Ceramic Coating Care Guide
Proper aftercare ensures your System X® ceramic coating delivers maximum protection and gloss for years to come. Follow these expert-approved care instructions.
Curing Process
A new System X® coating will take about 2-3 days to cure to its full strength. During that time, some precautions should be taken.
Curing Timeline & Precautions
Curing time is 2-3 days depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. Take special care during this time period. The coating will help prevent your clear coat from getting water spots as it is hydrophobic, however, it can still get hard water spots. Be especially diligent during the curing process to prevent water spots, which may be costly to remove.
During Curing, Avoid:
- • Parking under trees: Avoid tree sap, shedding, and pollen that can bake into the fresh coating
- • Bird droppings and sap: Don't allow contaminants to sit on the car and bake in the sun
- • Washing or abrading: Avoid washing or scrubbing the paint during the curing window
Important: If you notice contaminants during the first few days, immediately remove them following our care instructions. Be gentle when working on the paint—the coating is still curing.
⏱️ Don't Wash Your Vehicle for the First 2 Weeks
System X® takes 2-3 days to achieve full hardness. Please handle with care and do not wash the vehicle for the first 2 weeks to allow complete curing and hardening.
Proper Car Washing Techniques
Regular and proper washing is essential to maintain your ceramic coating's performance and appearance.
Washing Guidelines
- ✓ Bi-weekly washing: Wash on a bi-weekly basis to avoid excessive contamination build up
- ✓ Avoid direct sunlight: Wash in shade to minimize streaking and water spotting
- ✓ Top-down approach: Wash from top down, leaving the dirtiest sections for last to prevent cross-contamination
- ✓ Two-bucket method: Use one bucket for rinsing your sponge/mitt and one for soapy water
- ✓ Separate wheel cleaning: Use separate soap and sponge/mitt for wheels to avoid cross-contamination
- ✓ Mild soap only: Use only recommended mild car wash soaps
❌ Avoid These Methods
- • Automatic towel wash machines
- • Dirty brushes or wash equipment
- • Washing in direct sunlight
- • Waxing or polishing the coating
- • Abrasive towels or rough cloths
- • High-volume brush car washes
- • High pH detergent cleaners
- • Bug/tar removal products
✅ Recommended Methods
- • Hand wash with foam gun
- • Touchless car wash systems
- • Microfiber wash mitt and bucket method
- • Mild car wash soap only
- • Quality microfiber wash and dry cloths
- • Pressure washer or garden hose rinse
- • Washing in shade (optimal)
- • Professional hand wash service
Proper Drying Technique
Always dry completely and never leave to air-dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots.
Drying Best Practices:
- • Quality microfiber: Use quality microfiber towels for best results
- • Gentle absorption: Avoid aggressive wiping; allow towels to absorb water
- • System X Renew™: Use Renew™ as a drying aid for optimal results
- • Two-towel method: Use one damp microfiber to dry, then a second to finish
- • Never air-dry: Mineral deposits from tap water will create water spots
Water Spot & Contaminant Removal
Safe Removal Techniques
System X® is extremely slick, which means most contaminants will dissolve and be pulled off by System X's self-cleaning effect.
- ✓ Quick action: Bird droppings, tar, sap, etc. should be removed as soon as possible
- ✓ Use water or vinegar: Simple water or a little vinegar effectively dissolves contaminants
- ✓ Soft microfiber: Wipe with soft edge-less microfiber towel
- ✓ Never aggressive: Never use aggressive products or excessive force
Note: Any staining left behind from bird droppings will break down over a few days without affecting the coating.
System X® Interior Maintenance
If you've applied interior protective coatings, maintaining them is just as important as exterior care.
Interior Care Guidelines:
- • Bi-weekly cleaning: Clean all leather/vinyl surfaces bi-weekly for best results
- • Regular vacuuming: Vacuum carpets regularly to prevent dirt build-up
- • Immediate spill response: Wipe off spills on leather, vinyl, or fabric immediately
- • Quick stain removal: Absorb and clean stains on carpet right away
Interior coatings are designed to resist staining and make cleaning easier, but prompt attention to spills and stains ensures best results.
Annual Inspections
Regular professional inspections ensure your coating maintains peak performance and warranty validity.
Why Annual Inspections Matter
- ✓ Ensure maximum gloss and protection
- ✓ Verify proper care and maintenance
- ✓ Maintain warranty validity
- ✓ Identify any coating issues early
Inspection Schedule
Annual inspections should be carried out by an approved applicator within 30 days before the anniversary date of the last service.
Although durable and long-lasting, annual inspections ensure peak performance and warranty coverage for your System X® coating investment.
Recommended Maintenance Products
🛡️ System X Renew™
System X Renew™ is the recommended maintenance and aftercare product for System X® ceramic coatings. Many other products contain solvents and abrasives that can damage your coating.
Using System X Renew™: Renew™ serves as an excellent drying aid, enhancing water beading and protection. Use Renew™ with one damp microfiber to first dry the vehicle, then follow with a second microfiber to finish drying for best results.
Ask your local installer about purchasing System X Renew™ during your visit or order online.
⚠️ Products to Avoid
- • Do not wax the coating—products often contain solvents and abrasives
- • Avoid high pH detergent cleaners
- • Never use bug/tar removal products without proper guidance
- • Avoid aggressive polishing products
Questions About Your Coating?
Contact us if you have questions about caring for your ceramic coating or to schedule your annual inspection.