01 · PROTECT THE COATING
CERAMIC COATING AFTERCARE.
Our long-lasting ceramic coating provides strong water-beading performance and improved resistance to water spots, everyday stains, and light marring. It is not scratch-proof, and proper aftercare is still essential.
FIRST 24 HOURS: Keep your freshly coated vehicle sheltered and completely dry for at least 24 hours. Avoid rain, dew, sprinklers, washing, and outdoor weather exposure. After 24 hours, normal water and weather exposure is permitted, but wait 7 days before the first soap-and-water wash to allow continued curing. If the coating gets wet during the first 24 hours, contact us for guidance.
DO · Keep the protection looking its best
- Keep the vehicle dry and sheltered for the first 24 hours. After that initial cure, normal outdoor exposure is fine.
- Wait 7 days before your first wash, then hand wash gently with a pH-neutral automotive shampoo.
- Use clean, soft microfiber wash mitts and drying towels. A pre-rinse and two-bucket approach help reduce friction and swirl marks.
- Remove bird droppings, insects and tree sap promptly and carefully. If the coating is still curing, ask us for advice before touching the affected area.
- Dry with a clean plush towel or a filtered-air blower to help prevent mineral water spots.
- Keep up with maintenance washes and recommended exterior maintenance details to preserve appearance and water-beading performance.
DON'T · Risk the finish
- Don't expose the coating to rain, dew, or other moisture during the first 24 hours. Do not wash with soap or cleaners for the first 7 days.
- Don't use automatic brush washes or dirty wash tools that can introduce swirls and fine scratches.
- Don't use household dish soap, aggressive cleaners, or abrasive compounds as routine coating maintenance.
- Don't scrub a dry or dirty surface. Always lubricate and rinse away grit before any contact.
- Don't allow hard water to dry on the paint when you can safely rinse and dry it.
- Don't assume the coating makes paint scratch-proof or maintenance-free. Coatings reduce upkeep but cannot prevent all scratches or rock chips.
02 · PRESERVE THE FINISH
POLISHING & PAINT CORRECTION.
Professional polishing and paint correction improve gloss and reduce visible defects. Once that work is done, careful washing helps keep new swirl marks and scratches from returning.
Important distinction: Paint correction removes or reduces surface defects; by itself, it does not create a long-lasting protective layer. If your detail included ceramic coating or another paint protection product, follow its separate care and curing instructions as well.
DO · Preserve that polished look
- Use a gentle hand-wash routine with suitable automotive shampoo, soft clean mitts, and plentiful lubrication.
- Pre-rinse heavily soiled panels before the wash mitt touches the paint.
- Wash and dry with clean microfiber towels using light pressure; swap out towels that fall on the ground.
- Address bird droppings, road salt and bug residue promptly with a paint-safe cleaning approach.
- Ask about appropriate paint protection if your polishing service did not include a ceramic coating or sealant.
- Contact us when you notice stubborn marks rather than trying to remove them aggressively yourself.
DON'T · Reintroduce scratches
- Don't use automatic brush washes or abrasive sponges and brushes on painted surfaces.
- Don't wipe dust from dry paint. Even soft towels can drag grit across the finish.
- Don't use polishing compounds or clay treatments unnecessarily. They can alter or remove installed paint protection.
- Don't lean on or rub the panels with rough clothing or dirty towels.
- Don't expect polishing alone to prevent future scratching. Proper wash technique is essential.
- Don't apply random waxes, sealants, or cleaners over fresh coating work without checking compatibility first.
COMMON QUESTIONS
When can I wash my car after ceramic coating?
Our coating needs at least 24 hours sheltered from water and weather. After that, normal outdoor exposure is fine, but please wait 7 days before washing your vehicle with car shampoo or other cleaners.
Will ceramic coating prevent all scratches?
No. Coatings can make maintenance easier, but they do not make a vehicle scratch-proof. Brushes, rough towels, road debris, and poor washing techniques can still damage the finish.
Does paint correction include long-term protection?
Not automatically. Paint correction improves the finish, but lasting protection depends on the coating or sealant applied afterward. Our Diamond correction packages include a 7-year ceramic coating; standalone polishing may not.
What if something gets on my freshly coated car?
Don't scrub the surface. If possible, contact Precision Detailing for guidance—especially during the initial curing period. Safe removal depends on the contaminant and the coating used.