AFTERCARE/MAINTENANCE FOR CERAMIC COATINGS AND PPF


Proper care is the key to protecting your investment in Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coatings. Regular maintenance washes with safe techniques will keep your vehicle looking its best and prevent premature wear. Always wash with pH-neutral soaps (if the vehicle is ceramic coated), use dedicated wash mitts and towels, and AVOID AUTOMATIC CAR WASHES. For PPF, be mindful of edges and avoid high-pressure spraying too close to seams. Our detailed wash video below walks you through our exact process step-by-step, ensuring your vehicle stays protected and looking fresh for years to come!

PPF AFTERCARE

First 7 Days After Installation:

  • Do not wash the vehicle.
  • Avoid high-pressure spraying or touching film edges.
  • Some bubbles or hazing may be visible – this is normal and will clear as moisture evaporates (sometimes upwards of 2-4 weeks, depending on weather conditions)
  • Avoid rain, sprinklers, or excessive moisture.

Ongoing Maintenance:

  • Hand wash only using a pH-balanced car shampoo or rinseless wash solution.
  • Use the two-bucket method and a clean microfiber wash mitt.
  • Dry with a clean microfiber towel.
  • Avoid automatic car washes and high-pressure spray directly on edges, sensors, etc

Protection & Maintenance Products:

  • Gloss film (ULTIMATE PLUS): Use a Sealant every 3–6 months.
  • Matte film (STEALTH): Use only matte-specific cleaners and sealants.
  • Ceramic coatings can be applied to both films (XPEL Ceramic Coating is the only coating XPEL will warranty on their film).

Avoid:

  • Picking at or touching film edges.
  • Drive-thru car washes of any type
  • Abrasive products, polishing compounds, or clay bars.
  • Waxes on STEALTH film (only ceramic coating or sealants)
  • Harsh chemicals on uncoated film.
  • Allowing contaminants like bird droppings, bugs, or sap to sit on the surface.

Tips:

  • Use a foam cannon for pre-wash.
  • Clean bugs and bird droppings within 24 hours to avoid stains.
  • Light scratches will self-heal with sunlight or warm water.

Film Appearance:

  • Minor dust or small imperfections may be visible after installation and are considered normal. They do not affect film performance.



Ceramic Coating Aftercare

First 7 Days After Installation:

  • Do not wash the vehicle.
  • Avoid rain, sprinklers, or excessive moisture.
  • If bird droppings, sap, or bugs land on the vehicle, gently clean using CarPro Ech2o (1:20) and a soft microfiber towel - Do Not Scrub
  • Most coatings are Infrared Cured before leaving; however, we suggest you avoid touching or wiping the coating during this 7-day natural curing phase.

Ongoing Maintenance:

  • Avoid washing in direct sunlight or on hot panels
  • Always pre-rinse before starting the wash maintenance to remove contaminants from the surface of your paint.
  • Hand wash only using CARPRO Reset or a pH-balanced car shampoo or rinseless wash solution, suitable for ceramic coatings.
  • Use the two-bucket method with grit guards and a clean microfiber wash mitt.
  • Dry with a clean microfiber towel (CARPRO DHydrate).
  • Avoid automatic car washes or brush-style car washes

Protection & Maintenance Products:

  • Every 8–12 weeks, apply CARPRO Reload after your hand wash to maintain hydrophobic properties.
  • Only use CARPRO maintenance products to ensure compatibility and performance.
  • Wash using CARPRO Reset pH-balanced car shampoo

Avoid:

  • Polishing compounds, abrasive cleaners, or waxes.
  • Drive-thru car washes of any type
  • Clay bars unless professionally advised.
  • Allowing bird droppings, bugs, or sap to sit on the surface for extended periods, especially in hot environments.
  • Household soaps or harsh chemicals are not designed for ceramic coatings. (ex. Dawn dish soap)

Tips:

  • Use a foam cannon for pre-wash to reduce swirl marks.
  • Clean contaminants like bugs or bird droppings within 24 hours.
  • Replace towels and mitts regularly if they show signs of wear.
  • Maintain with CARPRO Reset washes every 2–4 weeks for best performance.

We do offer maintenance services as well!  479-640-5400