How to maintain a ceramic-coated car
A coating is not a force field. Gentle washes, regular decon and a top-up keep it beading.
50 minBeginner5 steps
A ceramic coating or SiO₂ sealant makes washing easier, but it does not stop dirt landing on the car. What kills coatings is harsh chemicals, brush washes and a layer of bonded grime that masks the beading. Wash gently, decontaminate a few times a year, and the coating will keep doing its job.
- 1
Wash every one to two weeks
Do not let red dust and road film build up for a month — the coating sheds dirt best when it is not buried. Snow foam, then a two-bucket wash with Pure Wash.
- 2
Stick to pH-neutral products
Strong degreasers, traffic-film removers and dishwashing liquid wear coatings down. Pure Wash is safe on wax, sealant and ceramic.
- 3
Dry fast to stop spotting
Hard-water minerals still dry onto a coating and can mask the beading. Dry with a plush towel, using Quick Detailer as a drying aid.
- 4
Iron decon every few months
If beading weakens even after a wash, bonded iron and grime are usually the cause. Iron Out, rinse, and the beading often comes straight back.
- 5
Top up when needed
A coat of Ceramic Shield over a coating restores slickness. If your car has a professional coating under warranty, check with your installer first — some specify their own maintenance products.
Bay tip · Avoid automatic brush washes completely. If you must use a hand-wash bay, ask them not to use their own sponges on your paint.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a coated car never needs washing
- Brush car washes
- Using strong degreasers or traffic-film removers
- Letting hard water dry on the paint