What a ceramic coating is
A ceramic coating is a liquid applied by hand to your car's clear coat. Most are based on silicon dioxide (SiO2). Once it cures, it forms a thin, hard, glossy layer that's chemically bonded to the paint. It lasts much longer than wax or sealant.
The surface is very slick and repels water. Water beads up and rolls off, taking dirt with it. Road film, salt residue and bugs come off with less scrubbing, which also means fewer wash scratches over time.
What ceramic coating does and doesn't do
It's worth being clear here, because coatings get oversold a lot.
A coating helps with: - Washing. Dirt doesn't bond as easily, so washes are quicker. - Gloss. The paint looks deeper and stays glossy longer. - UV and chemical exposure. It slows down oxidation and gives you more time before bird droppings or tree sap etch the clear coat. - Winter grime. Salt film and slush rinse off more easily.
A coating does not: - Stop rock chips. That's what PPF is for. - Prevent all scratches. It resists light marring, but it's a thin layer, not armor. - Mean you never wash the car again. It makes washing easier, not optional.
Paint correction before coating
A coating locks in whatever condition your paint is in. If there are swirl marks from automatic car washes or light scratches, coating over them seals them in with extra gloss on top, which actually makes them easier to see.
That's why most coating jobs start with paint correction: machine polishing to remove a thin layer of clear coat along with the defects in it. How much correction a car needs depends on its condition. A brand new car may only need a light polish. A daily driver that's been through years of tunnel washes may need more.
How the process goes
Wash and decontamination. A full wash, then chemical and clay treatment to remove iron particles and bonded contamination.
Paint correction. Polishing as needed, based on the paint's condition.
Panel prep. The paint is wiped down to remove polishing oils so the coating can bond to bare clear coat.
Application. The coating is applied panel by panel and leveled before it flashes. Wheels, glass and trim can be coated too.
Curing. The coating needs time to cure. Keep the car dry for the first day if possible, and wait about a week before the first wash with soap. Exact times depend on the product.
Ceramic coating and PPF together
These two are often done together, and they complement each other. PPF handles impacts on the front end or the whole car. A coating on top of the film, and on the rest of the paint, makes the whole car easier to clean and keeps the film looking glossy. Many coatings are made specifically for use on film.
Wax, sealant or ceramic coating
| Wax | Sealant | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Natural or synthetic wax on top of the paint | Synthetic polymer layer | Coating that chemically bonds to the clear coat |
| How long it lasts | Weeks | A few months | Multiple years, depending on the product |
| Gloss | Warm, good | Good | Very high |
| Ease of washing | Some improvement | Better | Best |
| Who applies it | Usually you | You or a detailer | A professional, after paint prep |
Wax and sealant are fine if you enjoy doing them every few weeks or months. A coating costs more upfront, but you don't have to keep reapplying it.
Looking after a coated car in a Michigan winter
Winter is when a coating earns its keep, but only if the car still gets washed. A few habits make a big difference:
- Rinse the car, including the underside and wheel wells, whenever the roads have been salted for a while.
- Use a pH neutral car soap. Harsh degreasers and some touchless wash chemicals wear coatings down faster.
- Wash with two buckets, or with a pressure washer and foam first, so you're not dragging grit across the paint.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel or a blower, not a chamois that's picked up dirt.
- Some coatings have a "topper" spray that can be used every so often to refresh the slickness.
How long a coating lasts
Durability depends on the product, how many layers are applied and how the car is cared for. Consumer spray products last months. Professional coatings are rated for multiple years. Harsh automatic car washes and strong cleaners wear any coating down faster. If you want to know how long a specific coating is rated for, ask which product is being used.
Ceramic coating FAQ
Is ceramic coating worth it on a new car?
New cars are a good time to coat, because the paint usually needs the least correction. That said, new cars often arrive with dealer wash swirls, so it's worth having the paint inspected first.
Can I take a coated car through a car wash?
Touchless washes are fine. Brush washes are the main cause of swirl marks and will wear a coating down faster. Hand washing is best.
Does ceramic coating protect against road salt?
It makes salt film and grime easier to rinse off and slows down its effect on the clear coat. You still need to wash the car during winter, including the underside.
Can you coat wheels and glass?
Yes. Wheel coatings make brake dust easier to clean. Glass coatings help rain bead and blow off the windshield.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
It depends on the car's size, the product and how much paint correction is needed. See our ceramic coating cost page for typical ranges, and call for a quote.
Get a quote for your car
Call or send your vehicle details. Every quote is based on your actual car, the film or product, and the coverage you want.