Ceramic Coating Aftercare
This guide will walk you through what to avoid and how to care for your car's ceramic coating in the first 24 hours after the application of the coating, during the first two weeks as it cures, and throughout the year so that you maximize the coatings performance and durability for years-to-come.
Coating your vehicle with a ceramic coating is one of the best decisions you can make to improve the appearance of your car and protect your investment. With superior durability, performance, and appearance enhancement compared with any conventional wax or sealant, a ceramic coating is the ultimate form of protection for your cars finish.
Without proper care and maintenance, a ceramic coating will degrade faster and its benefits will disappear sooner. Follow this guide to maintain your coatings performance long-term.
The First 24 Hours After Application
The first 24 hours after coating your vehicle are critical for the curing process. Your vehicle is safe to drive, but the new coating is still rapidly hardening. It's important to avoid all of the following...
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Hard mineral water
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Abrasives or washing
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Automatic brush washes
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High or Low pH Soaps (pH Neutral only)
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Avoid parking under trees or other locations where bird droppings or tree sap may fall on the coating
If your coating comes in contact with any of the above, gently lubricate the coated surface with a sealant such as our Obsessive Detail Waterless Car Wash and wipe the surface with a clean microfiber towel.
The First 2 Weeks
For the next 2 weeks, your ceramic coating will be actively curing to reach its full hardness potential. It's recommended that you attempt to continue avoiding the same items listed in the previous paragraph during this time period.
In the event that your vehicle has any dust, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, or contaminant build-up, immediately rinse with clean water and a gentle hand wash using a pH-Neutral soap such as our Ceramic Wash Soap or Gyeon Bathe+ and dry completely using a high quality microfiber detailing towel. It's important that you continue to avoid any products containing detergents or unbalanced pH levels during this period to avoid breaking down the coating.
General Ceramic Coating Care & Maintenance
After your ceramic coating is fully cured....
EVERY 2-4 WEEKS - Ceramic Coating Maintenance Washes
Everyone washes their car with varying degrees of frequency but it's recommended to perform a maintenance wash by hand at least every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain your ceramic coating's deep shine and hydrophobic properties.
One of the great benefits of a ceramic coated vehicle is the ease of washing because of its self-cleaning effect. Here are some basic ceramic coating maintenance wash rules of thumb...
COATING MAINTENANCE WASH METHOD:
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Hand wash using the "Two-Bucket Method" or just a regular hand wash.
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Use only pH-neutral soaps like Obsessive Detail Ceramic Wash or Gyeon Bathe+. Using a soap that isn't pH-balanced exposes your coating to harsh detergents that can break it down and decrease its lifespan
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You can use a pH-neutral soap containing silica additives like the Ceramic Wash or Bathe+ to revitalize the hydrophobic properties of your coating in the short-term but avoid soaps with wax additives. The wax will not adhere to the coating.
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Avoid washing in direct sunlight to prevent water-spotting and streaking effects
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If you don't have the time or desire to wash the car yourself, avoid automated high-volume brush washes. Stick to hand wash or touchless car washes only.
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When drying, avoid using drying towels that may cause abrasion. Use a few high-pile microfiber drying towel. (We stock high quality microfiber towels at our shop). Alternate between one to absorb most of the water, and a second to dry the car completely. Avoid using excessive pressure, let the towel do the work.
EVERY 3-4 MONTHS - Seasonal Ceramic Coating Maintenance
Giving your coating seasonal maintenance every 3-4 months will ensure maximum performance and durability long-term. After a maintenance wash using your pH-neutral soap, apply a spray sealant as a coating topper to enhance and rejuvenate the protection, appearance, and performance benefits of your ceramic coating.
You can expect Obsessive Detail Speed Seal or Gyeon Cure to offer up to 3-6 months of added protection!
EVERY 365 DAYS - Ceramic Coating Decontamination
As your coating heats up during regular use and exposure to the sun, microscopic contaminants such as metallic particles and other environmental particles can become embedded in the cars surface over time. This negatively affects your coatings appearance and its ability to repel water, dirt, and other contaminants. At least once a year, you should decontaminate the surface of your car.
Use a pH-Neutral iron remover like Gyeon Iron on your vehicle surface to draw out and break down the metallic contaminants in your paint. Just spray it on and after 3-4 minutes, give your car a maintenance wash using pH-neutral soap and the two-bucket method.
DO NOT use a clay bar on the coated vehicle. Clay bars are an abrasive and will break down the coating.
Once decontaminated and washed, you can apply our Obsessive Detail Speed Seal or Gyeon Cure for added protection or to rejuvenate any portions of the coating exposed to excessive wear and tear.
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Follow this guide to enjoy all of the benefits that a coated vehicle has to offer for years-to-come. If you have any questions, just contact us and we will be glad to help!