Ceramic Protection

At icanvalet.com we produce various products that go beyond the traditional Wax products, we term these iprotect.

We hear all about Ceramic Products but what do they really do?

Ceramic shampoos are specialized car cleaning products infused with SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) technology that not only clean but also enhance your vehicle's protection. They leave behind a hydrophobic layer, boosting water and dirt displacement and gloss.

Ceramic car coating is a liquid polymer that’s applied to your car’s exterior to protect the paint. Once it cures, it chemically bonds with the factory paint, creating a hard, durable layer. The iprotect lasts for a 1000 washes as long as the strict process and aftercare is followed Here’s what it actually does:

Ceramic Coating

🛡️ Protection:

• UV Protection: Shields paint from the sun's harmful rays, which helps prevent fading and oxidation.
• Chemical Resistance: Defends against bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, road salts, and other contaminants that can damage paint.
• Scratch Resistance: Adds some minor scratch resistance, especially against things like swirl marks from washing—but it won’t stop deep scratches.

💦 Hydrophobic Properties

• Water and other liquids bead up and roll off easily. This makes washing your car easier and helps keep it cleaner for longer.

✨ Gloss & Shine

• Ceramic coatings can enhance the depth and gloss of your car’s paint, giving it a “wet” or mirror-like finish.

🧼 Ease of Cleaning

• Dirt and grime don’t stick as easily, so it’s easier to maintain. Bugs, brake dust, and mud usually rinse off more easily.

🧪 What's it not?:

• Not bulletproof: It won’t stop rock chips or serious scratches.
• Not a one-time job: High-end coatings can last several years, but they still need maintenance and care.
• Not a replacement for PPF (Paint Protection Film): PPF protects better against physical damage like rock chips, while ceramic coating is more about chemical resistance and easy cleaning.

A hydrophobic coating works by creating a surface that repels water, preventing it from spreading out or sticking. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

🔬 Science Behind It:

• Hydrophobic means "water-fearing" — from Greek roots hydro (water) and phobos (fear).
• These coatings are typically made of materials that have low surface energy, such as fluoropolymers or silicones.
• When applied, they form a microscopic or nanoscopic layer with specific textures or chemical properties that reduce the surface's attraction to water molecules.

🧪 What Happens Physically:

• When a water droplet hits a hydrophobic surface, it beads up into a round shape instead of spreading out.
• This is measured by contact angle:
• Contact angle > 90° = hydrophobic
• Contact angle > 150° = superhydrophobic (like lotus leaves!)
• The higher the contact angle, the more the water droplet minimizes contact with the surface.

🔧 Types of Hydrophobic Coatings:

• Spray-on or wipe-on coatings: Easy to apply on fabrics, glass, electronics.
• Durable coatings: Used on industrial equipment, car windshields, solar panels, etc.
• Biomimetic coatings: Mimic natural hydrophobic surfaces (e.g., lotus effect).

🧼 Benefits:

• Water resistance
• Self-cleaning (water carries dirt away)
• Anti-fogging (in some formulations)
• Corrosion protection for metal

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), often marketed as ceramic coating, plays a big role in modern car cleaning and detailing. Here’s how it works and why it’s used:

🔬 What It Is

Silicon dioxide is the primary active ingredient in many ceramic coatings. It's derived from silica (like sand or quartz) and, when applied to a car, it forms a hard, protective layer over the paint.

🚗 How It Works on Cars

1. Creates a Hydrophobic Surface

SiO₂ repels water like crazy. After application, water beads up and rolls off, taking dirt and contaminants with it. This makes the car easier to clean and helps prevent water spots.

2. Protects the Paint

It forms a semi-permanent layer that shields against:

• UV rays (prevents fading)
• Chemical stains (like bird droppings or acid rain)
• Light scratches and swirl marks
• Oxidation and rust (indirectly, by preventing moisture from sticking)

3. Enhances Shine

That glossy, “wet” look? SiO₂ boosts the clarity and depth of your paint, making the car look like it just rolled out of a showroom.

4. Reduces Cleaning Frequency

Since dirt and grime don't bond as easily to the coated surface, your car stays cleaner longer and is easier to wash.

🛠️ How It's Applied

1. Wash & Decontaminate the car thoroughly.
2. Polish to remove any scratches or imperfections.
3. Apply the SiO₂ product using an applicator pad.
4. Let it cure (can range from minutes to hours depending on the product).
5. Buff it out gently with a microfiber cloth.

🧴Types of SiO₂ Products

• Spray-on SiO₂: Easier to use, good for maintenance or short-term protection (1–3 months).
• Professional-grade ceramic coatings: Last up to 2–5 years, but require careful prep and sometimes professional application.

Look at our latest offers on our iprotect protects

Spring Clean!

A spring clean for your car is a great way to start the season fresh! Here’s a guide to help you tackle the outside of your car:

Exterior Cleaning:

1. Wheels

• Always start with the wheels, this gives the reactive wheel cleaning more time to fully clean the wheels. Apply the icanvalet.com wheel cleaner to all the surfaces and watch the magic happen as the gel formulation starts to react with the contamination turn it RED

2. Pre Clean

• On leading edges and lower areas, apply the Bug and Grime Citrus pre cleaner, this starts the reaction process of breaking down the dirt for a performance wash

3. Snow Foam

• Using the Snowfoam through a cannon applicator… apply foam to the whole vehicle including the wheels, be sure to mix this 1:8 with clean water to get the most efficient application. Allow to dwell before rinsing

4. Shampoo

• For really dirty cars or if you don’t use Snow Foam you will require a shampoo contact wash, Using a bucket with grit guard and the ican wash mitt, fill the bucket with approx. 2 litres of water, decant 50ml of the Shampoo to the bucket and fill with another 3 litres of water with a power washer or hose. Wash the whole vehicle and rinse

5. Water Displacement 

To support your protection program and displace the water.. use one of our key finishing products while the vehicle is still wet.

• Quick Protect – Dilute and apply with a cannon or spray, Rinse and dry for 30days protection
• Ceramic Snowfoam – Dilute and apply with a cannon, Rinse and dry for 45 days protection
• Rinse Wax – Dilute and apply with a pump, Dry for an amazing shine and 7 days protection
• Dry - using a quality towel, ideally a twisted weave for 100% water absorbency.

6. Tyre Shine:

• Apply Tyre and Rubber to give the tires a fresh, glossy look. Use as a spray or brush to give a lasting finish.

7. Glass

• For a streak free finish use the glass cleaner with a glass cloth, spray sparingly, wipe the surface, turn the cloth and polish.

8.Trim

• Black plastic trims can require a coating of Bumper and Trim to restore their new look, apply the liquid to a cloth and wipe over the plastics surfaces

Look out for our next instalment on interior cleaning!

iCanValet Wheel Cleaner – A Smarter, Greener Way to Clean Your Wheels

At iCanValet, we believe that premium car care shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our iCanValet Wheel Cleaner as part of our innovative REDUCE Program—a revolutionary approach to car cleaning that saves plastic, reduces waste, and lowers costs.

Powerful Cleaning, Minimal Waste
Our Wheel Cleaner is formulated to effortlessly cut through brake dust, grime, and road debris, leaving your wheels sparkling clean with minimal effort. But what sets it apart is its eco-friendly packaging—a recyclable pouch that significantly reduces plastic waste.

Less Plastic, More Value

The traditional plastic bottles used for car cleaning products contribute to unnecessary plastic waste. With our recyclable pouch format, we’ve cut down plastic usage by an impressive 66.8% compared to standard containers. This means you get the same powerful wheel-cleaning solution with less environmental impact.

Designed to Refill, Not Replace

Instead of throwing away yet another plastic bottle, simply refill your lifetime trigger spray bottle using our pouch-based solution. This refill system ensures that you always have the right amount of cleaner on hand while keeping your garage free from excessive plastic waste.

The Benefits of the iCanValet Wheel Cleaner Pouch:

✔ Reduces plastic waste by 66.8%
✔ Cost-effective—pay for the product, not the packaging
✔ Same powerful formula for spotless wheels
✔ Convenient, space-saving, and recyclable
✔ Part of the iCanValet REDUCE Program for a cleaner planet

Join the Movement – Clean Smarter with iCanValet

By switching to our Wheel Cleaner Refill Pouch, you’re not just keeping your wheels clean—you’re making a real difference in reducing plastic waste. Join the iCanValet REDUCE Program today and embrace a more sustainable, cost-effective way to care for your car.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Experience the power of iCanValet Wheel Cleaner while doing your part for the planet. Get your Wheel Cleaner Refill Pouch today and reduce waste, cut costs, and clean smarter!

Unlock the Ultimate Car Cleaning Experience with icanvalet.com Snow Foam

When it comes to keeping your vehicle looking its best, a high-quality pre-wash is essential. At iCan Valet, we proudly introduce our premium Snow Foam, a game-changing solution designed to provide a deep and penetrating soak that effortlessly dissolves traffic film, road salts, and stubborn dirt.

Why Choose iCan Valet Snow Foam?

Our Snow Foam formula is engineered with a soft and gentle action, making it safe for all vehicle surfaces while delivering an unbeatable cleaning experience. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Deep Cleaning Power – Unlike standard shampoos, our Snow Foam clings to your car’s surface, allowing ample time to break down grime and contaminants before you even touch the paintwork.

Versatile Application – Whether you prefer a hand trigger, pump dispenser, or foam attachment with a power washer, our Snow Foam adapts to your cleaning routine seamlessly.

Highly Concentrated Formula – With the ability to make 8 litres of ready-to-use solution, a little goes a long way, giving you more value with every wash.

Safe and Effective – The gentle formula is tough on dirt but kind to your paint, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

The Perfect Pre-Wash Solution

Using our Snow Foam as a pre-wash significantly reduces the risk of scratches and swirl marks. By loosening and lifting dirt before contact washing, you’re preserving your car’s paint and maintaining that showroom shine for longer.

How to Use iCan Valet Snow Foam

• Dilute the concentrate as per instructions to create 8 litres of ready-to-use solution.
• Apply using your preferred method – hand trigger, pump dispenser, or power washer foam attachment.
• Let the foam dwell for a few minutes to break down dirt and contaminants.
• Rinse off thoroughly, revealing a cleaner, safer surface ready for a contact wash.

Experience the Difference

If you’re serious about car care, iCan Valet Snow Foam is a must-have in your detailing arsenal. Elevate your car cleaning game today and experience a superior wash that leaves your vehicle spotless, protected, and shining like new.

Get yours now and see the magic of Snow Foam in action!