There are so many different coatings, and each one has their own protocols.
For the McKee's 37 that I used (and each different type of coating may be different), the procedure is:
Prep your paint to how you want it to look. Once you put the coating on, whatever it looks like, that's the way it is going to be (except for brighter).
After it is prepped, put your coating on. It is now sealed. There is nothing more to do for X number of years.
They give a 2 year guarantee. We'll see.
No touch ups, no more prep, no waxing, no polishing...nothing except rinsing it off, and optionally drying it with a microfiber towel. I guess the rinsing is optional too.
McKee's 37 does make a wash that has a high foamy suds value to encapsulate the dirt. It also has a small amount of the ceramic in it that is supposed to help the coating last longer.
Mary has rinsed her truck twice with just water since last August. Looked better than new each time.
A few weeks ago she used the McKee's 37 wash by simply applying it with a brush and then rinsing it off. Looks the same as when she just rinsed it off (better than new), but maybe it will make it last longer.
On the Softail I have not done anything yet. When I do wash it, I will use the same foamy wash.
The reasons I've done this is:
I don't like spending time cleaning, would rather be riding. It is a One & Done deal.
It looks better.
I am hoping that the thousands of bugs killed will not stick. So far that has been our experience with the truck, we will see with the bikes/trike.
Kevin