***Designed for vehicles protected by a ceramic coating.***

Washing a coated vehicle is simpler, faster, and more rewarding — but it still demands precision. Ceramic coatings create an ultra-slick, hydrophobic barrier that repels dirt, but over time, road grime and mineral buildup can mask these properties, making the coating appear “dead.” In reality, it’s still there — it just needs proper maintenance.

This guide outlines the best practices for maintaining coated cars, including how to restore hydrophobicity, safely clean the surface, and preserve the coating’s slickness and gloss with maintenance sprays or toppers. Whether you’re maintaining a fresh install or a year-old coating, these steps ensure your protection performs at its peak.

🔧 Sample Materials & Products

Wheel & Tire Cleaner (Safe for Coated Wheels):

  • Dual-purpose:

    • P&S Brake Buster

    • Vonixx Vexus Wheel & Engine Cleaner

  • Dedicated wheel cleaner:

    • Gyeon Q²M Iron Wheel Cleaner

    • Koch Chemie Magic Wheel Cleaner

  • Dedicated tire cleaner:

    • Carpro ReTyre

    • Adam’s Tire & Rubber Cleaner

Pre-Wash:

  • Acidic (pH < 7; to restore hydrophobicity):

    • Koch Chemie Reaktiv Shampoo

    • Clean. by Pan the Organizer Demineralizing Shampoo

    • Gyeon Q²M Restart Wash

  • Alkaline (pH > 7; for bug-heavy or oily buildup):

    • Gyeon Q²M Foam

    • Carpro Lift

    • Clean. by Pan the Organizer Decon Shampoo

Main Shampoo (Contact Wash):

  • pH-neutral or coating safe (pH = 7):

💡 Avoid strong alkaline soaps for routine maintenance unless performing a decon wash.

Maintenance Sprays/Coating Boosters:

  • QDS ChronoCoat (for gloss & slickness refresh)

  • Gyeon Cure

  • Clean. by Pan the Organizer Ceramic Spray Sealant

  • Quivr Hot Coat

  • P&S Bead Maker

Drying and Finishing:

  • Drying Towel

    • Gyeon Silk Dryer

    • The Rag Company Gauntlet

    • Quivr *Not a Beach Towel

    • Clean. By Pan the Organizer Drying Towel

  • Drying Aid (optional):

    • Gyeon Q²M Ceramic Detailer

    • P&S Bead Maker

Tire Shine/Dressing:

  • Gyeon Q² Tire

  • Clean. by Pan the Organizer Tire Shine

  • Quivr Abyss

Interior (Quick Detail):

  • Interior cleaner:

    • Clean. by Pan the Organizer Interior Detailer

    • P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner (APC)

  • Optional:

    • Gyeon Leather Coat for UV protection on leather

    • Gyeon Fabric Coat for UV protection on fabrics & textiles

🪣 Step-by-Step Process

1. Start with the Wheels & Tires
As for any detail, always clean your wheels and tires first to prevent brake dust and grime from splashing onto clean paint later. Spray a dual-use product like P&S Brake Buster or Vonixx Vexus onto both wheels and tires, allowing it to dwell for 1–2 minutes. Use a stiff tire brush for the sidewalls and soft brushes for the wheel face and barrels. Rinse thoroughly before moving on. If you’re using Gyeon Iron Wheel Cleaner, which targets embedded ferrous particles, be sure the surface is cool and don’t let it dry. Avoid high-pH degreasers or harsh acids — these can degrade wheel coatings over time.

2. Pre-Wash (Restore Hydrophobicity)

Use a coating-safe acidic shampoo like Koch Chemie Reaction Shampoo or Gyeon Restart Wash via a foam cannon. Let it dwell for 3–5 minutes to break down minerals and restore surface tension. Rinse Thoroughly

Note: If the vehicle has been exposed to heavy bug or oil buildup, pre-treat with an alkaline foam first, then follow with the acidic foam. The goal for following up with a pH-neutral shampoo afterwards is to re-neutralize the surface of the paint, and ensure it remains pH-neutral.

3. Main Contact Wash

Fill your wash bucket with a pH-neutral shampoo such as QDS Surfaeon or Quivr Rogue.
Use the two-bucket method (wash + rinse) and a soft microfiber mitt.
Wash top to bottom in straight lines — not circles — and rinse mitt frequently.
Avoid over-agitation; ceramic coatings naturally release dirt with minimal friction.

Note: With highly lubricious soaps, such as QDS Surfaeon, Quivr Rogue or Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam, you may opt to skip the two-bucket method, and simply wash the surface with your wash media; this is because highly lubricious soaps usually contain emulsifiers that will encapsulate dirt and prevent it from true contact with the paintwork.

4. Rinse & Dry

Rinse thoroughly with filtered or deionized water if available.
Use a soft drying towel like the Gyeon Silk Dryer or TRC Gauntlet.
While drying, lightly mist a coating-safe drying aid (e.g., Gyeon Ceramic Detailer or Bead Maker) for added slickness and lubrication.

5. Apply Coating Maintenance Spray (The Key Step)

After drying, apply a dedicated coating topper or maintenance spray to refresh gloss, UV resistance, and hydrophobicity.

Recommended toppers:

  • QDS ChronoCoat – restores slickness & gloss

  • Gyeon Cure – balances gloss and protection

  • Quivr Hot Coat – quick ceramic booster

  • P&S Bead Maker – warm glow & insane slickness

Apply 1–2 sprays per panel on a microfiber towel, spread evenly, and buff with a second towel.

For vehicles with PPF, use a film-safe option like Gyeon PPF Maintain, Gyeon Wet Coat, or McKee’s 37 Hydro Blue.

6. Dress Tires

After the wash, restore your tire finish using a water-based, non-sling dressing like Gyeon Q² Tire or Quivr Abyss.
Apply evenly, let cure for a few minutes, then level any excess with a towel.

7. Quick Interior Detail (Optional)

For a complete finish, wipe interior surfaces with P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner or Clean. Interior Detailer.
Spray directly onto a towel and wipe down dashboards, door panels, trim, and steering wheels.
For additional UV protection and hydrophobicity:

  • Use Gyeon Leather Coat on seats

  • Use Gyeon Fabric Coat on floor mats or cloth upholstery

💡 Final Pro Tips

  • Never use waxes or traditional sealants on coated cars — they can block the coating’s self-cleaning properties and mask the true nature of the coating.

  • Perform an acidic “reset wash” every 2–3 months to remove mineral buildup and restore hydrophobicity.

  • Use filtered or deionized water to reduce water spots.

  • Always wash in the shade and avoid direct sunlight.

  • Use separate towels and mitts for wheels, paint, and interior.