02Ceramic coating
Years of gloss, applied in your driveway
01The install
Four stages, about seven hours on a sedan
Bigger vehicles take longer: an SUV or truck runs about eight and a half hours, which is why ceramic jobs always start first thing in the morning.
- 011 hr 30 min
Decontaminate
Foam, two-bucket wash, iron remover and clay until the paint feels like glass. Anything left on the surface would be sealed under the coating.
- 023 hr
Correct
A one-step machine polish removes light swirls and haze. We measure clear coat on each panel first and tell you what polishing can and can't fix.
- 0330 min
Prep
A panel wipe strips polishing oils so the coating bonds to bare clear coat. Trim and rubber are taped where needed.
- 042 hr
Coat and cure
Apex 5 goes on paint, wheel faces and exterior glass one panel at a time, leveled by hand, then cured with infrared lamps before we leave.
02Straight answers
What a coating does, and what it doesn't
- Does: Makes washing faster and keeps the gloss looking fresh
- Does: Bird droppings, bug splatter and road film release more easily
- Does: Adds a UV-resistant layer that helps slow fading on paint and trim
- Does not: Does not make paint scratch-proof or chip-proof
- Does not: Does not replace washing; it makes washing easier
- Does not: Does not fix deep scratches that go through the clear coat
03Compared
Wax, sealant or ceramic
| Property | Wax | Sealant | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical durability | 4 to 8 weeks | About 6 months | Up to 5 years with maintenance |
| Water behavior | Beads, then fades | Beads well | Tight beads and fast sheeting |
| Wash effort | Normal | Easier | Rinse-off easy |
| Included in | Not offered | Exterior and Full Detail | Ceramic Coating |
04Pricing
Ceramic Coating by vehicle
Includes the one-step polish, wheel faces and exterior glass. A $200 deposit holds the day.
Sedan
$899
7 hr on site
Build this quoteSUV
$1,079
8 hr 30 min on site
Build this quoteTruck
$1,119
8 hr 30 min on site
Build this quoteLuxury
$1,209
8 hr 45 min on site
Build this quote
05Aftercare
The first week, and every month after
- Days 1 to 2Keep it dry if you can. If it rains, let it air dry and don't wipe the panels.
- Days 3 to 7No automatic car washes and no soaps with wax or gloss enhancers.
- Every 4 to 6 weeksA Coating Maintenance Wash (from $79) with a silica topper keeps the beading strong.
- Once a yearFree inspection and topper. We note the coating's health in your portal.
Before you book
We need the car for a full day, in shade or a garage
Coatings cure best out of direct sun and rain. If your driveway is in full sun, a garage or a covered office lot works. We check the forecast the night before and move you for free if rain is coming.
Build a ceramic quoteCoated by Apex already?
Book your maintenance wash online. It takes about an hour and we can do it while the car sits in your office lot.
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