In Vancouver, we suggest you reapply your ceramic coating every 2 to 5 years. How often will I need to reapply ceramic coating? Well, in our experience cars exposed to rain, road salt, or aggressive washes may require reapplication of the coating in a shorter timeframe.
We stick to trusted brands like Gtechniq, CarPro, and Revivify ceramic coatings, which provide powerful protection to drivers here in our area. In the second part of our series on longevity, we take a look at what causes a coating’s life span.
Why Coatings Don’t Last Forever
Ceramic coatings are definitely high quality and durable, but unfortunately, nothing lasts forever – even on the challenging Vancouver roads. That’s because our weather changes quickly, going from pouring down rain to intense sun in no time. This one difference can make a huge effect on how durable a coating is.
Even after applying a ceramic coating, the car will require 24-48 hours to cure. Until that cure time is complete, protect it from water exposure and other damaging treatments. Even with the most meticulous application, all coatings eventually start to deteriorate. What’s more, they contend with daily abuse that compounds this wear and tear and speeds up this process.
Out here, cars deal with all sorts of things – road salt in winter, pollen in spring, UV rays in summer, and tree sap in fall. All these factors eat at the coating, layer by layer. For example, a car left outside year-round in Vancouver will develop signs of coating failure much earlier.
A garage-kept car in nearby Burnaby will keep its finish much longer. From daily driving conditions to road grit, bird droppings, or even just rubbing up against a bush can damage that beautiful coating you applied. These could appear to be minor at the outset, but they compound and accelerate all of the harsh impacts that contribute to wear.
Owners that are more high-mileage or who wash their vehicles often with abrasive brushes will find their coating starting to fade within 18 to 24 months. It does this even when the label states it has the potential to last 10 years if given optimal conditions and treatment.
What’s more, we find that how you maintain the car is important as well. Neglecting routine washes and using improper soaps can severely reduce the longevity of any coating. Allowing grime accumulation for months at a time doesn’t help its longevity either.
You might not think twice about performing a high-quality polish on your car every few years, which could unwittingly remove the old coating in the process. Therefore, the coating will require reapplication. This last bit of ceramic can usually be taken off with a single pass of a swirl remover. This is particularly the case if you’ve taken care of the vehicle well in between application cycles.
What works for one vehicle will not necessarily work for another – even if they’re using the same product. A daily commuter in downtown Richmond will have a much different experience than a weekend rider from Surrey.
Coatings on vehicles that are well cared for can last 10 or more years. When maintenance is ignored, these beautiful assets wear out fast. Not polishing a coated car after a year or two can leave grime stuck in the finish, making the car look dull and feel rough.
Factors Driving Reapplication Frequency
Clients in Vancouver and area cities regularly inquire about how often ceramic coating needs reapplication. The true answer is a combination of countless tangible factors that govern how long a coating will last and how much protection it can provide.
1. The Coating Type You Choose
The ceramic coating type you choose determines the starting point for its longevity. Entry-level coatings, such as consumer-grade, spray-on products, typically provide protection for no more than two years. Premium-grade, professional-only coatings, like those from Gtechniq or Carpro, are rated for five to seven years.
The improvement is due to improved chemical composition and more sophisticated formulations. When reviewing a coating, we always take a critical eye towards the manufacturer’s claims and find out how a coating matches up with your specific driving style. For example, a family SUV on bustling city streets may need more protection than a weekend sports car.
2. Your Daily Driving Habits
Your driving habits will have a big impact on how long your coating lasts. Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and daily commutes downtown or to work add to the risks of exposure to grime, dust, and debris.
Additionally, highway driving introduces much higher speeds, which can scour surfaces with gravel-like stones. Parking in crowded parking lots or next to rail yards invites more debris and bird waste on your car. These components are abrasive and will ruin the finish eventually. All of these factors mean your coating is subject to greater wear and may need to be reapplied sooner.
3. Canada’s Tough Climate Impact
Vancouver has a comparatively mild climate compared to the rest of Canada. We are still prone to heavy rain, salt and extreme hot to cold temperature shifts. As extreme cold or heat might degrade a ceramic coating, the effects of snow, ice, and road salt accelerate deterioration.
Fall and winter are the most devastating months. If your daily driving conditions include a lot of slush and salt, you should plan on frequent reapplication. Protective measures such as frequent rinsing are beneficial, but there’s no solution that can withstand the severe weather indefinitely.
4. How Well It Was Applied
A beautiful coating always begins with an expert preparation. If the surface wasn’t cleaned and prepped right, or if the installer cut corners, the coating won’t bond as well.
We started to see coatings that fade quickly if the application wasn’t absolutely right. Look out for patchy areas or streaking – this is an indication that the application failed.
5. Your Car Washing Routine
Your car washing routine makes a difference. Soft, frequent washes using the proper wash mitts and soaps can contribute to extending the life of a coating. Rough brushes and daily or weekly automatic car washes can remove that extra layer of shine and protection, causing it to wear down quicker.
Because of all the rain, dirt in Vancouver is a little more ingrained, so washing frequently – but gently – is important.
6. Exposure to Harsh Elements
UV rays, city pollution, acid rain, chemical spills – these are just a few of the elements that eat away at a coating. If your car is left outside in the sun all day, the sun and environmental fallout will eat away at the coating much faster than normal.
Monthly maintenance and a bit of spray sealant every now and then keep the really bad stuff at bay.
7. Parking Indoors vs Outdoors
Indoor parking provides the greatest shelter from the weather. Vehicles stored outdoors are susceptible to greater damage from sun, rain and tree sap. Covering your vehicle with a car cover is an excellent idea, but it doesn’t compare to the protection of storing your vehicle indoors.
Cars parked outdoors experience greater degradation over time and require reapplication sooner.
8. Product Quality Matters Greatly
Product quality makes a huge difference. Not all ceramic coatings are created equal. High-quality, trusted brands tend to hold up and resist wear longer than discount products.
We stay with tried and true names because the correct product takes the pain out of it all and leads to more infrequent reapplication.
Spotting Signs Your Coating Fades
As car owners in Vancouver, we see firsthand how local weather and daily driving can take a toll on ceramic coatings. Spotting the early signs that a coating is fading helps us keep our vehicles looking their best, and it lets us know when it’s time for a fresh layer.
By paying close attention to how our coating performs, we can catch problems early, extend its life, and protect our car’s value.
Water Doesn’t Bead Like Before
One of the first things we notice when a ceramic coating starts to fade is a change in water behavior. Well-maintained coatings should cause water to bead up and roll off the paint. When water no longer beads up, it begins to leave behind broad, mottled marks.
This is often a sign that the hydrophobic layer has begun to fail. We can check this by spraying water on a hood or a roof and seeing how it beads up and moves around. When the water no longer beads up as easily as before or instead creates large, dark puddles, it’s time for a reapplication – if not sooner.
This process can be accelerated by Vancouver’s rain and road salts, heightening the need for regular checks.
Gloss and Shine Look Dull
The best of the coatings impart a depth of gloss, that deep, wet look that makes you the king of the parking lot. Gloss loss is a precursor to any coating failure. Typically, this indicates the coating is beginning to fail.
Loss of gloss can be a result of sun damage, severe winter conditions, or simply the daily grind of city commuting. If washing and detailing fails to restore gloss and shine, your coating might be way over the hill.
Car Gets Dirty Faster Now
When our coating is new, dirt, mud, and grime can barely cling on. After some time, we start to realize that the car gets dirty much sooner – even from just one wash. If the car is dirtier faster, that’s an obvious sign that something is wrong.
If you’ve got stubborn spots, it’s a sign that the ceramic layer has failed to protect as expected. Dirtier car quicker indicates contaminants are passing, notably with Vancouver’s hectic roadways and environmental rain of contaminants.
Washing Feels Less Slick
Washing a properly coated vehicle should feel slippery and smooth. With our wash mitt gliding across the surface, soaps rinsed away quickly. As that simple, smooth sensation disappears, it is a sign that the coating’s hydrophobic attributes are starting to deteriorate.
If your coating feels less slick when washing, do something about it! If you notice that your paint feels grabby, that’s an obvious indicator that it’s time to think about reapplying the coating.
Visible Wear or Etching
Lastly, we look for scratches, swirl marks or etching from bird droppings and tree sap. Even minor chips and wear from gravel over time can chip away, literally, at that protective barrier.
In BC, this process is only accelerated by harsh winters and hot summers. When we begin to notice these defects, it’s a dead giveaway that the coating is failing to provide the necessary protection.
Realistic Lifespan Expectations
Ceramic coatings offer durable, long-term protection for cars, trucks, and SUVs in Vancouver. In the real world, their lifespan is subject to a variety of factors. The type of environment you live in and how you drive your car have a huge effect on the longevity of your car’s coating.
Furthermore, how you treat your car is extremely important too. Far from being a quick fix, most coatings last, at most, two to five years. Certain premium brands will sometimes last even a decade. This durability is contingent on the care and maintenance provided.
Vehicle owners in British Columbia face mixed results due to the humid environment. The combination of harsh winter roads and various driving cultures adds to these differences.
Entry-Level vs Pro Coatings
There is a huge difference in quality between entry-level ceramic coatings and professional-grade ceramics. Entry-level coatings usually have a lifespan of one to three years. They’re a great choice for anyone looking for entry level protection without a large initial investment.
Professional-grade coatings, such as the ones we use and apply from our shop, provide a thicker, stronger layer. These products have a lifespan of five years, and in some cases, much longer. Often, they last a complete 10 years because of better bonding and their protection from damaging road salt, rain, and UV rays.
Pro coatings have a greater upfront cost. Their much longer lifespan and less frequent need for reapplication offer you more bang for your buck. In addition, professional application reduces the chance of user error, ensuring that the coating performs to its full potential.
Daily Driver vs Garage Queen
Ceramic coatings are designed for a certain type of use. Daily drivers in Vancouver, a city with frequent rain, road grime, and salt in the winter, all conditions that wear coatings down more quickly. A vehicle that sees the road every day might need refinishing sooner than that.
Usually, that means a complete reapplication every two to four years. Cars stored in the garage most of the time – our “garage queens” – experience more negligible exposure to things like salt and moisture. These can require just a reapplication every five years – or even less frequently.
More than anything, consistently washing the vehicle with pH-neutral soap and regular annual inspections keep any car’s coating in perfect form.
Impact of Canadian Winters
Canadian winters can be hard on cars. Cold snaps, snow, and most importantly, road salt can test even the hardiest ceramic coatings. Keep your car clean.
Wash your entire car – including the undercarriage – at least every two weeks during winter. Look to install additional protective measures – including a new top coat – before the season starts. Winter road salt and snow can cause accelerated coating wear, which is why a good seasonal strategy makes a huge difference.
Conducting annual inspections allows us to identify early signs of wear and proactively budget for reapplication if necessary.
Extend Your Coating’s Life
Safeguarding a vehicle in Vancouver’s extreme climate is not as simple as slapping on ceramic coating and calling it a day. Our customers expect their coatings to be maintained to last 10 years or more. In order to get this long life out of your coatings, maintenance is important!
Most ceramic coatings only last 2-5 years on average. What you do every day, the weather in your area, and the products you are using can make a difference on its longevity. We’ve all seen how just a handful of preventative habits can make the same car run like new. These simple habits keep your quality coating looking sharp for years to come.
Wash Your Car Properly
This is why we try to wash our cars with this same regularity. Every two weeks we wash it to keep the grit and road film from building up. The two-bucket method is our go-to: one bucket for soapy water, another for rinsing dirt from the wash mitt.
A new coat of paint a quick wash prevents fine scratches from ruining the shine. We pay close attention to how well our routine is doing its job. When we see that water isn’t beading up or the surface feels rough, we recognize it’s time to change our ways.
Use pH-Neutral Soaps Only
Not all soaps are created equal. We like to use pH neutral products because they are very mild and not abrasive, meaning they won’t use away at the coating. Harsh cleaners, particularly those with a high acidity or alkalinity, will remove this protective coat and dramatically reduce its lifespan.
Once we moved to using only mild soaps, we could see the glossiness of the coatings lasting much longer. They even stood up better to Vancouver’s rain and road grime.
Avoid Abrasive Washing Tools
When washing, we only use microfiber towels and soft wash mitts. Abrasive sponges and brushes scratch the coating’s surface, causing premature breakdown. We inspect our towels for any grit or general wear prior to any wash to ensure they are safe for the surface.
This easy step really helps preserve the beauty of the coatings.
Consider Maintenance Toppers
These maintenance sprays and toppers are worth the investment. The impact is huge. We apply them to refresh the hydrophobic layer and apply an additional armor against the day’s attacks.
Reapplying a maintenance top every few months restores the coating, preventing premature failure. It keeps water beading up and rolling off just like it did on day one.
Gentle Drying is Key
Once washed, we reach for sopping soft microfiber towels to do our drying with. This prevents scratching and remains the finish without spotting. We don’t let the car air dry, as that can cause water spotting.
When the finish starts to appear streaky, we always tell ourselves it’s time to inspect our towels or reconsider our approach.
Regular Professional Check-ups
Our advice is to have a coating pro check the coating at least once, preferably twice, a year. A new set of experienced eyes can identify weak spots before they develop into major issues.
Detecting issues early leads to less expensive repairs in the future, and it allows the coating to remain protective and attractive longer.
DIY vs Professional Reapplication
As far as reapplying ceramic coating goes, there’s a bit of a debate. Some partners like to DIY the reapplication themselves, and some partners like to go professional. Each has its advantages. The right decision for you depends on how much time, expertise, and stress-free driving you’re willing to invest.
In Vancouver, rain, coastal air, and general city grime are daily realities. Protecting your automobile’s surface can go a long way in keeping your vehicle looking new today and for years to come.
Understanding the Cost Differences
Let’s tackle the budget aspect first. Sure, DIY ceramic coating kits look less expensive upfront. You’ll only be out a few hundred dollars on materials and supplies. Here’s where the trade-off lies – in those nitty-gritty details – surface prep, application tools, and the time you spend.
If you do run into issues, fixing them can become expensive very quickly. In contrast, reapplying professional coatings can be very expensive. Depending on the type and size of your vehicle, prices can be from a few hundred to more than one thousand dollars. This includes professional surface preparation, climate-controlled application, and usually comes with a warranty.
With the right maintenance, a professional reapplication can last upward of five years. By comparison, DIY coatings typically need to be reapplied more quickly. For many in Metro Vancouver, the long-term results and support from a certified shop outweigh the upfront savings of DIY.
Time Commitment for DIY
DIY reapplication requires a serious commitment of time and patience. Just prep – washing, decontaminating and polishing – is a multi-hour task. People are surprised by how long it actually takes.
If you have a busy schedule or don’t like working on detailed tasks, a DIY project can become stressful very quickly. If not enough time has passed, you’re risking poor bonding, which will significantly decrease the lifespan of the coating.
Pros know how to work quickly and possess the right equipment for each step. For owners who are busy like most of us, this means no more weekends wasted and the vehicle is back on the road faster.
Skill Needed for Proper Bond
Ceramic coating application can require more than simply “reading the directions.” As you can imagine, it takes a steady hand, a good eye, and experience to recognize missed spots or streaks.
These small defects can cause weak spots in the bond where protection will fail. From our experience, cars that have been coated DIY are typically very uneven and especially noticeable after the rainy winter months here in Vancouver.
If you already have a talent for car detailing and the time to develop the right skill set, DIY can be an option. For the majority, going pro is the safest bet to get that perfect, showroom-like finish and long-lasting protection.
Warranty Considerations
High-end coatings often offer warranties up to ten years in some cases but only if installed by certified professionals. DIY jobs are seldom supported by warranties, and in the event of a major mistake, you will have to fund their repair.
Poor preparation or a few skipped steps may void the warranty completely. Reading the fine print can save you major headaches. Selecting a certified reapplication shop in the Lower Mainland means you’ll be provided a valid warranty. You’ll receive long-term maintenance assistance.
The Reapplication Process Itself
Ceramic coating reapplication is an intricate procedure that we handle with precision and expertise. We begin with a vehicle wash, usually the two-bucket wash method. This unique dirt-repelling system is key to preventing abrasive dirt from damaging the paint.
We always rinse one wash mitt in clean water before we put it back in the soap bucket. This obvious move helps grit out of your paint. This isn’t merely a cosmetic concern, as it can lead to premature failure of the new coat and an undesirable rough appearance.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
Next, it’s on to preparation. This step is very important – no cutting corners allowed. We look for and fix any chips or scratches. Any defect that gets through can impact the adhesion of the coating.
We often follow up claying with a polish or paint cleaner to remove light swirls or haze or any remaining residue from the clay bar. It’s like the stuff that gets all over your car in Vancouver – dirt, tree sap and road salt all combined.
Which brings me to the importance of clean, smooth surfaces! If we don’t do this, the coating won’t adhere properly, and it won’t last as long as it’s supposed to.
Timing
Timing is the other big piece here. The majority of ceramic coatings require reapplication every two to five years. It’s not just the quality, but environmental factors come into play.
The longer your car sits in the sun, the sooner it will need a new paint job. Rain, mud and other road debris can quickly make this a more complicated process. Even with the highest quality products and diligent maintenance, even the best coatings can approach ten years.
Consumers who did enjoy things like regular washing and minimal use of harsh chemicals find that with regular maintenance, their cars typically last much longer than the typical fleet replacement period.
Application Process
Once surface prep is done, we use a climate-controlled, dust-free space to apply the new ceramic coating. We appreciate how important it is to follow the manufacturer’s directions for each product.
Some coatings require a minimum thickness or specific application pattern. Failing to move forward at each step risks creating an inconsistent, spotty pattern of protection. Once applied, that special vehicle remains inside for a full 24 to 48 hours.
This curing time should not be underestimated. Any moisture or additional stress in this time frame can destroy the finish.
Importance of Maintenance
We’re forever preaching the importance of maintenance first. Preventative measures – frequent washes, two-bucket method, pH neutral cleaners – can result in significantly fewer reapplications over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Making the Right Reapplication Choice
Deciding when to reapply ceramic coating isn’t a black and white choice. Here in Vancouver, we’ve learned an important lesson. It’s highly variable and depends on the local weather, driving habits, and the quality of the original coating.
While the ceramic coatings we’ve tested have generally lasted between two and five years, there is a wide range in what we’ve observed. The top-tier options, which we’ve used at our studio, can last a decade with proper maintenance. Most local drivers will see a significant decrease in water beading or gloss after only two to three years.
Some coatings have been found to lose as much as 30% of their hydrophobic properties within six months with regular use. By the end of the year, that loss can increase to 50%. In general, we always advise putting your vehicle’s needs above all else.
If you park outside most days, deal with winter road salt in Burnaby, or drive in Richmond’s rain, your coating might need reapplication sooner. Keeping cars in a garage and washing with the two-bucket method can greatly increase the duration until a reapplication is needed. They can expand that period by up to 50%!
Timing is important, but it isn’t everything. Look for clues such as loss of sheen, loss of water beading, or chalky paint to gauge when it’s time to reapply your coating.
As far as who should conduct the reapplication, we’ve found there to be two predominant approaches. DIY reapplication kits particularly appeal to those who enjoy a hands-on approach. However, they can rarely match the quality of evenness and protection that a professional service would provide.
We shoot in controlled environments with broadcast-grade lighting to deliver the best quality. This translates into our clients getting better, more reliable results and years more durability and protection. We know some people try to get every single month out of their coating, aiming for that 10th year.
Others value peace of mind and choose to reapply every couple of years, especially when they want to keep their car looking as sharp as possible. There’s a time and place for both approaches. What’s important is making the right choice based on the available information.
Frequent reapplication replenishes diminished attributes and can provide as much as 99% protection from UV rays. This prevents oxidation, which is the number one cause of fading and chalking paint in Vancouver’s climate.
With some diligence and close attention to your vehicle’s exterior, you can ensure that it looks great today and is worth more down the road.