Investing in ceramic coating for your car means investing in its protection and shine. After all, quality ceramic coating products are designed to make your paintwork more vibrant while shielding it from harmful UV rays, fading, chemical stains, bug splatter, and more.

However, while your ceramic coating has the all-important job of protecting your vehicle, it needs your help to last the distance and keep your car’s deep, glossy finish. In our maintenance guide below, you’ll learn how to maintain a ceramic-coated car for maximum protection and shine. 

Prioritize Regular Washing

Ceramic coating undoubtedly makes your vehicle easier to clean, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean it at all. In fact, frequent washing prevents dirt and contaminants from settling on the coating, thereby slowing down its deterioration. 

Aim to clean your vehicle every 1-2 weeks with the two-bucket wash method. This involves using one bucket of water with shampoo and another with clean rinsing water. 

1. Apply a pH-neutral car shampoo with a soft microfiber wash mitt
2. Rinse it off with clean water 

As tempting as it can be to use household detergents to clean your car, refrain from doing so. Detergents are designed to strip grease and oil, which can break down and degrade the ceramic coating over time. 

Don’t Use Automatic Brush Car Washes 

Automatic brush car washes save you a great deal of time. You don’t even have to get out of your car to wash it! However, most experienced ceramic coating technicians advise against using them.  

The brushes are often contaminated with grit from previous vehicles, which can degrade the ceramic coating and even cause micro-scratches and swirl marks. What’s more, the high-pH detergents often used in those car washes can strip away the protective layer, shortening your ceramic coating’s lifespan. 

If you don’t have time to wash your car manually, a touchless car wash is a better, but not entirely safe, option. However, they may still use harmful, harsh chemicals. 

Use the Right Car Shampoo

After investing in ceramic coating for your pride and joy, don’t just reach for the first car shampoo you find at home. Some options are safer, gentler, and more highly recommended than others. 

Ceramic coatings tend to work best with pH-neutral shampoos because they clean effectively without degrading, stripping, or etching the coating. High-quality pH-neutral shampoos also help maintain the ceramic coating’s hydrophobicity, prevent water spots, and extend its lifespan. Your local trusted technicians can recommend the best products to buy.

Dry the Car Properly 

Did you know that water spots can weaken ceramic coating over time? Not to mention, those water spots can be unsightly on a beautifully vibrant paint job! That’s why drying your car after cleaning it is so important. 

Use a car blower or air dryer, or invest in a large microfiber towel. Rather than dragging the towel across the paint, pat it dry. Patting your car dry prevents water spots, minimizes swirl marks, reduces friction and static, and is an overall more effective drying strategy. 

Apply Maintenance Products

While quality ceramic coating is already designed to last the distance, there’s value in using maintenance products to make it last even longer! Ceramic coating technicians recommend ceramic boosters, which are SiO₂ maintenance sprays designed to both restore and extend the life of your ceramic coating.

These products: 

• Reinforce the water-beading properties
• Improve surface slickness
• Make vehicles easier to clean
• Enhance paint gloss 

Best of all, they are easy to apply and rejuvenate coatings that no longer have that ‘just coated’ look. 

Park Smarter

Ceramic coating protects against harmful UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap. Still, that doesn’t mean you should put your car in the firing line unnecessarily. Your ceramic coating can work better for longer by reducing exposure to the things that want to harm it. 

Park in covered areas, where possible. If you have to park outside for long periods, consider using a car cover. 

Refrain from Using Harsh Chemicals

Not all car care products are designed for use with ceramic coating. Before applying any product to your car, ask your local ceramic coating installer whether it’s safe to use. 

Avoid harsh chemicals like abrasive polishes, strong alkaline cleaners, and heavy compounds. Such products can degrade and damage the ceramic layer. 

Clean Away Bird Droppings

If you’ve been unlucky enough to be the target of bird droppings, clean it off your vehicle’s paint as soon as possible. Bird droppings are acidic, which means they can damage both the ceramic coating and the paint. Use a spray detailer and soft microfiber towel for best results. 

Schedule Annual Inspections

When you’re investing your hard-earned money in ceramic coating, you want it to last the distance. Annual inspections through trusted professionals can help with that.

During an inspection, your chosen technician can perform a decontamination, apply a top-up coating if required, and restore the hydrophobic performance. 

Learn More About Ceramic Coating with Ghostwerkz

Ready to achieve that freshly-detailed look? Talk to the Ghostwerkz team about ceramic coating in Baltimore, Maryland. Our Owing Mills-based business can install ceramic coating, help you maintain it, and answer your maintenance-related questions. 

Contact us today to learn more! We can’t wait to help you protect your pride and joy. 

As exciting as it is to buy a brand-new car with zero miles on the clock, every scratch and paint imperfection can be heartbreaking. You started with an immaculate vehicle, and now it’s officially used! 

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to maintain that showroom shine and pristine finish with ceramic coating and paint protection film. Learn how these two vehicle upgrades enhance your paint for years to come below. 

Is PPF and Ceramic Coating the Same?

As paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are both forms of paint protection, it’s easy to assume they are the same product with interchangeable terms, but they’re not.

Paint protection film is a clear, self-healing film that experienced installers apply to your vehicle’s paint to preserve its finish and prevent damage. You can choose from a range of coverage options to protect your entire vehicle or just the high-impact areas. In essence, PPF is a sacrificial layer that defends against rock chips, scratches, and scuffs.

While ceramic coating also protects your vehicle, it does so in a different way. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that adheres to your car’s clear coat, creating a hard, semi-permanent layer. It enhances your paint color, adds visual appeal, and protects it from staining, etching, and chemical fallout. Many people also find it easier to clean their cars with a ceramic coating because it has hydrophobic properties. 

Can You Do Both PPF and Ceramic Coating? 

If you’re asking, ‘Can you ceramic coat paint protection film?’ the answer is yes. While ceramic coating and PPF provide adequate paint protection on their own, they are a winning combination. 

Installers recommend applying PPF to your paint first to provide physical impact resistance against stone chips, scratches, and similar environmental hazards. Once it’s applied, you can add a ceramic coating on top for hydrophobic, anti-staining, and easy-cleaning properties. 

The order matters. Experts will never apply PPF over ceramic coating, as the slick surface of the ceramic coating prevents PPF from adhering, leading to peeling and bubbles. 

Benefits of Applying PPF and Ceramic Coating

Whether you have a garage queen or a daily driver, there are a number of benefits associated with investing in both PPF and ceramic coating: 

• Superior protection against both physical damage and chemical/environmental threats 
• Extended longevity, with ceramic coating adding to both the longevity of the PPF and the paint underneath 
• Easiest maintenance, with the hydrophobic properties of the PPF and ceramic coating creating a slick surface that’s easy to clean and maintain
• Unbeatable finish, with the ceramic coating enhancing the paint’s gloss, and the PPF contributing to maintaining its factory-fresh finish for longer 

How Are PPF and Ceramic Coating Applied? 

If you’re investing your hard-earned money in PPF and ceramic coating, it doesn’t hurt to be well-informed about the installation process.  As a good installer likes to say, preparation is key to achieving a flawless finish. 

PPF installation:

1. The vehicle is taken through an extensive decontamination process and, if required, polished to create a clean and flawless surface.

2. A soapy water solution is sprayed onto the panels receiving PPF, as well as the adhesive side of the PPF. 

3. The film is placed on the vehicle and aligned. Next, a squeegee is used to push out water and air, letting the adhesive bond to the vehicle. 

4. The edges are wrapped around panels to create a seamless finish. 

5. The film is left to cure for 24-48 hours before driving. 

Ceramic coating installation:

1. The vehicle is taken through an extensive decontamination process and, if required, polished to create a clean and flawless surface.

2. The ceramic coating is applied in small controlled sections with a microfiber applicator. 

3. The coating is wiped off with a clean microfiber towel to prevent high spots.

4. The vehicle is left to cure for 24+ hours in a dry, controlled environment. 

Should You Invest in PPF or Ceramic Coating? 

While most experts recommend applying both a ceramic coating and PPF, your budget may only allow one upgrade. In that case, which should you choose? The best option depends on your needs and desires. 

If you want to prevent scratches, rock chips, and other driving damage, PPF is a great option. It’s designed to protect your paint from everyday debris that could otherwise significantly reduce your vehicle’s value. 

However, if you want to maintain your car’s showroom shine and enjoy easier cleaning and maintenance over the long term, ceramic coating is better aligned with your goals. 

Request Ceramic Coating and PPF from Ghostwerkz in Maryland

If you’re eager to start driving with confidence, knowing your vehicle is protected on the road, schedule ceramic coating and PPF with Ghostwerkz in Maryland. We can provide helpful advice, recommend services tailored to your needs, and give your vehicle the special treatment it deserves. Elevate your pride and joy with PPF and ceramic coating today! 

Paint correction services can cost a considerable sum. As a result, many car owners invest in protective measures to avoid them. One of the most popular and effective paint protection options is ceramic coating. Learn what it is, how it protects your vehicle, and the benefits of ceramic coating below: 

What is Ceramic Coating for Cars? 

Ceramic coating is a professional-grade liquid polymer that an experienced auto detail professional applies to a vehicle’s exterior surface. In most cases, the thin, hard barrier is added to paint, but it can also be applied to plastic and glass. 

The polymer chemically bonds to the factory clear coat, creating a semi-permanent, hydrophobic layer that protects cars from UV rays, contaminants, chemical stains, and more. 

How Does Ceramic Coating Work? 

We know that experts apply ceramic coating to a vehicle’s paintwork, but do you know how it protects the paint? The exact process varies by product and manufacturer. 

Some of the more advanced products on the market that offer superior protection, such as FEYNLAB®, consist of silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon carbide (SiC). The combination of these three compounds yields a thick coating that provides a more robust layer of protection than SiO2 alone. 

When applied, the result is a smooth, durable, and hydrophobic barrier and ‘sacrificial’ layer that protects your paint from everyday contaminants like road debris, tree sap, UV rays, and bird droppings. 

What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating?

If you’re not yet convinced that this form of vehicle protection is right for you, here are some of the many benefits of ceramic coating so you can make an informed decision: 

• Shields against UV rays, road salt, tree sap, and bird droppings
• Has hydrophobic properties to repel water and dirt, essentially making your paintwork self-cleaning and easier to clean
• Provides a deep, glossy look
• Can last for years, unlike wax products that last weeks or months
• Reduces the risk of minor swirl marks by increasing the surface hardness
• Reduces the need for frequent detailing, including waxing

Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Coating

You deserve to make a fully informed choice when it comes to vehicle upgrades. The more you know, the more confident you can be when choosing any new service like ceramic coating, paint protection film (PPF), or something else. 

If you’ve been thinking about professional ceramic coating, but you prefer to have all the facts before deciding, discover the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ceramic coating below: 

Does ceramic coating prevent scratches? 

Ceramic coating does not make your vehicle scratch-proof. However, ceramic is a thin, hard barrier, which means it provides at least some protection against scratches. In fact, most professionals say that ceramic coating prevents swirl marks, light scratches, and marring from washing and drying. 

Do I still need to wash my car if it has a ceramic coating? 

You will still need to wash your car if it has a ceramic coating, but the process is far easier! Ceramic coating is hydrophobic, which means that dirt, mud, and other contaminants don’t bond with the paint. Instead, they slide off or wash away with ease. 

Can you apply ceramic coating over scratches?  

Many people apply ceramic coating to protect their vehicle from the elements, wear and tear, and scratches. Ceramic coating doesn’t hide imperfections and, instead, enhances the paint. As a result, it’s not advisable to install it over scratches, as it may further enhance them.

If your vehicle has scratches or swirl marks, it’s recommended that you first undertake paint correction. 

How much does a ceramic coating service cost? 

The cost of ceramic coating depends on several factors, including the service provider, the size of your vehicle, the ceramic coating brand, and whether paint correction is needed. Don’t be afraid to contact your local trusted provider and ask for a quote. They’re only too happy to oblige. 

Who should get ceramic coating? 

Once you’ve found the answers to questions like ‘what is ceramic coating for cars?’ and ‘does ceramic coating prevent scratches?’, it’s important to find out who would actually benefit from ceramic coating. 

Ideal candidates for this service are: 

• New vehicle owners to protect the pristine paintwork from day one
• Daily drivers to protect against everyday road debris, grime, and UV damage
• Luxury car owners to maintain the showroom finish of their pride and joy 
• People who want low-maintenance vehicles that are easy to wash 
• People living in harsh environments facing issues like harsh sun, bird droppings, and tree sap 

Professional Ceramic Coating Near Me: Ghostwerkz in Baltimore, Maryland

Ceramic coating is a worthwhile vehicle upgrade for long-term protection from the elements. If you’re ready to explore this protective barrier for your car, or you want to learn more about the benefits of ceramic coating, you’re in the right place. The experienced team at Ghostwerkz in Baltimore, Maryland, is here to help.

Schedule your ceramic coating service today and enjoy peace of mind the next time you venture out in your pride and joy.