A ceramic coating is one of the best investments for long-term protection of your factory paintwork. It maintains the paint’s shine, repels liquids, and shields it against damaging contaminants. Some car owners assume that applying a ceramic coating eliminates the need for maintenance, which is wrong. Without maintenance, ceramic or graphene coatings degrade prematurely, and within a short while, your paintwork gets exposed to damaging elements.
For a ceramic or graphene coating to provide all its benefits to your vehicle for a prolonged period, it requires occasional upkeep. On this page, Im going to discuss the best ways to maintain your ceramic or graphene coating.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR CERAMIC COATING
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Do not wash your car for 7 days after ceramic coating application
Ceramic coatings take a while to cure and provide the necessary protection to your paintwork. A ceramic coating is quite a considerable investment, and unless you want to wash it all down the drain, you should not wash your car for at least a week after its application. This time allows the ceramic coating to cure properly.
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Wash your car
Applying a protective layer on your vehicle doesn’t make it dirt proof or contaminant proof. It still requires a regular wash, although not as often as when it only had the factory clear coat. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when washing a car.
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Wash your vehicle every one to two weeks
As you drive your ceramic coated vehicle, its hydrophobicity makes it hard for most water-based dirt and smudges to stick on its surface. However, dirt, pebbles, and other small degrading materials get embedded into the ceramic coating. Without a regular wash, these materials chip away the ceramic coating, making it lose its hydrophobicity with time. This is why it’s vital to wash your car every 1-2 weeks to protect and maintain your ceramic coating.
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Do not airdry your car
Air drying your car will leave water spots, which will stain your car. Instead, use a clean microfiber towel to dry your ceramic coated surface.
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Remove contaminants from your coated paint immediately
Contaminants such as bird droppings, bug splatters, and tree-sap can degrade your ceramic coating as they are acidic. This means that if any of them ends up on your ceramic coated paint, they should be removed immediately. Remember to blot and not wipe – this minimizes the spread of contaminants on your paintwork.
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Use maintenance boosters
Ceramic coating maintenance products fill up scratched parts of the ceramic coating to protect the paint and restore the coating’s hydrophobicity. Maintenance boosters are usually applied immediately after washing your car. They should be applied every 3-4 months.
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Annual maintenance checkup