Care after protection: when and how do you wash the car after film, nano ceramic and heat film?
The first 15 days matter most. When to wash the car after paint protection film or nano ceramic, when to open the windows after the heat film, and the way of washing that makes the protection last.
How long the protection you paid for lasts depends on the first 15 days, and on how you wash the car after that. The rules are simple, but each service has its own timing. This is the aftercare guide for everything we do: paint protection film (PPF), nano ceramic and graphene, and heat insulation film.
When can I wash my car after PPF?
Wait 15 days after installation. The film is still settling onto the paint, and washing early may affect the edges.
During those 15 days:
- Do not wash the car. If it gets wet in the rain, let it dry on its own.
- If you see small drops of water under the film, do not press on them. If they are still there, show them to us at the first check-up.
- Do not pull at the edges of the film or try to "fix" them by hand.
When can I wash my car after nano ceramic or graphene?
The same rule: after 15 days. The coating needs time to set on the paint.
During that time, if a bird leaves droppings on the car, wipe the spot gently with a damp microfibre towel, and do not rub.
When can I open the windows after the heat insulation film?
Wait 3 days after installation. The heat film is fitted to the glass, and if the window goes down before the film has set, it may move out of place.
What is the right way to wash the car after protection?
It is the same for all of them, film, nano ceramic or graphene:
- Rinse first: plenty of water to lift the dust before anything touches the car.
- Mild shampoo: ordinary car shampoo, not washing-up liquid or a harsh cleaner.
- A clean microfibre towel or mitt: and the dust that comes off must not go back onto the car.
- Dry with microfibre: and do not leave the car to dry in the sun, so water drops do not leave spots.
If you use a pressure washer, do not aim it at the edges of the film.
What should I stay away from?
- Automatic brush car washes: the brushes make fine scratches and may pull at the edges of the film.
- A rough sponge, and wiping dust off dry.
- Polishes that contain abrasives or solvents.
- Polish and wax on matte film: they add shine and spoil the matte look.
- Bird droppings and tree sap: do not leave them for days. Wipe them off with water as soon as you notice.
- Stickers and magnets on the film.
When are the check-ups after installation?
- After the film is installed: the first check-up after 10–15 days, then every 6 months.
- Nano ceramic and graphene: a check-up every 6 months, even without film.
All check-ups are free. Do not miss them: the check-up is what lets anything small get caught early.
How long does the protection last?
- Paint protection film: a 10-year warranty on 3M, XPEL and HEXIS, and 12 years on STEK Dyno and Covestro.
- German nano ceramic: a 3-year warranty.
- American nano graphene: a 5-year warranty.
That is the warranty period. How long it actually lasts is decided by washing and check-ups.
If you are still choosing, read paint protection film or nano ceramic. If the paint has swirl marks before any protection, read paint scratches and swirl marks. The service details are on the paint protection film (PPF) page.
