Ceramic Coatings

Depending on the package, our CeramicPro coatings last from 1 year (Essential) up to 10+ years (Gold Package), with Iron (3yr), Bronze (5yr), and Silver (7yr) options in between. With proper maintenance and annual renewals, protection can last the lifetime of your vehicle.

Yes, but much less frequently and much more easily. The hydrophobic surface repels dirt and grime, so a simple rinse often does the job. We recommend a pH-neutral soap wash every 2-3 weeks.

Absolutely — new cars are the ideal candidates. Even factory-new paint has minor imperfections that we correct before coating, giving you better-than-showroom results from day one.

Wax sits on top of paint and wears off in weeks. Ceramic coating chemically bonds to paint at a molecular level, creating a permanent 9H-hardness layer that's far more durable, hydrophobic, and protective.

Depending on the package and vehicle size, the process takes 1-4 days. This includes decontamination, paint correction, multi-layer coating application, and proper curing time.

At Chicago Auto Spa, ceramic coating packages start at $399 for our Essential 1-year coating and range up to $2,499+ for our Gold Package with lifetime protection. The price depends on vehicle size, paint condition (whether correction is needed), and the number of coating layers. We offer free assessments — contact us for an exact quote for your vehicle.

Yes, especially in Chicago. Daily drivers face road salt, harsh winters, UV exposure, bird droppings, and tree sap year-round. Ceramic coating creates a permanent hydrophobic barrier that makes your car dramatically easier to wash, protects against chemical etching, and maintains that showroom shine. Most customers say it's the best investment they've made for their vehicle.

Ceramic coating adds a hard 9H-rated layer that resists light scratches and swirl marks better than unprotected paint. However, it won't prevent deep scratches from keys or heavy impacts — that's what PPF (paint protection film) is for. For maximum scratch protection, we recommend combining PPF on high-impact areas with ceramic coating over the entire vehicle.

9H refers to the pencil hardness scale used to measure coating durability. 9H is the highest rating, meaning the cured ceramic coating is extremely resistant to scratching and marring. For reference, your car's factory clear coat is typically rated around 2H-4H. Our CeramicPro coatings achieve true 9H hardness after proper curing.

Maintenance is simple: wash with pH-neutral car soap every 2-3 weeks, avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes, and use a ceramic-safe spray detailer between washes. We provide a complete aftercare kit and instructions with every coating. Annual maintenance inspections at our shop help ensure your coating performs at its best.

Yes, and we highly recommend it. Applying ceramic coating over PPF adds hydrophobic properties, UV protection, and makes the film easier to clean. The ceramic layer also enhances the PPF's gloss and self-healing properties. This combination — PPF underneath for physical protection, ceramic on top for chemical protection — is the ultimate paint protection setup.