Protect the Shine: How To Wash a Car With a Ceramic Coating To Maximize Protection and Maintain Its Shine
Ceramic coating is a game-changer when it comes to protecting your vehicle’s finish and maintaining its showroom shine. The new level of protection gives you peace of mind, but the thought of washing it makes you nervous.
How should you wash your ceramic-coated vehicle to maximize protection and maintain its shine without damaging the finish?
Don’t worry. We’ll answer those questions and include a step-by-step guide below. Keep reading to find out how to keep your ceramic coating shining for years to come.
How Does Ceramic Coating Work?
No standard clear coat or paint is tough enough to resist scratching and environmental contaminants forever. Your car’s finish is also full of open pores that water and grit stick to, leaving your car looking dirty.
Ceramic coatings are made up of nanoceramic particles that form a molecular bond with the vehicle’s paint. These particles create a strong, hydrophobic, heat-resistant barrier that provides long-lasting protection against environmental contaminants, UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and road salts. The result is a stunning, glossy finish that can last for years!
How Often Should I Wash My Ceramic-Coated Car?
Maintaining your ceramic coating is essential to achieving the longevity and hydrophobic surface quality you are looking for. Washing your car every one to two weeks at home will help reduce any contaminants that may damage the coating. More thorough decontamination washes should be done every three to six months.
- General washes – Ceramic coating manufacturers recommend owners wash their vehicles every 1 to 2 weeks. This helps to reduce contamination buildup and allows the ceramic coating to protect your car the way it was designed to.
- Decontamination washes – A decontamination wash is important to get the most life out of your ceramic coating. During this service, one of our installers will decontaminate the paint of your car and evaluate the health of your ceramic coating. We use special chemicals to strip away the contaminants so the ceramic coating is unplugged and cleaned. This way water beads off like it did when first applied, restoring the ceramic coating’s self-cleaning abilities. We recommend a decontamination wash every 3 to 6 months.
7 Professional Tips for Washing a Car With a Ceramic Coating
#1: Don’t Wash Your Car for 7 Days Following Ceramic Coating Application
Once installed on your vehicle, the ceramic coating will take some time to cure. The curing process ensures the coating fully bonds with your car’s paint and provides the maximum level of protection.
For the first week after the coating is applied, avoid washing your car, as water, soap, or other cleaning agents can interfere with the curing process. Remove any dirt, bug spatter, or bird droppings, which can cause damage to your car’s coating, with a no-rinse solution like DIY Details Rinseless Wash.
Your ceramic coating will be fully cured after one week. You can wash the car and get it dirty without damaging the coating.
#2: Wash Your Car Every One to Two Weeks
Though the ceramic coating repels most dirt and water, small particles will still build up on your car’s surface with regular use. If you’re going off-roading or driving in harsh conditions, you will have even more dirt and grime to hose off.
For best maintenance of your ceramic coating, we recommend washing your car every one to two weeks.
Note: If your winters are like ours, you should wash your car as often as possible to remove road salt since it can damage your ceramic coating.
#3: Choose the Right Washing Method
Keeping your ceramic-coated car looking its best doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require the right approach.
The two-bucket washing system helps reduce the swirls and scratches that can be caused by other car washing techniques. The two-bucket technique rinses abrasive dirt and debris off your wash mitt before putting it back into the soapy water that goes on your car.
You’ll Need:
- Two buckets
- pH-neutral car shampoo
- A high-quality microfiber wash mitt
- A hose with a spray nozzle
- Dirt traps for each bucket
- Microfiber towels for drying
How to do it:
- Step 1: Prepare your buckets – Fill two clean buckets with water and insert dirt traps into each one — one wash bucket and one rinse bucket. Add pH-neutral car shampoo to your wash bucket only.
- Step 2: Rinse from the top – Start by rinsing your car from top to bottom with your hose, allowing dirt and contaminants to flow downward.
- Step 3: Dip and wash – Dip your wash mitt into the soapy water bucket and gently wash a section of your car’s surface. Use straight-line motions instead of circular ones to reduce the risk of swirl marks.
- Step 4: Rinse the mitt – After washing each section, rinse your mitt in the clean water bucket, scrubbing it on the dirt trap. This step removes any dirt and debris from the mitt before it goes back into the soapy water, keeping contaminants from going back onto your car’s surface. Take it out and wring it out onto the ground.
- Step 5: Continue the process – After rinsing, dip the mitt back into the soapy water and continue washing the next section of your car. Repeat this process until the entire vehicle is clean.
- Step 6: Replace water as needed – Keep an eye on the rinse water. If it becomes too dirty, replace it with fresh water to keep your wash mitt clean and your car scratch-free.
- Step 7: Final rinse – Once the car is completely clean, rinse again from top to bottom by spraying it with your hose. This will remove all soap residue and loosened contamination.
- Step 8: Hand dry – Use a high-quality microfiber towel to dry the car. Work in straight lines to avoid leaving circle scratches.
By sticking to the two-bucket system, you’ll protect your ceramic coating and maintain the shine and protection that your investment deserves.
#4: Use the Right Cleaning Products
Using the wrong products can strip the coating, reduce its effectiveness, and potentially damage your vehicle’s surface. Here’s what you need to know:
- pH-neutral car shampoo – Specially formulated pH-Neutral shampoo cleans gently, unlike most household cleaners, preserving the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coatings.
- Avoid waxes and sealants – They create unnecessary layers that may trap dirt and reduce protection.
- Microfiber mitts and towels – High-quality microfiber wash mitts and towels are extra soft and reduce the risk of scratching your car’s surface.
- Dedicated wheel cleaners – Keep wheels in top condition by using dedicated cleaners that won’t harm their coating.
#5: Wash From Top to Bottom
Always wash, rinse, and dry, starting from the top and working your way down. This way, dirt and contaminants flow downward, away from already cleaned areas, reducing the risk of scratching or reintroducing grime onto the surface.
#6: Wash the Wheels First
Ceramic coating isn’t just for your car’s paint — it can also provide excellent protection for your wheels. A ceramic coating on your wheels helps repel brake dust, dirt, and road grime, making them easier to clean and maintain.
When it’s time to wash your car, the wheels should be done first to avoid transferring extra grime to your paint.
#7: Hand Dry Your Car
After washing your ceramic-coated car, drying it by hand will help avoid water spots and streaks. Here are some tips that will help you get the best results:
- Use a microfiber drying towel – Look for large, premium microfiber towels that are extra soft and highly absorbent. These are ideal for drying a ceramic-coated vehicle.
- Blow dry your car – To minimize contact with the surface, you can use a clean leaf blower or a dedicated car dryer to blow water off the car.
- Work in sections – Dry your car in sections, starting from the top and working your way down to help prevent water from dripping onto areas you’ve already dried.
- Avoid direct sunlight – If possible, dry your car in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause water to evaporate too quickly, leading to water spots that can be difficult to remove.
What Happens If You Don’t Wash a Ceramic-Coated Car?
Though the dirt buildup may seem minimal, not washing your ceramic-coated car regularly can lead to a gradual decline in the coating’s effectiveness and the overall appearance of your vehicle.
Decline in Hydrophobicity
One of the most captivating features of ceramic coatings is their hydrophobic properties, which cause water to bead up and roll off the surface. If you don’t regularly wash your car, contaminants like dirt, road grime, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the coating. This buildup can reduce the coating’s hydrophobic effect, making it less effective over time.
Loss of Shine
Ceramic coatings are known for giving your car a glossy, mirror-like finish. Without regular washing, dirt and other contaminants can dull the shine. Over time, the coating may lose its luster, and your car won’t look as vibrant as it did when the coating was first applied.
Loupe Detailing Service: Buffalo’s #1 Stop for Ceramic Coating Installation
When it comes to protecting and preserving your vehicle’s finish, Loupe Detailing in Buffalo, NY, is your go-to destination for ceramic coating installation and ongoing care. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that your car receives the highest-quality protection, but we don’t stop there. We offer specialized decontamination wash services every 3-6 months to remove any stubborn contaminants that might compromise your coating’s performance.
Think of us as your trusted partner in car care. You take care of the regular washes at home, and we’ll provide the professional touch needed to keep your ceramic coating looking and performing its best. Whether it’s a fresh application or routine maintenance, Loupe Detailing is here to help you get the most out of your investment.
If you are looking for a professional to perform ceramic coating installation in Buffalo, NY, call Loupe Detailing today to schedule an appointment.