Ceramic Coating
Aftercare Guide
Congratulations on protecting your vehicle with a professional ceramic coating. Our nanotechnology-infused coatings protect your factory clear coat — but they require routine aftercare to maintain their integrity. Follow these manufacturer-recommended procedures to keep your coating performing for years and remain eligible for warranty coverage.
The Two-Week Curing Process
Curing time for all ceramic coating packages is 2–3 weeks depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. During this window, the coating is still bonding to your paint — what you do (and don't do) in this period directly affects long-term durability.
Exposure to Water & Rain
The ceramic coating needs time to cure. Exposure to rain, sprinklers, and water (including foggy conditions) may impact the coating's durability and can lead to water spotting.
No Washing for 2 Weeks
Do NOT wash your vehicle for at least two weeks after receiving delivery of your ceramic coated vehicle.
Parking Under Trees
Tree sap, leaves, and branches can cause etching and scratching on a ceramic coating. Avoid allowing bird droppings, bug splatter, sap, and pollen to sit on the car for more than a few days.
What to Do & What Not to Do
Car wash guidelines for ceramic coated vehicles
Ceramic Coating Do's
- Hand wash using the Two Bucket Washing Technique
- Touch-less washing — high-pressure hose, foam cannon, or foam gun
- Use pH-neutral automotive soap (Chemical Guys or Shine Supply recommended)
- Use microfiber washing mitts and a microfiber drying towel to dry
- Air drying with compressed air is acceptable
- Follow up air drying with Shine Supply maintenance spray
- Wash in shade, a garage, or covered area — early morning or late afternoon
Ceramic Coating Don'ts
- Avoid automatic car washes using brushes, mitts, or any material that touches the surface
- Do NOT wash in direct sunlight or on a surface warm to the touch
- Do NOT use car soaps with wax, petroleum distillates, or pH under 5.0 or above 9.0
- Do NOT use any wax or paint sealant after washing
- Do NOT use unapproved Ceramic Boost Sprays — only use ones we recommend via your follow-up email
- Do NOT use abrasive towels or microfiber towels to wipe debris off a dry surface
Washing Your Vehicle at Home
When cured, ceramic coatings are extremely durable and produce a hydrophobic surface — most debris won't bond within a few days. However, sticky contaminants like bird droppings, bug splatter, tree sap, and pollen can bond if left in direct sunlight. Spot clean as soon as possible. Wash every two weeks for best results.
Collect Supplies
Gather (3) 3–5 gallon buckets, pH-neutral soap, fresh water hose or high-pressure hose with foam cannon, (2) microfiber wash mitts, a grit guard (strongly recommended), and dedicated microfiber drying towels.
Pre-Rinse
Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to pre-rinse all vehicle surfaces of standing debris, dirt, mud, and other solid objects. If you have a foam cannon, use it as a pre-wash.
Wash Wheels & Tires First
Using a dedicated wash mitt and bucket, rinse all brake dust and debris off each wheel first. Use dedicated wheel cleaner. Do NOT reuse the same mitt or bucket for the vehicle paint — brake dust will scratch your coated surfaces.
Fill Wash Buckets
Add a grit guard to one bucket and fill with 3 gallons of fresh water (no soap). Add soap to the other bucket, then agitate by adding 3 gallons of high-pressure water until plenty of suds are produced.
Wash One Section at a Time
Dip your wash mitt in the soapy water and wash from top to bottom, left to right. Rinse off each section with fresh water as you complete it to avoid cross-contamination.
Dry Immediately
Dry with a dedicated microfiber terry weave drying towel or high-pressure air, followed by a plush microfiber towel. Dry as soon as you finish washing — tap water contains minerals that leave water spots.
High-Pressure / Foam Cannon Method
A great way to wash your ceramic coated vehicle every few weeks. Add water and soap to the cannon per mixture directions, shake well, then rinse all debris off first with fresh water. Apply foam cannon soap to the entire vehicle and let it dwell in a shaded area for 3–5 minutes. Rinse completely with fresh water, then hand wash and dry. We strongly recommend a traditional two-bucket hand wash at least every two months to remove contaminants that may have bonded to the coating.
Spot Removal of Debris
Never use aggressive products to polish the coating or remove surface contamination. Never use excessive force.
Bird Droppings, Tar & Sap
Remove as soon as possible to avoid temporary staining or hardening on the coating. Use Shine Supply maintenance spray to spot treat. Never use excessive force or aggressive products.
Water Spots
First wash the vehicle as recommended. If spots remain, use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water (do not use tap water). Spray directly on the surface, let dwell 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a plush microfiber towel.
Still Visible After Treatment?
Contact us to set up a water spot removal or annual maintenance appointment. Do not attempt aggressive polishing — this can damage the coating.
Do NOT wax the coating after washing.
It is unnecessary and wax will not bond to a ceramic coating.
Questions About Your Coating?
If you're unsure about anything — contaminants, water spots, or annual maintenance — reach out. We're here to help protect your investment.