Hey guys, I had my 911 professionally ceramic coated about a year ago, in early April 2023. I hand wash the car carefully somewhat regularly, probably on average 4/month, maybe more in Spring/Summer months. No one else has ever washed it. Recently, I've noticed that the water doesn't bead as well as it used to; in particular, the sides of the doors get this weird fine bubble coating that then dissipates into kind of a spider web pattern, see photo. It easily rinses off and it's not a big deal, but I guess the ceramic as worn off in those areas. Thanks.

 

What coating did they use? Do you garage your car? What soap do you use? Do you dry the car afterward?

I would take it back and have them inspect it. I've not heard of any professional grade coating that only lasts a year, but it all depends on the environment it's in and how it's treated.

I've used Kenzo on my (garaged) cars and it's lasted 3+ years (traded it in).

 

I haven't seen ceramic's hydrophobic quality degrade that much before after a year, but I think it's common in that particular part of the car for the ceramic to lose some of its hydrophobic properties given the amount of dirt and elements that accumulate after while.

My detailer gave me a ceramic detail spray that I apply probably every 3-4 washes to "top up" the existing coating. It's been solid. My detailer also does an annual "maintenance coating" for like $100, so that tells me that it's natural for ceramic coating to lose some of its properties

 

Too many variables to say, but ceramic coating can last anywhere from 6 months to 6 years depending on (1) type of coating (2) application process (3) after installation care and (4) weather conditions where the car is stored and driven.

 

Afraid I don't know what ceramic was used and no longer can find that out; use CarPro Reset soap, foam canon, two buckets, etc. Dry with EVO lawn blower. Car garaged 24/7.

Thanks. Do think it's just poor ceramic wearing off. Oh well.

 

That looks premature after one year. My 'unprofessional' coating is in year two and still holding quite strong.

How does it feel to the touch after you wash and fully dry that area and how does that compare to other areas of the car?

 

That sounds like the case. Personally, I would take it to a good/great detailer in your area and have them look at it. They will probably recommend polishing and application of a new coating. It sounds like you can't go back to the detailer that did the original work. Or just leave as is.

 

I need to spray some stuff on mine to maintain it. They say every month or every other wash.

 

May wish to consider an acidic wash (for any hard water residue) and a decon step with an iron binder/remover like IronX followed by something like CarPro Reload. that should restore a significant amount of hydrophobicity.

 

Thanks. I wash the car with filtered soft water and it is garaged 24/7 so . . .

 

Is that picture after you washed the area and rinsed it? If not it may just be the amount of crud on the paint. Our Cayenne does that before it's washed.

 

My experience with professionally applied ceramic coatings has been less than ideal, to the point that I now feel that they are Snake Oil. I have been informed via other detailers that the preparation prior to application is vital.

Edit: I now use Gyeon Wet Coat which accomplishes nearly the same results as a ceramic coating, cost substantially less, and will last for approximately 3-6 Months depending on how often the vehicle is garaged as well as subjected to elements. On a former vehicle that was garage-kept 24/7 and never driven in the rain, Wet Coat lasted for 12+ months.

 

Great question. I think it's after I foamed but before I washed with microfiber mitt. I think.

 

I don't disagree, but I will say that the hydrophobic benefit is very substantial.

 

See my previous post as I have edited it.