Graphene Ceramic Coating
Welcome to the Family!
Congratulations on taking the proactive step of protecting your vehicle with our Graphene-Infused Ceramic Coating from Apex Mobile Shine. This guide shows you how to keep that slick, glossy, water-beading finish performing its best in Hawaiʻi’s sun, salt, and humidity.
Aftercare Guide
This guide offers important aftercare instructions to maintain durability over the lifespan of your ceramic coating. By adhering to these guidelines and providing proper care, your coating will last for many years. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions; we're here to help!
Protect your investment with our Ceramic Aftercare Wash & Vac—exclusively for coated vehicles.
Maintaining a regular wash schedule is important, so we're pleased to offer a special subscription rate with discounts of up to 25% savings, depending on the number of services you select.
Why Ceramic Coating Maintenance Matters
Ceramic coatings are a popular choice for car owners seeking durable paint protection. This coating forms a hard, transparent layer that protects your car's paint from environmental damage, minor abrasions, and UV exposure. But while ceramic coatings are resilient, they aren't entirely maintenance-free. Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the coating's lifespan and keep your vehicle looking its best.
Curing Process
Our Ceramic Coating may take up to 5-7 days to properly cure based on humidity and temperature. During this time and especially the first 24 hours, some precautions should be taken.
Drying
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Always dry completely and never leave to air-dry. Tap water contains minerals that may leave deposits creating water spots.
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Use quality microfiber towels for best results and avoid aggressive wiping, allowing the material to absorb the water.
Quick‑Start
Checklist
First 24 hours: Keep the vehicle dry and indoors if possible. Avoid rain, ocean spray, sprinklers, and bird droppings. Do not wash.
First 7 days: Gentle driving is fine. No washes, waxes, or chemicals. Spot‑clean bird bombs or fresh sap with a soft, damp microfiber and a little water.
After day 7: Wash your car every 1-2 weeks and use a clean, soft microfiber towel to dry the car immediately and avoid water spots.
Avoid:
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Automatic car washes with abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals.
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High-pressure hoses, especially around the edges of the coating, as they can cause lifting.
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Soaps with waxes or petroleum distillates.
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Avoid Parking Under Trees: Tree Sap, leaves, and branches can cause etching and scratching on a ceramic coating.
Washing Schedule
For best results your car should be washed on a bi-weekly basis to avoid excessive contamination build-up.
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Use only recommended mild soaps.
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Avoid high volume brush style car washes, high PH detergent style cleaners, and bug/tar removers.
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Avoid washing in direct sunlight to minimize streaking and water spotting.
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Wash from the top down leaving the dirtiest sections for last to avoid cross-contamination.
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Use separate soap.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Ceramic means “no more washing.”
Fact: You’ll wash less often and more easily, but routine maintenance is still required.
Myth: Coatings are scratch‑proof.
Fact: They’re scratch‑resistant, not scratch‑proof.
Myth: Coatings prevent rock chips.
Fact: They don’t stop impact chips; that’s PPF territory.
Myth: Water spots can’t form on ceramic.
Fact: Minerals can still deposit; quick drying is key in Hawaiʻi.
Myth: More booster spray = longer life.
Fact: Use booster on schedule; over‑application can cause streaking.
Enjoy up to 25% savings when you subscribe to our monthly Ceramic Care program.
Ceramic Care Plan
What’s included
• Two‑bucket hand wash with pH‑neutral, ceramic‑safe soap .
• Safe drying method — Microfiber drying towel or compressed air drying.
• Ceramic booster application — Applied as a wet‑surface drying aid to renew hydrophobic properties.
The best way to keep to a schedule is Apex Mobile Shine Ceramic Care Plan.
What Your Coating Does
Does
Add hydrophobic behavior for easier washing, enhances gloss, and resists UV, oxidation, and many chemicals.
Does not
Make paint scratch‑proof or chip‑proof; eliminate the need for washing; or self‑heal deep defects.
Aftercare by Package & Timeline
Timeframe Graphene Starter (Lite) Graphene Shield (3‑Year) Graphene Elite (5‑Year)
First 24 hours
Keep completely dry; garage/covered if possible; no washing
Same as Starter
Same as Starter
Days 1–7
No washing/chemicals; spot‑clean with distilled water + microfiber only
Same as Starter
Same as Starter
After Day 7
Hand/touchless wash only; pH‑neutral shampoo
Same as Starter
Same as Starter
Topper interval
Every 4–6 weeks (silica spray sealant)
Every 6–8 weeks
Every 8-12 weeks
Decon wash
Every 4–6 months
6 months
6 -9 months
Maintenance wash
Every 2 weeks
Every 2 -3 weeks
Every 3 weeks
Key Do's and Don'ts After Ceramic Coating
Dos for Ceramic Coating Maintenance
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.Wash your car regularly: Aim to wash every one to two weeks to remove dirt and grime that could wear down the coating over time.
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Use only microfiber towels: Microfiber towels are the best choice for cleaning or drying to avoid scratches and preserve the smooth finish.
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Inspect for contaminants: Periodically check for stuck-on pollutants, such as bird droppings or tree sap, and remove them with a clay bar if needed.
Dont's for Ceramic Coating Maintenance
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Avoid abrasive cleaners: Harsh chemicals and abrasive products can damage the coating, stripping away its hydrophobic layer.
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Avoid car waxes and sealants: Wax and sealants can clog the coating and reduce its ability to repel water.
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Avoid high-pressure washing: High-pressure water can erode the ceramic layer over time. Stick to low-pressure, gentle washes instead.
Suggested Maintenance Kit (Generic)
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pH‑neutral car shampoo
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Soft microfiber wash mitt + separate wheel mitt
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Silica spray topper (compatible with graphene/ceramic)
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Soft microfibers towels
Note: We can recommend specific products that pair best with your coating—just ask!