Coating maintenance guide - opinions wanted

I've gotten a little tired of giving coating customers a long speech about coating maintenance expecting them to remember everything, so I spent some time writing a guide to leave with the owner. It is below for anyone to use as a similar guide. Selling or otherwise distributing for direct profit is prohibited. Finally, use at your own risk; as I have no control over how you use this information, I am not responsible for any direct or indirect losses associated with it's use.

I would ask that if anyone has any general suggestions or other product recommendations in any category, please feel free to comment.

Maintenance of Coated Vehicles

Different coatings offer a myriad of benefits including extended durability, UV resistance, anti-fouling, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, hydrophobic properties and a unique glassy look. While some of these benefits may suggest that the coating is invincible, it is important to remember that neglecting the coating will result in diminished performance and ultimately premature failure of the coating.

Regardless of whether or not your car is coated, taking ownership of the maintenance process is the best way to ensure that the vehicles finish remains as near as possible to when it was last detailed. Frequent basic washing removes contaminants on a regular basis minimizing the potential for bonding the vehicle surface and reducing the frequency of more intensive decontamination processes. The information below is intended as a guide to owner's of coated vehicles. Many of the recommendations are in stark contrast to the typical regimen for waxed or sealed vehicles, this is a function of the coating's unique properties and is intended to leverage those qualities to the maximum practical extent. This guide covers general recommendations for coatings and is not meant to supersede the recommendations of a particular manufacturer.

Basic Maintenance Washing & Drying

The techniques for washing and drying a coated vehicle do not differ substantially from an uncoated vehicle. Perform a thorough rinse prior to making any contact with the surface. Practice the 2-bucket wash method. Utilize separate wash media for extremely soiled portions of the vehicle. Note that contaminants will more readily release from a coated vehicle so it is likely that your wash media will get soiled more easily with contaminants and should be rinsed very frequently. Wash and wax products should not be used on coated vehicles as they negate some of the anti-fouling properties. Similarly, gloss-enhancing soaps are discouraged. Free-rinsing soaps are the most appropriate as they leave a minimal amount of residue on the coating. Examples of appropriate soaps are Carpro Reset, Chemical Guys Citrus Wash Clear and Pinnacle Black Label Coating Shampoo; there are a number of other options available. Note that car wash soaps by their nature have additives to promote rinsing of water off the surface, it is best to thoroughly rinse the surface to ensure these additives are rinsed away to the extent practical. Best practice is to rinse until the expected beading and sheeting properties of the coating are reestablished.

Drying is best done by either the sheeting method (google for reference) or the use of forced-air from a dedicated leaf-blower or compressed air. Removal of any remaining droplets can be accomplished eith a premium microfiber towel by blotting rather than wiping. This minimizes the amount of contact with the surface and thereby reduces towel-induced marring and scratches.

Automatic Car Washes

As previously mentioned, taking ownership of the wash process is the most effective way to ensure that the vehicle’s finish is maintain correctly. While the use of automatic car washes is strongly discouraged, not all owners have the accommodations to conduct a proper wash in all seasons. Coatings do have some resistance to strong alkaline and acidic compounds, but extended or repeated exposure will have a detrimental effect on the coating’s beneficial properties. If it is necessary to take a vehicle to an automatic car wash, there are some items to consider. Avoid any brush type car wash or locations that dry by hand; these facilities are very likely to cause wash-induced marring and scratches; instead, utilize touchless type car washes with blow drying systems. Always purchase a wash service that DOES NOT contain wax, this can be challenging as most offer wax even at the lowest level. The ideal automatic car wash is a touchless wash that provides no more than a rinse, high pressure wash, second rinse and blow dry.

An alternative to automatic car washes is the coin-operated wash. Most will allow hand washing at off-peak times when there is no wait. Washing at these facilities should be the same as in one’s driveway. Do not utilize any of the chemicals or brushes that are available. Bring your own wash soap, cleaners and brushes. Utilize the facility for the high-pressure rinsing and for shelter only. A cordless leaf blower is exceptionally useful in the scenario.

Quick Detailers, Drying Aids, Spray Waxes, Waxes and Sealants

The outstanding beading and sheeting properties of a coating, combined with the drying methods outlined above, make the use of drying aids unnecessary. In addition, the use of quick detailer, spray wax and other protectants is generally discouraged as they contain additives that will cover and inhibit the properties of the coating. If additional protection is desired, utilize a silica-based spray sealant such as Carpro Reload/Hydro2, 22PLE Final Coat or Permanon Platinum.

Rinseless and Waterless Washes

Similar to Quick Detailers, these products generally contain additives that will cover and inhibit the properties of the coating, as such, they are discouraged. Few products in this category should be considered as acceptable, and should be followed by a traditional wash as soon as practical. Some potential options include Wolf's Mean Green Rinseless and PoorBoys Spray & Wipe.

Alkalines, Acids and Specialty Cleaners

As previously mentioned, coatings do have some resistance to stong alkaline and acidic compounds, but extended or repeated exposure will have a detrimental effect on the coating’s beneficial properties and may remove the coating. The anti-fouling properties of most coatings are such that the majority of contaminants can be cleaned off with normal car wash soap rather than resorting to stronger cleaners. If the use of a strong cleaner is necessary, do not apply directly to the coated surface. Apply the cleaner to a towel so as to control the cleaner as best possible. Always rinse thoroughly and, if necessary, neutralize any extreme pH condition. Specialty cleaners vary too widely to cover in this guide, for any specific cleaner, consult with your detailer or the coating manufacturer as to the applicability of its use.

Clay Bars and Mechanical Decontamination Alternatives

The anti-fouling benefits of coatings, combined with frequent maintenance washing should deter most contaminants from bonding to the coated surfaces of the vehicle. When contaminants do bond to the surface, they inhibit the anti-fouling and hydrophobic properties of the coating. Removal of these contaminants is an important part of coating maintenance. Contaminants are best removed by mechanical methods rather than chemical methods that may affect the coating. Care should be taken when performing decontamination so as to minimize any damage to the coating. Always perform a test spot with your chosen clay bar or clay alternative to ensure that it does not marr the coating. Choose a clay bar lubricant or detail spray that does not contain waxes or gloss-enhancers or may otherwise affect the coating. See the above section on rinseless wash and waterless wash products for recommendations on clay lubricants. Mechanical decontamination should be completed at a regular interval that may vary from 3-months to 1-year depending on storage/environmental conditions and maintenance practices.

Non-abrasive polishes

Unless specifically advised by your detailer or the coating manufacturer, non-abrasive polishes and paint cleaners should not be used on the coated surfaces.

Abrasive compounds and polishes

Over the course of the coating’s life, it is likely to obtain some swirl marks and scratches that can only be removed with an abrasive product. Abrasive products have a very high potential to remove the coating. As such, these products should only be used by your detailer.