Just got a Ceramic Coating Done and you’re not sure how to maintain it? 

Congrats! You’ve just had your car coated by a professional, and you’re looking at how to maintain that slick ceramic coating of yours! Yay! We’re excited for you, as we know the great feeling of a brand-new ceramic-coated car!

Maintaining your car’s ceramic coating in the US involves several key practices to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Want to know how to maintain Ecocoat Kenzo, Quartz+, Quartz, Elixir, Poly, and EZ like a pro?

Say no more, fam!

Here’s How You Can Make the Most of Your Ceramic Coating

• Initial Care is Key: Keep your car dry for at least 24 hours when you get it back. Some ceramic coatings for cars may need a full cure time of between 2-4 days, especially if you’ve gotten an Awesome Kenzo or some sweet Quartz+. If you can, keep it indoors, away from animals that may imprint their paw prints on the surface while you sleep. Should you keep it covered with a cover? Preferably not. As this may cause an impression on the surface! 
• Avoid Washing for a Week: Avoid washing your vehicle with any chemicals for at least 7 days after the ceramic coating has been installed. Using only water or a pH-neutral car soap like IGL Ecoclean Wash is perfectly okay! This waiting period allows the ceramic coating for cars to fully cure and bond with your vehicle’s paint.
• Use the Right Products: Avoid heavy degreasers on the ceramic coatings and use ceramic-safe products—like the cleaning and maintenance products from IGL Coatings. These products are specifically formulated to work with your ceramic coating, ensuring it remains intact and effective.
• Regular Cleaning: Keep your vehicle clean by washing it regularly. Either light washing or a waterless wash every 2 weeks or whenever dirty is essential for maintaining your ceramic coating. This prevents contaminants from building up on the surface, which could compromise the coating’s effectiveness.
• Drying is Essential: Always dry your car after washing or rinsing. We recommend using Ecoshine Enhancer as an excellent drying aid or Ecoclean AIO Spray as a waterless wash. Proper drying prevents water spots on cars, which can diminish the glossy finish of your ceramic coating.
• Watch This Video: Check out this video on how to maintain ceramic coatings.

The Best Guide on How to Maintain Ceramic Coating for Cars

The Good List:

• ✅ Recommended: The 2-bucket wash system is highly recommended. This method helps prevent swirl marks and scratches by keeping dirt and debris separate from the soapy water.

• ✅ Recommended: Use pH-neutral car soap without waxes in it—like Ecoclean Wash—or a ceramic coating-safe snow foam like Ecoclean Blizzard. These products are designed to clean without stripping away your ceramic coating.

Read more about how to wash here or request for our E-Book on Washing!

• ✅ Recommended: Microfiber cloths or mitts are great, and a soft drying towel is essential to wipe off excess water. Avoid using chamois, magic sponges, or rough sponges that may lead to micro-marrings and swirls.

• ✅ Recommended: Dry your car immediately after washing to prevent water spots. Water spots on cars are mineral deposits left behind after water evaporates, which can etch into the coating if left unchecked.

• ✅ Recommended: Wash your car when it gets dirty, including after a light rain following dry spells. Rainwater, road water, and tap water contain high minerals that will create water spots on your surface. If only certain areas are wet and you may not want to wash the entire car, Ecoclean AIO Spray to the rescue. Just spray, wipe, and go! It works great as a waterless wash in tight situations.

• ✅ Recommended: Always rinse and wash off bird poop/insect spatter immediately. Its acidic nature corrodes the surface easily. A good ceramic coating reduces the damage on the clear coat but should always be removed ASAP.

The Bad List:

• ❌  Avoid: Tree sap. Sometimes trees give the gift of sap to you, so you’ll want to wash it off or remove it as soon as you can. Keep a small handy bottle of Ecoclean Tar in your glove compartment for this!
• ❌  Avoid: Automated car washes. They can be too harsh and may damage the coating, especially the brushes used in these car washes. Here’s the top reasons why it’s not the way.
• ❌  Avoid: Free washes/community washes. Support the charity, but not at the expense of your surface! These washes often use subpar products and techniques that can harm your coating.
• ❌  Avoid: Crazy ex-partners with a history of keying or spray painting… enough said.
• ❌  Avoid: Washing in direct heat and sun to avoid water spots and sun-dried products. If this happens, get your trusty Ecoclean AIO Spray Just spray, wipe, and go! For tougher water spots on cars (if you’ve left it for longer), you’ll need to get out the big boys—Ecoclean Delete. Safe on ceramic coatings, just remember to rinse off!
• ❌  Avoid: Claying, waxing, or polishing the car if it is coated. These processes can remove or damage the ceramic coating.

Additional Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Ceramic Coating

• Apply Ceramic Coating Boosters: Every few months, use a ceramic coating booster like Ecocoat Premier to refresh the coating and restore its hydrophobic properties. This helps maintain the coating’s protective qualities.
• Consider Ceramic Spray Coating: A ceramic spray coating can be an excellent way to enhance the durability and shine of your existing ceramic coating. These sprays are easy to apply and can be used as a top-up between professional applications.
• Professional Inspection: Consider having your ceramic coating inspected by a professional detailer for maintenance every 6 months! They can spot any issues early and apply touch-ups if needed.
• Avoid Parking Under Trees: While tree sap can be cleaned off, it’s better to avoid it altogether. Parking under trees also exposes your car to bird droppings, which can be equally damaging. Moreover, parking under trees during the spring also exposes your vehicle to tree pollen. Pollen can stick to your car’s surface, contributing to paint degradation over time, especially when combined with moisture, leading to difficult-to-remove stains.

Top IGL Coatings Products in US for Maintaining Your Ceramic Coating

1. Ecoclean Wash
   Perfect pH-Balanced Cleaning
   Ecoclean Wash is a pH-neutral car shampoo designed to clean your vehicle without stripping away the ceramic coating. It’s gentle yet effective, making it an ideal choice for regular maintenance. The product also leaves a smooth, slick surface, enhancing the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coating.
2. Ecoshine Enhancer
   Boosts Shine and Hydrophobicity
   Ecoshine Enhancer is a must-have for anyone looking to maintain that fresh, glossy look on their ceramic-coated vehicle. This easy-to-use spray is designed to enhance the hydrophobic properties of your coating, providing a slick finish that repels water and dirt. It also serves as an excellent drying aid, ensuring a spot-free finish every time.
3. Ecoclean AIO Spray
   Versatile Waterless Wash Solution
   Ecoclean AIO Spray is a waterless wash solution perfect for quick cleanups and tight situations. It’s formulated to safely remove light contaminants from your ceramic-coated vehicle without scratching the surface. This product is ideal for those days when a full wash isn’t feasible, keeping your car looking pristine between washes.
4. Ecoclean Delete
   Tough on Water Spots, Gentle on Coatings
   Water spots can be a common issue for ceramic-coated vehicles, especially in areas with hard water. Ecoclean Delete is specifically designed to tackle these stubborn spots without damaging your ceramic coating. It’s a safe and effective way to maintain the clarity and shine of your vehicle’s surface.
5. Ecoclean Tar
   Effective Removal of Tar and Sap
   Ecoclean Tar is the perfect solution for removing tough contaminants like tar, tree sap, and road grime. It’s safe to use on ceramic coatings and ensures that these substances don’t degrade your vehicle’s finish. Keep a bottle of Ecoclean Tar in your glove compartment for quick and easy clean-ups on the go.
6. Ecoshine Renew F4
   Revitalizing Your Ceramic Coating
   Ecoshine Renew F4 is a revolutionary product that rejuvenates and restores your ceramic coating. It’s perfect for extending the life of your coating by filling in minor scratches and restoring the original hydrophobic properties. Regular use of Ecoshine Renew F4 will keep your vehicle looking like it just left the detailer.

To further enhance the durability and gloss, Ecocoat Premier can be used as a booster. Ecocoat Premier adds an additional layer of protection with its hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties, ensuring your vehicle remains slick and dirt-resistant for up to 6 months. When used together, Ecoshine Renew F4 and Ecocoat Premier provide superior maintenance for your ceramic coating, keeping your vehicle looking freshly detailed for longer.

Why Choose IGL Coatings for US Automotive Care Products?

IGL Coatings offers an extensive range of eco-friendly, high-performance products specifically formulated to maintain and enhance ceramic coatings. Each product is developed with the latest technology to ensure your vehicle stays protected and looks its best.

Get Your Hands on the Best
Visit www.iglcoatings.com to explore our full range of innovative products and keep your car’s ceramic coating in top condition. Whether you’re looking to maintain the shine, enhance the hydrophobic effect, or remove stubborn contaminants, IGL Coatings has the perfect solution for you.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your ceramic coating doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these best practices on how to maintain ceramic coatings for cars and using the right products like pH-neutral car soap and ceramic coating boosters, you can keep your car looking as shiny and new as the day it was coated. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving that glossy finish and protecting your vehicle’s paint.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step image e-book that helps with all your washing and decontamination needs—hit us up at marketing@iglcoatings.com.

For more information on our extensive range of innovative and sustainable coatings and products, including ceramic spray coatings, visit www.iglcoatings.com for more information. IGL Coatings is a multi-award-winning, leading brand in North America. Available in more than 50 countries worldwide, get your hands on the latest products and information now!

About IGL Coatings

IGL Coatings has rapidly ascended to become a leading name in the US automotive detailing industry since our establishment in 2015. Originating from Malaysia, we have achieved international acclaim for our innovative surface protection solutions, which emphasize sustainability and advanced technology. IGL Coatings is renowned for our commitment to research and development, creating high-performance coatings that offer exceptional durability and enhanced aesthetics. 

Our global reach extends to over 50 countries, where we support a network of more than 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs. This global presence is bolstered by strategic partnerships and a robust distribution network, which has facilitated our recognition as the highest growth manufacturer in Malaysia and one of the top 500 high-growth companies in the Asia Pacific.

IGL Coatings: Industry Recognition

Our dedication to quality and innovation has also been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious SEMA Media Award and the International Detailing Association’s Detail Supplier of the Year award. 

These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and our role as a leader in the industry. Our continuous innovation and adherence to high standards have made us a trusted name among professionals and enthusiasts worldwide​.

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