Giving the Right Car Care to Your Ceramic Coated Vehicle

In this article you will learn:

What is car ceramic coating

How to wash car after ceramic coating

How to safely wash and wax a ceramic-coated vehicle

The best detailing products and the best car shampoo for ceramic coating

Simple tips and tricks to make your ceramic coating last

You may have recently purchased a ceramic coating for cars—or maybe you’re curious about how to take care of one before you commit. Many professional detailers emphasize regular care to help your vehicle's wax, paint sealant or ceramic coating last, but what does "regular car care” look like?

Well, it depends on the type of paint protection.

While many of the techniques you’ll use to maintain that layer of protection will be similar, the products and tools you use for each will be different.

A ceramic coating, in particular, has a vastly different chemical makeup than car wax or your vehicle’s clear coat. Ceramic coatings are tougher and more durable, giving your car the benefits of incredibly long-lasting protection; however, they aren’t impervious.

Ceramic coatings can still scratch, swirl and fade from everyday wear and tear, which can affect the look and feel of your car over time. That’s why regular care is so important; it extends the life of your ceramic coating so it can continue to protect your vehicle’s beautiful paintwork.

In this article, we’ll share the best car care routine to keep your ceramic-coated vehicle in tip-top shape!

Start with a gentle wash

Many car owners believe they don’t need to wash their vehicles once they have ceramic protection, but is far from true. While a ceramic coating repels water and dirt, it can still get dirty, and it still needs to be cleaned regularly to maximize your vehicle’s paint protection. Without routine cleaning, your ceramic coating won’t last as long, leaving your car’s paint vulnerable to scratches, swirl marks and fading from exposure to harsh UV rays.

We recommend using gentle car shampoo, like Hybrid Solutions PRO Pure Wash, to give your ceramic coating a good wash. Aggressive detergents can cause your ceramic protection to wear away prematurely, and, since ceramic coatings have hydrophobic properties, you don’t need much cleaning power to remove dirt or stains.

You’ll also need a soft, high-pile microfiber wash mitt and a power washer. Despite their durability, ceramic coatings are still prone to scratch, so these detailing essentials ensure that you get the smoothest, scratch-free finish.

Note: When using a power washer on your car’s paint, make sure the pressure does not exceed 1500 psi and that you fit the washer with a 45-degree spray nozzle to avoid damaging the clear coat. A power washer can do more harm than good if you don’t know how to use it, so be sure to take a look at our power washer guide for beginners if it’s your first time!

Start with a prerinse using your power washer. Be sure to hold the nozzle at least 6 inches away from painted surfaces and 12 inches away from plastic trim. Clean your wheels using your preferred wheel and tyre cleaner before moving on to the rest of your car.

Next, fill a bucket with Hybrid Solutions PRO Pure Wash and water to form your car wash solution, using the jet setting on your hose to create a generous foam. Dip your microfiber mitt into the bucket and gently massage the car wash shampoo onto the surface of your car, one panel at a time. Rinse your mitt frequently between uses.

Give your car one last rinse with your power washer to remove any excess soils or residues left behind by your car wash shampoo. Then, to minimize the risk of scratches and swirls, use a leaf blower to dry your car to a streak-free, sparkling finish. If you don’t have a leaf blower, you can also hand dry with a plush microfiber drying towel.

The finishing touch-up

Now that you’ve washed your ceramic coating, all you need to do now is top it off with a fresh layer of car wax.

Yes, your ceramic coating already functions as a protective layer, but without regular touch-ups, the wear and tear of everyday driving will cause it to wear away in a matter of months. On the flipside, with the proper maintenance, your ceramic coating can last for up to a year—plus, it'll continue to look amazing, too.

That’s where ceramic spray wax comes in. This type of wax has built-in ceramic protection that bonds perfectly with your ceramic coating, while simultaneously giving you all the amazing benefits of a carnauba wax: crazy water beading action, enhanced depth of colour and an incredible, cloud-reflecting shine.

For maximum protection and shine, we recommend touching up your ceramic coating with a ceramic-graphene spray wax, like Hybrid Solutions PRO Flex Wax. The graphene infused into the formula will not only strengthen your ceramic coating, but it’ll also create an even tighter web of protection to offer your vehicle greater heat and chemical resistance. Simply apply your preferred spray wax using a fresh, microfiber cloth and buff your finish to a beautiful, high gloss shine.

The cure for lengthy cure times

A ceramic coating is a great way to protect your vehicle’s paintwork, but the benefits don't come without a price—and not just the hundreds of pounds you’ll pay the dealership or detail shop to apply it. Most professional-grade coatings take several days, if not several weeks, to harden and form that extra-durable, protective layer.

For at least a few days after applying a ceramic coating, if not longer—you’ll need to keep your car in a dry, climate-controlled space so that the new coating has time to cure. Of course, that means you’ll need to pay even more money for a rental vehicle if you rely solely on private transport.

Luckily, ceramic coatings have evolved and taken on the form of more user-friendly products since their invention. Nowadays, there are dozens of consumer-grade coatings at your disposal that make reaping the benefits of ceramic protection so much more convenient, and affordable to boot.

Most spray coatings, for instance, like our Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating, cure within 24 hours. Plus, they’re super easy to use, so anyone can apply them. All you need is a handy microfiber cloth and, in about 15 minutes or so, you’ll enjoy the same incredible protection you’d receive from a professional-grade coating at a sliver of the cost!

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your ceramic spray coating, we recommend applying a second coat after the first layer has had time to cure and waiting an additional 24 hours before driving your car. Then, you’re all set for up to 12 months of ceramic protection!

Whether you prefer a DIY solution or a professional treatment, be sure to wash your ceramic coating regularly and give it a quick touch-up every now and then!