How to keep ceramic coatings performing optimally.

Ceramic coatings are extremely durable as they chemically bond to surfaces but certainly are not bullet proof. They do provide great protection but need to be taken care of properly like anything else. Ceramic coatings are nowadays becoming somewhat of a household name. Most people understand that the coating is like an invisible shield on top of the clearcoat that repels the elements. Others are more or less educated on the capabilities of a coating. However, there are a lot of misconceptions people can have too which are often due to exaggerated facts and hype which may be presented to them. Ceramic coatings do not last forever and you can not neglect your vehicle expecting it to last for years to come with no maintenance. On the other hand, a good coating should be easy to maintain and keep a vehicle’s exterior looking on point. In this article we will discuss routine procedures and also maintenance procedures at key intervals.

• Routine washing- it is recommended usually that the vehicle is washed every one to two weeks. Using a PH neutral soap ensures that you are not using a soap that is potentially causing damage to the ceramic basecoat and/or topcoat. It will loosen a build up of contaminants and help lift any stubborn marks. No matter how "self-cleaning" your vehicle is, it will still get dirty after some time. Allowing dirt and debris to stay on the surface for extended periods of time will wear away at the coating on a microscopic level and diminish shine and hydrophobicity in the long run and eventually lead to a shorter life for the coating. More importantly it`s all about the proper washing methods used. It is a common fact that people actually cause damage to the paint when they have every intention of beautifying it, unfortunately improper methods can harmful. Lubrication and a clean washing mitt with at a 2-bucket method is key. Also much damage is caused during the drying-off process as friction is involved which results in marring. Yes, even ceramic coatings can micro-mar after some time. Although it is not practical for some, removing the water with compressed air or a blower is much less contact on the surface and is a safe method of drying. Always wash top-down , visually inspecting your wash mitt from time to time. Wash your wheels separately and never mix body and wheel washing equipment.

• Boosters and Top-ups- most decent ceramic coatings systems on the market today are comprised of a basecoat and topcoat. The basecoat is a silica based formula which acts as the resilient, flexible layer that covalently bonds to the substrate. The basecoat alone can be quite hydrophobic and glossy but is usually prone to hard water spotting and etching. The idea is to lay down a slightly softer topcoat that acts as a sacrificial barrier keeping the basecoat as intact and damage free as possible. This topcoat can also give the coating the ultra wet glossy look and is very hydrophobic. It is what actually allows the coating to perform optimally on the surface level repelling the elements. The topcoat works as a 3-D matrix adhering to the basecoat itself and delivering a combo punch to protect your vehicle, giving it that signature shine. Other coatings that are single layer and installers that offer 5-7 years warranties will most likely have you back every year for a "maintenance polish" and complete or partial reapplication of the product at the owners expense. Using a booster or top-up allows you to easily replenish and rejuvenate the performance of your coating when the topcoat begins to incrementally get worn down. Depending on the conditions, topping up is recommended 2-3 times a year. Keeping on top of this (no pun intended) and having a maintenance program in check ensures that your coating will not only last but also remain looking at its best. Most topcoats are applied in the same way as a quick detailer , spray on and wipe off, and are easy to use for even a beginner.

• Maintenance polish-Ceramic coatings will inevitably take on some sort of damage or light scratching during its life. Rather than completely having to strip the coating away, which can be an extensive process, a maintenance polish can be performed. In my experience with many coatings I have seen, this can be done 1-3 years down the line, depending on the longevity of the coating and the residual wear. This usually means that a light-medium duty polishing compound is used to remove any blemishes or water spots that may have formed. Particular areas of the vehicle will always be prone to higher impact and may need touching up. A layer of the basecoat is usually added and the topcoat reapplied as well. This will completely revive the look and feel of your vehicle and cost significantly less than having a coating totally stripped and reapplied. Depending on how long a vehicle is kept, it is possible that an owner may choose to have the vehicle completely recoated. Even though a coating may have "expired" after a number of years, the clearcoat/paint beneath should still be good condition.