{"id":41469,"date":"2025-09-11T00:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T04:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=41469"},"modified":"2025-08-27T12:13:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T16:13:56","slug":"helpful-information-for-those-that-just-had-their-car-ceramic-coated-or-about-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/helpful-information-for-those-that-just-had-their-car-ceramic-coated-or-about-to\/","title":{"rendered":"Helpful Information For Those That Just Had Their Car Ceramic Coated (Or About To)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each coating is different and there is long term and short term (basic washing) maintenance needed.\u00a0 The frequency of this care is often based somewhat on the level of coating used and what the vehicle will go through.\u00a0 For those that have inflated expectations about ceramic coatings, there is much more to getting the value out of your investment than you realize.\u00a0 But for those that are willing to exercise some care and have realistic expectations, it is MUCH EASIER than you think!\u00a0 Depending on which of those two categories someone belongs to often differentiate the person that loves or feeling lukewarm having their car ceramic coated.\u00a0 Also, the lack of information about maintenance and what a coating can do can lead to both camps disliking the experience.<\/p>\n

\"Professional<\/p>\n

Honestly many of these topics should be explained by the representative(s) of the company who is detailing your car.\u00a0 If receiving this kind of information is a significant challenge from your detailer, I find it to be somewhat of a red flag.\u00a0 For my business, expectation management is very important.\u00a0 That even means communicating certain points which ultimately lose business from being honest.<\/p>\n

\"Gyeon<\/p>\n

\"Gyeon<\/p>\n

Each Coating Is Different<\/h2>\n

All coatings are somewhat like a newborn baby.\u00a0 As uniquely strong and durable as they are relative to wax and sealants, they are most vulnerable immediately after application.\u00a0 That gradually changes over time, often up to the first month.\u00a0 What makes many coatings different from others is the time before it can be released or wet, the time before it can be gently washed, the time when perhaps slightly more aggressive soaps are okay, and the time a topper may be necessary in the early window from waterspots.\u00a0 These are gradual steps of progression.<\/p>\n

For the record this is not much different than a paint sealant, except a longer-term coating may need more time to harden.<\/p>\n

Scratch Resistance<\/h2>\n

It is uniquely different with each car, but it is often the most misunderstood and somewhat most irresponsibly marketed aspect of a coating.\u00a0 Most of the scratch resistance is an indirect consequence of dirt having a difficult time sticking to your car.\u00a0 With the top tier coatings, it does provide some resistance from being a harder surface.\u00a0 But it is only slight.\u00a0 The ease of cleaning, which also varies based upon the quality of coating provides the most assistance.\u00a0 On both accounts, it helps keep the swirls (micro scratches) to a minimum.\u00a0 But if you do the SAME things that led to the swirls, you will get the SAME results.<\/p>\n

The Problem With The Pressure Wash And Dry Method<\/h2>\n

Your car will take longer to get dirty and will be easier to clean.\u00a0 A contact wash at least periodically will be necessary.\u00a0 Not using a wash mitt or some wash media in a contact wash means road film and some grime may not be completely removed.\u00a0 Over time this becomes embedded onto the surface, and you will have some of the qualities of a coating muted.\u00a0 This can be typically fixed with a deeper cleaning with alkaline or more acidic wash.\u00a0 But this can realistically be minimized by regularly washing your car at least once a month.<\/p>\n

Annual Deep Cleaning<\/h2>\n

Think of coatings as an extreme wax or sealant.\u00a0 You still have contamination happening where perhaps you will use a claybar and\/or all in one polish with chemical cleaners to remove caked on grime every few months.\u00a0 Coatings, it happens.\u00a0 It does not happen as severely barring neglect and not as frequently barring long term neglect.<\/p>\n

An advantage to top tear coatings here.\u00a0 But typically, with entry to moderate level coatings in that 9 to 12 month range, you want to do a slightly more aggressive chemical cleaning than your basic PH neutral gentle soap.<\/p>\n

Some people may think their coating failed when it is merely caked on grime.\u00a0 Often approaching the year mark the coating may need a deeper cleansing to unlock the hydrophobic properties.\u00a0 We should know that though a car does not get dirty nearly as quickly, it still gets dirty.\u00a0 Yet the same concept applies with contamination.\u00a0 Regardless a good once a year iron remover cleansing is good for your coated car.<\/p>\n

Like the overall durability and active durability, it really will vary based upon the coating, maintenance, and how the car proverbially lives.<\/p>\n

Talk To The Company<\/h2>\n

As mentioned before these topics should be brought up prior to and immediately after a professional detailing.\u00a0 You should be proactive about this.\u00a0 If there is a problem or you think there could be a problem with your car, instead of asking random people on the internet, discuss your concerns with the company who ACTUALLY detailed your vehicle.\u00a0 If that is an issue, it begs the question why did you entrust that business with your car for a premium service.\u00a0 Also in that consultation experience, be open to hearing things counter to what random people on the internet told you.<\/p>\n

Good maintenance products that I use.<\/h2>\n