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Detailing

Pure Detailing ยท San Diego & Southern California

Ceramic coating, applied to prepared paint.

A coating is the final layer, not the first step. I prepare the finish underneath it so the gloss you see is in the paint, not hiding its condition.

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Protection with a purpose

What a coating does. And does not.

  • 01

    Gloss and resistance

    A ceramic coating enhances gloss and adds chemical resistance. It helps contamination release more easily during careful washing.

  • 02

    Maintenance, made simpler

    It makes washing easier, but does not replace it. Dirt, road film and water deposits still need attention.

  • 03

    Not a rock-chip barrier

    A coating does not stop rock chips. Paint protection film is the physical barrier to consider for exposed surfaces.

The finish underneath

Preparation matters more.

Decontamination removes bonded contamination before correction addresses the defects the paint can safely surrender. I assess both before choosing the work.

The coating locks in whatever is underneath. Swirls, polishing residue or contamination are not made right by coating over them. The preparation and final panel wipe come first.

From assessment to aftercare

The coating process

  1. 01

    Evaluation

    Assess the paint, its history, your driving and the finish you want. Scope and timing are confirmed here.

  2. 02

    Wash & decontamination

    Clean the car and remove bonded contamination using methods appropriate to its surfaces.

  3. 03

    Paint-depth readings

    Measure before polishing, noting variations and areas that call for restraint.

  4. 04

    Correction

    Use a test spot and measured polishing to refine the finish within the limits of the paint.

  5. 05

    Panel wipe

    Remove remaining polishing residue and prepare a clean surface for application.

  6. 06

    Coating application

    Apply in controlled conditions suited to the selected coating. The working location is confirmed when booking.

  7. 07

    Cure time

    Allow the required initial cure before handover. Water exposure and washing restrictions depend on the coating.

  8. 08

    Handover

    Review the finish and discuss the specific care and curing instructions for your car.

Who it suits

New cars, exotics and driven classics can benefit from easier maintenance and considered protection. Even a new car is evaluated before coating; new paint is not automatically defect-free.

For a restored show car, I check event and marque-club rules before recommending a coating. Preservation-class originals receive conservation cleaning instead of coatings. Original single-stage paint and lacquer call for particular restraint.

Two different jobs

Pairs well with PPF

Film can protect exposed areas from road debris while a compatible coating simplifies washing. They complement one another rather than doing the same job.

Compatibility is checked before coating over film. Coverage, preparation and the order of application are agreed in the paint evaluation.

Aftercare basics

  • 01

    Respect the cure

    Follow the handover instructions for water exposure and the first wash. Cure times are coating-specific.

  • 02

    Wash carefully

    Use clean wash tools, suitable products and gentle drying. Avoid abrasive automatic brush washes.

  • 03

    Deal with contamination

    Remove bird droppings and other contamination promptly and safely. Ask before using aggressive cleaners or polishing the coating.

Before we begin

Your questions

How long does a coating last?

It depends on the product, preparation, exposure and ongoing care. The expected service life and care requirements are confirmed at the paint evaluation, rather than promised as a universal number.

Do I still need to wash?

Yes. A coating makes washing easier; it does not wash the car for you. Careful regular washing and prompt contamination removal remain necessary.

Can it go over PPF?

A compatible coating can be applied over suitable film. I check the film and coating requirements before recommending the combination.

Will it hide swirls?

No. Swirls need appropriate correction before application. A coating preserves the prepared finish rather than concealing defects.

Is it right for my classic?

A driven classic may suit a coating. Restored concours cars need event and marque-club rule checks first. Preservation-class originals receive conservation cleaning, not coatings, and original lacquer is treated with restraint.

A considered combination

Related services

Start with the paint

A considered plan.
A finish worth caring for.

Tell me about your car, how you use it and what you want to achieve. The right work starts with an evaluation.

Book a paint evaluation
Book a paint evaluation