January 29th, 2021 Chris Phillip

Unless you've been asleep at the wheel, you've likely heard that ceramics -- products that instead of using wax for protection, use an ingredient found in glass -- silicon dioxide or Si02 -- are all the rage. The challenge has been to make ceramics not only easy and safe to use, but also affordable. That's where Mothers High Performance Car Care has been very successful with its CMX Ceramic Spray Coating, thanks to a unique formulation that also contains titanium dioxide for extra durability and to help filter UV rays.

What's the benefit of ceramics? Long lasting protection that offers relentless water beading, and simply put, dirt and debris does not stick to it like it does unprotected paint, or even a wax. The benefit is your vehicle stays cleaner longer, and is easier to clean when it does get dirty. When washing, dirt comes off easier, and water not only beads, but sheets off when flooded with the proper hose action of a gentle flow, so it almost dries itself. Car care all of a sudden becomes a lot easier, so you can spend more time enjoying your ride instead of taking care of it. Consumer ceramics also last much longer than waxes, sometimes up to 2-3 times as long, or longer. It's not unheard of to get 6 months or more out of a quality consumer-applied ceramic, that applies in half the time.

Applying modern consumer ceramics is very easy. In the case of CMX, because it lasts so long, the best time to apply it is on a well-prepared surface -- that means clean, free of major defects, and rid of waxes and oils. On a new car, it's a no-brainer. Of course, the process starts with a thorough washing using a quality car wash. Clay it if you see or feel surface contaminants, which are usually identified by a rough feeling on the paint. Mothers Speed Clay 2.0 or Mothers California Gold Clay Bar kit are great choices. If you're seeing defects, scratches, spiderwebbing or swirls, take the step (or steps) to polish them out, with either a spot product like California Gold Scratch Remover, or the CMX 3in1 Ceramic Polish & Coat. For tough defect removal, you might need to step up to something like the Mothers Professional Rubbing Compound and Professional Finishing Polish. Lastly, use the CMX Surface Prep to remove any old waxes or oils that claying or compounding/polishing steps might not have removed.

Once prepared, just follow the directions, as some spray products vary greatly in their application methodology. For Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray Coating, it's recommended to spray it on a standard microfiber applicator pad, work it in real good, a section at a time. Let it set for several minutes (while you're working more sections), and buff what little residue is left once it's all dried. Hit the textured plastic trim with the CMX Ceramic Trim Restore & Coat and you've got a well-protected ride! On future washes, try the CMX Ceramic Wash & Coat to keep the finish maintained. Vehicle care never was easier!

For more details and how-to videos, visit www.mothers.com, where you'll also find a wealth of information in their online Detail Guide.