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 package includes wash and decontamination — Level 1 and Level 2 packages add a one-step paint correction (about 70% defect removal). The coating is only as good as the paint underneath.
Maintenance program available
We travel to you and wash the vehicle at your residence twice a month to maintain the coating. Ask about our ceramic coating guarantee.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Coating — 2-Year | $550 | 2-year ceramic coating with whole-vehicle polishing and full decontamination prep. |
| Level 1 Ceramic — 4-Year Professional | $1,260 / $1,450 / $1,580 | Coupe / SUV / Truck. 4-year professional-grade coating. Includes decontamination, one-step paint correction (≈70% defect removal), coating application, exterior and tires dressed. ~4 hours. |
| Level 2 Ceramic — Everything Coated | $1,960 / $2,099 / $2,350 | Coupe / SUV / Truck. All of Level 1 plus ceramic coating on the wheels, windows, exterior trim, headlights and taillights. ~8 hours. |
Where two prices are shown: small-to-mid-size / full-size vehicle. Ceramic packages priced by coupe / SUV / truck. Excessive dirt, pet hair, or stains can add to the quote — we always confirm before starting.
Ceramic Coating FAQ
How much does a ceramic coating cost? +
The 2-Year Ceramic Coating is $550 and includes whole-vehicle polishing and decontamination prep. The Level 1 package — a 4-year professional coating with one-step paint correction — runs $1,260 for coupes, $1,450 for SUVs, and $1,580 for trucks. Level 2 adds coating on wheels, windows, trim, and lights: $1,960 to $2,350 depending on vehicle. If we find deeper defects during prep, we'll recommend additional correction but never charge without your approval.
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.
Do I need paint correction before a ceramic coating? +
It's strongly recommended. Ceramic is transparent — it locks in whatever is underneath. If your paint has swirl marks or oxidation and you skip correction, the coating will preserve those defects for years. We can coat without correction, but we'll be honest about the result before starting.