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Despite its advantages, ceramic coating can’t protect against every bit of grime or every scratch and comes at a high cost. It must be installed by a professional which can take time and cost even more money.

Solar Shade Window Tint offers ceramic tinting services you can trust with a high level of service. Get a free estimate today and see what we can do for you.The process of ceramic coating a car is also time-consuming and difficult. At-home kits exist but vary in quality and tend to give less than desirable results. You need professional help for the best results, which means more money and time.

If you do have any issues with ceramic coating, the professional services you purchase them from will provide warranties. They’ll come and replace or fix the coating to have it looking like new.

Ceramic coating has some disadvantages but provides a host of advantages to offset them that will give you a more comfortable ride and keep your car looking its best for as long as possible.

These are only some of the potential advantages of ceramic coating a car. Other potential benefits exist depending on what type you choose, what model you drive, and more.

Ceramic coating protects against ultraviolet light exposure. This keeps you and your passengers safe by preventing conditions like skin cancer. It also protects your car’s paint by preventing oxidation.

Nano-coating lasts much longer than the average 5-6 months for a coat of car wax. Its strong layers allow it to be more resistant to scratches and damage. This also means that it doesn’t have to be applied as often, saving you time and money. The liquid polymer in ceramic coating makes your car’s paint hydrophobic, which means that it repels water. This allows mud and grime to also slide off easily and makes the entire car easier to keep clean. When you love your car, you want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. There are several methods of doing so, including powder coating, ceramic coating, and waxing.Ceramic coating creates a bond with a car’s paint so that it won’t wash away or break down like a wax coating. This eliminates the need for repeat applications.

Ceramic coating also blocks out other types of sunlight from reaching the interior of your car. This helps you maintain a cooler temperature and protects the interior from fading and damage.

Creating the materials for ceramic coating is a difficult process because they must be exact to create an effective barrier. This, along with growing demand, leads to high prices. There are several reasons that ceramic coating is growing as a viable form of paint protection. Knowing the benefits it provides helps you decide if it’s worth considering for your own vehicle. The advantages of ceramic coating include a deep gloss, easy maintenance and cleaning, resistance to stains and scratches, protection from UV rays, temperature regulation, interior protection, duration, and an included warranty. Ceramic coating is transparent and enhances the reflective properties of your car’s paint. This creates a glossy look and adds depth and clarity to whatever color you’ve chosen. There are several different methods of paint protection and alteration for cars. A few of the most popular are powder coating, ceramic or nano-coating, and car wax.

Read our guide to learn why ceramic coating is replacing wax as the major way to protect your car’s paint, the pros and cons it provides, and where to get it. When comparing the three, ceramic coating comes out as the clear winner. It’s stronger, adds to the beauty of your paint more effectively, and adds a range of other benefits that other coatings can’t match. The market for ceramic coatings is expected to reach $3.32 billion by 2026, growing at a rate of 7.1%. It’s used to provide a durable protective film in a wide variety of products, especially for automobiles.

Ceramic coating a car stands above more traditional methods as the clear winner. Although it’s more expensive and time-consuming, it lasts longer and is more effective at protecting you from the sun and enhancing the paint job.Naples Auto Armour is Southwest Florida’s #1 choice when it comes to vehicle protection. We work on all kinds of automobiles including sports cars, trucks, exotic cars, classic cars, vintage cars, SUVs, and much more. Regardless of what make and model you drive, we have the knowledge, expertise, and professional products to clean, renew, and protect your vehicle.

Naples Auto Armour is the premier auto detailing company in Naples, FL, and its surrounding areas. We offer ceramic coating packages of the highest quality that will improve the appearance of your vehicle.

When deciding whether the ceramic coating is worth the cost, factors such as durability, maintenance, protection, and shine all have to be taken into consideration. In terms of durability, ceramic coatings typically last much longer than traditional coatings due to their chemical structure. As a result, this means less frequent applications and lower costs overall when accounting for maintenance in the long run.

These prices are typical estimates for preparing your vehicle and applying the ceramic coating to your paint. These numbers do not reflect any paint correction or additional surface coatings – just ceramic coating applied to your paint.Once we know the size of your vehicle, the next question we ask is how long do you want the ceramic coating to last on your paint. At Dino’s Detail Co. we offer 3 different ceramic coatings: If you are in the Lancaster PA area and would like to talk with us about having your vehicle ceramic coated, email [email protected] or give us a call at (717) 945-2450. Be sure to check out our Ceramic Coating and Paint Correction Service pages for more information on scheduling and what each package includes. Prices in these 3 categories will still fluctuate a little, but they provide an excellent starting point for the price of each ceramic coating we offer.For a high-quality professional ceramic coating at a reputable shop, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $1000 to over $3000. Many factors will determine the price of a ceramic coating, which is why there’s a large price range. These factors include vehicle size, how long you want the ceramic coating to last, which surfaces you want to have coated, and whether or not you want to have any paint correction done before the ceramic coating.

Paint correction isn’t a requirement before your ceramic coating but it definitely has the potential to make your vehicle look a lot better. If you don’t see any swirl marks or defects in your paint, then you probably don’t need to worry about having any paint correction done before your ceramic coating.

These coatings will all give your paint a similar level of gloss and slickness, the main difference between these coatings is just how long they last on your paint.

As you can see, the price to ceramic coat your car can vary quite a bit. To have a professional ceramic coating applied, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $1,000 to over $3,000. When you factor in having additional surfaces coated, and adding paint correction services, that price can climb even higher. A ceramic coating is an excellent way to protect and preserve your vehicle, just make sure you do some research first and make sure that your installer is explaining things to you and giving you the necessary options to get a coating that works best for you.

The final factor for your ceramic coating cost is whether or not you want to have any paint correction done (notice we said want, not need). Some detail shops will tell you that paint correction is a requirement before applying a ceramic coating. They’ll scare you and say that if you don’t have all the swirl marks and light scratches polished out first, then the ceramic coating won’t bond to your paint and it won’t work. This isn’t true. Unless your paint has very severe water spots or oxidation, then you don’t need any paint correction prior to ceramic coating. If the surface of the paint is clean, then our ceramic coatings can be applied.

Your car isn’t new? It just means more prep. After detoxing, it’s going to be necessary to hit the paint with a polisher, eliminating the scratches and swirl marks so they don’t show through the ceramic coating.At a professional detailer, it could be $1,500 to $5,000 or even higher. If you’re willing to put in the elbow grease yourself, all you’ll pay is the cost of materials and supplies, which could be under $100.

Any detailer will tell you straight up that wax doesn’t last long, even the high-quality stuff. After a few car washes, it loses its luster and water doesn’t roll off very well anymore. And then there’s the bane of any proud car owner: water spots that stick out on a waxed car, forcing you to perfectly dry or chamois the car every time.The best time to apply the coating is before you’ve added miles to the odometer of a new car; before road grime and dust have latched onto the paint, and prior to your first scratch. Ethos Detox prep spray strips away the crud that sticks to your car, and giving it a thorough wipe with a clay bar or clay mitt is a bit of insurance as well.

A professional ceramic coating on a used car can be a good idea if you aren’t comfortable with the preparation steps. Incorrect use of a power polisher can permanently burn the paint, making it look worse instead of better. But the prep is where the bulk of the cost is at. Maybe an idea is to get a professional detailer to prep your car and do the ceramic coating yourself.Also in the ‘ceramic coating’ category, you’ll find Ethos Graphene Matrix coating. While similar in the way it’s applied, the results are even better since it uses a new carbon-based graphene technology which is an even more resilient material and lasts even longer yet.The term ceramic coating tends to be used for a variety of different products that are applied in the same way. Ceramic coating is a silica-based resin that’s applied to a vehicle’s painted surface to seal and protect it. The finished product is much more durable than wax and lasts for years versus months, and it repels water and dirt like you’ve never experienced before. Ethos Ceramic Matrix is a multi-year, DIY 9H ceramic coating.The silica nanoparticles chemically bond to your car’s surfaces at a molecular level, sealing it from the outside as an invisible shield. It’s important because of what you normally see: the microscopic pores in your car’s clear coat and paint. The nanoparticles fill in the porous surface and create a uniform layer on top that’s smoother.

See, the paint needs to be meticulous when ceramic coating is applied. Since it’s sealing the paint, anything that’s stuck to, etched into, or scuffed into the finish is going to show up afterwards. Since your car’s going to have a mirror-like finish, the blemishes are even more noticeable.Likely, you’ve seen ads for professional ceramic coating or the dealership offered it as a service before you pick your new car up for the first time. There’s no telling how good of a job they’ve done, and which product did they use? If you’re capable, it’s always a good idea to not just save the money, but also be sure the job is done right. And what will they charge you? $899? $1,299? May be even $1,999 on a new car? It can’t be stated enough – your car needs to be spic-and-span spotless before applying ceramic coating. Once you’ve got it prepped, the easy part begins. Follow the instructions from Ethos closely and your finished product will be something you’ll be proud of. It’s as easy as wiping on a small section at a time, letting it cure momentarily, then wiping it off. Precise instructions can be found on each of the product pages. It’s an investment to take care of your vehicle’s exterior. Paint can experience wear and tear, just like mechanical components do. One of the best treatments to protect your paint is ceramic coating, with benefits that can last for five years or longer if it’s done right.

Applying ceramic coating is definitely up a DIYer’s alley, especially if you enjoy detailing your car. Make no mistake – you’ll need to set aside time to get it done well. The majority of the time you spend on ceramic coating isn’t on the application itself, but on the preparation leading up to it. Check out our, “How to Install a Ceramic Coating Blog” for more information.If you’re looking for a faster solution, Ceramic Wax PRO goes on like a normal car wax. Since it contains Ethos’ ceramic resin formula, it lasts for a year or longer so you don’t have to spend a weekend every other moth detailing and waxing your car. Or for shiny finish in minutes that lasts up to six months, Ethos Resist Graphene Spray Coating goes on after you’ve washed and dried your car. It can also be used as a touch-up for cars with ceramic coating. Then the entire surface is sprayed with an iron remover that breaks down even more contaminants on the paint allowing a fully clean surface to work on. The entry-level paint correction is the removal of around 50%-70% of all swirls and scratches from your vehicle this process can take about 4-7 hours depending on the vehicle and level of damage.While they won’t be the same as if you were to have them professionally done they will still be able to give great gloss and protection that will last a long time.

To decontaminate your paint a clay bar is used which is an abrasive tool detailers use to strip off embedded dirt that doesn’t get removed from regular washes.If you’re looking to save on having a professional apply a ceramic coating on your vehicle then there are other routes you can take to achieve similar results.

So be sure to still give your vehicle washes but further abrasive treatments such as claying or polishing should be avoided as they will wear down your coating quicker.If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper and a lot easier then you can grab a bottle of ceramic sealant which can be applied to your vehicle after a wash.

You may have been on the search for some protection for your car to help maintain its appearance and prevent dirt or other annoying debris from ruining the surface of its paint.

Now you may occasionally hear someone mention their ceramic coating being able to last up 10 years or more which if you do it’s best to steer clear away from them.The reason so much goes into removing contaminants from the paint is because the polishing stage requires a buffer that rotates a pad at very high speedsHopefully, this guide was able to help you with your ceramic coating decision, be sure to check us out if you’re ever interested in having your car ceramic coated as well.It’s made with SiO2 which, if you’re like me and don’t remember the last time you were in a chemistry class, is Silicone Dioxide a major component in glass.

While this option isn’t anywhere near as effective as a ceramic coating it’s great for those looking to get their feet wet with ceramics without having to deal with the extensive process of applying themNext is the 2-Step paint correction this looks to remove around 70%-90% of all swirls and scratches on the surface of your paint, which takes approximately 8-12 hours to complete. Ceramic coatings protect the clear coat from wearing down which in turn helps maintain the value of the vehicle is it looks much younger than its real age. After the paint correction stage is finished comes the panel wipe down in which the vehicle is cleaned to remove any residue from the paint correction stage.This gives it a much higher glossy effect and prevents dirt, debris, UV rays, tree sap, bird droppings, bug splatter, and other environmental contaminants from sticking to the paint.

Ceramic coatings typically come with a paint correction as the polishing of your paint will allow the coating to cure much better with the level fully decontaminated surface of your vehicle.It’s possible to have the leather within your vehicle ceramic coated, which will help protect the leather fibers of your vehicle from cracking up or staining.A used car will be more expensive than a new car, a small town car will be less expensive than a mini-bus, and a 3-year coating is less expensive than a 10-year coating.The cost of a ceramic coating depends more on the condition and size of the car than on the actual coating. Applying the coating is just the final stage on the process where your car is polished and make as near perfect is as economically viable. Therefore, the cost of the service is, polishing and preparation plus ceramic coating, with the former often being the larger part of the cost. Some companies will advertise the cost of the coating without including the cost of the preparation, making them seem much cheaper.

Chemical Guys HydroSlick formula is an easy-to-apply gel. The instructions are simple: wipe on, wipe off, and all you’ll need are some microfiber cloths. As with any ceramic coating, you’ll want to clean your car’s paint beforehand.“There is never a time, in my opinion, where you would use both a coating and a wax,” says Clark Webster, an auto detailing expert with over a decade of experience. “The wax would need to go on top of the coating, but the hydrophobic properties of the coating would render the wax useless. There are ‘top coats’ designed specifically for coatings, that help rejuvenate the base coating as well as add additional protection. This almost eliminates the need for traditional waxes.”However, this ceramic car coating is not for beginners. Like many higher-quality ceramic coatings, you’ll need to prep your vehicle thoroughly before the actual application process. This includes:

“Ceramic coatings are far more durable than waxes, so from a performance/durability/longevity standpoint, you’ll get more protection and less environmental breakdown from a coating than you would a wax. In general, a wax will last between three-four months. A coating can last anywhere from six months to five years.”We then have our network of experts share their thoughts on the selected coatings. These experts have over 100 years of combined experience in aftermarket auto fields ranging from detailing to accessories to tires, and everything in-between. These experts helped us identify the qualities that would be most important to someone looking for a ceramic coating and the standout brands in each category.

That said, applying a ceramic coating is doable for the at-home enthusiast, but you may want to take a class in the process beforehand. Check with your local detailing shops to see if any offer training in ceramic coating application. Dedicated enthusiasts with more time on their hands seem to prefer other options, saying that Turtle Wax requires several coats for a pleasing shine and that it doesn’t last more than a couple of months. We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.To test ceramic coatings, we applied each to a different section on the trunk of a white Ford Fusion. In addition to testing the ease of use, we checked each section regularly to see which ceramic coating lasted the longest.

Cost-effective way to enhance your car: On average, ceramic car coating products range from $15 to $25. Pro-grade kits cost more, but most are less than $100.

However, ceramic car coatings aren’t just functional. After application and curing, these products harden to give your car that “candy apple” shine. The best ceramic coatings for cars add a high-gloss finish to your paint job while also increasing the color’s depth. Longer-lasting than car wax: While waxing gives your car a beautiful glow, it only lasts three to six months. Some of the best ceramic coatings for cars last more than a year. Applying a ceramic car coating may be more labor-intensive, but you don’t need to reapply it as frequently as traditional carnauba wax. While the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating doesn’t quite deliver the same level of shine and scratch-resistance as a traditional ceramic coating, it’s a great option for beginner detailers.

Turtle Wax is far and away the easiest to use of the ceramic coatings we tested. The solution comes in a spray bottle so that all the user needs to do is spray and wipe. Application takes less than a minute for a small section of car. The time difference between this and other coatings is even more pronounced when coating an entire vehicle.Editorial Note: This content was researched and produced by Motor1.com‘s expert review team. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission but do not impact our advice or recommendations. Learn MoreThe Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat is one of the most popular DIY ceramic coatings. The three-in-one formula acts as a waterless wash, coat, and shine for your vehicle. Not only can you apply the Shine Armor Fortify Quick Coat to cars and trucks but also boats, motorbikes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and four-wheelers. Like the Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating, this spray’s formula is between a wax and a coating, making it easy to apply but not as long-lasting.

Based on our research, a professional ceramic coating can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. You can buy a DIY ceramic coating kit for between $20 and $100.

In many ways, our experience with Shine Armor was nearly identical to Epic Elements Protect. It is easy to use but comes in a lower-quality spray bottle than Turtle Wax ceramic coating. The shine is noticeable but not the best of the products we tested.

Protection from the elements: Ceramic coatings protect your vehicle from UV rays, debris, rain, stains, oils, dirt, contaminants, and industrial fallout. Depending on where you live, your paint job can take a beating. A ceramic car coating ensures your paint coating is guarded in the long term.Ceramic car coating is a chemical, liquid polymer that bonds with a vehicle’s clearcoat and protects a vehicle’s paint from environmental damage such as:

Graphene coatings are a popular alternative to ceramic coatings due to their excellent durability and water-repellent nature. That said, you can also apply a graphene coating on top of a ceramic coat.Reviewers love how easy it is to apply this coating, and appreciate the quality shine it produces. While it doesn’t last as long as professional jobs and pricier products, Turtle Wax is inexpensive. This ceramic coating features SiO2 polymers – silica nanoparticles – which give your car a glass-like look and shine. These polymers also aid in water repelling and sheeting after the ceramic coating cures. In consumer tests, this product not only looks great but also proves it can withstand harsh elements and strong chemical solvents. Vehicle owners looking for the best car care may try multiple methods to preserve the vehicle’s finish. While you can use wax after a ceramic paint coating has cured, it can be redundant. Both perform similar functions.About a month after application, all the ceramic coatings were still repelling water. We will update this article as we observe which ceramic coatings last several months or even beyond.

If there are any detractors of using the best ceramic coats, it would be that they are expensive, more difficult to apply than a car wax, and – if applied improperly – difficult to remove.We recommend the CarPro CQuartz ceramic coating kit for any detailer keen on a professional look without the high price tag. After curing, the coating is chemical- and salt-resistant, as well as ultra-water-repelling. It’s also formulated with an above-average SiO2 quartz content, making the coating glossy and long-wearing.

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.Good and negative reviews seem to be fairly consistent about one thing: This product takes a long time to properly apply. Most users claim that once applied, it offers an excellent shine and long-lasting protection. The effort appears to be worth it for many people, but a few believe easier-to-apply coatings are good enough.We only applied CQuartz to a small portion of the test vehicle, however. Covering the entire paint job of one car with the tiny applicator would probably take an entire day, considering the preparation steps you’ll also need to take.Drivers can have the ceramic coating done professionally or use do-it-yourself, or DIY, products. Although pro-grade ceramic coatings have longer staying power – upward of three years – they can be expensive. A professional detail may cost between $1,000 and $2,000. High-quality, DIY ceramic coatings are an excellent way to get a professional-grade look without the professional price tag.

On our test vehicle, Shine Armor and Epic Elements Protect have lasted at least a month, but based on customer reviews, we don’t expect Shine Armor to have as much longevity.

Silicon dioxide is the key ingredient in ceramic coatings. It gives them hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water and take any moisture bead or sheet easily away from a car’s surface. This is why car enthusiasts often note the product’s cleaning properties – water and dirt can’t easily stick to your vehicle.Reviewers are typically happy with the appearance and shine the HydroSlick formula offers. At-home detailers looking for a showroom finish appreciate this product, especially since it’s relatively easy to apply. You’ll need to prepare your car first, but this coating adds a deep shine.The Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating has a simple and quick application process. After washing your vehicle, apply the gel, let it cure for as few as 30 seconds, and dry the treated surfaces with a high-quality microfiber towel. The ceramic coating is designed with SiO2 hydrophobic compounds to ensure water beads and sheets after application.

The results aren’t quite as durable as a multi-stage kit such as CQuartz but seem to last longer than what you’ll get from spray-on coatings. The gel is thick and feels like you’re applying a layer of protection. This is less obvious when using spray-on products, especially with a white vehicle.In this buyers guide, we review the best ceramic coatings for cars based on detailing experience, cost, performance, longevity, and consumer ratings. We’ll also explore how ceramic car coatings work, the pros and cons of using one, and what to look for in high-quality ceramic coating products.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

We chose our list of the best ceramic coatings for cars based on ease of use, high customer satisfaction ratings, industry-tested performance, and overall value. We’ve given each product a superlative to help direct you to the product best suited for your car detailing projects. The ceramic coatings used by automotive professionals are usually thicker than consumer-grade ceramic coatings and require a deft hand to apply to a car’s finish. While the best ceramic coats provide a new car look, they are not something an amateur can apply easily. A nano-ceramic coating can protect your car’s exterior from marring and other hazards. These coatings typically last much longer than a typical wax coating. While you can have a professional apply ceramic coatings, these are also reasonably simple to apply yourself.

Based on our review criteria – cost, ease of use, performance, longevity, and customer ratings – Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 is the best overall ceramic car coating. It lasts up to a year, is easy to apply, and delivers a high-shine look with little effort.