Ceramic Coating Aftercare Guide

Protecting Your Investment The Right Way

Thank you for choosing PRYSM Detail Co. Your ceramic coating has been professionally installed to provide:

  • Long lasting gloss
  • Easier maintenance
  • UV protection
  • Chemical resistance
  • Superior hydrophobic performance

Proper aftercare is extremely important to maximize the life and performance of your coating.


THE CERAMIC COATING CURING PROCESS

THE FIRST 24 HOURS

The first 24 hours are the most critical part of the curing process. While your vehicle is safe to drive, the coating is still hardening and bonding to the surface.

During the first 24 hours, avoid:

  • Washing the vehicle
  • Using soaps or chemicals
  • Touching or wiping the paint unnecessarily
  • Automatic car washes
  • Pressure washing
  • Parking under trees when possible
  • Sprinklers or hard water exposure

If your vehicle gets:

  • Bird droppings
  • Bug splatter
  • Tree sap
  • Other contamination

Contact PRYSM Detail Co. before aggressively cleaning the surface.


THE NEXT 14 DAYS

For the next 14 days, the coating will continue curing toward full hardness and chemical resistance.

During this time:

  • Avoid automatic car washes
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners
  • Avoid abrasive wash methods
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with the paint

If The Vehicle Gets Dirty

If your vehicle develops:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Bug splatter
  • Light dirt

We recommend rinsing the vehicle thoroughly with clean water whenever possible.

If additional cleaning is necessary, use:

  • A gentle hand wash,
  • A pH-neutral soap,
  • Clean microfiber towels.

Recommended Products:

  • PRYSM Power Soap
  • PRYSM Drying Towel

PRYSM Power Soap is designed to safely clean coated vehicles without stripping protection or damaging the coating.

The PRYSM Drying Towel helps safely dry the vehicle while minimizing water spots and surface marring.


AFTER THE INITIAL 14 DAY CURE PERIOD

Once the coating has fully cured, your vehicle can begin receiving regular maintenance washes.

Ceramic coatings make maintenance easier, but proper washing techniques are still important to preserve the finish.


PROPER CERAMIC COATING WASH METHOD

Recommended Maintenance Wash Process

  1. Thoroughly rinse the vehicle
  2. Wash using PRYSM Power Soap or another pH-neutral soap
  3. Use a clean microfiber wash mitt
  4. Wash from top to bottom
  5. Rinse thoroughly
  6. Dry immediately using a PRYSM Drying Towel or filtered air

LONG-TERM CERAMIC MAINTENANCE

Over time, contaminants such as:

  • Brake dust
  • Hard water minerals
  • Road film
  • Pollen
  • Environmental fallout

Can build up on the surface of the coating.

This buildup can temporarily reduce:

  • Slickness
  • Gloss
  • Water behavior

Even when the coating itself is still fully intact.


EVERY 3–6 MONTHS: MAINTENANCE & DECONTAMINATION

Vehicles that are:

  • Daily driven
  • Parked outdoors
  • Frequently exposed to contaminants

Benefit greatly from periodic maintenance and decontamination services.

Professional maintenance helps:

  • restore slickness
  • improve hydrophobic performance
  • safely remove contamination
  • Maintain the appearance of the coating

General Maintenance Recommendations:

  • High mileage vehicles: Every 3–4 months
  • Average daily drivers: Every 6 months
  • Weekend/show vehicles: Every 9–12 months

IMPORTANT CERAMIC COATING WARNINGS

NEVER:

  • Use automatic brush car washes
  • Wash with harsh degreasers or acidic cleaners
  • Use dirty towels or wash media
  • Allow contaminants to sit on the paint for extended periods
  • Wash in direct sunlight whenever possible

Improper washing techniques can still damage ceramic coated vehicles.


CERAMIC COATINGS ARE NOT MAINTENANCE FREE

Ceramic coatings are not “maintenance free”  they are “maintenance easier.”

Routine maintenance helps:

  • Preserve gloss,
  • Maintain water behavior,
  • Extend coating lifespan,
  • Keep your vehicle looking its best year round

PREFERRED CLIENT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

PRYSM Detail Co. offers recurring maintenance services specifically designed for ceramic coated vehicles.

Our Preferred Client Program helps:

  • Safely maintain your coating
  • Minimize contamination buildup
  • Preserve gloss
  • Keep your vehicle consistently looking its best

Available maintenance schedules include:

  • Weekly
  • Bi-Weekly
  • Monthly

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR COATING?

If you have any questions regarding:

  • Maintenance
  • Washing procedures
  • Aftercare
  • Recommended products

Please contact PRYSM Detail Co. anytime.

Proper maintenance protects your investment and keeps your vehicle looking incredible for years to come.

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