Ceramic Coatings
For strong protection and a high gloss finish, look no further than a ceramic coating.
Ceramic Coatings are the final step and top layer of protection applied to your paint or Paint Protection Film surface.
On Track Detailing are Labocosmetica Accredited, meaning we can offer the full range of Labocosmetica coatings
We are also Infinity Wax Accredited and able to offer their range of Studio based warranted ceramic coatings
Gyeon Ceramic coating applied to BMW M4 after a Paint Correction Detail
Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, ceramic coatings cure to create a a thin but incredibly tough additional layer on top of your paint’s original finish - usually between 0.5 and 3uM (microns) thick - which creates an incredibly tough, slick, hydrophobic surface that not only resists dirt and contamination extremely well but also adds an extremely deep “wet look” gloss.
Ceramic coatings also resist fading to the original paint, due to high levels of UV protection, and can help prevent damage from bird lime, a wide range of chemicals, and other contamination such as tar and tree sap. They can also help to reduce water spots when it rains or from washing in hard-water areas. It’s also an excellent option for road cars used on track since any debris from the circuit, such as rubber and brake dust, is significantly easier to remove.
Ceramic coatings also help to make the vehicle easier to maintain as they reduce the overall build up of dirt and grime due to their hydrophobic self-cleaning nature and make the vehicle remain looking clean for longer and then significantly easier to wash and dry.
This in turns results in a much lower likelihood of accidentally damaging the paint via improper washing or drying methods, so your vehicle remains in a better condition for longer, which also adds to future resale value.
We can use a number of ceramic coatings from leading suppliers such as Labocosmetica, Gyeon, Gtechniq, CarPro and all of our coatings have a lifespan of between 2 and 7 years, depending on budget, use and maintenance.
Another benefit of ceramic coatings is that they help to create and keep a wet look gloss to your paint all year round.
Gyeon Ceramic coating applied to a Range Rover after a correction detail
We have a vast experience of applying a wide variety of ceramic coatings from different manufacturers since their appearance on the market over a decade ago, so you can be sure you will be getting a top quality result every time, no matter which coating is used.
The Process
Adding the protection of a coating is one of the final steps in the detailing process, whether it be an Enhancement or Correction, New Car Detail or a Protection Detail.
We have a selection of ceramic coatings to choose from to cover all the surfaces on the vehicle, from painted metal to textured plastic, glass, vinyl and Paint Protection Film.
Working with only the best coating manufacturers in the business from the likes of Labocosmetica, Gyeon, Gtechniq and CarPro to name but a few.
If you have a preferred brand or version you’d like us to apply, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you.
After polishing has been completed, we use diluted Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as IPA) and specialist degreasers to remove any residual oils on the surface from the polishing compounds. This not only enables inspection of the finish to ensure accurate results from the polishing process but also provides the best possible bond for the ceramic coating. On the bare paint, the coating is applied using a suede applicator wrapped around a foam block, working in small areas, which are then allowed to cure for the specified time before being levelled off evenly with an ultra-soft microfibre towel.
Multiple light sources are used to ensure there are no high spots. Temperature and humidity is also managed, as this can also affect the efficacy of application.
The suede applicators are changed frequently and then disposed of, to avoid the risk of uneven application or marking the finish due to the ceramic coating curing on them.
After the whole car has been covered with the base layer, and this has been allowed to cure for a period of 1 - 4 hours, there is usually a secondary layer applied, which is done in the same way as the first, to ensure an even and thorough application. In many cases, for two-part coatings, the base layer is the core protection and the top layer provides the intense hydrophobic effects.
The final step is to apply the top layer which is usually a spray coating and is generally applied between 12 and 24 hours after the last layer of coating, and not only adds further overall protection but helps allows the underlying coating to cure, in the event of rain or general grime from driving during its curing period, which can take up to 14 days.
Do not worry, the vehicle can still be used in all conditions during the curing period, but it is recommended to not subject the car to any washing chemicals within those 14 days
It can take between 3 and 6 hours to apply two layers of coating and a final spray, and this is due to the high level of care and attention to detail that must be paid to ensure the best results.
The end result is an intense, deep gloss left on every surface, which has incredible levels of protection and durability of between 2 and 7 years (coating type, usage and maintenance dependant).
The best part is when it comes to washing your vehicle that’s protected with a ceramic coating, you will find it can take as little as half the time to wash and dry, compared to an untreated vehicle, as any dirt comes off much more easily, as well as the vehicle being easier to dry either by using air or soft drying towels.
How long does it take and what is the cost?
Please see the prices at the bottom of our Essentials Detail, New Car Protection or Enhancement and Correction Detail page for an idea of timescales and cost as we would only apply a ceramic coating to a car that we can correctly prepare. Ceramic Coating upgrades start from £100.