Scratches after ceramic coating

[Megapixel]

I have my X5 ceramic coated - Ceramic Pro ION. It’s my first time ceramic coating my vehicle, so I’m not too familiar with how to continue protecting and maintaining the coating - other than using the proper PH neutral cleaning products.

I recently washed the car and noticed some scratches on the side of my Black Sapphire paint(from a light car contact or a shopping cart potentially).

My question is - what is the best way to buff this -or any light scratches for that matter - out? I don’t think it is deep enough to damage the paint, but it’s easy to see the scratches. Is there a specific product to us that would work well with the ceramic coating? Will the coating be damaged at this point if the scratch is buffed out - will I need to pay the shop to re-apply the coating? Any help is much appreciated.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Megapixel

I have my X5 ceramic coated - Ceramic Pro ION. It’s my first time ceramic coating my vehicle, so I’m not too familiar with how to continue protecting and maintaining the coating - other than using the proper PH neutral cleaning products.

I recently washed the car and noticed some scratches on the side of my Black Sapphire paint(from a light car contact or a shopping cart potentially).

My question is - what is the best way to buff this -or any light scratches for that matter - out? I don’t think it is deep enough to damage the paint, but it’s easy to see the scratches. Is there a specific product to us that would work well with the ceramic coating? Will the coating be damaged at this point if the scratch is buffed out - will I need to pay the shop to re-apply the coating? Any help is much appreciated.

Correcting paint (buffing, polishing etc) that has a ceramic coating applied with generally compromise the coating and require a further application of the ceramic coating once corrected, usually encompassing a full panel, rather than a spot.

There are many coating product that fall under the “ceramic” banner, and they vary in application, durability and maintenance. Usually, a coating needs maintenance beyond just washing, as many are susceptible to water, poop bird etching etc.

[tracer bullet]

For really light stuff you can probably polish it out with a good microfiber (no old t-shirts) and some Meguair's Scratch-X. And yes it will remove the ceramic coating as well. But it can easily be reapplied to that spot. If you don't DIY it perhaps the shop you used can cut you a break - it's just a little coating on an applicator, wipe it all over on the spot you polished, give it 30 seconds or so (actual time depends on weather and other factors but it's quick) then wipe it off with another microfiber, flipping it over after a first wipe to a clean side to finish it off. If they're working on a coating for someone else they could walk over to your car and spend like 5 minutes to take care of it for you.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by Megapixel

I have my X5 ceramic coated - Ceramic Pro ION. It’s my first time ceramic coating my vehicle, so I’m not too familiar with how to continue protecting and maintaining the coating - other than using the proper PH neutral cleaning products.

The outfit that coated the car should have provided instructions for what/when to use a "rejuvenator."

[Megapixel]

Originally Posted by John in VA

The outfit that coated the car should have provided instructions for what/when to use a "rejuvenator."

That’s the thing - they actually told me the coating don’t require the use any type of “ceramic topper” to maintain it, other than the typical annual maintenance service.

Is there a product that can be used to help keep the hydrophobic properties strong and as you said “rejuvenate” the ceramic coating?

Thanks also for the other posts - all very helpful insights for me.

[Pheonix]

Talk to the shop that did the coating and maybe they will help get the scratches out as a courtesy/good will.
I use Armour Details Supply Amplify as drying aid and as "topper coat" to enhancing shine and prolong the base Ceramic Coating.
You could also use any of the Ceramic based "Quick Detailer" such as
Beadmaker
Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer
Gyeon Ceramic Detailer

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Megapixel

I have my X5 ceramic coated - Ceramic Pro ION.
[...]
I recently washed the car and noticed some scratches on the side of my Black Sapphire paint(from a light car contact or a shopping cart potentially).
[...]
My question is - what is the best way to buff this -or any light scratches for that matter - out? I don’t think it is deep enough to damage the paint, but it’s easy to see the scratches.

Light scratches are scratches, regardless of whether ceramic coating or wax or anything has been applied, or not.
You address them the same way:
1). Ignore the fact that car was ceramic coating at all.
2). Try to buff the scratch out by hand polishing with a microfiber rag. For lighter scratches, it's all that will be required.
3). If that fails, grab random orbital polisher, pad, and compound, and that should take care of it.
4). Re-apply ceramic coating to the area you've just polished.

For anyone who owns a black car and cares about its appearance, it's all but required to own your own orbital polisher and ceramic coating kits. Taking it to a shop after every blemish accentuated by black paint, will get tiring and expensive fast.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/g9-orbi...t-protect-kit/

Originally Posted by Megapixel

Is there a specific product to us that would work well with the ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is only 1-2mils thick. In all likelihood the scratch went through it.

Originally Posted by John in VA

The outfit that coated the car should have provided instructions for what/when to use a "rejuvenator."

This is not a "rejuvenator" situation. The coating got scratched, and possibly the top layers of clearcoat below it. The scratch will need to be polished out.

Originally Posted by Megapixel

Will the coating be damaged at this point if the scratch is buffed out

It's already damaged, and will need to be re-applied.
Good news - it's super easy DIY!

QUOTE=Megapixel;32632648]will I need to pay the shop to re-apply the coating? [/QUOTE]

Yes.
Unless you DIY it.
BTW, any ceramic coating will do. You don't need to wreck your brain trying to buy whatever your detailer had used. They are all the same, work the same, only differ in how long they last (and not by a lot).

a

[Megapixel]

Thank you Phoenix and afadeev for the detailed info. Afadeev, your explanation makes total sense, and really helps make it very clear for me to know what to do for addressing it myself. Looks like I’ll definately need to put a bit more into the products I carry to maintain that super clean Black Sapphire Metallic look

[Pheonix]

Black Saphire Metallic is one of best BMW color! Beautiful if you could keep it clean.
Here was my Z4M, was neglected for a few years and finally brought it back to life🤩