Why choose Reflection Detailing for ceramic coating?
Years of protection
IGL ceramic coatings last 2 to 9 years depending on tier. Wax lasts 1-3 months. Do the math.
Hydrophobic shine
Water beads up and rolls off. Dirt, mud, and road grime have nothing to grip.
UV + chemical resistance
Protects against bird droppings, tree sap, bug splatter, and the relentless San Diego sun.
Easier washing forever
Coated paint washes clean in half the time. No more scrubbing bonded contaminants.
Certified application
IGL products applied by an IGL-trained installer. Uncertified shops buy generic coatings and wing it. We don't.
Full paint prep included
Every coating job includes wash, decontamination, clay bar, and 1-step or 2-step paint correction as needed. The coating is only as good as the paint underneath.
Our Ceramic Coating Process
- 1
Book + Prep Consult
Text or book online. We confirm vehicle size, condition, and the right coating tier for your needs.
- 2
Arrival + Full Wash
We arrive with the full rig. Hand wash, iron decon, tar removal, clay bar.
- 3
Paint Correction
Machine polish to remove swirl marks and defects. Required for proper coating bond.
- 4
Panel Wipe + Coating
Every panel wiped with IPA. IGL ceramic applied by panel, leveled, inspected.
- 5
Cure + Final Inspection
Coating flashes for 20-30 minutes per panel. We walk the finished vehicle with you before leaving.
Recent ceramic coating work
Ceramic Coating Pricing
| Package | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-year Graphene Ceramic | $449+ | Best value entry tier. Hydrophobic, gloss boost, UV protection. Sedan/coupe base. |
| 5-year Premium Graphene | $849+ | Paint correction + premium IGL coating. Our most popular package. |
| 9-year Flagship IGL | $1,499+ | Longest-lasting option. Full 2-step correction + top-tier IGL coating with warranty documentation. |
| Glass Coating Add-On | +$129 | Hydrophobic coating on all windows. Rain sheets off — no wipers needed at speed. |
| Wheel Face Coating | +$149 | Ceramic on wheel faces. Brake dust wipes off with a damp cloth. Huge time-saver. |
| Leather / Trim Coating | +$99 / +$79 | Protects interior surfaces from UV fading and stains. |
Base pricing shown for sedans and coupes. SUVs +$40, full-size trucks +$60-$80.
Ceramic Coating FAQ
Is a ceramic coating really worth it? +
If you're keeping the car more than 2 years, yes. A 5-year IGL coating at $849 equals about $170/year for paint that looks showroom-fresh, washes faster, and resists environmental damage. A $100 annual wax gets you worse protection for more money.
Can I wash my car after a ceramic coating? +
Yes — and it's easier than before. Wait 7 days after application before the first wash. After that, any standard hand-wash method works. Avoid automatic car washes with rotating brushes.
Do I still need to wax after ceramic coating? +
No. A ceramic coating replaces wax entirely for the duration of its lifespan. Adding wax on top is a waste of product.
Why pay for an IGL Coatings Certified installer? +
IGL-certified installers are trained directly by IGL on their specific product line, application technique, and surface prep. Uncertified shops often substitute cheaper coatings — you pay for IGL pricing but get unknown chemistry. With a certified installer, what you pay for is what goes on your car, period.
How long does ceramic coating take? +
A full coating job with paint correction takes 6-8 hours on-site. We start early and work through the day.