Ceramic Coating
Our professional ceramic coating forms a durable glass-like layer that protects your vehicle's paint from scratches, stone chips, UV & salt damage while making it easier to clean and maintain.
It protects your investment AND stays glossy all in one go!
Long-lasting Protection.
Unmatched Shine.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
Think of a ceramic coating as a glass-like invisible layer that bonds chemically to your vehicle's paintwork. It uses microscopic particles which bond onto the surface of the paintwork and create an immensely strong bond between the coating and the paint. This is what gives it such longevity.
These coatings provide extreme chemical resistance - in the real world, this essentially means bird mess and tree sap won't damage paint anywhere near as easily. They make water, and to an extent, dirt, not stick to paint (hydrophobic effect). This makes them easier to clean, far easier to dry, and means the car has some "self cleaning" properties (Rain can drag away a significant amount of dirt on a ceramic coated car). They're also very resistant to UV, preventing paint fade.
Overall a ceramic coating is an excellent choice for the notorious Scottish weather with which we are all too familiar. Whether you're looking for 12 months of protection or a 5-year ceramic coating, we offer a range of professionally applied coatings to suit different vehicles, budgets and ownership goals.
Why Choose a Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is the flagship service provided by Gillies Detailing Co and they provide the strongest protection for your pride and joy while remaining affordable.
It is extremely hard - and this layer is what prevents things like bird mess, road salt, and bug guts from etching into your nice factory paint. While it's not scratch-proof, it provides a sacrificial layer which preserves your vehicle's original paint. It also lasts for a significant amount of time - anywhere between 12-60 months! Compared with traditional waxes and paint sealants, ceramic coatings provide significantly longer-lasting protection when correctly maintained
Lastly, the gloss & finish provided from ceramic coatings are unmatched. That alone is enough for the real car enthusiasts to book this service.
Is a Ceramic Coating Worth It?
A ceramic coating is the perfect option for drivers who want long-term paint protection and easier maintenance. It can reduce the time needed to keep a vehicle clean and helps protect against many everyday contaminants. While regular washing is still recommended to achieve the best results, a ceramic coating makes maintenance significantly easier by reducing the amount of dirt and grime that bonds to your vehicle's paintwork.
Our Ceramic Coating Process
Every ceramic coating begins with thorough preparation, as the coating can only bond properly to a clean, contaminant-free surface. Rushing this stage can reduce durability and lock imperfections beneath the coating.
1. Decontamination Wash - We begin with a full decontamination wash to remove dirt, traffic film, previous waxes and sealants. This creates a clean surface for the ceramic coating to bond to.
2. Iron and Tar Removal - Next, we use dedicated iron fallout and tar removers to dissolve contaminants that cannot be removed during a normal wash. These particles often come from brake dust, road surfaces and industrial fallout and can become embedded in the paint.
3. Clay Bar Treatment - A clay bar is then used to remove any remaining bonded contamination, leaving the paintwork smooth and ready for correction or coating.
4. Paint Correction (Optional) - If selected, we machine polish the paintwork to reduce swirl marks, light scratches and oxidation while restoring gloss. Ceramic coatings preserve the condition of the paint beneath them, so correcting imperfections beforehand helps achieve the best possible finish.
5. Panel Preparation - After polishing, each panel is wiped with a specialist panel wipe to remove polishing oils. This allows the ceramic coating to bond directly with the paint rather than any residue left behind.
6. Ceramic Coating Application - The ceramic coating is carefully applied one panel at a time under controlled conditions. Once cured, it forms a durable protective layer that helps repel water, road grime and environmental contaminants while making routine maintenance easier.
7. Final Inspection and Curing - Depending on the coating selected, the entire process typically takes between 3 and 12 hours. Some coatings also require the vehicle to remain indoors overnight to allow the coating to cure correctly before being exposed to the elements.
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