9 Ways to Protect Your Car’s Paint in Brookfield, WI
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car's exterior. Unlike traditional waxes or sealants, ceramic coatings chemically bond with the car’s factory paint, creating a durable layer of protection. This coating shields the vehicle from environmental hazards like UV rays, bird droppings, acid rain, and road salt. It also provides a glossy, mirror-like finish, making your high-performance sports car look as good as new for longer.
Whether you have purchased a brand new car or a new-to-you vehicle, many car owners want to protect their investment and keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible. Unfortunately, one of the hazards of actually driving the vehicle is that it will be exposed to various elements on the road that can cause dents, chips, scratches, and other imperfections to the car's exterior.
Depending on the type of protection you use, you can prevent things such as chemical etch marks, chemical stains, damage from harmful UV rays, scratches on the paint surface from road debris, rock chips, swirl marks, damage from tree sap, bird droppings, mineral deposits, and other acidic contaminants found on the road.
If you want to make sure that the paint job on your vehicle stays in tip-top condition throughout the years that you own it, there are some investments you can make and tips to follow. At Exquisite Auto Spa in Brookfield, WI, our auto team understands the importance of preserving your major investment. That is why we offer a variety of great car paint protection options to keep your car looking great.
Every surface must be completely dry before applying the ceramic coating. We use premium waffle-weave microfiber towels and compressed air to ensure that moisture is removed from every crevice, body line, and surface. Residual moisture can reduce ceramic coating effectiveness by up to 40%, making this step essential for a flawless application.
After washing, we employ a clay bar treatment to remove embedded impurities that regular washing cannot eliminate. This critical step can remove up to 90% of surface contaminants that would otherwise interfere with the ceramic coating bonding process. The clay bar works by lubricating the surface and gently pulling embedded particles that can create microscopic barriers to proper adhesion.
For vehicles with significant contamination—particularly those that haven’t been professionally detailed in months or years—we may employ additional decontamination methods, such as iron removal treatments that dissolve embedded metallic particles from brake dust and road debris.
3. Glare Reduction
5. Enhanced Appearance
Environmental Factors to Consider
When to Consider Reapplication or Professional Inspection
Resistance to Environmental Pollutants
Making sure your car is in top shape is essential before you apply a ceramic coating to it. This pre-coating maintenance plays a vital role in the longevity and effectiveness of the ceramic coating. Prior to applying the coating, remember to do the following crucial steps:
- 1. Completely Clean and Decontaminate: Start by giving your car a thorough wash with a microfiber wash mitt and a premium automotive shampoo, being sure to get rid of any dirt, grime, or contaminants from the exterior. Use a clay bar or a detailed clay to further remove embedded contaminants and provide a smooth surface for the ceramic coating to adhere to.
- 2. Paint Correction: Prior to applying the ceramic coating, paint correction should be done if your car has noticeable swirl marks or other flaws in the paint. This step involves using polishing compounds and specialized tools to restore the clarity and smoothness of the painted surface. A flawless painted finish enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle when protected by a ceramic coating.
- 3. Surface Preparation: Once your car is clean and corrected, it is essential to prepare the surface properly for optimum bonding with the ceramic coating. This step may involve using a panel wipe or a dedicated prep solution to remove any remaining oils, waxes, or residue from previous products. This ensures that the ceramic coating can adhere directly to the paintwork for maximum longevity and performance.
Parking in the shade or using a windshield sunshade is acceptable, but it will not protect the upholstery and dash of your vehicle. Window tinting prevents the fading or discoloration of your car's leather, vinyl, and other nice interior surfaces. This keeps the interior of your car looking newer for longer.
They also keep your seats from cracking and warping. They are also in charge of reducing sun glare caused by direct sunlight, which helps to reduce eye fatigue. Driving after dark can be tiresome. Some drivers aggravate the situation by driving with their full headlights on. Tinted windows aid in reducing the brightness of headlights at night.
7.Incorrect Application Technique and Procedure
Failure to strip surfaces prior to coating is a common mistake when applying ceramic coatings. This can lead to a decrease in coating adhesion and durability as well as an increase in the risk of blistering, fish-scaling, or delamination.
Prior to applying a ceramic coating, it is important to properly strip the surface that will be coated. Stripping the surface allows for any dirt, contaminants, and oxidation to be removed from the surface and helps ensure that the coating adheres correctly. The debate between whether stripping surfaces is necessary prior to ceramic coating can be seen as having both sides bringing up valid points.
Chemical stripping may damage the surface due to the aggressive chemicals used during the process, and aggressive processes such as sandblasting can also cause damage. Failure to strip surfaces, on the other hand, can leave dirt, debris, and oxidation on the surface, resulting in decreased coating adhesion, decreased durability, and an increase in blistering or delamination of coatings.
For this reason, most professionals agree that chemical stripping or light abrasive blasting (depending on the severity of contamination) needs to be done prior to applying any type of ceramic coating. Chemical strippers are best used on surfaces with light corrosion or oxidation, while abrasive blasting is best used on more heavily oxidized surfaces.
Although there may be some risk associated with either type of stripping process, it should still be carried out for the best results when applying ceramic coatings. The use of high-quality tools and protective gear can help reduce any potential risks associated with these processes.
It blocks harmful UV light.
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, window tint is an effective way to do so. Not only does it keep prying eyes from seeing inside your car, but it also helps to deter thieves. With window tint, you can rest assured that your personal belongings will be hidden from view and that your car will be less of a target for thieves.
Benefits of Protecting Your Car's Paint
When you invest in protection for the painted surface of your vehicle, you will enjoy a variety of great benefits. These include:
- Preserving the visual aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
- Maintaining the resale value of your car, should you ever decide to sell it
- Saving money on constant upkeep for the entire car and correction services
If you are interested in learning more about all of the exceptional advantages associated with paint protection, contact our experienced team at Exquisite Auto Spa and schedule an appointment.
Every surface must be completely dry before applying the ceramic coating. We use premium waffle-weave microfiber towels and compressed air to ensure that moisture is removed from every crevice, body line, and surface. Residual moisture can reduce ceramic coating effectiveness by up to 40%, making this step essential for a flawless application.
After washing, we employ a clay bar treatment to remove embedded impurities that regular washing cannot eliminate. This critical step can remove up to 90% of surface contaminants that would otherwise interfere with the ceramic coating bonding process. The clay bar works by lubricating the surface and gently pulling embedded particles that can create microscopic barriers to proper adhesion.
For vehicles with significant contamination—particularly those that haven’t been professionally detailed in months or years—we may employ additional decontamination methods, such as iron removal treatments that dissolve embedded metallic particles from brake dust and road debris.
3. Glare Reduction
5. Enhanced Appearance
Environmental Factors to Consider
When to Consider Reapplication or Professional Inspection
Resistance to Environmental Pollutants
Making sure your car is in top shape is essential before you apply a ceramic coating to it. This pre-coating maintenance plays a vital role in the longevity and effectiveness of the ceramic coating. Prior to applying the coating, remember to do the following crucial steps:
- 1. Completely Clean and Decontaminate: Start by giving your car a thorough wash with a microfiber wash mitt and a premium automotive shampoo, being sure to get rid of any dirt, grime, or contaminants from the exterior. Use a clay bar or a detailed clay to further remove embedded contaminants and provide a smooth surface for the ceramic coating to adhere to.
- 2. Paint Correction: Prior to applying the ceramic coating, paint correction should be done if your car has noticeable swirl marks or other flaws in the paint. This step involves using polishing compounds and specialized tools to restore the clarity and smoothness of the painted surface. A flawless painted finish enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle when protected by a ceramic coating.
- 3. Surface Preparation: Once your car is clean and corrected, it is essential to prepare the surface properly for optimum bonding with the ceramic coating. This step may involve using a panel wipe or a dedicated prep solution to remove any remaining oils, waxes, or residue from previous products. This ensures that the ceramic coating can adhere directly to the paintwork for maximum longevity and performance.
7.Incorrect Application Technique and Procedure
Failure to strip surfaces prior to coating is a common mistake when applying ceramic coatings. This can lead to a decrease in coating adhesion and durability as well as an increase in the risk of blistering, fish-scaling, or delamination.
Prior to applying a ceramic coating, it is important to properly strip the surface that will be coated. Stripping the surface allows for any dirt, contaminants, and oxidation to be removed from the surface and helps ensure that the coating adheres correctly. The debate between whether stripping surfaces is necessary prior to ceramic coating can be seen as having both sides bringing up valid points.
Chemical stripping may damage the surface due to the aggressive chemicals used during the process, and aggressive processes such as sandblasting can also cause damage. Failure to strip surfaces, on the other hand, can leave dirt, debris, and oxidation on the surface, resulting in decreased coating adhesion, decreased durability, and an increase in blistering or delamination of coatings.
For this reason, most professionals agree that chemical stripping or light abrasive blasting (depending on the severity of contamination) needs to be done prior to applying any type of ceramic coating. Chemical strippers are best used on surfaces with light corrosion or oxidation, while abrasive blasting is best used on more heavily oxidized surfaces.
Although there may be some risk associated with either type of stripping process, it should still be carried out for the best results when applying ceramic coatings. The use of high-quality tools and protective gear can help reduce any potential risks associated with these processes.
Regular car detailing can also help maintain the condition of your car’s paint. Over time, contaminants like dirt and debris can dull your vehicle’s paint, but with regular detailing, it can be kept looking shiny and vibrant for years to come. Detailing also helps improve its overall appearance, which can increase its resale value in the future.
Maintain Brand New Look
The Best 9 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle's Paint
There are many different ways that you can protect your entire vehicle from the hazards of driving. Short of keeping it locked away in your garage permanently, you will have to invest in one method or the other to ensure that you get the protection you want.
At Exquisite Auto Spa, we care about our clients' cars and want to help keep them in great condition by providing the best protection available. Here are the top 9 ways to make sure that you can maintain the exterior aesthetic of your vehicle throughout the entire year in Brookfield, WI:
Car Paint Protection Film
Having a professional like us at Exquisite Auto Spa apply automotive paint protection film is one of the best ways to keep your car's paint in good condition. It is a self-healing urethane paint protection film. Because it acts as a sacrificial protective layer, the paint protection film will absorb the impact from a small pebble or other debris rather than leave a scratch on your car. Paint protection film is hard to beat when it comes to car care.
Professional Washing, Clay Bar, and Waxing
During the winter months, it is important to wash your car once a week to remove road salt that can do serious damage to the paint if not removed. In the summer, you may be able to go 2-3 weeks between washings.
For the best care of your new car, you will want to invest in professional hand washing and a clay bar treatment, followed by car wax or sealant. The clay bar will remove particles that the simple washing could not remove, such as brake dust.
Paint Correction
Correcting scratches as soon as you find them (check on a weekly basis) and doing paint correction on these small areas will ensure that they do not turn into major issues later on.
Eliminate Rust ASAP
If you see rust, you need to deal with it as soon as possible. Rust has a sneaky way of spreading quickly throughout the vehicle, so be sure to take it to a professional to prevent any further damage.
Watch Where You Park
One of the easiest (and free) methods of preventing damage to your car's exterior is to park away from other vehicles, if possible. People have a tendency to open their car doors too widely without considering whether or not they will damage a neighboring vehicle. Being defensive with your parking will ensure you do not come out of the store or other locations and see scratch marks on your car.
Prevent Key Scratches
If you are an individual with lots of keys on your keyring and you do not have a keyless entry to your car, be sure your keys are contained while you insert the car key into the slot. Many car doors get scratched by their owners' keys that are dangling below the lock.
Consider Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating is another great way of protecting your car's paint because it is a hydrophobic clear coat of liquid polymer that acts as a protective film. Its hydrophobic surface prevents things like swirl marks and the damaging effects of acid rain. Ceramic coatings can also be applied along with paint protection film for double the protection.
Scrape Snow and Ice carefully
Living in Wisconsin, you are well aware of the need to remove snow and ice from your vehicle before you can drive it. You must be very cautious when it comes to using your ice scraper, as it can easily scratch the paint if done carelessly. Nylon bristles can also leave tiny scratches in the paint, and most experts recommend avoiding brushes with those types of bristles.
Invest in a Professional-Level Car Cover
When car paint endures UV exposure, it can be very harmful. Sunlight can have a bleaching effect on premium paint colors. For this reason, and to prevent damage from birds, tree sap, and pollen, new car buyers should invest in a professional car cover to eliminate risks to the paint.
Every surface must be completely dry before applying the ceramic coating. We use premium waffle-weave microfiber towels and compressed air to ensure that moisture is removed from every crevice, body line, and surface. Residual moisture can reduce ceramic coating effectiveness by up to 40%, making this step essential for a flawless application.
After washing, we employ a clay bar treatment to remove embedded impurities that regular washing cannot eliminate. This critical step can remove up to 90% of surface contaminants that would otherwise interfere with the ceramic coating bonding process. The clay bar works by lubricating the surface and gently pulling embedded particles that can create microscopic barriers to proper adhesion.
For vehicles with significant contamination—particularly those that haven’t been professionally detailed in months or years—we may employ additional decontamination methods, such as iron removal treatments that dissolve embedded metallic particles from brake dust and road debris.
3. Glare Reduction
5. Enhanced Appearance
Environmental Factors to Consider
When to Consider Reapplication or Professional Inspection
Resistance to Environmental Pollutants
Making sure your car is in top shape is essential before you apply a ceramic coating to it. This pre-coating maintenance plays a vital role in the longevity and effectiveness of the ceramic coating. Prior to applying the coating, remember to do the following crucial steps:
- 1. Completely Clean and Decontaminate: Start by giving your car a thorough wash with a microfiber wash mitt and a premium automotive shampoo, being sure to get rid of any dirt, grime, or contaminants from the exterior. Use a clay bar or a detailed clay to further remove embedded contaminants and provide a smooth surface for the ceramic coating to adhere to.
- 2. Paint Correction: Prior to applying the ceramic coating, paint correction should be done if your car has noticeable swirl marks or other flaws in the paint. This step involves using polishing compounds and specialized tools to restore the clarity and smoothness of the painted surface. A flawless painted finish enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle when protected by a ceramic coating.
- 3. Surface Preparation: Once your car is clean and corrected, it is essential to prepare the surface properly for optimum bonding with the ceramic coating. This step may involve using a panel wipe or a dedicated prep solution to remove any remaining oils, waxes, or residue from previous products. This ensures that the ceramic coating can adhere directly to the paintwork for maximum longevity and performance.
7.Incorrect Application Technique and Procedure
Failure to strip surfaces prior to coating is a common mistake when applying ceramic coatings. This can lead to a decrease in coating adhesion and durability as well as an increase in the risk of blistering, fish-scaling, or delamination.
Prior to applying a ceramic coating, it is important to properly strip the surface that will be coated. Stripping the surface allows for any dirt, contaminants, and oxidation to be removed from the surface and helps ensure that the coating adheres correctly. The debate between whether stripping surfaces is necessary prior to ceramic coating can be seen as having both sides bringing up valid points.
Chemical stripping may damage the surface due to the aggressive chemicals used during the process, and aggressive processes such as sandblasting can also cause damage. Failure to strip surfaces, on the other hand, can leave dirt, debris, and oxidation on the surface, resulting in decreased coating adhesion, decreased durability, and an increase in blistering or delamination of coatings.
For this reason, most professionals agree that chemical stripping or light abrasive blasting (depending on the severity of contamination) needs to be done prior to applying any type of ceramic coating. Chemical strippers are best used on surfaces with light corrosion or oxidation, while abrasive blasting is best used on more heavily oxidized surfaces.
Although there may be some risk associated with either type of stripping process, it should still be carried out for the best results when applying ceramic coatings. The use of high-quality tools and protective gear can help reduce any potential risks associated with these processes.
Regular car detailing can also help maintain the condition of your car’s paint. Over time, contaminants like dirt and debris can dull your vehicle’s paint, but with regular detailing, it can be kept looking shiny and vibrant for years to come. Detailing also helps improve its overall appearance, which can increase its resale value in the future.
Maintain Brand New Look
Contact Us to Discuss Installing Paint Protection Films on Your Car
If you are looking for an experienced company to provide you with detailing, paint protection film, or ceramic coating application, contact Exquisite Auto Spa. We have the expertise and training to get the job done right. We will help you protect your vehicle and ensure you can drive in style. Contact us to book an appointment!





