[red kryptonite]

Originally Posted by SSM_DC5

It's been like 10 years since I had a shop install a coating, but they encouraged touchless so that I don't any physical abrasion with a wash mitt. Ceramic coating is supposed to be chemical resistant so I'm not why your shop discourages touchless.

Originally Posted by supafamous

Touchless uses much harsher chemicals than typical PH neutral soaps so they can wear out the ceramic faster (and any of your exposed rubber parts). Touchless wash systems also tend to reuse water - they do filter it - but it may not be as clean as regular water. Depending on the wash you get you may also be putting protectant on that you don't need and which hides the performance of your ceramic coating. The trade that's being made is durability vs minimizing paint damage.

In a pinch I'll use a touchless wash (in the winter) but I otherwise use just exercise good care with a hand wash - clean mitts, pressure wash, foam etc - followed by a ceramic topper. IMO, the paint damage from a mitt that's well taken care of with good procedures is very minor versus the high wear of using harsh chemicals.

pretty much sums it up