One of the top questions we receive here at our West Kansas City Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer is how to maintain ceramic coating in Kansas City. Ceramic coatings are a fantastic way to protect your car’s paint, giving it a glossy finish that turns heads wherever you go. However, to keep that look pristine, regular maintenance is key.
Living in the Midwest comes with big-bug debris, pollen, tree sap, and birds that love to target your freshly ceramic coated cars. Overtime, those natural toxins – along with brake dust and industrial fallout can stick to your coated surface. This not only results in a dirty appearing vehicle, but it takes away that hydrophobic surface – so it appears the coating has failed.
All of this can be avoided with the right maintenance techniques and using the correct products.
In the information below, we’re going to provide you with the definitive guide to maintaining your ceramic coated car in Kansas City. Whether you’ve got one of our ION Packages or you have a DIY coating, the tips below will help you keep that coating in great shape.
Before we dive too deep – let’s clarify what we mean when talking about ceramic coating maintenance. In this case, a ceramic coating is defined as a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with the factory paint of your car, creating a layer of protection.
This coating shields your car from environmental contaminants, minor scratches, and UV rays while making it easier to clean. It’s a product that utilizes nanotechnology to bond and secure to a porous surface. As the coating cures, it forms a covalent bond to the substrate – meaning it shares electrons with the substrate to form a chemical bond.
Other products that are labeled ceramic coatings – or say on the label that they contain ceramic ingredients are nothing more than lab-created wax products or sealants. These products are often sprayed on and wiped off. As they cure, they sit on top of a substrate – or form a mechanical bond.
So – for purposes of this article, the ceramic coatings we’re talking about are those that utilize nanotechnology to cure to the surface.
While you can purchase DIY ceramic coating kits, it is recommended to have a professional apply the coating for optimal results. The main reason for this is that any ceramic coating is going to amplify the condition of the surface in which it protects and is installed.
This means that if you have minor, hardly noticeable swirl marks and imperfections, they will be more visible after the coating cures.
Here are some reasons why it makes sense to have a professional detail shop in West Kansas City handle your ceramic coating prep and installation.
Without proper care, even the best ceramic coating can degrade over time. Regular maintenance ensures your coating remains effective, providing the protection and shine that makes your car stand out.
Here are some tips for maintaining your ceramic coated car:
To start – let’s address the elephant in the room.
Not all ceramic coating customers are blessed with professional detailing supplies, skills, or desire to work that hard on washing a car.
The reality is that every vehicle owner has their own reasons for investing in ceramic coating. And they all have different experiences or time restrictions that lead to their car washing process. So – with that all said, we’re going to do you all a huge favor and split this section in two.
Ceramic coating maintenance guide for the DIY enthusiasts & the average vehicle owner.
Let’s start with how the team at Ceramic Pro Elite West Kansas City would maintain our own vehicles – which is an easy-to-follow guide for the DIY’er.
This video below was created by Esoteric Garage, one of the BEST professional detailing YouTube channels. It will explain how the three bucket car wash works.
Why it Matters: While most detailers and ceramic coating manufactures focus on the self-cleaning benefits of their products, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to manually wash your coated vehicle. In fact, failure to hand wash – or complete a contact wash at least once per month can cause contaminants to stick to the coated surface.
When this occurs, the flat, hydrophobic surface now becomes jagged or rough. As such, water, dirt, and other debris will stick to the coating – and make it appear that the coating has failed.
So – what is the hybrid three-bucket method? It’s simple:
In a Perfect World Situation Supplies You Need:
How to Do It:
Regular maintenance washes like this should be completed at least once per month. You can get away with non-contact washing – but make sure to do this once per week to avoid debris sticking to the coated surfaces.
We also recommend using the Detail Spray after your contact wash. But you can also use this product in between your maintenance washes for spot cleaning.
Now we’re going to speak to most vehicle owners who opt for a professional shop to install their ceramic coatings. If you’re not inclined to invest money, time or effort in washing your vehicle as we described above, there are some basic “best practices” that you should always follow.
First and foremost – avoid the drive-thru car washes that use automated brushes. These places exist because of convenience – not quality or best practices. The brushes, pads and general material used in touch industrial car washes can literally strip your vehicle’s ceramic coating over time. Even worse, they WILL create swirl marks on the surface of the coating.
Additionally, the soap used in these facilities is industrial level detergents – typically a pH level above 10 – which will strip the coating.
Ceramic coating best practices strongly guide customers to hand wash – or have their vehicle hand washed by a detailer at least once per month. If you have 30 minutes on an early morning or early evening one day during the month, and you have a place to wash it, follow these basic tips.
Why it Matters: Harsh chemicals can degrade the ceramic coating. While professional grade coatings cure exceptionally hard, they are prone to damage when exposed to acidic or alkaline-based chemicals.
To avoid this issue, use a pH neutral car shampoo. Any product between 5.9 and 8.9 on the pH scale will fall within this category.
Our Recommendation:
When the sun is out and shining on a vehicle, it heats up the surface. However, it also accelerates evaporation. So, since you don’t want car soap to dry on the coated surface, always wash the vehicle in low light hours. But it’s more important to wash a vehicle that is cool to the touch.
If you’re not comfortable washing the car yourself, it makes sense to have your car professionally washed at least once per month. Typically, a standard exterior hand wash costs between $35 to $50 – and is money well spent. Plus, most facilities or mobile detailers offer monthly specials – that include light interior detailing as well.
Here are a few key items to look for with anyone washing your ceramic coated car.
When you invest several hundred dollars or more on a ceramic coating installation in Kansas City, staying on top of proper maintenance is essential for keeping it in top condition. By following these steps, you can ensure your car remains protected and looks great for years to come.
For personalized advice, feel free to reach out to our team of experts here at Ceramic Pro West Kansas City. We’re always here to help you get the most out of your ceramic coating!
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