Ceramic Coating in Los Angeles
Tired of waxing every few weeks? A ceramic coating keeps the gloss for years and makes washing easy. Applied in-house, after paint correction.
- 794 Merchant St
- In-house
- drivers served
- 1,000+
- Google rating
- 4.9★
Ceramic Coating
What a Ceramic Coating Does for Your Paint
A ceramic coating is a liquid that is applied to the paint by hand and cures into a hard, clear layer bonded to the clear coat. It doesn't replace the clear coat; it sits on top of it and takes the sun, water and grime that would otherwise go straight into the paint.
In Los Angeles that means UV, dust, bird droppings, tree sap and hard-water spots from sprinklers. A coated car stays cleaner between washes, and dirt that does stick comes off with less scrubbing, which also means fewer new swirl marks from washing.
Hydrophobic surface:
water beads up and rolls off instead of sitting on the paint
UV protection:
helps prevent the oxidation and fading that LA sun causes over time
Chemical resistance:
bird droppings, sap and road grime are less likely to etch into the paint
Gloss:
corrected paint under a coating has a deep, wet-looking shine
9H rating on the pencil hardness scale, which helps the surface resist fine wash marks
Ceramic Coating vs Wax vs Paint Sealant
Wax and sealant do some of the same things, but they wear off in weeks or months. A coating lasts years, which is why it costs more up front and less per year of protection.
The water contact angle below measures how tightly water beads on the surface: the higher the number, the faster water, and the dirt in it, runs off the car.
Ceramic coating:
lasts 2–9 years depending on the coating, water contact angle of 110° or more, $600–$2,200
Paint sealant:
lasts about 4–6 months, water contact angle around 90°, $150–$300
Carnauba wax:
lasts about 1–3 months, water contact angle around 60°, $50–$150
Paint Correction Comes Before the Coating
A coating locks in whatever is underneath it. If it goes on over swirl marks, light scratches or water spots, those defects stay sealed under a glossy layer for years. That is why both of our coating packages start with paint correction.
Every coating begins with a wash and clay bar decontamination, then machine paint correction to remove defects from the clear coat. The Ceramic Package includes 2-stage correction, which suits most daily drivers. The Show Car Finish package uses 3-stage correction with paint depth readings and documentation, for cars that need the most correction or are going to be shown.
Step by step
How a Ceramic Coating Is Applied at Our Shop
- 01
Inspection of the paint under bright light to find swirls, scratches and etching
- 02
Hand wash and clay bar decontamination to remove bonded dirt and fallout
- 03
Machine paint correction: 2-stage in the Ceramic Package, 3-stage in the Show Car Finish
- 04
Panel wipe to remove polishing oils so the coating bonds to clean clear coat
- 05
Coating applied panel by panel, plus wheels, calipers and glass in the Ceramic Package
- 06
Indoor cure, final inspection and aftercare instructions with the 30-day maintenance kit
Ceramic Coating Doesn't Stop Rock Chips — PPF Does
A coating is a thin, hard layer measured in microns. It helps against fine wash marks, but it can't absorb the impact of a rock thrown up by a truck on the 5 or the 110. The front bumper, hood and mirrors take most of that damage.
For impact protection you need paint protection film, a thick, clear urethane film. Many owners put PPF on the front of the car and then coat the whole car, including over the film, to get chip protection where it is needed and easy cleaning everywhere. Our PPF vs ceramic coating vs vinyl wrap guide compares the options side by side.
Caring for a Coated Car
A coating makes washing easier, but the car still needs washing. Dust, bird droppings and water spots left on the paint for weeks can still leave marks on a coated surface.
The Ceramic Package includes a 30-day maintenance kit, so you have the right products from the first wash.
- Hand wash with a pH-neutral car soap and clean microfiber mitts and towels
- Skip automatic car washes with brushes, which cause swirl marks
- Dry the car after washing instead of letting sprinkler or tap water dry on the paint
- Remove bird droppings and sap soon, before they bake on in the sun
Pricing
Ceramic Coating Prices
The exact price depends on the size and condition of the car and is confirmed after we inspect the paint.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Package2–3 days: premium detail, 2-stage paint correction, professional ceramic coating (5–7 year warranty), wheel, caliper and glass coating, trim restoration, 30-day maintenance kit | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Show Car Finish4–5 days: everything in the Ceramic Package plus 3-stage paint correction, premium ceramic coating (9-year warranty), engine bay and door jamb coating, paint depth readings | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Ceramic coating optionsDepends on the coating chosen, rated from 2–3 years up to 9 years | $600–$2,200 |
Get a free estimate
Call or text (213) 282-8201, or send us the details online. Accident line and towing 24/7.
- Leti Auto Works
- 794 Merchant St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
- Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
- Get directions
- Shop hours
- Monday – Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- SundayClosed
- Accident line and towing answer 24/7.
Ceramic Coating — common questions
Didn’t find your question? Call us, a real person answers. 24/7 accident line & towing.
Call (213) 282-8201How long does a ceramic coating last?
Between 2 and 9 years, depending on the coating and how the car is cared for. The professional coating in our Ceramic Package carries a 5–7 year warranty, and the premium coating in our Show Car Finish package carries a 9-year warranty. For comparison, a paint sealant lasts about 4–6 months and carnauba wax about 1–3 months.
How much does ceramic coating cost in Los Angeles?
Our Ceramic Package is $1,200–$1,800 and includes 2-stage paint correction, the coating, wheel and glass coating and a 30-day maintenance kit. The Show Car Finish package with 3-stage correction and a premium coating with a 9-year warranty is $2,500–$3,500. The final price depends on the size and condition of the car.
Does ceramic coating protect against rock chips?
No. A coating is too thin to absorb the impact of a rock or road debris. Paint protection film is what stops rock chips, and many owners combine the two: film on the front of the car and a coating over the whole car.
Do I need paint correction before ceramic coating?
Yes. A coating seals in whatever is under it, including swirl marks and light scratches. Our Ceramic Package includes 2-stage paint correction and the Show Car Finish includes 3-stage correction, so the paint is corrected before the coating goes on.
How long does the ceramic coating process take?
The Ceramic Package takes 2–3 days and the Show Car Finish takes 4–5 days. Most of that time goes into washing, decontamination and paint correction; the coating then needs time to cure indoors before the car goes back on the road.
Can ceramic coating go over paint protection film?
Yes. A coating over PPF makes the film easier to clean, adds gloss and helps protect the film itself from stains and contaminants.
How do I wash a ceramic-coated car?
Hand wash with a pH-neutral car soap and clean microfiber mitts and towels, skip automatic brush washes, and dry the car instead of letting water spots form. The Ceramic Package comes with a 30-day maintenance kit with the products to start with.
Leti Auto Works applies ceramic coating at our shop at 794 Merchant St in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Every coating is done in-house in a climate-controlled facility, after the paint has been decontaminated and machine-corrected so the coating seals in a clean, glossy finish. Our Ceramic Package is $1,200–$1,800 and includes 2-stage paint correction and a professional coating with a 5–7 year warranty.
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Car detailing in Los Angeles: multi-stage paint correction, ceramic coating, interior and exterior detailing. Done in-house at our Arts District shop.
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Paint correction in Los Angeles: 1-, 2- and 3-stage machine polishing from $300 to remove swirl marks, scratches and oxidation. In-house in the Arts District.
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