Using Koch Chemie CES Ceramic Effect Shampoo: pH-neutral with SiO2

The Koch Chemie CES Ceramic Effect Shampoo is a pH-neutral shampoo with an SiO2 component that leaves gloss and beading while you wash. You dilute it 1:200, meaning about 50 ml per 10 litres of lukewarm water, and wash with the two-bucket method from top to bottom. Because the shampoo is pH-neutral, it does not attack an existing wax or ceramic coating, and with every wash you build up the protection a little further. The protective layer forms during rinsing and keeps water beading off for about two to four weeks.

What CES does

CES combines cleaning with protecting. It is a pH-neutral care shampoo with an SiO2 sealing component: while you wash away the dirt, the shampoo lays down a thin layer that makes water bead off in droplets and gives the paint a deep gloss. That effect lasts about two to four weeks of normal driving, and because you use it at every wash, you build up the protection layer over layer. That way your car stays clean for longer and you keep a fresh, wet gloss without a separate protection step.

How to use it

Pre-rinse the car thoroughly with a pressure washer or garden hose, preferably with a layer of snow foam, so you remove most of the sand and dirt before you put the wash mitt on the paint. Work on cool paint in the shade.
Fill a clean wash bucket with 10 litres of lukewarm water and add about 50 ml of CES. That is the standard 1:200 dilution; lukewarm water activates the shampoo and gives more lubrication.
Wash with the two-bucket method: a wash mitt in the shampoo, and a separate bucket of clean water to rinse the mitt in between. Work from top to bottom and treat the car panel by panel or section by section.
Rinse each section well, because the protective layer forms during rinsing. Then dry the car immediately with a plush microfiber towel, so no water spots are left behind.

Why a ceramic-effect shampoo

A ceramic-effect shampoo is ideal for keeping your protection topped up between major sessions. The SiO2 tops up the water repellency of your existing coating or wax at every wash and adds a gloss boost, without you having to coat separately. On a coated car, CES is therefore a pleasant maintenance wash: you clean and refresh the hydrophobicity in one action. Want to know how this fits with a full coating, see the range of ceramic coatings.

A maintenance wash for a coated car

If you have a ceramic coating or sealant on your car, CES is the ideal maintenance shampoo. Where a strong cleaning shampoo slowly breaks down the protection, CES does the opposite: the SiO2 tops up the protection at every wash, so water keeps beading off and the gloss stays up. So you do not have to choose between cleaning and protecting, you do both in the same wash. That way you extend the lifespan of your coating and postpone a new, full protective layer for longer. For a coated car you want to keep in shape, this is the easiest way to combine cleaning and protection.

Coating-safe and pH-neutral

CES has a pH value of 6, which makes it pH-neutral. That means it does not attack an existing wax or ceramic coating and is suitable for the regular weekly maintenance wash. So you can use it on a coated car without worry, while actually adding protection with every session. Want help choosing between shampoo types, read the guide on which car shampoo to choose.

If you want to get started right away, you will find the Koch Chemie CES Ceramic Effect Shampoo in the shop.

How do I dilute CES?

The standard dilution is 1:200: about 50 ml of CES per 10 litres of lukewarm water in the wash bucket. Lukewarm water activates the shampoo and gives more lubrication and foam. Measure the dose instead of guessing for an even result.

Is CES safe on a ceramic coating or wax?

Yes. CES is pH-neutral (pH 6) and does not attack an existing coating or wax. In fact, the SiO2 component tops up the protection at every wash, so it is well suited as a maintenance wash for coated cars.

How long does the beading last?

With normal driving the water-repellent effect lasts about two to four weeks. Because you use CES at every wash, you build up the protection layer over layer and the effect stays topped up with regular washing.

When does the protective layer form?

The sealing effect forms during rinsing, not during foaming. So rinse each section well with clean water and dry the car immediately with a microfiber towel for a streak-free, protected result.

Can I use CES as my only protection?

CES gives a light, building protection that is ideal as maintenance and top-up. For the longest lifespan you combine it with a sealant or ceramic coating as a base layer; CES then refreshes that at every wash.

Should I work in the shade?

Yes, work on cool paint in the shade and not in full sun. Then the shampoo dwells evenly, rinses off cleanly and you prevent water from drying into spots before you can dry off.