This washing technique is known as the Two Bucket method. Ceramic Pro recommends using Americana Global Vinyl & PPF shampoo. This car soap can be used to wash and maintain Ceramic Coated vehicles as well.
*NOTE: Like the above method – DO NOT wash any vehicle that is warm to the touch. If washing outdoors in sunlight, make sure to wash the vehicle in the early AM or late afternoon hours.
In this process you will use: · Americana Global Viny & PPF Soap · Americana Global Detail Spray · Americana Global Wheel & Tire Cleaner
- Ceramic Pro Pink/Gray Drying Towel
- Chenille Wash Mitt
- 2 Wash Buckets with Grit Guards
Step 1 – Gather Supplies
To wash a paint protection film or ceramic coating protected vehicle, you’ll first want to collect and set up your supplies. At the minimum, you’ll want to collect these car washing supplies.
Collect the following:
- (3) wash buckets – Use one for the wheels and tires – and two for the car’s paint.
- (2) microfiber wash mitts or towels – Use one for the wheels and one for the car’s paint.
- A water hose with a spray nozzle. If you have a high-pressure washer – this is optimal. Add a foam cannon to pre-wash the car beforehand washing for optimal results.
- Americana Global Vinyl & PPF Soap
- A dedicated microfiber or terry weave drying towel. If you have a high-pressure ‘leaf blower’ – you can air dry the vehicle, but sometimes this will create tiny water spots.
Step 2 – Pre-Wash the Vehicle
Once you’ve gathered your supplies and have them all set up for easy access, start by spraying off the entire vehicle with fresh water. DO NOT USE A HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE. Spray off with a standard spray nozzle – as high-pressure water can damage the PPF.
This will remove any large contaminants and debris from the surface. Make sure to spray off those wheels and tires, too – as there will be a lot of brake dust in the wheels and the wheel wells.
Bonus tip: Some people like to use high-suds or snow foam soap as a pre-wash. This is an excellent idea for PPF and Ceramic Coated vehicles, as it can break down dirt and debris as it dwells on the paint. We recommend using Americana Global Vinyl & PPF soap as a pre-wash using a foam cannon.
For FOAM CANNONS & FOAM GUNS – Mix 4oz of Americana Global Vinyl & PPF Soap per 32oz of water. Fill the foam cannon container with warm tap water first. Then add Americana Global Vinyl & PPF Soap. Slightly shake the bottle, then attach to the foam cannon attachment.
Spray it on the entire vehicle, then let it dwell on the surface for 4 to 5 minutes while you wash the wheels and tires.
*NOTE – ALWAYS USE LOWEST PRESSURE ON ANY FOAM CANNON
Step 3 – Wash Wheels & Tires
Many substances can scratch ceramic coatings in brake dust. The primary contaminant is iron – which is in most brake systems. If you use the same wash bucket and mitt to wash wheels and your car, you may scratch your coating – and in some cases, all the way through the coating to the clear coat.
Here is how we like to wash our wheels.
- Foam cannon or pre-rinse all wheels and tires first.
- Spray Americana Global Wheel & Tire Cleaner on all wheels – let it dwell for a few minutes.
- Use a dedicated wheel brush and tire brush to agitate the soap and Wheel & Tire cleaner.
- Rinse off each wheel and tire as you finish.
- Wait to dry off once you’re done with the entire car wash – last step.
Step 4 – Two Bucket Hand Wash
Car enthusiasts and detailers should use two buckets to hand wash a PPF and ceramic coated vehicle. One bucket will have fresh water with a grit guard. This is the bucket you use to wash the microfiber towel or mitt after each panel. The other bucket will have soapy water.
- In a 5-gallon bucket, add two ounces of soap to the bottom of the bucket (about half full of water).
- Spray the water with a spray nozzle into the bucket to ‘foam it up’.
- Use your wash mitt and soak it with soapy water.
- Start at the top of each panel, and work from left to the right – top to bottom. Once you reach the bottom, make sure to get those hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse the soapy mitt in the freshwater bucket and rinse that panel off with fresh water.
- · Proceed to all parts of the vehicle until finished – then dry with a microfiber towel.
Step 5 – Post Wash Detail Spray
After the vehicle is dry, apply a fine mist of Americana Global Detail Spray. Use a CP purple microfiber towel and wipe off the detail spray with the high pile side of the towel. Then flip over the towel to the flat side and wipe off any excess detail spray with a buffing motion. The detail spray can be applied in direct sunlight.
