Professional Ceramic Coating Installers In Albuquerque
Add a Layer Of Gloss And Protection To Your Vehicle
There was a time when paste wax was the best option for enhancing your car’s shine and protecting the paint from elements like rain, bird droppings, dirt, and more. It did the job — but times have changed.
Thanks to advancements in technology, we now have a far superior and longer-lasting solution: ceramic coatings.
Unlike the old “wax-on, wax-off” method, ceramic coatings form a semi-permanent bond to your vehicle’s surface, creating a durable layer of protection. Often referred to as a “sacrificial barrier,” the coating takes the brunt of harsh weather, dirt, and grime — preserving the paint’s clarity and shine underneath. It’s the modern-day armor your vehicle deserves.
What Is a Ceramic Coating?
Your Go-To Ceramic Coating Experts in Albuquerque
Getting a ceramic coating applied to your vehicle is one of the best ways to protect your paint and enhance its shine for years to come. However, if the process isn’t done correctly, the results can fall short of expectations — and in some cases, even create more problems.
One of the biggest misconceptions about ceramic coatings comes from the countless spray-on products sold in stores. Many of them make bold claims, but they aren’t true ceramic coatings. While they may temporarily add shine and protection, they don’t offer the long-lasting durability and performance that a professional ceramic coating provides. Paying hundreds of dollars for a spray-on product like that simply isn’t worth it.
The key to a high-quality ceramic coating isn’t just in the product — it’s in the preparation. At Detail-N-Stuff Auto Detailing, we follow a meticulous process to ensure the coating bonds properly and delivers maximum results. This involves thoroughly washing, claying, and polishing the paint to remove any surface imperfections that could hinder the coating’s performance.
The time and effort it takes to complete this process can vary depending on your vehicle’s condition and the results you’re aiming for. If your paint is already in excellent shape, a light polish may be all that’s needed, allowing us to complete the job in a day. However, if your paint has heavy swirl marks, scratches, or oxidation, it may take two to three days to fully correct and prepare the surface before applying the coating.
So, is polishing your paint absolutely necessary before applying a ceramic coating? Technically, no — you could apply a coating over swirled or imperfect paint. However, you wouldn’t be getting the full benefit of the coating. The swirls and scratches would still be visible under the coating, and the shine would be limited. In that case, you’d be better off applying a traditional sealant instead.
But if you’re aiming for that deep, mirror-like shine with long-lasting protection, the extra time spent correcting the paint beforehand is well worth it. At Detail-N-Stuff, we’re committed to doing it the right way — so your vehicle leaves looking its absolute best, with protection that truly lasts.
Applying A Coating Is A Tedious Process
Applying a ceramic coating is a much more intricate and precise process compared to applying a wax or sealant. It’s not as simple as spreading it on, waiting a few minutes, and then buffing it off. With a ceramic coating, timing and technique are everything — and getting it wrong can lead to poor results or even more work down the road.
One of the biggest challenges with applying a ceramic coating is knowing exactly when to remove it from the surface. Every coating brand and formula has a different “set” time, which can also be affected by temperature and humidity. Unlike wax, there’s no universal timeframe like “wait 30 seconds and wipe off.” Instead, you have to visually read the coating and identify the perfect moment to remove it — and that takes experience and skill.
To do it right, you have to work in small sections under proper lighting so you can clearly see what you’re doing. If you buff off the coating too early, it may not have fully bonded to the paint, reducing its durability and lifespan. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the coating becomes extremely difficult to remove, leaving behind stubborn streaks and smears.
A common issue we see with improperly applied coatings is something called high spots. This happens when a section of the coating wasn’t fully leveled or buffed off, leaving a visible patch that looks like a smear or haze on the paint. If caught quickly, it can be corrected with a simple buff. But if the coating has already cured, the only way to fix it is by machine polishing the paint — which essentially means redoing a large portion of the job.
This is why ceramic coating application is a skill that requires patience, experience, and precision. It’s not just about applying the product — it’s about knowing exactly when and how to remove it to ensure a flawless, even finish. If done incorrectly, you could end up with uneven coverage, reduced protection, or worse — high spots all over your vehicle that require costly correction.
At Detail-N-Stuff, we take the time to apply your ceramic coating the right way — ensuring maximum durability, protection, and a brilliant, streak-free finish. When done properly, a ceramic coating provides long-lasting defense against the elements and keeps your paint looking like glass for years to come.
A ceramic coating is an excellent choice for enhancing gloss and providing protection, but it’s not the right solution for every situation.
For example, if you have a work truck that’s constantly on job sites, dealing with branches, boxes, and heavy wear and tear, a ceramic coating may not be the best fit. The coating could be compromised by the frequent physical damage the truck experiences.
However, if you have a work truck that sees long road trips and you want to protect it from dirt, rain, and other elements, then a ceramic coating would be a great option. It would help maintain the truck’s appearance while providing durable protection from the elements. It all depends on how you use your vehicle and what kind of protection you need.
Is a Ceramic Coating Right For You?
Many coating companies make bold claims about what their products can do. While some of these claims have merit, I prefer not to overhype the capabilities of ceramic coatings. Instead, here are the real benefits you can expect:
✅ Provides a long-lasting protective layer that lasts 3 to 8 years
✅ Requires only one application — no need for frequent reapplications like with wax or sealant
✅ Delivers a deep, high-gloss finish that surpasses other protection options
✅ Offers exceptional hydrophobic properties, keeping your car cleaner for longer and making it easier to wash
✅ Can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including paint, glass, wheels, vinyl wraps, and paint protection film
However, before the coating is applied, your vehicle must be thoroughly prepped and corrected using one of our paint correction services. Without proper prep, the coating won’t bond correctly, and you won’t get the full benefits of its protection.
The Benefits Of a Ceramic Coating
Common Myths About Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings are durable and long-lasting, but they’re not invincible. It’s essential to understand their limitations so you’re not misled by unrealistic expectations. We've seen many customers overestimate the protective qualities of coatings and feel disappointed when they notice swirls or etchings on their paint. Here are some common myths about coatings:
Myth: The coating will make your paint scratch-proof.
While many coatings claim to be scratch-resistant, they’re not immune to all forms of damage. When we say the coating resists light scratches, we mean minor marks from gentle use, like wiping with a soft towel after applying spray wax. It’s not designed to prevent rock chips or significant impacts. For example, dragging a dirty wash mitt across your paint or brushing up against it with your clothes will still cause scratches. So yes, the coating can help resist swirls to some extent, but it’s not a shield against all damage.
Myth: Coatings will protect your paint from rock chips.
Unfortunately, no ceramic coating will protect your vehicle from rock chips or debris. The only effective solution for this is paint protection film (PPF). Ceramic coatings help keep water, dirt, and road grime from sticking to your paint, but they won’t stop impacts like rocks from causing damage. If you’re concerned about rock chips, PPF is the only way to protect your paint properly.
Myth: You don’t need to wash your car anymore after it’s coated.
While a ceramic coating makes it easier to keep your car clean, it doesn’t mean you can skip washing it altogether. For the coating to last and continue performing well, you still need to wash your vehicle regularly, at least once a month. Avoid automated car washes with harsh brushes that can cause swirls and damage the coating. Instead, use high-quality wash mitts, microfiber towels, and cleaners that won’t strip or degrade the coating. Proper maintenance can make the difference between a coating lasting 2 years or 4 years.
Understanding these limitations helps ensure you get the best results from your ceramic coating while managing expectations for its protection.
Ceramic Coating Pricing
Price is based on the size of the vehicle. General prices are shown below. Please contact us for a more accurate quote.
3 Year Ceramic Coating
• Sedan/Coupe - $300
• Midsize SUV (4-5 Seats) - $350
• Truck/Large SUV - $400
• Exotic - $300
5 Year Ceramic Coating
• Sedan/Coupe - $900
• Midsize SUV (4-5 Seats) - $950
• Truck/Large SUV - $1200
• Exotic - $900
8 Year Ceramic Coating
• Sedan/Coupe - $1200
• Midsize SUV (4-5 Seats) - $1250
• Truck/Large SUV - $1450
• Exotic - $1200
The Stack (8 + 3 Year)
• Sedan/Coupe - $1300
• Midsize SUV (4-5 Seats) - $1350
• Truck/Large SUV - $1550
• Exotic - $1300
Do you have a shop?
Yes! We offer all our paint correction and ceramic coating services at our shop in Ventana West. We also provide some mobile ceramic coating services, depending on the complexity of the work. Since the process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days, we generally recommend coming to our shop for the best results, but a few services can be done on-site.
Is ceramic coating the best protection for my paint?
Ceramic coatings offer excellent protection and a brilliant shine, but for the ultimate defense, paint protection film (PPF) is the best option. PPF provides a superior layer of protection against debris and impacts, offering greater durability than any ceramic coating.
Can I wash my car after the coating is applied?
After the coating is applied, your vehicle should remain dry for the first 48 hours to allow the coating to fully cure. Following that period, we recommend waiting at least two weeks before washing your car to ensure the coating has had enough time to set properly.
Can the ceramic coating replace my clear coat?
If your paint is chipping or fading due to clear coat failure, the only solution is a repaint. A ceramic coating cannot fix clear coat damage.
Can I get the coating installed without prep work or paint correction?
We don’t apply ceramic coatings to vehicles that haven’t undergone the necessary prep and paint correction. Without this crucial step, you won’t get the full benefits of the coating, as it requires a smooth, properly prepped surface to bond effectively.
Ceramic Coating FAQs
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