Few things can beat the feeling of seeing a new ceramic coat on your car.
As professionals who have installed countless ceramic paint protection on vehicles, we know its immense benefits. Your car is now not only protected, but its value has undoubtedly increased.
However, now it’s time for you to do the work - preserving your coat. Maintaining a ceramic coating on your vehicle involves a few key steps to ensure it remains effective and keeps your car looking great.
The good news is, caring for your coat is easier than you think. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
But first, what is ceramic coating?
Ceramic coating is a form of ceramic barrier with a super water-repellent surface that bonds with your car’s paint. These coatings are typically applied in liquid form before curing to form a clear, hardened shell over your vehicle’s paint.
Ceramic coatings are one of the most durable forms of paint protection, with many benefits for your car. Read our blog article to understand more about ceramic coatings.
It’s tempting to leave your car as is after installing your coat, but that will only diminish its effectiveness and not give you the best value for your money! Caring for it will keep your car glossy for years to come and maximise its usefulness.
Here are our best tips on how to maintain the ceramic coating on your car.
How to maintain ceramic coatings
Regular Washings
You should not wash your car for the first 7 days after applying your ceramic coating, but regular washing afterwards is highly recommended!
Give your car a good wash every 1-2 weeks to keep the coating clean and dirt-free. We recommend using this simple two-bucket method to minimise swirl marks and scratches:
- Fill two buckets. One with soapy water and one with just water (for rinsing).
- Rinse your car with water to remove any dirt.
- Using a microfiber wash mitt, wash your car with the soapy water bucket using minimal pressure. Rinse your mitt in the second bucket, which has only water.
- Continue this process on each section of your car.
- Use a hose with low pressure to rinse off the shampoo, starting from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.
- Dry with a microfibre towel.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Steer clear of harsh chemicals like degreasers or acidic cleaners that can break down the coating. While they may be cheaper, they will damage your car’s protective layer. You should also not use dish soap or other household cleaners when cleaning your vehicle.
We recommend using a pH-neutral car wash soap specifically designed for ceramic coating. Compared to regular acidic or alkaline shampoos, these will break up the dirt and grease on your vehicle without damaging your coat.
Use a Foam Cannon
Consider investing in a foam cannon as an alternative to the two-bucket method.
This popular tool has been used by car owners worldwide for decades, and it’s one of the best helpers you can get to wash your car.
Foam cannons are a touchless wash option that applies minimal to no pressure to your ceramic coating. All you need to do is rinse your car, apply a thick layer of foam with the cannon, rinse again, and you’re done.
Not only does it wash your car relatively quickly, but it also removes dirt better without swirl marks or scratches.
Avoid Automated Car Washes
While tempting, automated car washes use abrasive brushes that can scratch your car’s coating. Plus, these car washes typically use a highly alkaline soap. We recommend hand washing your car or using a touchless wash option to maximise your coating's longevity.
Detailing Sprays
To really maintain your coat’s shine and preserve it against the elements, consider using car detailing sprays. These sprays have come a long way since their first introduction, and there are many in the market now with superior performance.
We recommend using ceramic detail sprays or silica spray sealants specifically designed to boost your coating's hydrophobic properties and add extra gloss. You can apply these sprays after every few washes to increase the depth of the coating.
Decontaminate Regularly
While we may be careful about where we drive our vehicle, the Australian outdoors are filled with dust (and birds). So, treating our car with the right decontaminant is necessary.
Consider using iron removers periodically to remove embedded contaminants. Alternatively, give your car an occasional clay bar treatment to remove the contaminants on its surface. Take care and be gentle while doing this to avoid damaging the coat.
Park Responsibly
The Australian sun can be seriously damaging to your vehicle’s coat. Prolonged exposure to the sun can degrade the coating over time, so try to give your car some much-needed shade. Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or in a covered area to protect it from the elements.
If finding shade is impossible where you park, invest in a good-quality car cover that can withstand the sun and rain.
Get a Professional Inspection
Sometimes, your vehicle’s coating needs to be maintained by a professional. So consider having it inspected and maintained by a professional once a year to address any issues and ensure longevity. A car tinting specialist will be able to assess your coat and recommend a new one if necessary.
Key Takeaway
These simple steps can help you maintain your car’s ceramic coating. By diligently following the proper aftercare, you can maintain the integrity and appearance of your coat and keep your car looking glossy and protected for an extended period.
Having the right quality product is first and foremost key to ensuring your ceramic coating lasts for a long time. At Peninsula Tint, we pride ourselves on delivering good quality ceramic coating products with exceptional workmanship - built on 17 years of experience.
For all your car ceramic coating needs and queries, please contact a member of our friendly customer support team below for a FREE quote.