Ceramic Coating

What is a ceramic coating? Ceramic coating is much better than any wax or sealant you have used previously. It’s a liquid that’s applied to the paint, then dries and hardens forming a much better and more durable barrier. It lasts years instead of months and adds a lot of depth and gloss to the paint. At LUSTR Detail we have been applying ceramic coating in Chicago-land for over 15 years! We properly prep the paint before a caramic coating application, leaving shiny paint that’s easier and quicker to clean!

Below is a video of a client’s vehicle showing durability of a ceramic coating in Chicago-land after one year. Select the HD setting for the best quality.

Our clients have different vehicles and goals for ceramic coatings. Thus, we have 3 different options for protection and value. Each option provides something different, however they all produce one significant result: durable protection with excellent shine. We offer coating applications for full vehicles and individual parts, such as wheels, glass and engine components. More information on ceramic coatings is available on our Protective Ceramic Coatings page.

Each coating application includes our Enhance Detail to prep the paint properly. For vehicles with swirls and other defects, Paint Correction is necessary for the best results.

Durability mainly depends on proper maintenance, because the car still needs a wash every couple weeks. A 1 layer coating can last 3 years with great maintenance, whereas a 3 layer coating may last only 1 year if neglected. Over 15 years we have seen an average of about 2 years durability of a ceramic coating in Chicago-land. That’s for a daily driver, so on a garage queen it could easily last 3+ years. Don’t worry, we provide instructions and a list of products for proper maintenance!

Paint Coating

For the vehicle’s paint, we can apply 1-3 layers of ceramic coating. To properly prep and cleanse the paint, we include our Enhance Detail before the coating application. Some cars with heavier swirl marks and other defects will benefit from paint correction. Recommended every 1.5-3 years. – Time required: around 1-3 days

Enhance Detail +
Paint is thoroughly cleansed with chemicals for the best bonding surface
1 layer of ceramic coating is applied to all the painted surfaces and headlights
The paint is then cured with lamps and kept overnight to fully dry
Note: Paint Correction may be necessary for paint with moderate or severe swirl mark

1 layer coating: $925+ for cars and $975+ for SUVs
2 layer coating: $1275+ for cars and $1375+ for SUVs

Wheel Coating

Wheels also benefit from ceramic coating keeping them clean and shiny. For wheels, we offer either a full wheels off detail and coat them inside and out, or just coat the wheel faces.

Wheels are thoroughly washed on the car using paint safe brushes and chemicals
Wheels are safely removed from the car, then we clean the barrels and brake calipers
Ceramic coating is then applied to the wheels inside and out, including the calipers
Wheels are then re-installed and torqued to factory settings
Note: Another option is coating wheel faces only, without removing anything from the car

Wheels-off detail and coating: $500+ (4 wheels)
Wheel face coating only: $175+

A La Carte

We also regularly apply ceramic coating to parts like engine covers, interior panels and spoilers. Anything that you’d like to keep clean and shiny can benefit from a ceramic coating! Some options include:

Carbon fiber parts with clearcoat
Engine parts that are painted
Piano black trim inside and outside
Plastic trim
Fabric and carpeting

Contact us for a free estimate

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

Great protection

Your car’s finish is constantly bombarded by bugs, birds and general contamination. Ceramic coatings last years instead of months, but more importantly provide a much thicker and better barrier of protection between your vehicle and the harsh elements. In short, a ceramic coating lasts longer and protects better, which keeps your paint in better shape for years to come!

Easier maintenance

Subsequent cleanup of your vehicle becomes much easier since contamination won’t stick to the coated paint as quickly. This means washes go quicker, drying is a breeze and the paint stays cleaner for longer. Also, no more need for waxing every month or two!

Glossy paint

Ceramic coatings provide great protection and easy maintenance, which results in very shiny paint! Ceramic coatings add depth and gloss to the paint, leaving you with that “just waxed” look after every wash.

*All services are performed only by appointment.
*Estimates for most services can be given through email or over the phone based on the year, make and model of the vehicle.
*Exact quote is given after a physical assessment and depends on size, type and overall condition of the vehicle.
*Paint correction, coatings and PPF services require a non-refundable retainer of 20%.
*Payment Accepted: Cash, Check, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and PayPal. (3% fee for Credit Cards and Paypal)
*Cancellation Policy: A cancellation fee of 15% will be charged for appointments cancelled less than 48 hours in advance.