Ceramic Coating Aftercare

Ceramic Coating Aftercare Guide

Congratulations on your new ceramic coating! To maintain that showroom shine and ensure your vehicle’s protection lasts as long as possible, here’s a simple aftercare guide. By following these steps, you’ll keep your car looking beautiful and the coating working effectively for years to come.

Curing Time (First 3-4 Days)

After the ceramic coating has been applied, it needs time to fully cure and bond with your vehicle's paint. Cure time for our ceramics takes about 12 hours to cure but still needs safe care the following days. During this period:

  • Avoid any water exposure. No washing, rain, or snow exposure.
  • No waxing or polishing. The coating doesn’t require any additional products during the curing phase.

First Wash (After Curing Period)

Once the curing period is over (usually 3-4 days), your vehicle is ready for its first wash. Here's how to do it properly:

  • Use the Two-Bucket Wash Method: One bucket for soap and one for rinsing your mitt. This helps minimize contamination that could scratch your paint.
  • Use pH-balanced, ceramic-safe car shampoo: Avoid harsh chemicals or wax-based products, as they can degrade the coating over time or cause a hazy look to the surface.
  • Microfiber Wash Mitt: Always use a clean, soft microfiber mitt to avoid scratching/abrasion to the surface.
  • Avoid Automatic BrushCar Washes: They can be too abrasive. Causing swirls and marring throughout your paint surfaces and wear down the coating prematurely.

Drying Your Vehicle

Proper drying is key to preventing water spots or streaks:

  • Use a microfiber drying towel or (drying towel) to gently blot and dry the surface. Avoid harsh rubbing with the towel, as this can create swirl marks.
  • Water-Repellency Check: You'll notice that water beads up on the surface. This is a sign the ceramic coating is working and the ceramic layer rejecting water/contaminates. If the beads don’t form, it might be time for maintenance inspection.

Regular Washing (Every 2-4 Weeks)

Keep your vehicle clean to preserve the appearance and protective properties of the ceramic coating:

  • Wash your car regularly to remove contaminants, such as dirt, road salts, bird droppings, and tree sap, which can degrade the coating over time.
  • Use a foam cannon or a foam gun to help lift dirt off the surface before washing, reducing the chances of abrasion.
  • Use clean, soft microfiber towels or mitts and always wash the car in the shade to prevent water spots from forming. Avoid parking near sprinklers as hard water can cause water spots and etching. This should be addressed immediately with a detail spray or white vinegar to remove the spots.

Avoid Contaminants

Ceramic coatings are great for resisting many contaminants, but it’s still a good idea to:

  • Remove bird droppings and bug splatter immediately. These can etch into the coating over time.
  • Avoid parking under trees or near construction areas, where tree sap, pollen, or other contaminants may fall onto the car.
  • Avoid parking near sprinklers as hard water can cause water spots and etching. This should be addressed immediately with a detail spray cleaner or white vinegar to remove the spots. Water spots are NOT covered under warranty.

Maintenance of the Coating (Every 6-12 Months)

Over time, the coating will need some maintenance to keep it in optimal condition:

  • Hydrophobic Spray: You can use a hydrophobic spray every 6 months or so to maintain the water-beading properties.We offer yearly wash inspections at $99 per visit which includes a full hand wash of the vehicle and ceramic top coat applied to all your painted surfaces.
  • Ceramic Booster: These products are designed to add extra layers of protection and enhance the beading effect, but be sure to follow our recommendations with our yearly wash inspection program.
  • Check for Degradation: If you notice that the water no longer beads as effectively or that contaminants are sticking to the paint more, please give us a call immediately to inspect.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Don’t use aggressivechemical cleaners, polishers, or waxes that can break down or affect theceramic coating. Stick to pH-neutral car shampoos and sprays designed forceramic-coated vehicles.

Scratches and Swirls

While ceramic coatings are designed to protect against minor swirls, they won’t make your car completely scratch-proof. If you notice a scratch or swirl mark, give us a call to have it assessed and we can polish and reapply the coating if necessary. Scratches/swirling are not covered under warranty and can be avoided with proper washing techniques and using non abrasive materials.

Other Tips

  • Use a high-quality microfiber towel(s) for drying after washes to avoid scratching 365 GSM is our recommendation.
  • Use a ceramic-specific detail spray if you need to clean your car between washes or after a rainstorm. These sprays can help restore some of the hydrophobic properties, clean off contaminates without causing abrasion.