Popular Posts Market Focus: ZIPS Car Wash hires chief operating officer Site insights Mint Eco Car Wash announces $150 million expansion plan The difference between a leader and a boss Mister Car Wash reports Q4 earnings Connect with us advertise with us

Market Focus: ZIPS Car Wash hires chief operating officer

Mint Eco Car Wash announces $150 million expansion plan

The difference between a leader and a boss

Mister Car Wash reports Q4 earnings

Popular Posts Market Focus: ZIPS Car Wash hires chief operating officer Site insights Mint Eco Car Wash announces $150 million expansion plan The difference between a leader and a boss Mister Car Wash reports Q4 earnings Connect with us advertise with us

Market Focus: ZIPS Car Wash hires chief operating officer

Mint Eco Car Wash announces $150 million expansion plan

The difference between a leader and a boss

Mister Car Wash reports Q4 earnings

The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.

The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.

Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-ServesSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners

Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-ServesSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners

Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.

Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.

Clayton Clark, Miron Briley and Richard Terry from WhiteWater Express Car Wash discuss leadership, respect and communication's impact on employee productivity and morale.

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Our first Wash of the Week feature is Soapy Joe's, an express chain based in San Diego, California.

Showcase your carwash business on Carwash.com and our social media profiles.

Professional Carwashing & Detailing is excited to offer you our research results on the professional carwash industry.

Amplify Car Wash Advisors' VP of business development provides insights on how she has been successful as a leading woman in carwash.

ICA's VP of Partnership gives advice to women entering the carwash industry along with information about The Car Wash Show™ 2022.

Woman CEO Christina Dyer explains how her organization, Noble Adventures, can help strengthen carwash leadership.

Explore options in modern vehicle protectant technology.

The technologies in professional car care protective coatings have evolved tremendously over time. First, our industry depended on wax, then paint sealants. Now, innovative SIO2 and graphene technologies are transforming the industry.

Today, ceramic and graphene coatings are two of the most durable technologies available for protecting your vehicle’s paint. Choosing between the two may seem tricky, but today we’ll help you decide!

To compare ceramic coatings and graphene coatings, we must focus on the main determinant features of both technologies including, durability, gloss, hydrophobicity, price, cost and ease of application.

Graphene coatings claim to offer good to great durability and are less prone to water spots than ceramic coatings, while ceramic coatings are typically cheaper and more readily available. Both ceramic and graphene coatings are similar in terms of gloss, hydrophobicity and application method. With these characteristics in mind, the decision seems harder to make.

Understanding more about the two technologies can greatly improve your confidence in choosing one over the other.

Ceramic coatings consist of silicon dioxide, or silica, which is often derived from quartz crystals. They are combined with many other chemicals to produce a liquid, which when applied to a car and left to cure, forms a clear-hard coating.

Ceramic coatings have been around since 2008 and over the past decade have become popular in the detailing world. They were the go-to form of paint protection for those looking for something as durable as possible because they simply outperformed sealants and waxes in both longevity and overall protection.

Since the release of the first ceramic coating, many manufacturers now offer various grades of ceramic coatings which can be applied by DIY weekend warriors or trained professionals.

Graphene coatings are the “next-generation” of paint protection, having emerged on the heels of ceramic coatings. Graphene is a substance made from carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure that is very thin, but incredibly tough — even harder than diamond!

Both ceramic and graphene coatings are incredibly durable, most offering at least 1-2 years of durability. This is one reason why many car owners prefer them to waxes and sealants, which offer only months of protection versus years.

There are varying grades of ceramic and graphene coatings which all last different amounts of time. Most ceramic coatings claim to last between 2-5 years. Whereas, most graphene coatings claim at least 5 years durability, some even extending 7 years of protection.

Both ceramic and graphene coating types are very hydrophobic and will sheet water off the surface incredibly quickly. Graphene coatings claim to offer a higher “water contact angle.” This simply means that water is less likely to stay on the surface because the beads tend to roll off as they sit a lot taller on the surface.

Most people will struggle to tell the difference between the hydrophobicity of good quality graphene and ceramic coatings though. The level of water-repellency will typically depend on the quality of the coating and less on whether it’s graphene or ceramic.

Application is the area coatings tend to fall short in comparison to waxes and sealants. To get the best results using a coating, significant preparation is required, as well as confident knowledge of how to use and apply coating products. As a result, coatings are typically applied by professionals in a temperature-controlled and covered space.

The differences between graphene and ceramic applications are very little. You’ll need a completely bare paint surface to apply either coating type. So, a thorough wash, decontamination, and polish and paint correct is necessary prior to coating application. Coatings must be applied in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a garage. To apply, the coating needs to be used with an applicator, worked into the surface in small sections, leveled and buffed when the coating has “flashed”.

Ceramic and graphene coatings typically offer a wet looking shine to the paintwork, like sealants.

There is very little difference between the type of finish you get with a ceramic or graphene coating. Both offer that cold, wet look that looks fantastic upon finish. Still, the key to the perfect finish is sufficient preparation of your vehicle’s surface.  

Slickness is important to help keep the car clean. The slicker the paint surface, the easier dirt and muddy water will slide off instantly.

There’s a debate in the industry as to which is slicker: graphene or ceramic. It really depends on the coating you’re using. Some manufacturers will offer a super slick graphene coating versus a ceramic coating that may be a bit “grabbier” and vice-versa.

Water spotting will occur if the vehicle has been left sitting out following some rainfall. These water spots can also corrode the coating and impact the durability and performance over time. Graphene coatings appear to have an advantage over ceramic in water spotting.

Graphene coatings claim to lower the surface temperature. This means the water will not evaporate as quickly, enabling the water beads to roll off when you next drive the car instead of leaving unsightly water spots.

Graphene coatings are newer to the market than ceramic coatings. As such, fewer brands offer graphene coatings leading to less variation in price and options.

The variety of ceramic coatings on the market offer different levels of quality and durability. Budget-friendly ceramic coatings that offer shorter time periods of durability are available, as well as extra durable, pricier versions.

Generally, there are more varieties, types, price levels, and brands of ceramic coatings on the market. Graphene coatings offer fewer options currently. 

So, which is the best option for you then?

Regardless of which one you choose, when applied correctly, you will experience a satisfying protective and attractive coating for your vehicle!

Auto Magic is a brand of ITW Evercoat, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW), and is the leader in innovative, solutions-based professional detailing products. For over 60 years, professional detailers have trusted Auto Magic for high-performing products that drive profitability, like TruAdvantage and Ceramic Magic. For more information visit www.automagic.com.

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