The Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining A Ceramic Coating

Written By Christopher Shelton

Now that your vehicle has been ceramic coated it’s time to enjoy the benefits, a few of which are:

  • Increased gloss and slickness

  • UV Protection

  • Chemical resistance

  • Ease of maintenance

A ceramic coating reduces the amount of labor needed to maintain your vehicle’s exterior but it’s not an invincible force field that magically repels dirt and contaminants. You still have to do your part with regular maintenance washes which are pretty straightforward and simple. At minimum, your vehicle should be washed monthly but my personal preference is every two weeks. A good hand washing with proper technique and a pH neutral soap will go a long way in reaping the long term benefits of your coating. You and your maintenance routine are the single biggest factor in the longevity of your ceramic coating.

Do

  • Wash regularly with a pH neutral soap preferably every two weeks but a minimum of once a month

  • Use proper washing technique and quality wash media and drying towels

  • Apply a ceramic booster periodically to maintain the coating’s hydrophobic properties

  • Perform a deep clean every 6 to 12 months with CCI Reclaim

Don’t

  • Do not wash your vehicle for the first two weeks after the coating has been applied

  • Avoid automatic washes, especially those with brushes. If you must use an automatic wash find a touchless location and use the spot free rinse. Be cognizant of the fact that repeated use will diminish the properties of your coating.

  • Avoid soaps that contain waxes or other “beneficial” agents. Stick to pH neutral soaps.

  • Avoid washing in the sun as this will lead to water spotting.

Christopher Shelton
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Performing a Maintenance Wash