Keep the vehicle dry
Do not expose the freshly applied coating to water during the initial eight-hour period.
Ceramic Pro care and maintenance
Ceramic Coating Aftercare Guide
Simple, repeatable care helps protect the appearance and surface behaviour of a professionally applied Ceramic Pro coating.
Immediately after application
Give the coating time to cure
Follow the handover advice from your applicator first. The published Ceramic Pro Australia guidance includes the following minimum precautions after application.
Do not leave contamination
Bird droppings, tree sap and similar contamination should be removed carefully and immediately during curing.
Avoid chemical washing
Do not wash the vehicle with chemicals within three days of application.
Curing requirements can vary with the installed system and conditions. If the applicator provides different or additional instructions, follow that specific advice.
Your regular wash routine
A safer way to wash coated paint
Gentle hand washing with clean tools helps minimise unnecessary abrasion and contamination build-up.
Rinse first
Thoroughly hose or pressure-rinse the vehicle to remove loose dirt before touching the paint.
Wash top to bottom
Use a pH-neutral shampoo and a clean microfibre wash mitt. Rinse the mitt regularly.
Separate the wheels
Use dedicated wheel tools so brake dust and road grime are not transferred to the paint.
Dry promptly
Use a clean, soft microfibre drying towel and avoid allowing tap water to dry on the surface.
What to avoid
Reduce unnecessary abrasion and water spotting
A ceramic coating does not make paint immune to poor washing methods. The tools and process still matter.
Automatic brush washes
Rotating brushes can introduce excessive scratching and abrasion to the coated finish.
Self-serve wash brushes
Use the high-pressure soap and rinse options, but never use the shared brush on the paint.
Direct sun
Avoid washing hot panels or working in direct sunlight where water and shampoo can dry quickly.
Dirty or harsh tools
Avoid contaminated mitts, rough towels, leather chamois and PVA synthetic chamois on the paint.
Ongoing maintenance
Stay ahead of contamination
Regular maintenance is easier than allowing contamination to build up. The published guide recommends washing approximately fortnightly, adjusted for use and exposure.
Wash regularly
Road grime, insects, bird droppings, sap and mineral deposits should not be left sitting on the finish.
Inspect the finish
Look for roughness, reduced water behaviour or localised contamination that normal washing does not remove.
Ask before correcting
Contact an approved applicator before aggressive decontamination, polishing or attempting to correct a coating concern.
Ceramic Pro maintenance products
Products for routine coating care
Use products as directed and confirm suitability with your applicator where required.
Ceramic Pro Care
A maintenance product used after washing to support gloss, slickness and water-beading behaviour.
View Ceramic Pro Care
Ceramic Pro Cleaner
A dedicated Ceramic Pro cleaning product for suitable maintenance tasks. Follow the label and applicator guidance.
View Ceramic Pro CleanerHelpful answers
Ceramic coating aftercare FAQs
These answers provide general guidance. Your applicator’s instructions should take priority for the installed system.
How soon can I wash the vehicle?
The published guide says the vehicle must remain dry for at least eight hours and should not be washed with chemicals within three days. Follow any longer curing period specified by your applicator.
How often should a coated car be washed?
Approximately fortnightly is recommended to avoid excessive contamination build-up. Vehicles exposed to heavy use, coastal conditions, insects, sap or bird droppings may need more frequent attention.
Can I use an automatic car wash?
Brush-style automatic car washes are not recommended because they can introduce scratching and abrasion. A careful hand wash is preferred.
What shampoo should I use?
Use a suitable pH-neutral automotive shampoo and clean microfibre wash tools. Avoid harsh chemicals unless specifically recommended for the coating.
Why are annual services important?
An approved applicator can wash, decontaminate and inspect the coating. Annual service requirements may also apply to the published warranty terms.
Need coating maintenance advice?
Speak with an approved Ceramic Pro applicator about contamination, annual servicing or the correct maintenance products for your vehicle.