coating thinly and evenly over the section before moving on to the next one.

After applying the coating, allow it to cure as per the manufacturer's instructions before buffing it off with a soft microfiber cloth. This will help remove any streaks or excess residue from the coating.

It's best to apply ceramic coatings in a dry and dust-free area, ideally indoors with good ventilation. Avoid applying coatings in direct sunlight, as this can cause uneven curing and damage to your car's surfaces.

For first-time users, practicing on smaller areas like wheels or mirrors can provide a good sense of how much product needs to be applied per panel.

• A leading industry survey showed that professionally applied ceramic coatings are 3 to 4 times more durable than store-bought sealant products, proving the worth of services like the one offered by Final Approach Detailing in Okemos.
• According to Japanese manufacturers of ceramic coatings, if well maintained, these protectants can make your car's surface remain glossy for up to 5 years, a testament to the importance of maintenance procedures, including regular washing and avoidance of abrasive cleaners.
• Research published in the Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research journal demonstrated that a ceramic-coated car surface increases hydrophobicity by more than 50% compared to an untreated one, thus partially explaining why avoiding automatic car washes is recommended as the high pressure water can damage this property.

Maintaining the Ceramic Coating on Your Car

Ceramic coatings are designed to last for years but require proper maintenance to remain effective. Regular cleaning and detailing will prolong the life of your coat, keep your car looking clean, and prevent contaminants from damaging it.

Weekly Cleaning Regimen

Maintaining the ceramic coating on your car is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. To keep the coating in top condition, a weekly cleaning regimen is necessary. Here are some steps that you can follow to maintain your ceramic-coated car:

First, rinse the car with water to remove any loose dirt particles that could scratch your vehicle's surface during the washing process. Once it's wet, use a bucket containing a pH-neutral car shampoo solution to wash your car's surface. A pH-neutral solution will prevent streaking or stains from forming on the surface of your vehicle.

Rinse the soap off the car with water once you have finished scrubbing all of the surfaces. Make sure not to let soapy water dry on the surface of your vehicle, as this could damage the coating. It is essential that you dry your car thoroughly after washing to prevent water stains from forming.

Pick up a high-quality microfiber towel to gently dry off the water from your car's surface. Avoid wiping too hard or using abrasive cloths when drying, as this can scratch the surface of your vehicle and damage the coating. Finally, check if there are any spots or blemishes left on it and clean them with spot cleaners before considering dried and baked contaminants.

Now that we have covered how to clean your ceramic-coated car, let’s talk about how to protect it from damage.

Protecting the Coating from Damage

Ceramic coating provides excellent protection against environmental contaminants, such as bird droppings and pollutants, but can still be damaged if not cared for properly. Here are some tips for protecting your coating from damage:

Avoid parking in direct sunlight or at extreme temperatures, since prolonged exposure can affect both ceramic coating and paintwork durability. Similarly, stay away from parking under trees or near overhead bird migrations, as they can cause considerable damage. When choosing a parking spot, prefer covered or indoor parking spots or invest in a car shelter to prevent long-term exposure.

It is important to avoid washing your car using automatic car washes, especially those with brushes. The bristles used in these car washes can be hard enough to damage the ceramic coating, scratch the paintwork, cause permanent scratches, and eventually shorten its life.

Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the car, including bleach, ammonia, and other abrasives that can strip the coating over time and leave little protection against contaminants. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for proper cleaning products that are safe for use on ceramic-coated cars.

Some people might believe that washing their vehicles too often may cause more harm than good. However, keeping a consistent regimen is the key to maintaining its quality and ensuring the longevity of ceramic-coated paint protection.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your ceramic coating protected from any potential damage. Now that we have covered how to protect your coating, let’s address some common issues that you may encounter.