Both a paint sealant and a ceramic coating sit on top of your clear coat and protect it. The main differences are how long they last, how much prep goes in first, and the price.
Paint sealant
A sealant is applied by hand after the car is washed. It adds gloss and helps water bead off. It lasts months, not years, so it needs to be reapplied.
- Our full detail includes a 3 month paint sealant.
- Our exterior detail includes a 6 month ceramic sealant.
Ceramic coating
A ceramic coating is a hard layer that bonds to the clear coat. It lasts years with proper maintenance, keeps its gloss, and makes the car easier to wash.
Our Lifetime Ceramic Coating starts with a detailed hand wash, clay bar, and decontamination, then a full single stage paint correction, then an alcohol wipe down so the coating bonds to clean paint. It is built to last 8 to 10 years with proper maintenance, comes with an 8 year warranty, and includes a free follow-up wash.
Why prep matters
A coating locks in whatever is under it. If there are swirls in the paint when it goes on, they stay there. That is why the paint is corrected before the coating. If your paint is dull or swirled, paint correction is the first step either way.
Which one is right for you?
- A sealant makes sense if you get the car detailed regularly and want a lower cost up front.
- A coating makes sense if you plan to keep the car for years and want the paint protected without reapplying every few months.
Not sure? Call or text (808) 650-7038, or send photos for a quote, and we will tell you what fits your car.