Ceramic Coating – Frequently Asked Questions

What is ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to your car’s exterior surfaces. Once cured, it chemically bonds with the vehicle's paint to create a layer of protection. This coating helps guard against environmental contaminants such as road salt, tar, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV rays, all while enhancing the gloss and depth of your vehicle's finish.

Why can’t ceramic coating be done in one day?

At RGK Detailing Scotland, we take pride in doing things properly. While some companies offer same-day ceramic coating services, the truth is that these are often rushed jobs where key preparation steps are skipped. This can result in poor bonding, reduced durability, and an overall substandard finish.

A proper ceramic coating service cannot and should not be completed in one day. Here’s why:

Thorough decontamination – The car must be fully washed and decontaminated using specialist products to remove tar, iron fallout, and embedded contaminants.

Paint correction – Even brand-new cars usually require machine polishing to remove swirl marks, scratches, and surface imperfections. This step can take several hours depending on the condition of the paintwork.

Panel preparation – The surface needs to be wiped down with a panel prep solution to ensure there are no oils or residues that could affect coating adhesion.

Coating application and cure time – Ceramic coating is applied carefully and evenly. Once applied, it needs time to cure indoors, away from moisture, dust, or fluctuating temperatures. We typically allow 12 hours of controlled curing time.

Cutting corners in any of these areas compromises the final result. We believe that if you’re investing in professional ceramic coating, it should be done right the first time.

What are the benefits of ceramic coating?

Ceramic coating offers long-term protection and visual enhancement that traditional waxes and sealants simply can’t match. The key benefits include:

Long-lasting protection against UV rays, bird droppings, tar, and other contaminants, Deep gloss and colour enhancement, making your car look freshly detailed for longer, Hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties that make washing and drying easier, Helps prevent oxidation and paint fading over time, Reduces the likelihood of swirl marks from regular washing, Adds value to your vehicle and helps maintain its condition.

How do I maintain a ceramic-coated car?

While ceramic coating makes maintenance easier, it doesn’t mean the car is completely “maintenance-free.” To get the best performance and lifespan out of your coating, we recommend:

Washing your car using the two-bucket method and a pH-neutral shampoo, Avoiding automatic car washes with brushes, which can cause swirl marks, Drying the vehicle with clean, high-quality microfiber towels, Using ceramic-safe detail sprays every few months to enhance performance.

We also provide aftercare advice and recommended products as part of our service.

How long does ceramic coating last?

The longevity of a ceramic coating depends on several factors, including the quality of the coating, the condition of the paint prior to application, and how well the vehicle is maintained. At RGK Detailing Scotland, we are proud to be GYEON Certified Detailers, giving us access to professional-grade coatings that aren't available to the general public. We offer GYEON coatings that deliver durable protection lasting anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on the product chosen. With proper aftercare and regular maintenance, your coating will continue to perform and protect at a high level for years to come.

Can ceramic coating be applied to new cars?

Yes, and in fact, it’s one of the best times to apply it. New cars benefit from having the paintwork locked in and protected right away. However, despite being new, most vehicles still require at least a single-stage machine polish to remove light imperfections and dealership-applied waxes that may interfere with the coating. Once corrected and prepped, the ceramic coating will provide long-term protection from day one.

Do you offer ceramic coating for more than just paintwork?

Yes. We offer a range of ceramic coating options to protect all areas of your vehicle, including:

Alloy wheels and brake calipers, Glass and windscreen, Plastic trims and headlights, Interior leather, fabric, and plastic surfaces

We also offer custom packages depending on the level of protection you want.

Still have questions?

At RGK Detailing Scotland, we don’t just apply coatings — we offer expert advice, transparent service, and results that last. If you're considering ceramic coating or want to learn more about how it can protect your vehicle, feel free to get in touch.