System X® After Care and Washing Techniques
Congratulations on your brand new System X® coating.
System X® is designed to protect your factory clear coat, to provide a protective shield against the elements, and to keep your vehicle looking new always. To maximize the effects of System X® and to ensure your investment is long-lasting, a few basic maintenance steps should be taken. With simple care, your coating will reward you for years to come.
CURING PROCESS
A new System X® coating takes about 2-3 days to cure to its full strength.
Curing time is 2-3 days depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. Take special care during this time period. The coating will help prevent your clear coat from getting water spots as it is hydrophobic, however, it can still get hard water spots. Be especially diligent during the curing process to prevent water spots, which may be costly to remove.
During the curing process avoid:
- Parking under trees especially if there are shedding. You don’t want tree sap on a fresh coating.
- Allowing bird droppings, sap or pollen to sit on the car and bake in the sun.
- Washing or abrading the paint.
If you notice that your car gets water spots, bird droppings, bugs, tree sap, or other contaminants during the first few days, immediately remove it following our care instructions. Keep in mind the coating is still curing. Be gentle when working on the paint.
Car Washing Techniques
• Wash on a bi-weekly basis to avoid excessive contamination build up.
• Avoid washing in direct sunlight to minimize streaking and water spotting.
• Wash from the top down leaving the dirtiest sections for last to avoid cross contamination.
• Use the “two bucket” method – one bucket for rinsing your sponge/mitt and one for soapy water.
• Use separate soap and sponge/mitt for wheels.
Drying Car Techniques to Apply
• Always dry completely and never leave to air-dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots.
• Use quality microfiber towels for best results and avoid aggressive wiping, allowing the material to absorb the water.
• Use deionized water for a final rinse to prevent water spots.
• Deionized water reduces the need for extensive drying as it doesn't leave mineral deposits.
• Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dripping onto already dried areas.
Water Spot & Dropping Removal
• Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or remove surface contamination.
• Never use excessive force to remove water spots.
• Bird droppings, tar, sap, etc. should be removed as soon as possible to avoid temporary staining or hardening on the coating. Any staining left behind from the bird droppings will break down over a few days without affecting the coating.
• Use a silicone water blade to quickly remove large amounts of water.
System X® Interior Maintenance
• For best results, clean all leather/vinyl surfaces bi-weekly.
• Vacuum carpets regularly.
• Immediately wipe off spills on leather, vinyl, or fabric.
• Immediately absorb and clean stains on carpet.
Things We Suggest You to Do
• Do hand wash
• Do use touchless wash
• Do use mild car wash soap
• Do use microfiber to wash & dry
• Do wash in shade
• Do use 2 bucket wash method
Things We Suggest You to Avoid
• Don't use automatic brush car wash
• Don't use dirty brushes / towels
• Don't use dish soap to wash
• Don't wash in direct sun
• Don't use wax / polish
• Don't use abrasive towels
A Few Last Care Tips After Curing is Complete
Removing Contaminants
System X® is extremely slick, this means most things will dissolve and be pulled off by System X’s self-cleaning effect. Use water or a little vinegar to remove bird droppings, bugs, and tree sap. Followed by wiping it off with a soft edge-less microfiber towel.
Washing Schedule
For best results the car should be washed on a bi-weekly basis to avoid excessive contamination build-up. Use only recommended mild soaps. Avoid high volume brush style car washes, high PH detergent style cleaners, and bug/tar removers. Avoid washing in direct sunlight to minimize streaking and water spotting. Wash from the top down leaving the dirtiest sections for last to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate soap.
Washing Methods
Standard home washing
• Use a foam gun (optimal) or microfiber wash mitt to soap down the car. Rinse it off with a pressure washer (optimal) or hose. Dry with clean microfiber towels.
Spray ‘n wash self car washes
• Select the high-pressure soap. Soap the car down (never use the provided brushes especially on the paint!). Rinse car off with the high-pressure rinse. Dry with clean microfiber towels.
Car washes
• Touch-less car washes only. Never use a car wash with brushes! Never select the “spray wax” option.
Drying
• System X Renew™ is a great drying aid. Using Renew™ and one damp microfiber to first dry the vehicle then follow by using the second microfiber to finish drying. This process will give you the best results.
• Always dry completely and never leave to “air” dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots.
• Only use quality microfiber towels for best results and avoid aggressive wiping, allowing the material to absorb the water.
Spot Removal
• Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or remove surface contamination.
• Never use excessive force to remove spots.
• Bird droppings, tar, sap, etc. should be removed as soon as possible to avoid temporary staining or hardening on the coating. Any staining left behind from bird droppings will break down over a few days without affecting the coating.
After Washing
• Do not wax the coating, many products contain solvents and abrasives. System X Renew™ is the recommended maintenance and aftercare product. Ask your local installer about purchasing System X Renew™ during your visit.
Automated Washing
• Always go to a touch-free wash! Using an automated car wash with brushes will void your warranty. System X® takes 2-3 days to achieve full hardness. Please handle with care and do not wash the vehicle for the first 2 weeks.
Annual Inspection
• Annual Inspections are the recommended process for ensuring the coating is maintained and care for the vehicle is properly executed. Annual inspections should be carried out by an approved applicator within 30 days before the anniversary date of the last service to ensure peak performance and warranty validity. Although durable and long-lasting, annual inspections ensure maximum gloss and protection from System X® coatings.
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