Ceramic coatings were engineered to provide long-term protection to any surface they’re applied to. Typically, one coat will last an average vehicle 12 to 18 months, assuming proper maintenance routines are followed.

Ceramic coatings are semi-permanent, and require extensive work to remove after installation. The proper way to install a coating is to perform a paint correction on the vehicle beforehand, whether that involves heavy compound buffing, machine polishing, or a combination of both. Any paint defects like swirls, holograms, light scratches or water stains will essentially be “locked in” underneath the ceramic coating if the surface is not properly prepared before installation.

Ceramic coatings and waxes often get confused for being in the same category, when they are vastly different. Waxes have been used for decades to shine up the paint of vehicles, while also offering a temporary smooth-feeling finish. Wax on vehicle paint lasts anywhere from 2 months to 6 months, depending what product is used and how often the car is washed.

While ceramic coatings do also offer high gloss shine and an extremely smooth finish, the coating consists of silica dioxide, a component that results in the rock-hard, glass-like finish after curing. Where as wax can be washed or wiped off easily, true ceramic coating needs to be buffed or wet-sanded off of the surface after application, and will typically last 12-18 months before beginning to wear thin.

In recent years, the rise in popularity of ceramic coatings has resulted in the term “CERAMIC” being used as a marketing buzzword. Manufacturers now use the term in the branding of their protective products, to capitalize on the massive interest in ceramic coatings. These products (usually spray waxes/sealants, etc.) contain Silica Dioxide, the primary ingredient in a true coating. However, it’s usually 10% or less, compared to true professional grade coatings, which consist of closer to 80-90% SiO2.

Costs for ceramic coatings vary based on the amount of paint preparation the vehicle needs. (See “What Does My Vehicle Need Before Coating” tab above)

At Detail Driven, we always perform a complimentary consultation to inspect the condition of the vehicle before offering a quote for ceramic coatings. If the vehicle needs minimal prep work, we have 1-year ceramic coating packages starting as low as $599.

One of the biggest benefits of ceramic coatings is the ease of maintenance for months or even years to come. Ceramic coatings are a sacrificial and hydrophobic layer of protection.

Sacrificial meaning that layer receives the abuse and exposure to the elements, instead of the top layer of your car’s paint.

Hydrophobic meaning liquid reacts to a coated surface by beading, and then “falling” off of the coating it can no longer stick to. This means damage like acid rain, bird droppings, mud, hard water and more are unable to settle into the paint and cause unrepairable damage. It also means that when your coated vehicle becomes dirty, washing it is now as simple as rinsing it with water. No aggressive chemicals or dangerous scrubbing necessary. Essentially, maintaining a ceramic coating is as easy as rinse and dry!