What to Expect After Ceramic Coating: Care Tips & Common Misconceptions
What to Expect After Ceramic Coating: Care Tips & Common Misconceptions
Investing in ceramic coating is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle’s finish and keep it looking like new. Whether it’s a 5-year or 9-year coating, you’ve made a solid investment in protecting your vehicle’s finish and making maintenance easier. But what happens next? Let's break down what you should expect, how to look after your coating, and clear up some common myths along the way.
First Things First: What Ceramic Coating Does (and Doesn’t Do)
Ceramic coating chemically bonds with your paintwork and forms a durable, invisible layer that resists dirt, water, and light swirls. It gives your car that glossy, showroom like finish and makes washing easier - but it’s not bulletproof.
👉 What it does:
- Repels water and dirt
- Adds UV and chemical resistance
- Makes the paintwork more swirl-resistant
- Helps maintain a deep gloss
🚫 What it doesn’t do:
- Prevent deep scratches, stone chips, or dents
- Make your car maintenance free
- Remove the need for washing
Aftercare Tips: Keeping That Coated Look
Ceramic coating simplifies car care, but it’s not a “set it and forget it” solution. Here's how to keep it looking its best.
1. Wait Before Washing
After coating, we recommend waiting at least 7 days before doing your first wash. This gives the coating time to fully cure and bond with your paint.
2. Use the Right Wash Methods
Stick to using pH-neutral products along with microfibre cloths and towels. Avoid drive through car washes, especially ones with brushes as they can still cause swirl marks.
3. Top-Ups Help
We offer ceramic coating maintenance treatments to boost the coating’s performance over time. Think of it like an annual health check for your car’s finish.
4. Dry Properly
Always dry your car after washing to avoid water spotting. A clean, soft microfibre drying towel or air blower works best.
5. Watch for Bird Droppings & Tree Sap
Yes, ceramic makes these easier to remove, but don’t let them sit. Remove contaminants as soon as possible to avoid etching the coating, or worse, the clear coat beneath.
Common Misconceptions About Ceramic Coating
❌ “I’ll never have to wash my car again.”
Dirt won’t stick as easily, but washing is still needed to remove road grime, salt, and other contaminants. The good news is that washing is much faster and easier.
❌ “It protects against all scratches.”
Ceramic coating helps resists light swirls, but it won’t stop deeper scratches or stone chips. For that, you’ll want to look into Paint Protection Film (PPF).
❌ “It lasts forever.”
While high end coatings (like our 5-year Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light and 9-year Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra options) are built to last, they’ll only perform at their best with proper maintenance and occasional inspections.
Final Thoughts
Ceramic coating is one of the best ways to protect your car’s appearance, keep it cleaner for longer, and make washing less of a chore. Just remember: the better you care for the coating, the better it will care for your car.
Got questions about aftercare or looking to book your ceramic top up? Drop us a message or pop into one of our locations, we’re happy to help.
