Aftercare
Keep the coating working.
Ceramic coating is low-maintenance — not no-maintenance. The way you wash and care for the surface determines how long it performs. These are the habits that keep it working the way it should.
First 7 days
Leave it alone first.
For the first seven days after application, the coating is still curing. Don’t wash it, don’t let it sit in rain if you can help it, and don’t park under trees. No wax, no spray detailer, nothing on the surface. After seven days, it’s fully hardened and you can wash it normally.
The wash routine.
Rinse before you touch it
A strong rinse knocks off loose dirt and grit before any contact. Skipping this step drags abrasive particles across the coating and creates the swirls you just paid to remove.
Two buckets, pH-neutral soap
One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing the mitt. pH-neutral soap only — dish soap and all-purpose cleaners strip the hydrophobic layer over time. Use a dedicated car wash soap.
Top down, straight lines
Start at the roof and work down. Use straight back-and-forth strokes, not circles. Circular motion concentrates pressure and creates swirl patterns in the clear coat.
Dry it, don’t let it dry
Water spots form when mineral-laden water evaporates on the surface. Dry with a clean microfiber towel immediately after rinsing. Don’t let it air dry in the sun.
Deal with birds and bugs fast
Bird droppings and bug splatter are acidic. On an uncoated car they etch within hours on a hot day. On a coated surface you have more time — but not unlimited time. Rinse or wipe them off the same day.
What to avoid. What to do.
Never do this
- Automatic car washes with brushes
- Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Circular scrubbing motions
- Letting it air dry in direct sun
- Wax or sealant over the coating
Always do this
- Touchless or hand wash only
- pH-neutral car wash soap
- Straight-line mitt strokes
- Dry immediately with microfiber
- Remove contaminants same day
Maintenance schedule.
Every 2 weeks
Maintenance wash
Regular hand wash to keep the surface clean and the hydrophobic layer active.
After every outing
Boat rinse-down
Fresh water rinse after every time on the water. Salt, algae, and lake minerals build up fast.
Every 4–6 weeks
Booked maintenance wash
We come to you for a full decontamination wash and coating top-up if needed.
Once a year
Coating inspection
We check the coating for wear, thin spots, or areas that need a refresh before they become a problem.
Due for a maintenance wash?
Text 706-816-8343