Ceramic coating guide

What is
ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer, usually silica (SiO₂) based, applied by hand to your car's paintwork. It bonds to the paint and cures into a thin, hard, transparent layer, like a second skin for your car.

It isn't wax or sealant. Wax sits on top of the paint and wears away in weeks or months. A ceramic coating forms a much more durable chemical bond and can last years with proper care.

Know what you're getting

What it does, and what it doesn't.

What it does

  • Protects the paint from UV fading, bird droppings, bug splatter, road salt, tree sap and light chemical staining
  • Makes washing easier: it's strongly hydrophobic, so water beads and rolls off, and dirt doesn't stick as well
  • Adds gloss and depth: the finish looks richer and shinier
  • Lasts: typically 2 to 5+ years depending on the product, how the car is used and how it's maintained

What it doesn't do

  • It is not scratch-proof. It adds some resistance to light swirls and wash marring, but stone chips and deep scratches can still happen. For impact protection, paint protection film (PPF) is the answer.
  • It is not maintenance-free. The car still needs regular, careful washing.
  • It won't hide existing damage. It locks in whatever is underneath, which is why preparation matters so much.

The process

The process, step by step.

Most of the time goes into preparation, not application. Expect 2 to 4 days depending on the size and condition of the car and the level of paint correction.

A black car in a detailing studio showing each stage of ceramic coating from front to back: inspection light, snow foam and clay bar, machine polishing, panel wipe, coating applicator, infrared curing lamp and a glossy, water-beading finish
  1. Step 01 / 07

    Inspection and consultation

    We check the condition of your paint in proper lighting and talk through what you want from the finish.

  2. Step 02 / 07

    Thorough wash and decontamination

    A deep clean removes dirt, traffic film, tar and iron fallout. A clay bar treatment pulls out bonded contaminants so the paint is perfectly smooth.

  3. Step 03 / 07

    Paint correction (polishing)

    Machine polishing removes swirl marks, light scratches and dullness. This step has the biggest effect on the final look, because the coating preserves the paint exactly as we leave it. The amount of correction depends on the package chosen and the condition of the car.

  4. Step 04 / 07

    Panel wipe

    Every panel is wiped with a solvent to strip polishing oils and residue, leaving bare, clean paint so the coating can bond properly.

  5. Step 05 / 07

    Coating application

    The coating is applied panel by panel in controlled sections, then levelled and buffed off at exactly the right moment. Timing, lighting and technique matter, as mistakes are hard to fix once it has cured.

  6. Step 06 / 07

    Curing

    The coating starts to harden straight away but takes time to fully cure. The car is kept indoors, dry and clean during the initial cure, and sometimes infrared lamps are used to speed it up.

  7. Step 07 / 07

    Final inspection and handover

    We check every panel under lights, then walk you through aftercare.

Aftercare and FAQs

Looking after your coating.

  • Avoid washing for the first 7 days, and keep the car dry for the first 24 to 48 hours where possible
  • Avoid automatic car washes, especially brush types, as they cause scratches
  • Hand wash every 2 to 4 weeks using a pH-neutral shampoo and clean microfibre mitts (two-bucket method)
  • Remove bird droppings, bugs and sap promptly
  • Use a ceramic-safe topper or booster spray every few months to refresh the water-beading
  • Book an annual maintenance check if the coating comes with a warranty, as many warranties depend on it

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Is it worth the money?

For most owners, yes, particularly for new cars, dark colours or cars kept long-term. It saves time and effort on washing, keeps the paint looking newer for longer, and can help protect resale value.

Can it be applied to an older car?

Yes. The paint just needs correcting first. The better the preparation, the better the result.

Do I still need to wash my car?

Yes. The coating makes washing quicker and easier, but it doesn't clean the car for you.

Can it be applied to wheels, glass and trim?

Yes. Specific coatings are made for wheels, glass (water repellency) and plastics, and are often offered as add-ons.

Will it remove existing scratches?

No, the polishing stage does that. The coating protects the corrected paint afterwards.

What's the difference between coating levels?

Higher-grade coatings generally offer longer durability and more chemical resistance. Multi-layer packages add thickness and gloss. We'll recommend the right level for your car and budget.

Protect your paint

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