Ceramic Coating Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Gloss & Protection

How to Protect Your Investment & Keep the Shine

1. Why Aftercare Matters

While your ceramic coating is incredibly durable, it’s not invincible. Maintaining it correctly will not only preserve the appearance but also extend the life of your coating. Without proper care, you may start to see water spots, diminished hydrophobic properties, and even surface etching.

2. The First Week: Cure Period

The first 7 days are critical. Avoid full car washes during this time and follow these guidelines:

• Don’t wash your vehicle for 7 days.
• Remove contaminants immediately—bird droppings, bug guts, and sap can damage uncured coating. Dab them off gently without scrubbing.
• If your car gets dusty, lightly rinse and blot dry with a soft towel or air dry with a blower.

3. Three Safe Ways to Wash Your Coated Vehicle

A. Contact Hand Wash (Two-Bucket Method)

This is the gold standard for maintenance. You’ll need:

• pH-neutral shampoo like Owner's Pride Ultra Wash
• A wash mitt or sponge designed for coated cars
• Two buckets with grit guards
• A high-quality drying towel like The Gauntlet
• Optional: Ceramic+ drying aid for added slickness

Steps:

1. Park in the shade and rinse the vehicle.
2. Apply shampoo generously to each panel.
3. Wash from top to bottom, rinsing the mitt after every section.
4. Perform a final rinse and dry completely. You can mist Ceramic+ on the towel during drying for extra shine and slickness.

B. Rinseless Wash (Eco-Friendly)

Ideal for winter or apartment dwellers, this method uses minimal water. You’ll need:

• Eco Wash solution (1 oz per 2 gallons)
• A sponge or mitt
• Grit guard
• Drying towel
• A few Eagle Edgeless 500 towels

Quick method:

1. Mix your Eco Wash in a bucket.
2. Pre-spray the panels with the same solution.
3. Wipe using a soaked sponge, flip sides often, and rinse on grit guard.
4. Dry each panel immediately after wiping.

Bonus tip: Eco Wash also doubles as a safe interior cleaner. Keep a 32 oz pre-mixed bottle in your vehicle for on-the-go use.

C. Touchless Tunnel Wash (Only No-Brush Options)

When hand washing isn’t possible, a fully touchless wash is acceptable—just ensure it’s brush-free and offers a spot-free rinse.

Recommended touchless locations in Kootenai County:

• Squeaky’s – Government Way & Dalton (CDA)
• Circle K Touchless – Post Falls
• Auto Shine – Seltice & Greensferry, Post Falls
• CDA Car Wash – 4th Street, Downtown CDA
• Glänzen Maintenance Wash – Ask about subscription plans
  

4. How Often to Wash Your Coated Car

• Every 2 weeks or 500 miles is ideal.
• On road trips, wash daily if possible.
• Never allow contaminants like bird droppings or bugs to sit longer than 24 hours.

5. Quick Contamination Removal

For stubborn contaminants like bugs or bird bombs:

• Use Bug Blaster (diluted 1:2).
• Blot gently—never scrub.
• Report any visible etching within 60 days to remain eligible for warranty repairs under the 7-year Owner's Pride coating.

6. How to Prevent Water Spots

Water spots can etch your coating over time, so always:

• Dry your vehicle thoroughly using a dedicated drying towel.
• Consider a deionized (DI) water filter if you frequently wash at home. These range from $100 to $500 and are especially helpful for large vehicles.

7. Your Maintenance Schedule

To keep your coating at its best, follow this timeline:

8. Recommended Products for Ceramic Coating Care



Here’s a quick-reference list of trusted maintenance products and where to find them:

Need help ordering? Text us and we’ll ship any of these to you directly for a small service fee.

9. Have Questions?

Reach out to Glänzen Detailing anytime!
Text 208‑244‑6961 or visit glanzendetailing.com.

Enjoy the shine—and never hesitate to ask us for car care advice. We’re here to make ceramic coating maintenance simple, effective, and long-lasting.