How long after crystal coating can the car be exposed to rain?
2 Answers
More than 20 hours. Generally, the car should not be exposed to rain within 24 hours after crystal coating, the paint surface should not be wiped for three days, and the car should not be washed within a week. Below are specific details about crystal coating: Introduction to crystal coating: Crystal coating is a hard protective layer specifically used for the care of key parts of the car, such as the paint surface, glass, tires, rims, seats, engine, interior, and exterior trim. The materials used in crystal coating are mainly divided into three categories: polysiloxane, polysilazane, and inorganic silicon. Precautions after crystal coating: Do not rinse the car within a week after crystal coating. The crystal coating agent takes about 24 hours to fully bond with the car paint, forming the final crystal protective layer on the paint surface. 4 to 6 months after crystal coating, you can visit a beauty shop for paint surface mirror restoration to enhance the crystal coating effect and prolong its durability. Avoid touching the paint surface as much as possible after crystal coating to prevent affecting the final coating effect.
As a seasoned car enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I take ceramic coating very seriously. After applying ceramic coating to a car, the protective layer doesn't become waterproof immediately—it needs time to cure, just like paint needs to dry after application. Normally, you should avoid exposing the car to rain for at least 24 hours, and to be safe, wait 48 hours. If water comes into contact with the coating too soon, water droplets can wash away the uncured resin, leading to bubbles, uneven surfaces, and even reduced protection. I remember one time when I went on a trip to the suburbs, and it rained heavily the day after I got my car coated. As a result, water spots formed on the paint, and I had to spend money on polishing to fix it. So, I recommend planning the coating around the weather—choose a stretch of at least two rain-free days. Temperature also plays a big role. In the summer heat, the coating cures faster, and 24 hours is usually enough. But in cold, damp winter conditions, it's safer to wait up to 72 hours. If it does rain too soon after coating, the only solution is to visit a professional detailing shop for inspection and repair.
