Ceramic Coatings
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What Is A Ceramic Coating
A Ceramic Coating is a Semi Permanent crystal like clear coating that offers a variety of benefits. This extra layer of protection is one of the best ways to keep that like-new feeling for your car.
Ceramic Coatings require a lot of prep work but once done and applied the paint is left with a show car-like finish leaving. At Automotive Aptitude we specialize in the application of ceramic coatings and everything involved.
A Ceramic Coating is a Semi Permanent protective clear coating, it is one of the best forms of paint protection. Ceramic Coatings are known for their high levels of gloss, protection, and ease of maintenance amongst other things.
Why get a Ceramic Coating? A ceramic coating is one of the best ways to restore and maintain the shine of your vehicle. Ceramic coatings provide a variety of benefits including easier maintenance and shine.
Why get a Ceramic Coating? A ceramic coating is one of the best ways to restore and maintain the shine of your vehicle.
Why get a ceramic coating with us? Along with 5+ years of experience we bring all proper equipment to deliver a top notch service. Along with a quality detail we consult our clients with for solutions to all types of issues.
Why choose Automotive Aptitude? With years of experience and all the right equipment, we always do our best to provide the best possible service.
How much does it cost? Ceramic coatings are one of our most expensive services. Ceramic coatings start at $600. Pricing is based on the level of correction, level of protection and the size of the vehicle. A consultation is required to book a ceramic coating to ensure the goals of both parties are understood.
How much does it cost? Ceramic coatings are one of the most expensive services we offer. Each ceramic coating is priced based on level of paint correction, level of protection, and the size of the vehicle.
Preparation
Initial Inspection
Before any ceramic coating is applied, we begin with a complimentary pre-inspection of your vehicle’s exterior and interior. This required step ensures your paint is in proper condition for long-term protection and highlights any imperfections that may need correction. We also assess other surfaces and quickly inspect the interior to identify potential detailing needs. This personalized approach guarantees accurate preparation and maximizes coating performance—because results matter when you’re investing in long-term protection.
We start every ceramic coating with a free pre-inspection. This required step ensures the paint is ready for coating and gives us a chance to recommend any additional services. It’s all about protecting your investment with precision and care.
Three Bucket Wash
The first step of the exterior process is always the wheels. This. would include a cleaning of the wheel well, tire, wheel and barrels. Next up we use two buckets to maintain a clean hand wash for the rest of the car. After that we rinse the car and prepare for the decontamination steps.
The first step of the exterior process is always the wheels. Next up we use two buckets for a hand wash for the rest of the car. After a rinse we prepare decontamination steps.
Decontamination Wash
The next step is to clean the car with strong chemicals to strip the paint. We match the chemical decontamination with a clay bar to remove the more in depth contaminants. The clay finishes the job and after a final rinse we are ready for the paint correction.
After that we use chemicals to decontaminate the paint. With a clay bar we remove contaminants. Then a final rinse and then paint correction.
Paint Correction
Setting The Scene
In order to install a ceramic coating it is important to make sure you maintain a clean work space. Our first step is to tape off any sensitive materials. This is done to prevent polish and the polisher from making contact on unwanted surfaces. If polish gets onto for example rubber trim it would take a much longer time to clean and remove.
The first step of the exterior process is always the wheels. Next up we use two buckets for a hand wash for the rest of the car. After a rinse we prepare decontamination steps.
Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is a precision technique used to level paint when deeper scratches or texture are present. It involves controlled abrasion with measured passes to safely refine the surface before polishing. Not all vehicles require it—when they do, it’s done with care and purpose.
Wet sanding smooths paint by removing texture or deep scratches. It’s done with measured, controlled passes and only used when necessary before polishing.
Compounding
Compounding uses a mild abrasive and a pad to remove sanding marks, fine scratches, and oxidation. Controlled, even passes smooth and clear the paint, prepping it for the final polish and lasting shine. Used only when needed.
Compounding gently smooths paint with a mild pad to remove sanding marks and scratches. This optional step, done only when needed, preps it for final polish.
Polishing
Polishing is the final step in paint correction and always done before applying a ceramic coating. It uses a fine polish and soft pad to refine micro-marring, boost shine, and deepen gloss, sealing your paint for durable, showroom-quality protection.
Polishing is the final correction step and always done before ceramic coating. It uses a fine polish and soft pad to refine micro-marring and boost gloss.
Coating
What Goes Down
1 Year Coating
Gyeon CanCoat Gyeon CanCoat is a spray-on ceramic coating that protects paint for up to 12 months. It creates a water-repellent, glossy layer that resists light scratches and stains. Easy to apply, it boosts shine and helps your car stay clean longer.
Gyeon CanCoat lasts up to 12 months, giving a glossy, water-repellent finish ideal for easy, frequent washes.
3 Year Coating
Gyeon Pure2 Gyeon Pure2 is a high-end coating that bonds deeply for up to 36 months of protection. It delivers strong hydrophobic performance, brilliant gloss, and chemical resistance. Perfect for owners who want long-lasting shine with low upkeep.
Gyeon Pure2 doubles durability to 36 months with a deeper chemical bond, enhanced water beading, and richer gloss than CanCoat.
5 Year Coating
gtechniq Crystal Serum Light is a durable ceramic coating that lasts up to 60 months. It locks in shine, blocks UV damage, and adds surface hardness. Its light formula is ideal for lasting gloss and easy cleaning.
Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light maintains 60 months of protection while adding industry-leading surface hardness and UV defense for peak durability and shine.
Application
Using microfiber applicators we apply the ceramic coating to all the polished surfaces. We make sure to go over the entire vehicle in square pattern to ensure every part of the vehicle is properly coated.
Using microfiber applicators we apply the ceramic coating to all the polished surfaces.
Buffing
After Application of the ceramic coating it is important to level out the ceramic coating. This is important because without the buff the coating would be uneven and leaving visible marks on the vehicle.
After Application of the ceramic coating it is important to level out the ceramic coating.
Inspection
Following the previous steps the next step is to pull the car out into lighting and inspect the coating. This is important to make sure no coating is left unbuffed.
The final step is to pull the car out into the sun for a full final sun inspection.
Warranty
Why a Warranty
Warranty means we will fix or redo your ceramic coating if it fails after you follow care steps. (To start warranty coverage, the ceramic coating must be installed by Automotive Aptitude and receive its first Ceramic Maintenance wash/Inspection within 90 days. Coatings applied to damaged paint, previously coated panels, or incomplete surfaces may be excluded. Warranty may be voided if activation steps are missed, service history is unclear, or the coat fails.) We track every wash and inspection so help comes fast. Do your washes and checks and tell us about any issue within 14 days to keep your warranty active.
How To Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
To maintain protection, vehicles must receive a Ceramic Maintenance wash every 1 month if not washed properly at home, or every 3 months if washed correctly. Proper home care means using automotive-grade pH-neutral soap, washing in shade with cool paint, and using a two-bucket method (one for soap, one to rinse). Dry only with clean microfiber towels and remove bugs, sap, bird droppings, and water spots immediately. Harmful habits—like drive-thru washes, foam brushes, dish soap, pressure washers, or household towels—can damage the coating and void the warranty.
Inspection Schedule & Maintenance Requirements Every ceramic coating includes scheduled inspections to stay covered. Standard coatings require 1 inspection at 6 months, Performance requires 2 inspections—1 per year, and Elite requires 4 inspections—1 per year for 4 years. These inspections are completed during each Automotive Aptitude Ceramic Maintenance wash, which serves as both a deep clean and an inspection. Skipping any checkup or ignoring proper cleaning may void the warranty.
How to Claim And What Comes Next
If you believe your ceramic coating has failed under normal, recommended care, filing a claim is straightforward. First, gather your original invoice or proof of purchase, along with clear, well-lit photos of the affected areas—captured from multiple angles to help us assess the issue accurately. Then, complete our official Warranty Claim Form here: Automotive Aptitude Warranty Claim Form, including your contact information, vehicle details, a brief description of the issue, and photo uploads. Once submitted, we’ll respond within 3 business days to schedule a mobile inspection. If the claim is approved, we’ll follow our repair ladder: starting with spot treatment, then panel reapplication if needed, and finally full vehicle re-coating in rare cases—all at no additional cost. To remain eligible, claims must be submitted within 30 days of noticing the issue and must comply with our maintenance and care guidelines, including avoidance of automatic washes and use of approved cleaning products only. We stand behind our work and are committed to preserving the integrity of your investment.
Warranty may be voided if any of the following occur: • Missed or late inspections • Skipped Ceramic Maintenance washes • Use of non-imprope soaps, brushes, or towels • Exposure to drive-thru, foam, or automatic washes • DIY polishing, claying, or coating • Failure to remove bugs, sap, or droppings promptly • Paint damage from chips, dents, sanding, or bodywork • Unknown products applied by client or third-party • Environmental fallout left untreated (hard water, overspray, ash) • Service history incomplete or unverifiable
For questions or updates, our support line is available at (562) 445-1457, and you can email us at automotiveaptitude9@gmail.com. We’re here to keep your finish protected, your service smooth, and your warranty experience stress-free.