[RedKloud]

So, I am finally getting my car ceramic coated next week. Being in PNW, it is more likely to be raining than not. My question is how long does it take for the ceramic coat to cure? Is it going to be affected if I drive in the rain on my way back home?

[themnmd]

Well there so many types depending on how how much you spend and brand. There are ceramic coatings that last from months to years. Some are DIY if you are good at detailing and some are professional products only. As far as curing most do it yourself products require only a 2 day cure time . You can mitigate this by putting a topcoat of sealant like CarPro reload to protect the ceramic coating from water for a couple of days. Some professionals use infrared light to cure the coating. So there are many verifiables. Talk to your favorite detailer.

Ps it makes washing the car so much easier. Just washed mine to day👍🏻😁. Oh I coated my own car using CarPro UK 3.0 a 2-3 year coating

[Burrcold]

The longer you can let it cure before exposing it to the elements, the better. I've always left at least 48 hours to cure.

[VetteGuy]

Not sure what brand coating you are having installed but... My Ceramic Pro installer kept the car three days to correct, seal, and cure. Then the Care and Warranty booklet states...

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

Not sure what brand coating you are having installed but... My Ceramic Pro installer kept the car three days to correct, seal, and cure. Then the Care and Warranty booklet states...

It depends on the conditions the installer is letting it cure. As mentioned, if they use IR and heat lamps it will cure quickly. 48 to 72 hours is the norm for most coatings.

[themnmd]

Also there are now graphine coatings which are less susceptible to water spotting. I have no personal experience with them. There are some reviews on YouTube about ceramics and graphine

[pneumodoc]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

So, I am finally getting my car ceramic coated next week. Being in PNW, it is more likely to be raining than not. My question is how long does it take for the ceramic coat to cure? Is it going to be affected if I drive in the rain on my way back home?

I’m in PNW as well, I had it done over in bellevue and they kept the car for a few days to do PPF and Modesto ceramic coat. I actually would do 360 views when the shop was closed to see what was happening in my car..

They should keep it til it mostly cures, if you get any water spots going home just use some carpro reload or equivalent to protect it and wipe it off.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by pneumodoc

I’m in PNW as well, I had it done over in bellevue and they kept the car for a few days to do PPF and Modesto ceramic coat. I actually would do 360 views when the shop was closed to see what was happening in my car..

They should keep it til it mostly cures, if you get any water spots going home just use some carpro reload or equivalent to protect it and wipe it off.

Haha I did that a few times while they were working on my car...got some pretty funny pictures especially when they were focused around the front or rear bumpers lol

[RedKloud]

Thanks for all the input. I contacted the installer - they use IR lamps, and will keep the car for an extra 24-48 hours if it’s raining. So I think it will be ok. Otherwise I was thinking about waiting till summer to get it done.