Jeep soft tops and convertible soft tops are gaining popularity for their open-air driving experience, but they require diligent care to maintain their condition. These tops face environmental stresses like UV rays and rain, which can cause fading, staining, and wear. Regular cleaning with suitable products and applying protective solutions like fabric guards or ceramic coating sprays can shield against damage and preserve the material’s integrity. A lot of people ask, can ceramic coatings be used for soft tops?
Can I use ceramic on a soft top?
In the world of vehicle detailing, while ceramic coatings are celebrated for their protective qualities on hard surfaces, they are generally not recommended for soft tops. This is primarily because most ceramic coatings are resin-based solutions, essentially a form of liquid glass, which cures to form a hard, protective layer. This rigid coating is unsuitable for the flexible fabric materials used in soft tops. Just as microfiber towels used in the application of ceramic coatings become unusable due to the hardening of the resin, applying a similar substance to a fabric convertible top could lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility of the material, potentially compromising the functional and aesthetic integrity of the soft top. For these reasons, owners of vehicles with fabric soft tops should consider alternative protective treatments designed specifically for flexible, porous fabrics.
Ceramic Spray Benefits for Soft Tops
Yes! Yes, you can use ceramic spray on a soft top. Ceramic sprays are designed to provide a protective layer that shields against UV rays, dirt, and moisture, making them suitable for use on various surfaces, including vinyl and canvas. When applied to a soft top, the ceramic spray can help maintain the material’s color and condition, prevent fading, and make cleaning easier due to its hydrophobic properties. It’s important to prep the soft top correctly, to get the best results.
How to Apply Ceramic Sprays to Soft Tops
Cleaning
Preparing your soft top for a ceramic spray is an essential process that ensures maximum protection and longevity of the coating. The first step is to ensure that the soft top is completely clean. Begin by using a high-quality cleaner designed specifically for the type of soft top material you have, such as canvas or vinyl. Products like Rag Top are excellent choices as they are formulated to effectively remove dirt, residue, and mildew without damaging the fabric.
Once the appropriate cleaning solution is applied, use a soft cockpit brush to gently agitate the surface. This helps in lifting any ingrained dirt and ensures a thorough cleanse. It’s crucial to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the fibers of the soft top.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the soft top to remove all traces of the cleaner. Make sure there are no soap residues left, as these can interfere with the bonding process of the ceramic coating.
Drying
The next step is drying, which is just as important as the cleaning. The top must be completely dry before applying any ceramic spray. Any moisture trapped under the ceramic coating could lead to mold or mildew formation, compromising both the material and the effectiveness of the coating. Allow the soft top to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, or use a microfiber towel to gently dab off the excess water.
Applying Ceramic Layer
Once the soft top is dry, you can proceed to apply the ceramic spray. Hold the spray bottle a few inches away from the surface and apply it evenly, making sure to cover every inch of the top. After application, give the ceramic coating adequate time to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is vital as it allows the coating to fully bond with the fabric, enhancing its protective properties.
After the initial application of the ceramic spray, allow it to sit for a few hours. This waiting period lets the first coat bond properly with the fabric, creating a sturdy base for additional layers.
Once the first coat has been set, apply a second coat of the ceramic spray to ensure thorough coverage and maximum protection. This second layer will enhance the hydrophobic and UV-resistant properties of the coating, further safeguarding your soft top from the elements.
Cleanup
During the application process, you may find that some of the spray gets onto the glass or windows of your vehicle. There’s no need to worry about this—any residue on the glass can be polished out. Ceramic spray is perfectly suited for protecting glass.
Ceramic Coating vs Fabric Guards
You can have great soft top protection with ceramic sprays or fabric guards, after using Nexgen Ceramic Spray, the results were great and comparable to dedicated soft top treatments. The application process is much simpler than dedicated soft top treatments, and it’s much easier to remove any additional ceramic spray. Traditional soft top treatments can be difficult to remove, and everything is typically masked or covered to avoid the cleanup on non-fabric surfaces. Fabric Guards are more flexible, and last longer than ceramic sprays. Ceramic sprays are easier to apply, and require less cleanup compared to Fabric Guards.
Which Products Work Best as Fabric Guards for Soft Tops?
For specific fabric products, choosing the right one for maintaining and protecting a soft top is essential for keeping it in top condition. Here are some products that are highly recommended for soft tops, based on their specific material—be it fabric or vinyl:
- 303 Fabric Guard – This is ideal for canvas soft tops. It helps restore water repellency to fabrics and offers excellent protection against stains and moisture. 303 Fabric Guard is also great for maintaining the top’s color integrity by providing UV protection.
- RaggTopp Fabric Convertible Top Cleaner/Protectant Kit – This brand is well-regarded in the automotive community, especially for fabric soft tops. The kit typically includes a cleaner and a protectant, which work together to clean and shield the fabric from water, dirt, and UV rays.
- Chemical Guys Convertible Top Cleaner and Convertible Top Protectant – With options for both fabric and vinyl tops, these products are formulated to cleanse and protect while being safe on all convertible soft top materials. The protectant helps in repelling dirt, dust, and grease, ensuring the top remains clean for longer periods.
- Meguiar’s Convertible Top Cleaner – This is another excellent choice for both types of soft tops. It’s effective at removing contaminants like bird droppings, oil, and stains without harming or discoloring the fabric or vinyl.
- Autoglym Convertible Soft Top Clean & Protect Complete Kit – Perfect for regular maintenance, this kit comes with everything you need to clean and protect a convertible soft top. It’s suitable for all colors and types of soft top fabrics.
- Wolfgang Concours-Series Convertible Top Cleaner and Protectant – This duo is highly praised for its ability to deeply clean and provide strong protection against the elements, particularly UV rays which can cause fading and material degradation.
Soft Top Protection
Whether you decide to use a ceramic spray or a specific fabric product, ensuring the longevity and pristine condition of your Jeep soft top or convertible soft top requires appropriate protection, care, and maintenance. While ceramic sprays offer a convenient and effective solution for protecting soft tops from UV rays, dirt, and moisture, specialized fabric products are tailored to enhance the specific properties of soft top materials. Each option provides unique benefits, so choosing the right product depends on your specific needs and the material of your soft top. Proper application and regular maintenance will keep your vehicle’s top looking great and functioning well, no matter which protective treatment you choose.
