However, it is not bulletproof and will require routine aftercare to maintain the integrity of the coating.
By following our manufacture recommended procedures, your vehicle will be eligible for warranties and your coating will hold up for many years.
Things You Must Avoid During the Two-Week Curing Process
Curing time for all Ceramic Pro coating packages is 2-3 weeks depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. Make sure to avoid the following during this time period.
- Exposure to water and rain. The ceramic coating needs time to cure. Exposure to rain, sprinklers, and water (including foggy conditions) may impact the coatings durability. It also can lead to water spotting on the coating.
- Do NOT wash a vehicle for at least two-weeks after receiving delivery of your ceramic coated vehicle.
- Avoid Parking Under Trees: Tree Sap, leaves, and branches can cause etching and scratching on a ceramic coating.
- Avoid allowing bird droppings, bug splatter, sap, pollen to sit on the car for more than a few days. If your vehicle is exposed to these contaminates, use Americana Global Detail Spray to spot clean the area with a clean microfiber towel.
- No washing the vehicle for at least two weeks. If you feel as if your vehicle was exposed to the above situations, please contact your Certified Ceramic Pro Installer for guidance on how to remove contaminants.
Ceramic Pro Americas has partnered with Americana Global, a leading professional detailing supplies manufacturer, to develop a series of products that are formulated specifically for our line of ceramic coatings.
The products listed on this aftercare instruction page are the only ones recommended by Ceramic Pro Americas for routine maintenance car washes and quick detailing applications.
- AFTERCARE DO'S AND DON'TS
Ceramic Coating Do’s:
Ceramic Coating Don’ts:
Washing Your Vehicle at Home
When cured, Ceramic Pro nanoceramic coatings are extremely durable and produce a hydrophobic surface. This means that most debris will not bond to the coated surface within a few days of exposure. However, if sticky debris such as bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, pollen, or tar lands on the coating, and it’s exposed to directly sunlight and heat, the contaminant may bond.
Ceramic Pro highly recommends using Americana Global Detail Spray and a plush microfiber towel to spot clean areas of the vehicle that are contaminated with debris as soon as possible. This includes standing water caused by rain, puddles, sprinklers, and exposure to salt water.
If you don’t have this product, use two, plush microfiber towels. Saturate the first one with water to remove any debris. Use the second dry microfiber towel to dry the surface.
Car Washing Schedule
For best results the car should be washed every two weeks to avoid excessive contamination build-up. Use only our recommended soaps listed above. While it is acceptable to use foam cannons with a high-pressure hose, we strongly recommend a two-bucket hand wash to be completed at least every 60-days.
Avoid automatic brush style car washes, and high pH detergent style cleaners, or any cleaning agents with added wax or petroleum distillates – as this may lead to scratching the coated surface.
Washing Methods
Standard Car Washing at Home
The best way to maintain the hydrophobic properties of a ceramic coating is to use the recommended supplies and techniques. Ceramic Pro partnered with Americana Global to develop Ceramic Aftercare Soap specifically formulated for our unique coating technology.
For hand washing, we recommend the two-bucket hand washing technique as follows:
Step 1: Collect Supplies including (3) 3 to 5-gallon buckets, Americana Global Ceramic Aftercare Soap, Fresh water hose (or high-pressure hose with foam cannon), (2) microfiber wash mitts or wash media, a grit guard (strongly recommended), and dedicated microfiber drying towels.
Step 2: Pre-Rinse: Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to pre-rinse all vehicle surfaces of standing debris, dirt, mud, and other solid objects. If you have a foam cannon, you can use it as a pre-wash as directed on the back of the bottle of Americana Global Ceramic Aftercare Soap.
Step 3: Wash Wheels and Tires First. Using (1) dedicated wash mitt and bucket, rinse all brake dust and debris off each wheel first. Then, add 2oz of Americana Global Ceramic Aftercare Soap to the wash bucket and add 3-gallons of water.
Wash the wheels and tires then rinse with fresh water. Once all four tires and wheels are washed, pre-rinse the vehicle again with fresh water, as brake dust may be stuck to the vehicle surface. Do NOT dry until completed with car washing.
*Do NOT reuse the same wash mitt or wash bucket used for washing wheels – as brake dust will be embedded in each and will likely scratch your coated surfaces on the vehicle’s paint. Use separate buckets and wash media.
Step 4: Fill (2) wash buckets. Add the grit guard (optional but recommended) to one bucket and fill with 3 gallons of fresh water (no soap). Add 2oz of Americana Global Ceramic Aftercare Soap to the other bucket, then agitate by adding 3-gallons of high-pressure water. Make sure plenty of suds are produced.
Step 5: Wash one section at a time. For optimal results, begin by washing one panel or vehicle section at a time. Dip your wash mitt or microfiber rag in the soapy water, and wash the vehicle from top to bottom, left to right. Rinse off each section with fresh water as you complete the section to avoid cross contamination.
Step 6: Dry the vehicle. Ceramic Pro recommends drying your vehicle with a dedicated microfiber terry weave drying towel or high-pressure air – followed by a plush microfiber towel. Make sure to dry the vehicle as soon as you are done washing the vehicle.
Other Vehicle Maintenance Washing Options
Ceramic Pro understands that not everyone is comfortable washing their vehicles by hand or can at their home. If you are in this situation, we strongly recommend hiring a mobile detailer or your authorized Ceramic Pro Coating installer to complete maintenance washes at least once per month.
Other recommended maintenance car wash options include:
Non-Touch Car Wash
If you have a non-touch automated car washing facility located near you, you may use these facilities to wash your vehicle. However, we strongly recommend purchasing a dedicated large drying towel, to ensure your vehicle is completely dry prior to leaving the facility – as failure to do so may result in water spotting on the coated surface.
For self-operated facilities – begin by pre-rinsing the vehicle with water (no soap). Once all debris is removed, select the high-pressure soap, and apply to the entire vehicle. Let the soap dwell for a few minutes. DO NOT use any brushes provided at the location as this WILL scratch the coating and void any warranty.
Rinse car off with the high-pressure rinse. If available, select the spot-free low pressure water option to complete a final rinse. DO NOT select any ‘wax’ treatments. Dry with clean microfiber towels prior to leaving the facility.
High-Pressure / Foam Cannon
A great way to wash your Ceramic Pro coated vehicle every few weeks is by using a high-pressure washer, with a medium-grade pressure nozzle and foam cannon attachment. Americana Global manufactures two outstanding products that work well in foam cannon applications – Ceramic Aftercare Soap and Vinyl & PPF Soap.
When using a 32oz foam cannon container, add 28oz of warm water to the foam cannon container first. Then, add 4oz of Americana Global SOAP. Shake well prior to attaching to the high-pressure washer.
Ceramic Pro recommends rinsing all debris off the vehicle with fresh water first, then apply the foam cannon soap to the entire vehicle. Let the soap dwell in a shaded non-warm to the touch area for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse completely with fresh water, then dry.
If you prefer to use this washing method, we strongly recommend a traditional two-bucket hand wash every two months – as this will remove contaminants that may have bonded to the coating.
Drying Aid
Ceramic Pro Care is a great drying aid. Using Ceramic Pro Care and one damp microfiber to first dry the vehicle followed by using second microfiber to finish drying the vehicle. This process will give you the best results. Ceramic Pro Care MUST be applied when the vehicle is wet or on a wet microfiber towel. Do NOT apply Ceramic Pro Care on a dry surface.
Always dry completely and never leave to “naturally air” dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots. Only use quality microfiber towels for best results and avoid aggressive wiping, allowing the material to absorb the water.
Spot Removal of Debris
If your vehicle gets dirty, or natural toxins like bird droppings, tree sap, or bug splatters – or if you simply want to detail your vehicle in-between maintenance car washes, use Americana Global Detail Spray to spot clean the area with a clean microfiber towel.
- Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or remove surface contamination.
- Never use excessive force to remove spots.
- Bird droppings, tar, sap, etc. should be removed as soon as possible to avoid temporary staining or hardening on the coating. Any staining left behind from bird droppings will break down over a few days without affecting the coating.
- For water spots, start by washing the vehicle as recommended. If water spots are still visible, start by using a 50/50 mix of white vinegar with distilled water (do not use tap water) in a spray bottle. Spray the mixed solution directly on the surface. Let it dwell for 30 seconds, then wipe clean and dry with a plush microfiber towel.
If water spots are still visible, please consult with your Ceramic Pro authorized installer.
*Please continually check on CeramicPro.com/Shop – as Americana Global will be releasing a Ceramic Coating safe water spot remover soon.
Post Car Wash
Do not wax the coating. It is unnecessary and the wax will not bond to the coating. Ceramic Pro Care or Americana Global Detail Spray are the ONLY recommended maintenance and aftercare products. Ask your local installer about purchasing Ceramic Pro Care & Americana Global Detail Spray during your visit.
Leather and Fabric Maintenance
Interior ceramic coated materials such as textiles, leather, and plastics also require maintenance cleaning occasionally. We recommend wiping down ceramic coated surfaces with either a damp microfiber cloth or using Americana Global All-Purpose Cleaner (Ready to Use formulation).
For optimal results:
- Vacuum carpets, seats, and other solid surfaces every few weeks to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants.
- Immediately clean off any spilled liquids with a damp microfiber towel, then use a clean and dry microfiber towel to dry.
- Do NOT use leather conditioners or interior detail sprays with added wax.
- AFTERCARE PRODUCTS
-
Ceramic Pro Super Plush Microfiber Towel
$15.00 -
Waffle Wave Gray Towels
$59.99 -
Blue Glass Microfiber Towels
$24.99 -
Americana Global – Rinseless Wash
$18.99 -
Americana Global Vinyl & PPF Soap
$18.99 -
Americana Global – Wheel & Tire Cleaner
$13.99 -
Americana Global Ceramic Glass Cleaner
$13.99 -
Americana Global Tire & Trim
$18.99 -
Americana Global Detail Spray
$14.99 -
Americana Global Ceramic Aftercare Soap
$18.99 -
Standard Pro MicroFiber Towels
$4.89 – $48.99 -
Large Pro MicroFiber Towels
$5.49 – $54.99 -
Ceramic Pro Cleaner
$35.00 -
Ceramic Pro Care Solution
$65.00 -
Ceramic Pro Aftercare Kit
$109.99
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