Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer we apply to your vehicle's exterior. It bonds to the paint and forms a hard, slick layer that sheds water, dirt and road grime. The result is a deeper gloss, easier washing and protection from UV rays, bird droppings, bug residue and acid rain.

Most coatings last between two and five years. The exact number depends on the product, how well the car was prepped, where it is parked and how it is washed. Gentle, regular maintenance helps it last longer.

For most owners, yes. You pay more up front, but the car stays cleaner, washes in a fraction of the time and keeps its shine. Paint that is protected and well kept also holds its resale value better.

Price depends on the size of your vehicle, the coating you choose and how much paint correction the paint needs before coating. Send us your vehicle details through the quote form and we will give you an exact price after we inspect the paint.

Wash by hand with a pH-neutral shampoo and a clean microfiber mitt. Skip harsh chemicals and automatic car washes with brushes. A maintenance spray every six to twelve months keeps the coating performing at its best.

Yes. A coating on the windshield and windows makes water bead and roll off, which improves visibility in the rain. It also keeps dirt and water spots from sticking, so the glass stays easier to clean.

Almost any car, as long as the paint is sound. The surface has to be cleaned, decontaminated and polished first. Damaged or failing paint should be repaired before coating so the coating can bond properly. Matte and satin finishes can be coated too, with a product made for them and without the polishing step, since polishing would turn the finish glossy.

It creates a hydrophobic layer on top of your clear coat. That layer resists UV fading and oxidation, blocks chemical staining and makes it hard for dirt to stick. Light swirl marks are less likely to form during washing, so the paint looks newer for longer.

Wax is a temporary layer that wears off in weeks or months. Ceramic coating chemically bonds to the paint and lasts years. It is harder, more water-repellent and far more resistant to chemicals and UV than any wax.

You can buy consumer products and do it yourself, but results are much better from a professional. The prep work is where most of the quality comes from, and a coating that is applied unevenly can leave streaks or high spots that are difficult to fix.

It adds a layer of hardness that helps resist light scratches and swirl marks, but it does not make the paint bulletproof. Hard impacts and deep abrasions can still damage both the coating and the paint beneath it.

They do different jobs. Ceramic coating adds gloss and a slick, water-repellent surface. Paint protection film (PPF) is a thick, clear urethane that absorbs rock chips and physical damage. Many owners choose both: film on the high-impact areas and ceramic coating over everything.

No, you do not have to. Over time a coating wears down. When it stops performing, it can be professionally removed or refreshed so the paint underneath is not harmed.

Yes, with a coating formulated for matte finishes. A regular gloss coating can change how matte paint looks, so the right product matters. A matte-safe coating keeps the flat look while adding protection against dirt and water.

Yes. A coating on the wheels helps repel brake dust and road grime so they wipe clean easily. It also protects the finish from staining and light scratching.

Yes. Coating bumpers, trim and mirrors helps block UV fading and staining, and it keeps the plastic looking fresh and easier to clean.

Prep is the most important part of the job and takes most of the labor hours, because the coating locks in whatever is under it. We start with a full decontamination wash, then use an iron remover and a clay treatment to lift bonded contaminants. Next we correct the paint to the level it needs, from a single-stage polish to full multi-stage correction. Finally every panel is wiped with a prep solution before the coating goes on, one panel at a time. A full install usually takes one to two days.

In most cases, yes, at least some. A coating is clear, so it does not hide swirls, water spot etching or other defects. It often makes them more visible under the added gloss. Even new cars can pick up light swirling from lot prep and washing. We inspect every vehicle and recommend the right level of correction before we quote.

Coatings carry a manufacturer warranty, and we stand behind our own workmanship, including contamination trapped in the coating and application defects that affect appearance. Terms vary by coating and package, and we will spell out exactly what applies to you in your quote.

No. A coating is only microns thick and does not absorb impact. A rock chip goes through the clear coat and sometimes the paint beneath. Paint protection film is the product that takes the hit. For complete protection, we recommend PPF on high-impact areas and ceramic coating over the whole vehicle.

Yes, and we recommend it. A coating makes the film slicker and more water-repellent, so it washes easier and resists water spots and bonded contaminants. It does not change the film's impact protection or its self-healing properties.

Film first, then coating. The film goes on the high-impact areas, such as the front bumper, hood, fenders and rocker panels. The coating then goes over the exposed paint and on top of most modern films. Putting film over an existing coating can reduce adhesion, so if your car is already coated we will inspect it and suggest the safest approach.

Not from impact. Coating gives you a slick, chemical-resistant surface that handles salty air, hard-water residue, bug splatter and road grime. It cannot absorb hail, flying debris or gravel. If impact is the concern, paint protection film is the right tool, with ceramic coating on top for easier maintenance in Miami's heat and humidity.

If water stopped beading, the cause is often bonded contamination on top of the coating, not failure of the coating itself. A proper decontamination with iron remover, clay and a coating-safe cleaner can bring the performance back. True failure shows up as rough paint after decontamination, thin spots or uneven gloss, or a coating that is several years old on a car parked outdoors. If you are not sure, bring it in and we will take a look.