Elevate Brilliance: Essential Tips for Caring for Your Ceramic Coating

Congratulations on your brand-new Ceramic Coating Cleveland! We know you’re going to absolutely love the benefits of living with & driving a vehicle coated in Ceramic Pro. We want to ensure your coating lasts as long as possible, so we put together a comprehensive ‘How To’ covering all the proper after-care and washing practices. Proper care can greatly extend your coating and keep your investment in tip-top shape for years to come.

Check out everything below and please don’t hesitate to check out our About Us page for further information!

COATING CARE: TWO WEEK CURING PERIOD

After picking up your vehicle there is a two-week curing period for the coating to fully bond and harden. You are safe to drive your vehicle during this time, and it is completely safe for the coating to get dust, dirt, rain, or other light contaminants on it. However, there are some common items that can damage your coating at this time which are highlighted and explained below.

1. VEHICLE WASHING

Washing your vehicle during this time frame breaks the one rule we tell all of our clients; absolutely no touching or rubbing the coating during its curing period. Rubbing the uncured coating can create small abrasions, scratches, and swirls that can leave permanent markings on the coating. Removing said markings is costly and not covered by a warranty

2. TREE SAP AND BIRD DROPPINGS

Due to the acids present, bird droppings and tree sap can stain or damage your coating during its two-week cure period. Removing them is not an emergency, but they should be removed as soon as you notice it. To remove, simply spray the with filtered water to remove the bulk, and any remaining excess can be lightly removed with a micro-fiber towel (do not use a kitchen, bath, or beach towel). Long story short – avoid parking under trees during this time frame.

3. SPRINKLERS AND HARD WATER

While the coating will protect your clear coat from water spots, there is a possibility of etching if hard water is left to sit and dry on the coating while curing. We advise parking away from sprinklers and avoiding using unfiltered water on the coating during the curing period.

COATING CARE: PROPER WASHING

Following the two-week curing period you are free to wash your vehicle (and look at its hydrophobic effect). There are, however, some common misconceptions about washing vehicles that we highlight for all of our clients. Not every wash is the same and some will cause damage unless avoided – below are the washing techniques to use and avoid for your coated vehicle.

(DON’T USE) AUTOMATIC WASHES WITH BRUSHES

Never, ever, ever put your coated vehicle through an automatic wash that has brushes! The brushes used can go months without proper cleaning, and it’s extremely common for rocks, tar, and debris to get stuck in the bristles. This can cause major damage to your coating which is not covered under Ceramic Pro’s warranty. Avoid these at all costs!

(DON’T USE) DEALERSHIP COURTESY WASHES

While it may seem like a courtesy, these washes are common causes of damage we see on coatings. Dealers will oftentimes use automatic washes, unnecessarily abrasive chemicals, and improper washing techniques for these washes. While efficient, it is not the proper way to wash a coated vehicle and can lead to damage.

If you need to take your vehicle to the dealership, we advise hanging the ‘Do Not Wash Vehicle’ tag on your rearview mirror. If your car is accidentally washed in a mix-up (we’ve seen it happen) the dealer will be liable for the cost to repair the damages.

(USE) TOUCHLESS/LASER AUTOMATIC WASHES

These are a great, efficient option to keep your car in sparkling shape year-round. Since they use only high-powered water you’ll never run the risk of damaging your coating. Plus they’ll clean twice as well now since dirt/dust doesn’t bond to the coating and will easily wash off.

(USE) TWO BUCKET HAND WASH

While not as efficient as an automatic wash, we love ourselves a good hand wash, and it still remains the best method to fully clean your vehicle. There are however some differences between the correct Two Bucket Method most professional detailers use, and the usual hand wash you may have learned growing up.

As the name suggests, you’re going to need two 5-gallon buckets for this method. One for soapy water used to wash the vehicle, the other for rinsing off your sponge/microfiber between panels. While this concept seems too simple to be effective, this is the best way you can prevent scratching your vehicle, as most occur during the washing process.

You’ll also want to use a PH Balanced soap for your washes, as traditional car soap is highly acidic and unnecessarily rough on your coating. PH Balanced soaps can be found online, in most auto parts stores, and we carry our favorites right here at our Oakwood location.

The key to maximizing the benefits of your newly applied Ceramic Pro coating in Cleveland lies in a careful two-week curing period. During this time, avoiding certain elements such as automatic washes with brushes and dealership courtesy washes is crucial. Post-curing, the article offers valuable insights into proper washing techniques, emphasizing the avoidance of damaging practices and endorsing touchless or Two Bucket Hand Wash methods. 

These tips from Ceramic Pro Cleveland serve as a guide to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your Ceramic Pro-coated vehicle as you traverse the streets of Cleveland. For any inquiries or assistance,  Call Us, for an enduring and stylish Ceramic Coating Cleveland experience.