FAQ's
1. What are ceramic (includes “graphene” or nano-particle infused) coatings?
Advanced chemistry polymer based formulations that bond at the molecular level with paint (clear coat) to form a hard “shell” and create a hydrophobic surface.
2. How much does it cost for ceramic coating?
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Our price for a full ceramic application has never exceeded $1500. Our average price is $1,000. We price our service(s) according to the volume of work, time and materials; specifically required to fully correct all imperfections and prepare your car prior to the application of the finishing coat. Therefore, it depends upon the amount of paint (total surface area), the condition of the paint, and the products themselves that your vehicle will need. Subjectively: it depends upon how much profit (aka “greed factor”) one adds. The reason we point this out is that the actual "cost" (labor & materials) is significantly less than what many installers are charging (some in excess of $2500 on a standard vehicle). Nobody likes to feel like they got ripped off. More aptly, price gouging is harming the "reputation" of professional ceramic coating installers in general. By potentially pre-prejudicing prospective clients based upon their unfamiliarity with the costs and benefits, the propagation of overly inflated prices destroys the perception and meaningful cost/benefit relationship. The value of something is arbitrary so we are acutely aware of the importance of educating our customers, maintaining transparency and keeping our mark-up very modest. We respect the hard work you do to afford our services and we hope you will appreciate the hard work we perform on each and every vehicle, one customer at a time.
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3. Are ceramic coatings worth all the hype?
YES! but not all products are created equally. Get the information, shop around, make an informed decision. Most importantly, the best ceramic coating will only perform to its potential when properly applied to a thoroughly prepared surface. For this reason, it is of paramount importance that you spend your money wisely. The environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) in which the installer is applying any ceramic coating MUST be temperature controlled to ensure a lasting bond, provide adequate cure time, and demonstrate your installer's knowledge of professional ceramic products.
4. Do they “self-maintain” in terms of reducing the frequency of car washes?
YES, the coatings create an extremely hydrophobic surface, reduce friction, and prevent adhesion of dust, road debris, etc. When it rains, your car shines! If your car sits outside, hose it off and dry as needed.
5. Do they prevent paint chips, dings and scratches?
NO, they prevent oxidation, UV damage, water spotting, bird dropping and yard debris stains, premature paint deterioration & discoloration.
6. How many steps are required to prepare the paint prior to the application of a ceramic coating?
A minimum of 4 steps are required to prepare the paint. The application process is very labor intensive. No corners can be cut!
7. Where is your product(s) manufactured?
All of our finish coatings, our tire dressing and Aquapel windshield protection are manufactured here in the USA.
8. How long will the paint protection last?
Our ceramic coatings are marketed as a 6 year lifespan product. However, the conditions in which a vehicle is operated/parked affect the longevity of the product and vary. We prefer to air on the more conservative side and say that a 3-4 year lifespan is accurate on vehicles that are "daily drivers" and kept either in a garage or covered carport. A "weekend-only" classic cruiser that spends its adult years in an A/C garage and/or under a tight fitting cover will likely last beyond 6 years. It's kinda like asking someone how long will a pair of blue jeans hold up. Are you a working cowboy or a boot cut fashionista working the crowd?
9. How soon can my car get wet after a ceramic coating has been applied?
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Great question! Again, not all products are created equal. Our C6 Ceramic coatings ("Diamond Gloss" and "Hydro") are formulated to cure within one hour of application. Ideally, you should avoid heavy water exposure (i.e. driving in heavy rain) for 24 hrs and we recommend that you do not wash your car for one week or expose it at any time to solvents, detergents, or chemicals that are not made specifically for automotive paint surfaces in general.
10. What are the benefits and why should I drop a grand on a full ceramic coating?
That's an entirely new can of worms. The (long) answer is that a ceramic coating will do so much more than just make your car look fabulous. We borrowed some "reasons to ceramic your car" online and scripted a few of our own. Here are the ones that we believe are the most meaningful. Ultimately, you are getting well beyond what you pay for over the duration. What I tell people is that they are two types of customers that are the most befitting of our ceramic coating: 1. the show car owner that has to have the very best at any cost (even if we charge much less than average for a finished product that will hold its own on every level) and 2. the daily driver who, for lack of a better term, wants to "set it and forget it" in terms of ensuring their car is protected from the elements for years without having to worry.
1) A full ceramic coating application is a complete restoration of your vehicle's paint with a level of surface protection that lasts for years not months. Unlike conventional waxes and polymers, ceramic coatings form a chemical bond with paint and clear coat. Ceramic coatings create a hydrophobic (water-repelling) surface that causes water, dirt, and grime to bead up and roll off the paint. This makes washing your vehicle significantly easier, requiring less effort and less frequent cleaning sessions.
2) Ceramic coatings create a durable, semi-permanent bond with your vehicle's paint, acting as a protective barrier against various threats including environmental contaminants like UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime that can etch, stain, or fade your vehicle's finish over time. It also offers superior resistance to chemical etching from things like acid rain or harsh cleaners compared to traditional waxes or sealants.
3) Ceramic coatings amplify the depth, clarity, and vibrancy of your vehicle's paint, creating a deep, glossy, "wet-look" finish. This enhanced shine and color vibrancy can make your car look showroom-fresh for longer.
4) While not completely scratch-proof, ceramic coatings add a layer of hardness and slickness that makes the paint more resistant to light scratches, swirl marks, and minor abrasions from daily wear and tear or improper washing techniques.
5) Ceramic coatings act as a protective barrier, reflecting harmful UV rays and preventing oxidation and fading, preserving your vehicle's finish.
6) While the initial investment in ceramic coating may be higher than waxes or sealants, its superior durability and longevity can lead to long-term savings. You'll spend less on exterior detailing, and potentially costly paint correction or repainting.
7) A car that receives a full ceramic coating will self-maintain itself well beyond one that is not treated with ceramic. This is a re-emphasis on the "savings/value" proposition. Your car shines when it rains (our slogan, "When it Rains...Your Car Shines", perhaps requires a bit of clarification) as the outside is rinsed free of short term build up of dust that will typically coat your car immediately after you exit the car wash. It's unavoidable but to a much lesser degree will dust cling to the surface of a highly anti-friction one treated with ceramic. It truly is worth the hype when you see it in action. We are uploading several videos on our IG page to demonstrate this action.