The Ultimate Ceramic Coating Maintenance Guide (Jan 2026)

Never work on a ceramic-coated vehicle in direct sunlight or when the panels are hot to the touch. In peak summer, this means starting before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. Use an infrared thermometer if available; panel temperatures should be below 30°C. If the surface is too hot, chemicals will flash (dry) instantly, leading to permanent staining or etching of the coating.

Walk around the vehicle and identify high-load areas. Look for heavy red dust accumulation in door seals, salt crusting on the lower sills, and bird droppings on horizontal surfaces. Identify any 'flat' spots where water is no longer beading, as these areas will require more intensive chemical decontamination during the wash process.

Prepare your snow foam cannon with a 1:10 ratio of foam concentrate to warm water. Fill your wash bucket with 15L of water and the manufacturer-recommended amount of shampoo (usually 20-30ml). Ensure your microfibre towels are clean and free of previous wax residues. Set up your pressure washer and ensure the hose is long enough to reach all corners without dragging against the paint.

Always clean wheels first. This prevents brake dust and iron particles from splashing onto the clean paintwork later. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes. By the time you finish the wheels, the paint temperature will have stabilised further, making the body wash safer.

Perform a thorough rinse starting from the roof and working down. Use a 40-degree nozzle tip at least 30cm from the surface. This step is critical for removing loose abrasive red dust and salt spray. Pay special attention to wheel arches and window seals where salt and grit accumulate. Do not use a high-pressure 'pencil' jet as this can damage the coating interface at the edges of panels.

Apply a thick layer of snow foam to the entire vehicle. Allow it to dwell for 4-6 minutes, but do not let it dry. The foam encapsulates fine dust and softens organic matter like bug guts. In high heat, you may need to mist the foam with a fine water spray to keep it moist. This 'touchless' step removes 80% of the dirt that causes swirl marks during the contact wash.

Using your microfibre mitt, wash one panel at a time using the 'straight-line' method—never circular motions. Start from the top and work down. After each panel, rinse the mitt in the 'rinse' bucket to dislodge grit, then reload with soapy water from the 'wash' bucket. This ensures you are always touching the coating with a clean tool.

Every 3-4 months, apply an iron fallout remover to the wet paint. Spray liberally and wait 2-3 minutes for the chemical to turn purple (indicating a reaction with metallic particles). This is vital for coastal and industrial areas. Do not let it dry. Rinse thoroughly. This 'unclogs' the coating, restoring its hydrophobic properties and smoothness.

If bird or bat droppings remain, do not scrub. Use a dedicated bug and grime remover or a warm, wet microfibre towel laid over the area for 60 seconds to soften the acid. Gently wipe away. Ceramic coatings are resistant to chemicals but can eventually be etched by the highly acidic nature of local bat droppings if left too long.

Remove the nozzle from the hose and use a gentle stream of water to 'flood' the panels. On a well-maintained coating, the water will sheet off almost entirely, leaving very little behind for the towel. This reduces the mechanical friction required during the drying stage, further protecting the coating's integrity.

Drape your large twisted-loop towel across horizontal surfaces and pull it toward you, allowing the weight of the towel to soak up water. For vertical panels, pat the surface dry. Use a blower to purge water from mirror housings, fuel caps, and light clusters. This prevents 'run-down' streaks which can leave mineral deposits as they dry in the heat.

Once dry, inspect the paint under a bright LED light or in the sun. Check for 'clogging' (water not beading) or 'high spots' (darker, oily-looking patches). If the surface feels 'grabby' rather than slick, it indicates that environmental films (like road film or tree sap) are still present and may require a specialized intensive cleaner.

Apply a ceramic booster to one panel at a time. Spray 2-3 mists onto a clean microfibre cloth or directly onto the panel. Spread evenly, then immediately flip the cloth to a dry side and buff to a high shine. This sacrificial layer adds 2-4 months of protection and significantly enhances the UV resistance of the base coating.

Open all doors and wipe down the jambs. Red dust often settles here and can act like sandpaper on the door shuts. Use a damp microfibre towel and a bit of the maintenance spray to protect these hidden areas. This prevents the dust from migrating back onto the exterior panels during your next drive.