How long does a ceramic coating last, and how do you look after it?

The first week

• Don’t wash the car for 7 days. The coating is still curing.
• Keep it out of rain and sprinklers if you can for the first 24 to 48 hours. If it does get wet, dry it gently with a clean microfibre.
• No bird droppings or sap left to sit. Rinse them off with water and pat dry.

Washing a coated car

• Use a pH-neutral car shampoo. Harsh detergents and dishwashing liquid strip the hydrophobic top layer.
• Two buckets and a soft mitt. One bucket for soap, one to rinse the mitt. Work top to bottom.
• Skip automatic brush car washes. The brushes carry grit from every car before yours. Touchless washes are fine.
• Dry with a soft microfibre or a blower. Letting a car air-dry in Perth leaves water spots from our hard water.
• Every few months, a ceramic-safe spray sealant after washing tops up the beading. We’ll recommend one at handover.

What shortens a coating’s life

Bird droppings, bat droppings and tree sap left for days will etch any surface, coating or not. Bore-water sprinklers leave mineral deposits that build up if they’re never washed off. Strong degreasers, tar removers and abrasive polishes wear the coating away. None of these are a problem if the car is washed every couple of weeks.

The yearly Inspection & Refresh

Once a year we decontaminate the car, check the coating with you, and top up the hydrophobic layer. It’s $250, it keeps your BLASK warranty valid, and it’s the single best thing you can do for the coating’s lifespan. We’ll remind you when it’s due.

See our coating packages.

Questions

How do I know the coating is still working?

Water should still bead and sheet off a clean panel. If water lies flat on the paint after washing, the top layer needs a refresh.

Can I wax over a ceramic coating?

You can, but there’s no need, and some waxes mask the coating’s own water behaviour. A ceramic-safe spray sealant is the better top-up.

Can I polish a coated car?

Not with an abrasive polish; that removes the coating. If swirls appear, bring it in and we’ll assess it.