What the number really means
A stated durability figure describes the coating remaining chemically bonded to the paint. It does not promise the same water behaviour on the final day as on the first. Hydrophobics fade gradually while protection remains.
The four things that decide it
Two are set on the day of application. Two are entirely in your hands afterwards.
- Preparation — a coating on poorly decontaminated paint will not bond properly
- Product and application conditions — humidity and temperature matter
- Storage — garaged cars outperform cars parked outside year-round
- Washing — pH-neutral shampoo and safe technique preserve performance
Keeping it performing
Regular maintenance detailing keeps a coating behaving as intended: correct shampoo, a decontamination wash when needed, and a topper where the manufacturer recommends one. Automatic brush washes and aggressive traffic film removers are the fastest way to shorten its life.