What is Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra?

Crystal Serum Ultra is the most advanced ceramic coating in the world, developed by Gtechniq UK. It has 10H hardness (the highest in the industry), offers extreme chemical protection and long-lasting UV resistance. CDD Detailing is officially Gtechniq accredited.

What's the difference between PPF and ceramic coating?

PPF (Paint Protection Film) is a physical 8mm thick film that protects against stone chips, scratches and rock damage. Ceramic is a chemical layer that offers hydrophobicity and UV protection. Ideally: we apply PPF on impact zones and ceramic on top.

How long does Full Body PPF take?

Full Body PPF takes between 5 and 7 days, depending on car complexity. Each element is precision-cut and manually applied. We don't rush the process - quality requires time.

Does PPF film turn yellow over time?

We exclusively use XPEL Ultimate Plus which comes with a warranty against yellowing, cracking or peeling. It's virtually invisible and self-healing.

Do you offer services for aircraft?

Yes, CDD Detailing offers specialized services for airplanes and helicopters. We use aviation-certified products and protocols adapted for aeronautical surfaces.

What is Chrome Delete?

Chrome Delete means covering chrome trims with glossy or matte black film. It provides a modern and aggressive look, very popular on BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

How much does ceramic coating cost?

The price for Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra ceramic coating starts from 1,500 RON and varies depending on vehicle size. It includes a written warranty. Polishing is a separate service (Exterior Detailing), only if the paint needs it: on a new car, the ceramic coating is applied directly.

How do I maintain my car after ceramic application?

After application, avoid washing for 7 days. Afterwards, wash with neutral shampoo (no wax), avoid automatic car washes with brushes and use the two-bucket method. The maintenance kit we offer as a gift contains everything you need.

Can PPF be applied on second-hand cars?

Yes, but it requires a prior professional polish (separate service: Exterior Detailing) to remove existing scratches. PPF preserves the current paint condition - if you apply over defects, they remain visible under the film.

How long does the warranty last?

We provide a written warranty for Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra ceramic coating, for XPEL Ultimate Plus PPF (against yellowing and peeling) and for leather protection treatments. You receive the warranty certificate when we hand over your car.

How to Maintain Ceramic Coating: Complete Care Guide for 2026

Congratulations! You've made one of the best investments for your car - a professional ceramic coating. But like any investment, it requires minimal care to reach its full potential.

In this complete guide, we'll show you exactly what to do (and what to avoid) to keep your ceramic coating in perfect condition for years.

The First 7 Days: Critical Curing Period

Ceramic coating doesn't harden instantly. Even if the car looks perfect when you pick it up, the complete polymerization process takes approximately 7 days. During this critical period:

What NOT to Do

Don't wash the car - water can disrupt the curing process
Don't park under trees - sap and bird droppings can affect the curing layer
Avoid rain - if possible, or quickly wipe off droplets
Don't apply any products - no wax, no sprays, nothing
Don't rub the surface - even if you see dust, leave it

What You Can Do

Park in a garage or covered area
If it rains, let the car dry naturally
Use an air blower to remove light dust

Proper Washing After Curing Period

After the 7 days, you can start washing the car, but pay attention to the method. Ceramic coating doesn't exempt you from washing - it just makes it easier and less frequent.

The Two-Bucket Method

This is the standard method for washing any car, especially those with ceramic coating:

Bucket 1 (Wash) - clean water + pH neutral shampoo
Bucket 2 (Rinse) - clean water only
The process: dip mitt in bucket 1, wash a section, rinse mitt in bucket 2, repeat

What to AVOID When Washing

Automatic car washes with brushes - they create micro-scratches that affect the ceramic layer
Products with wax or sealants - they build up over ceramic and reduce hydrophobicity
Abrasive products - even "fine" ones can damage the coating
Dry wiping - dust acts as an abrasive

Optimal Washing Frequency

One of the great advantages of ceramic coating is that the car stays clean longer. However, this doesn't mean you can postpone washing indefinitely.

Usage Conditions	Recommended Frequency
Garage parking, weekend use	Once every 3-4 weeks
Outdoor parking, daily city use	Once every 2 weeks
Long trips, frequent highway	Once a week
Winter (salt, mud)	Twice a week

Periodic Maintenance: Refreshing the Layer

Even the best ceramic coating loses some of its properties over time. It doesn't disappear - but hydrophobicity gradually decreases.

Maintenance Boost Every 3-6 Months

Every 3-6 months, we recommend applying a layer of Gtechniq EXO v5 or similar. This product:

Reactivates the hydrophobic effect
Adds an additional layer of protection
Intensifies gloss
Applies easily in 30 minutes

The CDD Maintenance Kit

With every ceramic coating application, we include a complimentary maintenance kit containing:

Gtechniq EXO v5 (maintenance coating)
Gtechniq W1 G-Wash (pH neutral shampoo)
Premium microfiber towel
Detailed usage instructions

Signs Your Coating Needs Attention

How do you know when your ceramic coating needs maintenance or reapplication?

Water no longer beads - instead of beads, water spreads on the surface
Dirt adheres more easily - dust and insects no longer wash off easily
Gloss has decreased - surface looks dull or tired
Water spots appear - calcium remains visible after evaporation

Winter: Special Challenges

The cold season is the harshest for ceramic coating. Salt, sand, dirty snow - all attack the protective layer.

Winter Recommendations

Wash the car twice a week during periods with salt on the road
Pay special attention to sills and wheel arches
After washing, dry thoroughly to prevent freezing
Apply a maintenance layer (EXO) before the season

When Complete Reapplication Is Needed

Crystal Serum Ultra is long-lasting protection, but that doesn't mean you'll have maximum performance the entire time. The reality:

Years 1-3: Maximum performance with minimal maintenance
Years 3-5: Good performance, maintenance boost every 3 months
Years 5-7: Protection present but reduced, monthly maintenance boost
Years 7-9: Time for reevaluation and possible reapplication

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Believing ceramic is invincible - it protects, but doesn't work miracles
Delaying washes too long - contaminants settle and become hard to remove
Using unsuitable products - waxes and sealants negate the benefits
Ignoring spots immediately - bird droppings and sap must be removed quickly
Using brush car washes - worst case scenario for any coating

Conclusion

Maintaining ceramic coating isn't complicated, but it requires consistency and the right products. By following the rules in this guide, you'll maximize the lifespan and performance of your investment.

Have questions about ceramic coating maintenance? Contact us for personalized advice or schedule a protection check-up.

Request free consultation →