Ceramic coatings are becoming increasingly popular to protect vehicles, but like all things, require proper care and maintenance.
Ceramic coatings offer a great advantage over conventional car wax products. Unlike carnauba-based products, the durability of ceramic coatings is measured in years, not months. In addition to improved durability, ceramic coatings offer many other benefits which make them luxurious to use and effective for providing protection from paint damaging elements such as UV rays, water spots, tree sap, bird droppings, road grime, and other contamination.
The application process is different from regular waxing so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results. The benefits are worth the effort though. In this article, we’re going to cover how to care for ceramic coating, best practices, and tips and tricks of the trade.
What’s the Lifespan of Your Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating can last anywhere from three to five years. When the coating begins to show signs of aging, such as degradation or dullness, it can be reconditioned and restored just like a car paint finish.
Even with proper care and maintenance, ceramic coatings only last so long before they need a professional touch-up and reconditioning. The typical life of a coating will depend on the temperature, UV exposure, humidity levels, and frequency of washings.
Do You Need to Remove Your Ceramic Coating?
Removing your ceramic coating is more laborious than regular car waxing. Assuming you’ve properly applied the product according to the manufacturer’s instruction combined with proper care and maintenance techniques, the coating should typically last three to five years before a reapplication is necessary.
Fortunately, reconditioning and restoration of the ceramic coating is straightforward and relatively simple. However, you must remove the existing coating first since it will prevent new coats from adhering correctly to the surface.
Removal Process for Ceramic Coating
There are two commonly-used methods of removing existing ceramic coatings. The first method involves the use of a chemical remover, allowing it to sit for several minutes before washing off excess material with fresh water. This process is simple but requires ample amounts of time waiting for the product to work correctly.
The second method for removal entails using an electric or cordless drill fitted with a wool pad and clay bar chemicals. This method is expedient and provides great results, but requires more skill on the part of the detailer to ensure damage does not occur.
To remove an existing ceramic coating by hand:
Use a high-speed rotary polisher with a foam cutting disc to strip away the existing coating. Polish carefully and avoid any burns or swirls, taking care to remove the coating in a random pattern.
Use a high-speed rotary polisher with microfiber cutting/finishing pads to polish the surface until deep oxidation and scratches are removed. Once finished, it should produce a nice shine that’s free from stripping marks, oxidation, and other imperfections.
Use a high-speed rotary polisher with a foam finishing pad to apply a new coat of your favorite ceramic coating product. Work in overlapping patterns until the entire vehicle is covered with one thin layer of product. Let cure for at least 30 minutes before turning on fans or air conditioning to accelerate the drying process.
Use a high-speed rotary polisher with a foam finishing pad to remove the excess layer of coating, taking care to prevent excessive buffing or uneven removal. When finished, your vehicle should have a smooth and even finish.
Tips For Maintaining Your Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a great investment if you plan on keeping your car for several years or longer. The coating provides long-lasting protection but requires more care and maintenance than traditional waxes. Here are several tips to ensure that your ceramic coating is in great condition for as long as possible.
Tip #1: Keeping Your Ceramic Coating Clean.
Washing your car with a proper pH-balanced shampoo and drying with an absorbent towel or chamois will keep the coating looking its best. Always use a pH-neutral car shampoo with no wax added.
Tip #2: Avoid Using Compound Polish or Abrasive Polishing Pads to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating.
These products can damage ceramic coatings after time, especially when used frequently. Abrasive materials can wear through the coating, causing it to peel away.
Tip #3: Keep Your Vehicle in a Garage or Under Shade When Possible to Prevent UV Damage.
Ultraviolet radiation is perhaps the biggest factor in prematurely aging ceramic coatings. Keeping your vehicle in a garage when possible will keep it safe from exposure; if this isn’t an option, purchase a product with an included UV protection agent.
Tip #4: Store Your Ceramic Coating Products in a Cool, Dry Place to Prevent Deterioration.
If you have difficulty finding all of the necessary ceramic coating products, check online for local retailers who may be stocking them in your region. The ceramic coating market is growing every day and gaining in popularity among car care enthusiasts and professional detailers.
Tip # 5: Don’t Use Strong Solvents or Degreasers That Might Strip The Existing Coating
Detailing solvents and degreasers are typically very alkaline, making them harsh on paint finishes. Do not apply these chemicals to the surface, as they will damage the ceramic coating over time. Use them sparingly if necessary.
Tip #6: Avoid Using Armor All on Your Leather Seats and Trim Pieces Due to the Staining Potential
These products are safe for rubber and plastic, but not leather or vinyl surfaces. Be sure to use a suitable protectant on these materials to avoid staining them.
Tip #7: Don’t Use Your Vehicle’s Washer Fluid While Washing the Exterior of Your Car or Truck if You Have Ceramic Coating
Although it may be tempting to use the fluid found in your vehicle’s washer reservoir, using it will strip away the existing ceramic coating. Use a pH-neutral car wash shampoo instead.
Tip #8: Verify You Dealing with Ceramic Coating and Not Just a Wax Finish.
Although ceramic coatings protect your car from paint oxidation, fading, and staining better than a wax finish, they will eventually wear down over time. For your coating to keep its shine and gloss, you’ll need to properly clean and maintain it. Make sure you’re using the proper products to enhance this technology.
Tip #9: Remove Layers of Built-Up Dirt and Debris Using Mineral Spirits
Make sure to follow the product directions when using any cleaning agent to clean your vehicle’s exterior. When in doubt, always do a test spot on an inconspicuous area of your car or truck before using any new product. Mineral spirits are great for removing dirt and debris that’s built up over time.
Tip #10: Don’t Use Too Much Product at One Time
Ceramic coatings are applied in very thin layers, so if you apply too much product at one time you could end up with a film or excessive gloss when the vehicle dries. Apply several very light coats rather than one heavy one.
Tip #11: Use Your Coating Regularly to Protect Paint from Ultraviolet Radiation
Be sure to reapply ceramic coatings when you wax your vehicle to protect it from harmful UV rays. If you want extra protection, consider purchasing a solar film for the windshield and side windows of your car or truck.
Tip #12: Use Your Coating Regularly to Protect Paint from Water Spots
Heavy water spots can become etched into your ceramic coating over time, so be sure to apply several coats of the product when you wax your vehicle to protect it. If water spots are already present on your paint job, mix an equal amount of isopropyl alcohol and ceramic coating product before applying it to the surface.
Tip #13: Protect the Surface from Contamination Before Applying Any Product
Using a high-quality paint prep solution before applying ceramic coatings will protect your paintwork surface from outside contaminants. When you’re finished washing and drying the vehicle, spread protection over the entire surface using clean microfiber towels or an applicator pad.
Tip #14: Use the Proper Product in the Right Location to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
Different types of paint can be found on different parts of your car or truck. Always use the appropriate product for each specific surface. If you’re looking to clean rubber, plastic, vinyl, leather, or glass surfaces with a ceramic coating, you’ll want to use a pH-neutral car wash soap.
Tip #15: Use Microfiber Towels for Durability and To Avoid Leaving Scratches or Swirl Marks
Ceramic coatings are very sensitive, so if you do use microfiber towels be sure to choose ones that are designed specifically for this type of product. Using an ordinary towel will only scratch the surface and leave behind swirl marks that are difficult to remove later on.
Tip #16: Rinse the Surface of Your Vehicle with Water to Remove Residue
Often, you’ll find that ceramic coatings are difficult to remove from the surface of your car or truck. If this happens, just rinse off the product with a hose and allow it to dry before applying more. Remember not to use your vehicle’s wipers when the surface is still wet.
Tip #17: Rinse Vehicle Thoroughly with Water to Burst Air Bubbles in Coating
Don’t allow air bubbles to settle beneath your new ceramic coating while it’s drying. If you see any building up on the surface, use a spray bottle full of water and a gentle misting motion to burst them.
Tip #18: Don’t Use a Towel or Chamois to Dry Your Coated Vehicle
Ceramic coatings are very sensitive, so if you use any type of towel or chamois when drying your car be sure it’s designed for this purpose. You’ll also want to be cautious when choosing a towel or chamois and be sure it doesn’t leave behind any lint, dirt, or debris that could scratch the finish.
Tip #19: Be Careful When Washing Your Vehicle with a Pressure Washer
Don’t ever use a pressure washer on your vehicle if you have a ceramic coating because this will damage the paint job. If you want to use a pressure washer, be sure to choose one that sprays out water in a very fine mist and never point it directly at the surface of your car.
Tip #20: Use Waxes and Polishes with Your Ceramic Coating for Maximum Durability and Shine
The best way to maintain or increase the shine on your ceramic coating is to apply several layers of wax. When it comes time to remove the wax, use a gentle cleaner that’s pH-balanced and inspect the surface of your paint job for any scratches or swirl marks. If you notice any, be sure to use a buffer machine with a fine pad to fix them.
Tip #21: Use a Buffer Machine to Remove Any Scratches or Swirl Marks in Your Ceramic Coating
If you notice any scratches or swirl marks left behind by a buffer machine, be sure to use a ceramic coating product to remove them. If the damage is deep, take your vehicle to a professional car detailer for repair.
Tip #22: Treat Your Vehicle With a Clay Bar to Remove Any Stray Contaminants
If you don’t have any scratches or swirl marks, but notice that your vehicle isn’t as shiny as it used to be, you can use a clay bar to remove any stray contaminants. Simply rub the clay bar up and down the surface of your car for several minutes before rinsing off the residue and inspecting the paint job for any damage.
Tip #23: Remove Oxidation with a Paint Cleaner or Polish
If you have white spots or any other type of oxidation on your vehicle, be sure to remove them before applying ceramic coatings. You’ll want to use a paint cleaner or polish and buff out these areas until they disappear entirely.
Tip #24: Always Apply a Layer of Paint Protectant Before Applying Ceramic Coatings
Since ceramic coatings are very sensitive, make sure you always apply a layer of paint protectant before applying them to your vehicle’s finish. This safeguard will protect the surface and ensure that it doesn’t get damaged or scratched.
Tip #25: Use a Professional Paint Cleaner to Remove Any Debris on the Surface of Your Car
Always use paint cleaner or polish before applying any product that’s designed to protect your car. This will remove any debris, including dirt, wax, or silicone, from your paint job and ensure that it doesn’t get stuck beneath your next coat of wax, polish, or ceramic coating.
Ceramic coating is a type of coating used to prevent paint from chipping, scratching, fading due to UV rays, or oxidizing. When you apply ceramic coating to your car’s surface, it will help to prevent substances like bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, road tar, and other debris from adhering.
Additionally, this coating is often used to prevent damage caused by acidic bird droppings. If you notice that your paint job has been damaged, the best solution for repainting or repolishing it is applying a new ceramic coating after washing and drying your car thoroughly.
What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Your Ceramic Coating?
If you fail to regularly maintain your ceramic coating, it won’t last as long as it should. This will end up costing you more money because you’ll have to reapply the product more often than usual. It can also lead to permanent damage that’s difficult to correct down the line. That’s why it’s so important that you follow these simple tips and tricks to keep your coating looking its best for as long as possible.
A ceramic-coated vehicle is a great choice for those who want to maintain a clean and pristine appearance, but it’s even better when you know how to properly care for it.
If you’d like to learn more about how to properly maintain ceramic coatings, contact a professional detailer in your area today.
Final Thoughts on Keeping a Ceramic Coated Vehicle Clean
Ceramic coatings are designed to repel water, dirt, debris, and most chemicals. This means that maintaining a ceramic coating is very different from conventional paint jobs because you won’t need to pre-treat it with soaps or waxes. Instead, these tips will help you avoid scratching your paint job while also preventing the formation of any swirl marks or scratches. A ceramic-coated vehicle should look as pristine and shiny as the day it was purchased, even after several months or years of driving. With these easy-to-follow cleaning tips, you’ll be able to maintain that pristine appearance for as long as possible.
Remember, if you’d like to learn more about how to properly care for a ceramic coating on your vehicle, get in touch with us today! We are professional automotive detailers serving Arden, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. In the meantime, be sure to follow all of these recommendations and enjoy a pristine paint job that’s protected from environmental factors for many months at a time.