Have you ever applied a ceramic coating to your vehicle and then been caught in the rain? Ceramic coating needs time to cure before it can bond with your car’s paint. If your car is caught in the rain during the curing process, the coating will be less effective. During this window, ceramic coating chemistry is still cross-linking, so moisture can interfere with bonding and leave water spots or high spots that may need gentle correction. Many people also believe that a ceramic coating car should not get wet within the first week. In this article we will talk about what you can do if your car gets wet during the curing process or within seven days. Let’s get into it with Elite Auto Care!
Ceramic Coating Will Fail If It Rains: Is It True?
If it rains after your car has just been coated with ceramic, there’s generally no need to worry, especially if the coating has had a few hours to cure. However, the impact depends on how long the coating has been curing before the rain.
Read more: Elhart Ceramic Coating Packages at Elite Auto Care
How Do I Repair My Car If It Has Been Rained On After A Ceramic Coating Has Been Applied?
If your automobile is caught in the rain, the best action would be to use a blow dryer to dry it off quickly. Ultimately, you want to avoid getting your freshly ceramic-coated automobile wet as much as possible. Getting it re-coated may be costly and time-consuming if you do it yourself. If you want your car’s coating to be effective, you must do everything possible to keep it dry and handle it carefully.
The initial day and week after having a ceramic coating on your automobile are the most crucial and will decide its future durability, performance, and aesthetic. Do your best to keep it dry!
What Can We Do To Reduce The Chance Of Failure?
It is advised that you avoid getting your automobile wet for at least 24 hours after applying a ceramic coating. It is essential to provide the layer with sufficient time and space to bond with the automobile’s surface fully.
The coating can dry within 24 hours, but depending on the climate, it may take one to two weeks to completely cure.
In addition to avoiding rain after applying a ceramic coating, you should also avoid environments with dew, precipitation, and mist, since this can impede the curing process and is not favorable to a proper drying environment.
It is essential to know that ceramic coatings are resistant to water but not waterproof. Do not attempt to test the hydrophobic properties of the ceramic coating until it has had sufficient time to dry, firm, and cure and is completely bonded to the car’s surface.
To get optimum results, do not wash your newly ceramic-coated vehicle for at least seven days following application. It takes around two weeks to heal completely, so you should wait until after this period to wash it if possible.
Read more: Is Ceramic Coating Worth It For You Vehicle?
How To Wash A Ceramic Coated Car?
We should wash a car with a ceramic coating at least twice a month. Here are some tips to avoid damaging a ceramic-coated car when washing:
Never Use an Automatic Car Washing System
One of these drive-through car washes is the easiest way to destroy a ceramic-coated vehicle. In seconds, these vehicle washes may destroy a ceramic finish. Avoid them at all costs!
Always Use a pH Neutral Car Shampoo.
Aggressive chemicals will harm the ceramic coating and the car’s paint. Always use specialized car shampoos with a neutral pH for the best results.
Wash the Vehicle In A Shaded Area
When washing your car, it is usually better to do it in times of low sunlight. The optimum time to wash and dry the car is on an overcast day, early morning, or just before sunset. Sunshine rapidly dries soap on the coating, which may generate water stains and streaks.
Quick Quote Form & Package Builder
[fluentform id=”9″ /]
Always Use Clean Towels
When washing, drying, or applying any cleaning agent to a coated vehicle, it is essential to prevent cross-contamination with other cleaning materials. Therefore, before using a microfiber towel, wash mitt, or even the buckets, ensure they are clean and free of any other cleansers, degreasers, or dirt.
A car ceramic coating is a perfect solution for protecting your car’s paint from environmental factors. Avoiding getting your car wet within seven days after the application is important. Contact Elite Auto Care at 23159 US-33, Elkhart, IN 46517, United States, or call us at +1 574-830-5828 to schedule a ceramic coating appointment with us now!