Ceramic coating: what it does, what it costs and what to ask

A ceramic coating is a liquid applied to paint that cures into a thin, hard, slick layer. It makes a car easier to wash and helps it keep its gloss. It is not armour, and it is only as good as the paint under it and the person who applied it.

What a coating does, and what it does not

A coating sheds water and dirt more easily than bare paint, adds gloss, and gives some resistance to sun, bird droppings and bug remains if they are cleaned off promptly. It does not stop rock chips, door dings or deep scratches, and a coated car still needs regular washing. Be wary of anyone who says a coating means you never have to wash or that it is scratch-proof.

Why paint correction usually comes first

A coating locks in whatever is underneath, including swirl marks and light scratches. That is why most coating packages start with a careful wash, decontamination and some level of polishing, called paint correction. This preparation is often most of the labour, and most of the price difference between quotes.

357 detailers in our directory list ceramic coating (as of November 6, 2026), and 347 detailers list paint correction.

What drives the price

We do not quote typical prices: they vary too much to be useful. What changes the price is the size of the vehicle, the condition of the paint, how much correction it needs, the product and its rated life, and whether wheels, glass, trim or the interior are coated too. Ask each detailer to write down the preparation steps, the product and the number of layers, so you are comparing the same job.

Read the warranty

Coating warranties are usually issued by the product maker through an approved or certified installer, and often require maintenance washes or yearly inspections to stay valid. Ask:

• Which product is this, and who issues the warranty: the detailer or the maker?
• What does the warranty cover, and what voids it?
• What upkeep do you recommend, and do you offer a maintenance plan?

67 detailers in the directory state a detailing or coating certification, and 149 detailers say they offer a maintenance plan.

Caring for a coated car

Wash it gently and regularly with a pH-neutral car shampoo, avoid automatic brush washes, and dry it rather than letting water spots bake on in the sun. Ask your detailer what products they want you to use; some sell a top-up spray designed for their coating. How often to detail in Florida covers a sensible rhythm.

If you are deciding between a coating and film, see paint protection film vs ceramic coating.