The first thirty days

Film and coating both keep curing after you drive away. What you do in the first month decides how the next five years look.

First 7 days — leave it alone

Adhesive is still wetting out. No washing, no pressure at the edges, no polish. Small water pockets under fresh film are normal and clear on their own.

Days 7–30 — hand wash only

Two buckets, pH-neutral shampoo, clean mitt. Keep the lance away from film edges and panel gaps.

No automatic washes, ever

Brush washes put swirls into paint and can lift a film edge. This is the single fastest way to undo the work.

Wheels get their own bucket

Never acid cleaner on hot rims. Coated wheels release brake dust with a plain rinse.

Deal with contamination fast

Bird droppings, tree sap and fuel splash etch even coated paint if baked in. Rinse and remove the same day.