// Curing & the first week
When can I wash my car after coating? ▾
Wait at least 7 full days. The coating is curing and hardening during that time, so let it set before the first wash.
Something landed on it during the first week — what do I do? ▾
Rinse it off with plain water and gently blot dry with a clean microfiber — no soap, no scrubbing. If it leaves a mark, give us a call and we'll check it at your 30-day visit.
Can I park outside or use a car cover that first week? ▾
Outside is fine — just avoid parking under trees, by lawn sprinklers, or near heavy industrial fallout. Hold off on a tight car cover on a fresh coating; it can trap grit and moisture. A garage is ideal if you have one.
When can I put on new plates, decals, or stickers? ▾
Wait until the coating's fully cured — about 7 days — before sticking anything to the paint.
// Washing
Can I still take it through a car wash? ▾
Avoid automatic tunnel and brush washes — the brushes are the number-one cause of swirl marks, and degrade the coating. A touchless wash is okay, but a proper two-bucket hand wash once a month is great.
What soap should I use? ▾
A pH-neutral, ceramic-coating-safe car shampoo. Steer clear of dish soap, degreasers, and any "wash & wax" products with fillers.
Can I use a pressure washer or foam cannon? ▾
Yes — both are great for a touch-free pre-rinse that lifts grit before you touch the paint. Keep a pressure-washer nozzle about a foot from the surface and off seams, badges, and trim.
What's the difference between rinseless and waterless washing? ▾
A rinseless wash cleans a lightly dirty car with just two buckets and no hose. A waterless wash is a spray-and-wipe for light dust only. Neither replaces a normal wash when the car's truly dirty.
I live in an apartment with no hose — how do I wash it? ▾
A rinseless wash is your friend — it gets a lightly dirty car clean with two buckets and a few microfibers, no spigot required. See the products page for our pick.
How do I dry it without leaving spots? ▾
Blot with a large, plush microfiber (don't drag it), or use a filtered car blower. A few mists of ceramic detail spray as you go help the towel glide and stop mineral spots.
// Spots, scratches & problems
My water isn't beading like it used to — is the coating gone? ▾
Usually not. Reduced beading is almost always surface contamination sitting on top of the coating, not coating failure. A proper wash often restores it, and a maintenance visit brings it right back to new.
Is the coating scratch-proof? Will it stop rock chips? ▾
No. A coating is far more scratch-resistant than bare clear coat and resists wash swirls, but it won't stop rock chips, deep scratches, or curb rash. For chip protection, ask us about paint protection film.
Does the coating self-heal? ▾
No — it doesn't repair scratches on its own, which is exactly why a gentle two-bucket wash matters. The good news: with safe washing, damage is rare.
How do I get rid of water spots? ▾
Catch them early with a ceramic-safe water-spot remover. Stubborn, etched spots are best left to us — book a maintenance visit and we'll bring it back.
Can I still get swirl marks? ▾
Only from rough washing — automatic brushes, dirty towels, or wiping a dry, dusty panel. Stick to the wash routine on this page and you'll keep them away.
// Products & protection
Do I still need to wax it? ▾
No. The coating replaces wax and outperforms it. Adding wax on top isn't necessary and can actually mask the slickness and beading. If you want a refresh between washes, use the ceramic boost spray in your kit.
Can I polish or wax over the coating? ▾
No on both. Polishing removes the coating, and wax just masks its slickness and beading. To refresh it, use the ceramic boost spray in your kit.
How often should I use the ceramic boost spray? ▾
Every couple of months, or whenever the beading starts to slow down. Mist it onto a clean, damp panel after washing and buff it off.
// Longevity, warranty & coverage
How often should I get a maintenance visit? ▾
Every 6 months keeps the coating performing and the water-beading strong. Give us a call and we'll get you on the schedule.
We do have a premium maintenance program for more frequent visits if you prefer to be hands off entirely.
How long will my coating last? ▾
It's built to protect for the full life of your warranty. For your exact coverage, check your paperwork or give us a call — it depends on the package you chose.
What keeps my warranty valid? ▾
Keep up with your maintenance visits, wash with coating-safe products, avoid automatic brush washes, and deal with bird droppings or sap promptly. Warranties cover the coating's protection — not rock chips or scratches.
Are my wheels, glass, and trim coated too? ▾
Yes — your coating covers the paint, glass, wheels, and trim. Your interior isn't coated, so use a gentle interior cleaner there. See the Wheels, Glass & Trim section above for care tips.
