Should You Wash Ceramic Coated Cars Regularly?

Ceramic coating is a great long-term investment for protecting the factory paintwork of your car. It keeps the paint glossy, repels liquids, and protects it from harmful pollutants on the road. However, some automobile owners incorrectly believe that applying a ceramic coating removes the need for cleaning. This is definitely not true! Effective maintenance is essential to maintain the protective qualities of a ceramic coating. So, how frequently should a ceramic coating be washed? Let's find out in this article by Mayvinci in Los Angeles, CA.

How Long Does Ceramic Coating Take To Apply?

Typically, the application of a ceramic coating takes two to three days. The preparatory phases usually take one to two days to complete. However, the coating itself should only take around an hour to apply. The coating must also cure, typically for 12 to 24 hours.

The process of ceramic coating application consists of the following:

• Wash Car

Using the two bucket wash approach, wash and rinse your car to ensure all dirt and grime have been eliminated from the vehicle's paint surface.

• Clay Bar

Now the surface is free of dirt and filth. We must eliminate obstinate impurities using a clay bar or speed clay product.

• Paint Correction

Now that the surface has been thoroughly cleansed of dirt, filth, and pollutants, we can examine scuffs, swirls, and fading paint. Paint correction produces a smooth surface for the ceramic coating to bind and gives that deep, glass-like gloss.

• Surface Condition

Using isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth, wipe each piece to ensure that the surface is devoid of polish, wax, oils, and other pollutants. It guarantees that the ceramic coating binds to the surface without difficulty.

• Apply the Ceramic Coating

Ensure the panel is clean and cold to the touch. Working in tiny portions, softly spray the surface with the ceramic coating. Using a gentle, clean microfiber cloth or applicator, spread the substance evenly throughout the surface until it vanishes. Ten minutes or so are required for the ceramic coating to adhere to the surface.

• Wipe Down

Using a different microfiber cloth, vigorously buff the surface until it is clean and clear. Avoid using a wet cloth or towel to guarantee an even, clean surface. Additional layers may be placed for greater durability, depth, and protection. Allow 24 hours between ceramic coating layers to ensure proper layering.

How Frequently Should We Wash Ceramic Coated Cars?

As you drive your ceramic coated car, its hydrophobicity makes it hard for most water-based filth and smudges to stay on its surface. However, the ceramic coating may become encrusted with dirt, stones, and other minor degrading elements when driven on the road for an extended period of time. Without frequent washing, these contaminants will erode the ceramic covering, causing it to lose its hydrophobicity over time. To safeguard and preserve your ceramic coating, you must wash your vehicle every one to two weeks.

Never Use an Automatic Car Washing System

An automatic car wash may destroy a ceramic coating in seconds. The soaps used are generally pH harsh, like industrial detergents, which risk damaging or, at worst, completely destroying the coating. 

Wash the Car in Low Light Hours

When you wash your car, it's always best to do it away from direct sunlight. The best time to clean the vehicle is on an overcast day, early in the morning, or before sunset. Because sunlight quickly dries the soap on the coating, water stains may form.

Always Utilize Clean Materials

When washing, drying, or applying any cleaning agent to ceramic coated vehicles, we should prevent cross contamination with other cleaning materials. Ensure the microfiber towel, wash mitt, and even the buckets are clean and free of additional cleansers, degreasers, or dirt.

Can we wash your car within seven days after the application?

The answer is no. We should allow the ceramic coating time to cure for at least one week in order to protect your car completely. If you wash or otherwise disturb the surface, it might hinder the curing process.

Ceramic coating is a superior protective method, so it’s vital to maintain its lifespan with the proper car wash methods. We hope our blog has provided the information you need about "how often you should wash your ceramic coated car." Mayvinci in Los Angeles, CA, offers top notch ceramic coatings applied by our team of expert technicians! Book an appointment with Mayvinci at +1 424-335-6356, or visit our shop at 854 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035, United States.