We are happy you have chosen us and we welcome you to the Shining Rides Detailing family! Here are a few things to go over to ensure your coating is cared for the proper way.
Routine washing is crucial. We recommend that customers maintain a wash routine that consists of a proper hand wash at least every two weeks. As your coating becomes covered with dirt and contamination, you will notice a decrease in hydrophobic properties (i.e. water beading & sheeting). It is important to remove these surface contaminates often. Using a specially formulated shampoo like SB3 PH Neutral Soap will help to effectively clean your coating and it rinses away easily without leaving behind gloss enhancers or other surfactants. This is an ideal coating maintenance shampoo and what we use at our installation shop. You will notice that your vehicle will be very easy to wash because the dirt will wipe away trouble-free from the coating and your wash mitt will slide effortlessly across the surface.
Always start by pre-rinsing the vehicle from top to bottom. Avoid high volume brush style car washes, and high PH detergent style cleaners. Use only recommended mild PH neutral soaps such as "SB3 Soap" shampoo. We also recommend using the high quality microfiber mitt. It is important to use the correct mixture ratio with SB3 shampoo. Fill wash bucket with 3 to 4 gallons of water and add approximately 1oz (30mL) of soap as the bucket fills to mix the shampoo solution and activate the foam. Avoid washing in direct sunlight to minimize streaking and water spotting and only wash when the vehicles surface is cool to the touch. Wash starting at the roof and eventually working downwards, leaving the dirtiest sections last to avoid possible cross contamination. If needed use more than one sponge or mitt when washing depending on how dirty your vehicle may or may not be. Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or to remove surface contamination. If the surface of the vehicle loses its hydrophobic effects normally there is a reason. Contact us for support. It is strongly suggested to use the 2 bucket washing method with "grit guards".
You can read more about how to use the 2 bucket washing method below. Two (2) buckets are used during the wash process to help minimize the chance of wash scratches by “flushing out” the dirt picked-up by the previous wipe. Here are the steps:
Always go to a touch free wash!
Never select the “spray wax” option. Never use a car wash with brushes! Using an automated car wash with brushes will void the warranty and dull the coating. SB3 Coatings takes up to 7 days to achieve full hardness. Please handle with care and do not wash the vehicle for the first 7 days. 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.* This is not an idea washing method but can be used in between handwashes*
Always dry vehicle with the recommended "Dreadnought Drying Towel" or an air blower such as the Master Blaster or we recommend using an electric or battery powered leaf blower (not gas operated) to prevent gas and oil fumes from falling onto the vehicles now clean surface.
Always dry completely and never leave to “air” dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots.
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.
Do not wax the coating. It is unnecessary and the wax will not bond to the coating. SB3 Maintain is the recommended maintenance and aftercare product. Many people are interested in applying additional protection on top of the coating. It is important to remember that when you are topping your coating with another product, you are covering or masking some of the properties of the coating. For example, if you apply a wax on top of your coating, you will be observing the properties of the wax until it wears off and the coating is exposed. If you choose to top your coating you will still have a great base layer of protection beneath your “topper” since the coating will still be present, but the beading, sheeting, dirt/dust attraction and other properties that you observe will be characteristic of whatever product you have used to top the coating with. While a typical spray wax may work fine, there are other products that tend to perform much better on top of paint coatings. Our personal favorite is SB3 Maintain. This product is silica-based, therefore it is an excellent “coating topper” because its properties are very similar to the coating that is beneath it. When used on top of your coating, SB3 Maintain will provide additional protection, slickness, amazing hydrophobic properties, and best of all – they are extremely quick and easy to use! If you decide to top your coating SB3 maintain can be used as often as you’d like, but we typically suggest using one or the other every 2-4 months.
Annual Inspections are the recommended process for ensuring the coating is maintained and cared for the vehicle is properly executed. Annual inspections should be carried out by Shining Rides Detailing within 30 days before the anniversary date of the last service to ensure peak performance. Although durable and long lasting, annual inspections ensure maximum gloss and protection.
From Grime to Shine
Shining Rides Detailing of Plum, Pennsylvania was first opened in 2016, providing full interior and exterior detailing packages to everything from classic muscle cars and luxury SUVs to trucks, vans, and everyday drivers. After achieving our certification from Detail King Training Institute, the sky was truly the limit, becoming a certified SB3 Ceramic Coating installer and a mobile auto care unit. Having restored, detailed, and coated several makes and models, our trusted car care packages are now certified by the International Detailing Association (IDA), adding that to the list of credentials that validate why we are your prime choice for auto enhancements in the Plum area!
30 Lee Ann Ct, Pittsburgh, PA 15239, United States of America
Phone: (412) 953-1694
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
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