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Protective Coatings Offer Lasting Superior Results for Car Wash Customers and Attractive Profits for Operators 

Chipper New - Chemical Sales Manager

shine after a car wash protective coating

by Chipper New, Chemical Sales Manager, Howco Inc

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In the late 1970s, clear coats were added, increasing after 1978 when lead paints were banned and replaced. Nearly every vehicle produced since the ‘80s has at least one layer of clear coat. This transparent paint preserves the color layer’s integrity. It also protects the primer from UV rays, oxidation, and contaminants.

The clear coat acts as the vehicle’s first defense against damaging elements that could cause costly repairs. High-gloss clear coats also provide vehicle paint with sustained luster. Hazy, dull finishes on vehicles often signal clear coat oxidation. 

Protective coating technology has seen remarkable advancements over the past five decades. Three significant types of protectants developed over the years are carnauba wax, ceramic, and graphene coatings. 

Carnauba wax is the oldest of the three varieties and provides a temporary layer of protection to the vehicle's paint, enhancing the shine and repelling water and contaminants. It offers a relatively straightforward application process but is less durable than its more advanced counterparts. 

Ceramic coatings revolutionized the car care industry with their modern technology, increasing durability. Advanced polymers in these coatings bond at the molecular level with the vehicle’s surface, forming a durable protective layer that lasts longer.

The hardness of ceramic coatings surpasses traditional waxes and sealants, providing increased resistance to contaminants and exceptional water repellency. 

Ceramic coatings applied to vehicles during the car wash process are like a clear coat “on steroids,” and the addition of graphene can take this to yet another level. 

Graphene is one of the hottest current trends in the car wash industry, claiming a more protective, longer-lasting clear coat for customers, as well as a nice profit margin for operators. 

Graphene comes from the mineral graphite, which consists of pure carbon—an essential element found in everyday items like pencil lead. It stands out for being tough, yet flexible and lightweight, affording high resistance. 

In the car wash industry, technicians blend graphene into ceramic formulas to form a tougher, longer-lasting protective layer, using its honeycomb structure as a powerful surface hardener.

The lifespan of clear coatings and protectants depends on several factors, including weather, where the car is parked, its exposure to various natural elements, and how often coatings are applied. 

Protective coatings may be included in car wash package options or can be added a la carte. Low cost of application can allow for a healthy ROI. 

All automated car wash coatings come as finished products applied through tools like V-Jet Banana Foamers or K-Sticks. Operators apply them first—right after cleaning and before rinsing and drying.

For ceramic coatings, we highly recommend adding a new arch or applicator specifically designated for the product, which allows the wash to show customers the addition of the product to their vehicles. We’ve witnessed a return on this type of investment in as quickly as a month. ROI, of course, varies depending on the amount of product sold. 

Both self-service and full-service style washes can use these advanced protective coatings, and customers are requesting them more and more. Howco offers multiple protective barrier products that perform beautifully on vehicle surfaces. These super-concentrated protectants actively shield all exterior vehicle surfaces from harmful elements like UV rays, road salt, and acid rain. Some protectants also assist with the vehicle drying process. 

Please contact a Howco chemical representative to determine the best product fit and application for your wash operation. We weigh durability, protection, application, and maintenance requirements. We also consider costs, long-term value, and profit potential for you.

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