How long after crystal coating can the car not be exposed to rain?
2 Answers
After crystal coating, the car should not be exposed to rain for 24 hours, the paint surface should not be wiped for three days, and the car should not be washed for one week. The crystal coating process is as follows: 1. Cover the front windshield, license plate, and gaps; 2. Use polishing compound and ultra-fine swirl remover to eliminate fine scratches on the paint surface; 3. Degrease the car paint surface; 4. Polish the car paint surface with professional crystal coating wipes. The benefits of crystal coating include: 1. The car surface is isolated from the external environment, reducing oxidation and effectively preventing acid rain from corroding the paint surface, thereby extending the paint's lifespan; 2. Makes it easier to clean dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the car surface; 3. Reduces damage from external forces to the car surface; 4. High resale value retention.
Last time after my car got ceramic coating, the mechanic reminded me to wait at least 24 hours before exposing it to rain. Otherwise, the coating wouldn't fully cure and could turn white or bubble when wet. I didn't take it seriously and it happened to rain, which greatly reduced the coating's effectiveness, leaving the gloss much worse. Later I learned that ceramic coating liquid is a chemical layer requiring a water-free environment to harden. The higher the temperature, the faster it cures—it might only take 12 hours in summer, but in winter's high humidity, it's safer to wait 48 hours. So it's recommended to park the car in a garage or use a rain cover after coating, avoiding open parking. If rain is forecasted, it's better to postpone the procedure. If accidentally exposed to rain, quickly dry the car with air and check if the coating needs redoing to avoid wasting money.
