Ceramic Coatings are the best non-impact protection we offer client vehicles at Signature Detailing NJ. Due to their distinctive chemistry, ceramic coatings provide durable protection, added, gloss and ease of cleaning to vehicle surfaces.

Even though ceramic coating chemistry is highly specialized and significantly more robust and durable, when compared to traditional forms of protection, it still requires maintenance to keep its characteristics optimal.

Ceramic Coating Maintenance – The First 14 Days

• During the first 14 days after application, the ceramic coating undergoes its initial curing stage, finalizing its chemical bonding to the surface. During this period, the coating should not be touched at all.
• In general, the longer the vehicle is allowed to sit and cure, undisturbed in a controlled environment, the better.
• Avoid exposing vehicle surfaces to any water, if possible, for 10 days.
• No chemical exposure at all or at least 14 days. This includes washing the vehicle with dedicated car wash shampoos. The best practice is to wait 30 days before the first wash, if possible.

Ceramic Coating Maintenance – 30 Days or More

To maintain their peak performance, Ceramic Coatings require a consistent maintenance routine, specifically regular washes.

This is because consistent a consistent washing schedule maintains a clean coating surface.
When dirt and contaminants are left to build up to high levels they begin adhering to the coating’s surface and eventually become the outermost layer which interacts with the environment.

The more contamination that is allowed to build up will drastically reduce the coatings properties. If enough contamination is allowed to build up over time, it may seems as if the coating has completely vanished or has failed. However, it is most likely the hydrophobic and slick surface of the coating, has been replaced by the contamination that has been allowed to sit and attach to the vehicle’s surface.

However, creating a consistent wash schedule for your vehicle will prevent the majority of the topical contamination from building up on the surface. This will allow the coating to retain its optimal performance characteristics.

The following are the simple steps to keep your vehicle’s ceramic coating looking and performing its best over time:

• Create a consistent wash schedule you can commit to in order to keep your vehicle surfaces clean. Ideally, for vehicles that live outside, that means washing every 2 weeks. For vehicles that live in a garage or are seldom driven, this may be once a week. Additionally, the frequency of washing will need to be increased in times of increased exposure to dirt and contamination to surfaces.
• To optimize a ceramic coating’s water behavior when washing, use a dedicated car wash soap such as CarPro Reset. Avoid vehicle shampoos labeled with the words “wax” or “gloss” in the name or description as they may negatively alter the coating’s water behavior.
• For Waterless or Rinseless Vehicle Wash Methods we recommend Optimum No Rinse. Dilute this with 1/4oz ONR to 1 gallon of DISTILLED water.
• Keep a consistent vehicle wash schedule to maintain optimal coating characteristics. (once every 2 weeks for daily drivers)
• Every 3-4 months apply Gtechniq C2 Sealant to the surface. Using the silica sealant adds and additional layer of protection to the coating. This strategy allows vehicle surfaces to remain at peak performance over time.
• Annually, or every 6 months in harsh climate conditions, perform a decontamination wash with a soap designed to remove road and traffic film. A product like Oberk APS (all purpose soap) aids in the removal of stubborn carbon and/or other organic substances which build up over time.

Final Thoughts on Ceramic Coating Maintenance

In conclusion, it cannot be over emphasized that ceramic coatings require a clean surface to perform their best.

Therefore, starting 15 days after installation (30 if possible), Ceramic Coatings require a consistent maintenance routine, specifically regular washes.

Adhering to a strict schedule to clean your ceramic coating will yield the best results of shine, performance, and aesthetics over time. So, a little bit of effort will yield you maximum ROI on the coating and on vehicle joy.