The Ultimate Ceramic Coating Maintenance Manual

Before applying any water or chemicals, check the surface temperature of the panels. In January, dark paint can exceed 70°C. You must work in a shaded area or early morning/late evening. Touch the panel with the back of your hand; if it is too hot to hold your hand there, it is too hot to wash. Applying cold water to a hot ceramic surface can cause thermal shock to the glass or cause chemicals to flash-dry instantly, creating permanent spotting.

Ensure you are working on a level surface with adequate drainage. If you are in a coastal area, ensure you are shielded from direct wind which can carry salt spray and sand onto the car while you are drying it. Organize your buckets in a line: Wash (soapy), Rinse (clear water), and Wheel (separate soapy mix).

Prepare your foam cannon and wash bucket. Use a 1:10 ratio for the foam cannon (100ml soap to 900ml water) and follow the manufacturer's instruction for the bucket (usually 30-50ml per 10L of water). Using too much soap can be difficult to rinse off in high heat, while too little reduces the lubrication needed to slide over red dust without scratching.

Walk around the vehicle and identify 'hot spots' like bird droppings, bat urine, or smashed bugs. These are highly acidic and may have already begun to penetrate the coating. Do not scrub these during the prep; simply identify them for targeted chemical pre-soaking in the next phase.

Always clean wheels first. This prevents water and chemicals from drying on the paint while you struggle with brake dust. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes. Rinse thoroughly and ensure no overspray remains on the brake rotors or the ceramic-coated fenders.

Apply a thick layer of snow foam to the entire vehicle, starting from the bottom and working up. This is critical for Australian cars covered in red dust or coastal salt. Let the foam dwell for 4-5 minutes, but do not allow it to dry. The foam encapsulates the abrasive particles, allowing them to slide off the coating during the rinse.

Rinse the foam thoroughly from the top down. Pay special attention to window seals, door shuts, and fuel caps where red dust accumulates. By the end of this step, 90% of the visible dirt should be gone, leaving only the 'traffic film' for the contact wash.

Dip your mitt into the wash bucket, then gently glide it over one panel at a time using straight-line motions—never circles. Start with the roof and work down. After each panel, rinse the mitt in the 'Rinse' bucket to dislodge any trapped grit before re-soaping. This protects the ceramic coating from 'love marks' or swirl marks.

Every 3-6 months, apply an Iron Remover to the wet paint. Spray liberally and wait 2-3 minutes. You will see purple streaks as the chemical reacts with embedded metallic particles. This 'unclogs' the ceramic pores. Rinse extremely thoroughly. Do not do this in direct sunlight.

If the vehicle has water spots from coastal spray or sprinklers, apply a dedicated Water Spot Remover to a microfibre applicator and wipe the affected areas. This acidic step is vital in Australia where 'hard' water is common. Rinse again immediately after application.

Remove the nozzle from your hose and let a gentle stream of water flow over the panels. A healthy ceramic coating will 'sheet' the water off, leaving the panel almost dry. This reduces the amount of physical touching required during the drying stage.

Lay your large microfibre drying towel flat across a panel and 'pat' it or slowly pull it toward you. Avoid aggressive rubbing. For intricate areas like mirrors and grilles, use a car dryer or leaf blower to expel trapped water that could cause streaks later.

Once dry, apply your ceramic top-up (e.g., Gyeon Cure). Spray 2-3 pumps onto a fresh microfibre towel, wipe onto a 50x50cm section, and immediately buff with a second, dry microfibre towel. This adds a sacrificial layer that takes the brunt of the UV radiation and improves the slickness of the surface.

Ensure no ceramic sealant has streaked on the glass. Use a dedicated glass cleaner for a streak-free finish. If your trim is also coated, ensure it is dry and free of any white residue from the wash process.