Wheel cleaning 101: Secrets to keeping rims brand new and how to clean them

Explaining all the complexities of a coating is difficult, so it's best to think of it in it's simplest form. A ceramic coating is basically a form of protection of your cars paint. When most people think of paint protection, they are usually familiar with waxing their car. Wax is a hydrophobic material, often made from paraffin wax, carnauba wax, or synthetic wax or sealants. When applied to a vehicle it sits on top of the paint and protects it from the elements. Unlike wax, a ceramic coating forms a robust bond with the paint surface, providing a level of protection that's both durable and semi-permanent. With proper maintenance, these coatings can stand the test of time, offering a shield that lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 years before necessitating reapplication. Because ceramic coatings are designed to last years, this means that the preparation and application is crucially more demanding. Not only do you want your car to be free of any imperfections, the surface needs to be bare and clean in order to accept the bonding of the ceramic coating. However, the extended lifespan of ceramic coatings comes with an important requirement: meticulous preparation and application are crucial. To achieve the best results, you need a surface that is not only flawlessly smooth and swirl-free but also entirely clean, free from any impurities. This meticulous process guarantees that the ceramic coating bonds seamlessly, creating a protective barrier that is both resilient and long-lasting. Once your vehicle has been ceramic coated, you'll immediately notice an enhanced gloss to your paint and a vibrant color that seems to "pop." These benefits will endure for the lifetime of the coating. As you perform regular maintenance, you'll also appreciate how effortlessly the vehicle can be cleaned. This ease of cleaning is attributed to the hydrophobic properties of the coating. Over time, the hydrophobicity of the coating may diminish, but it will still effectively protect your paint. This decline occurs because the surface gradually becomes contaminated and abraded through normal use. However, it's important to note that this doesn't signify the end of the coating's lifespan; rather, it indicates that the coating requires thorough decontamination to restore its hydrophobic nature. How do I care for a ceramic coated vehicle? Knowing how to care for your ceramic coated car is simple, yet important to know how to do it properly. Always avoid the automated carwash. Car wash tunnels are very aggressive on your paint, the rotating brushes can quickly abrade the paint, diminishing your coating's effectiveness. Wash with only ph neutral soaps, free of any waxes or protecting qualities. Soaps with wax additives can lower the surface tension of the coating and mitigate the self-cleaning effect. But don't worry, the wax can easily be removing by washing again with a wax remover. Wash every 2 weeks for optimal results. Naturally your car will accumulate contaminants over time and the coating will protect your paint from those contaminants. Eventually, more contaminants will stick to your already dirty car and begin to layer, requiring more effort than normal to properly clean the vehicle. Dry the car with a high quality microfiber towel. To many car enthusiasts, this is a no-brainer. This is even more important in my area of Mohave County. Our source of water is very hard and can leave mineral deposits if left to dry. So if you're washing with the garden hose, put the leaf blower back in the garage and opt for the towel drying method. Use a silica or water-based sio2 spray to maintain the coating. As the coating will slightly lose its hydrophobic effect over time, an sio2 spray can help restore its water-beading effect. Not all "ceramic" sprays are the same, so we can supply you with one that is designed for your coating. Our ceramic sprays are streak free and can be used on a clean car that is either wet or dry. I hope this helped those of you who are new to ceramic coating. There is much more info to share with you in the future, but I hope you learned some key points. Ceramic coatings are simply another form of protection, although they last years. Application is time consuming and requires precision. And don't forget to maintain your car's coating to keep it working at it's best! If you are looking for the best ceramic coating for your car and you're in the Mohave County area, give Procam Detailing a call at 520-518-0021, or book online at our website here