I’ve Just Ceramic Coated My Car – What Now?
At Viridian Detailing, we understand that you've just invested money in ceramic coating and you want to keep your vehicle looking pristine and ensure the longevity of the coating. Here’s a professional guide on how to maintain your ceramic-coated car and uphold the Gtechniq and Ethos guarantee.Immediate Aftercare
1. Avoid Washing Your Car for 7 Days
- The ceramic coating needs time to fully cure. During this period, avoid washing your car to allow the coating to bond properly with the paint.
2. Keep It Dry for 24 hours
- Avoid driving in the rain or parking under trees that may drop sap or bird droppings on your car. If your car does get wet, dry it gently with a clean microfiber towel.
Regular Maintenance Tips
1. Use a pH-Neutral Car Shampoo
- When washing your car, use a pH-neutral shampoo that’s safe for ceramic coatings. Avoid using any abrasive or wax-containing products that can damage the coating. We recommend using Nv SNOW.
2. Three-Bucket Washing Method
- Use the three-bucket method: one bucket for the soapy water and another for rinsing your wash mitt. This minimises the risk of scratching the coating with dirt particles. The third bucket is solely for the wheels - ensure this bucket and dedicated wheel wash mitt is never used for the paint. Brake dust contains grit that can scratch and damage the paintwork and ceramic coating.
3. Drying Towel or Touchless Drying
- Dry your car with a high-quality drying towel to prevent water spots and streaks. Avoid using regular towels and chamois, which can be too abrasive and will create additional work as they need to be wrung out. We recommend using Aquatouch BIGFELLA.
- If you want to go even further, there's the touchless drying method which involves using a filtered leaf-blower. We recommend using the EGO Power+ 530.
4. Avoid Automatic Car Washes, Dealership and Carwashes
- Automatic car washes, dealerships and carwashes use very alkaline and acidic chemicals. These chemicals will lead to pre-mature failure of the ceramic coating and potentially void your Gtechniq and Ethos guarantee.
- Typically these places will also follow improper wash and drying techniques leading to unwanted scratches on the paintwork. They're all about quantity as opposed to quality of work.
- Washing at home with the 3-bucket method is the best way to go! Otherwise, drop it off to us for a maintenance wash and inspection and we'll give you a courtesy car to drive for a few hours. More details here.
5. Decontamination Wash Every 3-6 Months
- Perform a chemical decontamination wash to remove any built-up contaminants. We recommend Gtechniq W6 Iron Fallout Remover & Decontaminant to maintain a smooth and clean surface.
Annual Maintenance
To maintain your Gtechniq and Ethos guarantee, it’s crucial to schedule an annual maintenance wash and inspection. Here’s why:
1. Maintenance & Decontamination Wash
- We perform a thorough maintenance & decontamination wash to remove any stubborn contaminants and restore the hydrophobic properties of the coating.
2. Professional Inspection
- We will inspect your ceramic coating for any signs of wear or damage. Early detection allows for timely touch-ups, ensuring your car remains protected.
3. Ceramic Coating Top-Up and Touch-Up
- Depending on the condition of the coating, we may apply a top-up layer to reinforce the protection and extend the lifespan of the ceramic coating.
We will send you a reminder 11 months after your initial ceramic coating appointment to schedule in the annual maintenance.
What Not to Do After Ceramic Coating
To maintain the integrity of your car's ceramic coating, avoid taking it to automatic car washes. These washes often use harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can damage both the coating and your car's paint and void the guarantee.
Even hand car washes are best avoided, as their focus is typically on speed and volume, which can lead to the use of strong cleaning agents that may strip away the coating's protective properties.
For the best results, hand wash your car with pH-neutral products to keep it in top shape.
Additional Tips
1. Park Wisely
- Whenever possible, park your car in a garage, carpark or under a carport to protect it from environmental elements like UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap.
2. Wash Regularly
- A vehicle that is driven regularly (at least twice a week) should be washed every one to two weeks. Using the right techniques and products, your ceramic coating will continue to perform and protect for years to come.
- We recommend washing the vehicle as soon as possible after the rain to prevent water spotting (watermarks etched into the paint).
- It is also advised not to hose down the car and let it dry up in the sun, this will also create water spots on the paint and glass.
3. Get in touch with Aaron
- We're always here to help - give us a call, shoot us a text or drop us an email!
Book a maintenance service
For more information or to schedule your annual maintenance service, visit here.
