How to Wash Your Car After Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle. The coating creates a layer of clear film on the paint surface that is harder than the factory paint and offers protection from UV rays, environmental contamination, and light abrasions. While a ceramic coating will make washing your car easier. It is still important to follow the proper washing techniques to maintain the integrity of the coating. In this blog post, we will go over the do’s and don’ts of washing and car care after ceramic coating.
DO’s of Car Care After Ceramic Coating
1. Wash your car regularly
A ceramic-coated car can go longer without being washed but it is still important to wash it on a regular basis. The frequency will depend on your driving habits and the environment that you drive in. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you will need to wash more often. For most people, washing once a week should be sufficient. Washing your car regularly is important for a few reasons. It keeps the finish looking new and it helps to protect the paint from fading and rusting. In addition, if you don’t wash your car often enough, the dirt and dust will start to build up and can damage the paint. Ceramic-coated cars need to be washed even less frequently than regular cars, but it’s still important to wash them on a regular basis to keep them looking their best.
Read on to know the proper washing method for a good routine of car care after ceramic coating.
2. Use the two-bucket method
The two-bucket method is when you use one bucket of water for soap and one bucket of water for rinsing. This will prevent dirt and grime from being re-deposited on your paint surface during the washing process.
The two-bucket method is a tried and true way to wash your car. The process is simple: use one bucket of soapy water to wash the car and one bucket of clean water to rinse it off. This will help prevent dirt and grime from being re-deposited on your paint surface, keeping your car looking cleaner for longer. As well as prolonging the life of your ceramic coating.
3. Or use a foam cannon with a pressure washer
A foam cannon is a great tool for washing your car. It attaches to the end of your pressure washer hose and dispenses soap in the form of thick foam. This can be used in lieu of the two-bucket method.
To use a foam cannon, fill the cannon with soap and water according to the instructions. Then, point the nozzle at your car and squeeze the trigger. The foam will come out in a thick stream and cover your car. Be sure to move the nozzle around so that all areas of the car are covered. Once you have covered your car with foam, let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with clean water from your pressure washer. You may need to rinse it several times to remove all of the soap suds.
You can read more about how to pressure wash your car like a pro here.
4. Use a soap/shampoo made for nanocoatings
Nanocoatings are sensitive to certain chemicals that can break down the molecular structure of the coating. It is important to use a soap that is specifically made for nanocoatings or you run the risk of damaging the coating.
When you use a soap that is specifically made for nanocoatings, you are protecting the molecular structure of the coating. This means that your car will stay looking shiny and new for longer. Not only will your car look better, but it will also be easier to clean. With regular soap, you run the risk of damaging the nanocoating and making it less effective.
5. Dry with an air blower (preferably)
After you have finished washing and rinsing your car, you will need to dry it off. An air blower is a preferred method as it will not scratch the paint surface as a towel can. An air blower is a great way to dry your car after you have washed it. It is important to make sure that your car is completely dry, as water can damage the paint job. An air blower will help to remove any excess water quickly and efficiently.
A car that has been ceramic coated will have a water-repellent finish. This means that when you wash the car, the water will bead up and roll off the surface. This is because the coating creates a barrier between the paint and the water. If you use a dryer to dry your car after washing it, make sure that it is an air blower and not a heat dryer. A heat dryer can damage the paint job on a car that has been ceramic coated. An air blower will help to remove any excess water quickly and efficiently, without causing any damage.
6. Use a microfiber drying towel
If you don’t have an air blower, you can use a microfiber towel to dry your car. Make sure to use separate towels for different sections of your car to avoid cross-contamination. A microfiber cloth is an excellent way to dry your car after a car wash. It absorbs water quickly and leaves the surface clean and dry. Microfiber cloths are available at most automotive stores and online. They come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to get one that’s big enough to cover the entire surface of your car.
Using a microfiber cloth for drying your car is a great way to protect the finish. It eliminates the need to use a chamois or terry cloth, which can damage the paint or clear coat. Microfiber towels are also safe to use on glass, so you can use them to wipe down your windows and windshield. Microfiber towels are durable and can be used over and over again. They’re also machine-washable, so they can be easily cleaned between uses.
DON’Ts of Car Care After Ceramic Coating
1. Don’t use automatic car washes
If you have a car that has been ceramic coated, you should avoid using automatic car washes. The high-pressure brushes can cause scratches and swirl marks in your paint surface, ruining the protection that the ceramic coating provides. It is best to wash your car by hand to avoid any damage.
2. Don’t use caustic chemicals such as surf and detergents
These types of chemicals can break down the Ceramic Coating and cause it to become less effective. It’s understandable that people might be tempted to use surf as a car soap since it is much cheaper than traditional car soap. However, using surf can have some very damaging effects on a car’s exterior.
Surf is a caustic chemical that can break down the Ceramic Coating on a car and cause it to become less effective. This will make the car more susceptible to dirt and dust, which will eventually lead to scratches and other types of damage. In addition, using surf can also cause the paint job on a car to fade and chip over time. So if you want your car to look its best for as long as possible, it’s best to avoid using surf and stick with good car soaps instead.
3. Don’t wash in the sun
Washing in direct sunlight can cause water spots because the water evaporates before you have a chance to rinse it off completely.
When it comes to washing your car, the best time of day to do it is early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn’t as harsh. Washing a car in direct sunlight on a hot day can be very dangerous. The heat causes the soap and water to evaporate quickly, which can lead to water spots. It’s also harder to rinse off the soap and dirt when it’s hot outside, so it’s more likely that your car will end up with streaks and unsightly spots. So if you want your car to look its best and prolong the life of your ceramic coating, save washing it for a cooler day and time.
4. Don’t let the water droplets sit on the surface for too long
This goes hand in hand with washing in direct sunlight. If water droplets are allowed to sit on the paint surface for too long, they will also evaporate and leave behind water spots.
Water spots are not only unsightly, but they can also be damaging to the paint on your car. If droplets of water are allowed to sit on the surface for too long, they will eventually evaporate and leave behind small etch marks in either the ceramic coating or the clear coat. Over time, these etch marks can become more and more noticeable, and can eventually damage the paint job completely. To avoid this, it is important to wash your car regularly and dry it off thoroughly. If you do see any water spots, be sure to wipe them away as soon as possible.
5. Don’t use very high-pressure settings on your pressure washer
A pressure washer is a great tool to have for cleaning all sorts of surfaces, including cars that have a ceramic coating. Clean your car without damaging the coating by using the right pressure settings. If you use too much pressure when washing, you can cause scratches or wear down the ceramic coating. It is best practice to start with a low setting and work your way up if necessary. This will help ensure that the car is cleaned properly without damaging the coating.
6. Don’t dry with a dirty drying cloth
Giving your car the best care is essential to preserve its paint and shine. With that being said, it’s important to note that using dirty towels when drying your car off isn’t just ineffective — it can also cause swirl marks or scratches. Therefore, never forget to clean the different towels being used before drying off your vehicle to ensure that you’re giving the ride its due respect. The amount of careful attention and effort applied during cleaning projects won’t be worth much if you skip this step! All in all, make sure to use clean towels when drying off your car for top results.
Conclusion:
When it comes to washing your car, it’s important to use the right techniques in order to prolong the life of your ceramic coating and make your car look its best. In this article, we have outlined the tips that will help you wash your car properly. It is very imperative to avoid using caustic chemicals such as surf and detergents. Which can break down the Ceramic Coating on a car and cause it to become less effective. It’s also important not to wash in direct sunlight. As this can cause water spots due to the evaporation of soap and water.
Another thing to keep in mind when washing your car is not to let the water droplets sit on the surface for too long. As they can leave behind water spots or etch marks in either the ceramic coating or clear coat over time. You should also avoid using very high-pressure settings on your pressure washer. As these can damage the paint job or ceramic coating if used incorrectly. To finish up, be sure to dry off your car with clean towels so that you don’t end up causing any swirl marks or scratches while drying. Following these simple tips will help ensure that your car looks its best and that the ceramic coating lasts for as long as possible.
Click here to know about the economics of having your car ceramic coated.
