Top-Up Product

Some of the brands which produce ceramic coatings also have a top-up product which adds additional ceramic to your coating, renewing it. This is supposed to be done periodically as per the manufacturer's recommendation, which may vary from brand-to-brand.

What it means

Top-up products (often sprays) lay a thin, hydrophobic film over waxes, sealants or ceramics. Many are SiO₂- or polymer-enhanced and can be used on damp paint as a drying aid or on dry paint after a wash. They help water bead or sheet, make towels glide, and can slow re-soiling. They do not rebuild coating thickness and won’t fix underlying defects.

Why it matters

• Keeps behaviour lively: restores beading/sheeting and slickness between major services.
• Reduces marring risk: added lubrication during drying lowers towel drag.
• Bridges maintenance: extends the interval before a deeper decon or ceramic top-up is needed.
• Easy wins: quick, forgiving application suitable for DIY aftercare.

Where you’ll see it

Maintenance plans following a ceramic install, retail “ceramic/spray sealant” shelves, handover kits, and as a finishing step after routine washes.

Context

Car Paint Protection; Maintenance; Ceramic coatings

Common mistakes

• Applying over bonded contamination or polishing oils – decon or panel wipe first for best bonding.
• Expecting a top-up to repair scratches or failing coatings – it enhances behaviour, it doesn’t rebuild film.
• Over-application and frequent layering that cause smears or a grabby feel.
• Mixing incompatible chemistries (e.g., solvent-heavy sprays over fresh coatings outside guidance).
• Judging protection only by beading – hydrophobics can fade before the underlying layer is gone.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 10/11/2025 14:55