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Ceramic Coating Process | SF City Wash San Francisco
SF City Wash — Process / Ceramic Coating

Ceramic Coating
How We Do It

This isn't a quick spray wax. A ceramic coating is a semi-permanent layer of protection bonded directly to your clear coat — and getting it right takes prep, correction, and precision.

Paint Correction
Panel Wipe
Gtechniq Application
2–5 Year Durability
Request a Quote Ceramic Coating Page
Paint correction — rotary polisher on white paint Paint correction on rear glass Rotary polisher on black car roof Ceramic coating solution applied to foam pad Gtechniq applicator pad on white paint
The 5-Stage Process

What We Actually Do

Every ceramic coating appointment follows these 5 stages, in order. The preparation work takes more time than the coating itself — and that's the point.

Stage 01

Full Exterior Detail

Every ceramic coating starts with a complete exterior detail — foam cannon, iron decontamination, two-bucket contact wash, and a thorough rinse. The coating bonds to paint, so the paint must be free of every contaminant, bonded particle, and wax layer before we go further.

  • Foam cannon pre-wash (pH-neutral)
  • Iron decontamination spray
  • Two-bucket hand wash with grit guards
  • Clay bar decontamination on all paint panels
  • Full rinse and blowout dry
This is why ceramic coating appointments take 1–2 days. We don't skip prep.
Stage 02

Paint Correction

Once the paint is clean, we assess the condition under a bright inspection light. Most daily-driver vehicles have swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation that will be permanently locked under the coating if not removed first. We machine-polish to correct them.

  • Multi-stage inspection under panel light
  • Single-stage or dual-stage machine polish (depending on condition)
  • Rotary or DA polisher with cutting compound + finishing polish
  • Final inspection pass confirming correction before moving on
Paint correction is optional but strongly recommended. A ceramic coating over uncorrected paint seals the defects in permanently.
Stage 03

Panel Wipe

After correction, all polishing oils and residue are fully stripped from every panel using an IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipe-down. This step is critical — any oil left on the surface will prevent the coating from bonding correctly. We work panel by panel.

This is a step many detailers rush or skip. We do not.
Stage 04

Ceramic Coating Application

We apply Gtechniq ceramic coating panel by panel using a foam applicator. The product is worked into the paint in a cross-hatch pattern, allowed to flash, then leveled with a clean microfiber. Each panel is inspected under light before moving to the next.

  • Gyeon Q² CanCoat EVO, Gtechniq EXO v5 or Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light (depending on package)
  • Panel-by-panel application — not a full-car spray
  • Flash time managed per temperature and humidity conditions
  • High-pile microfiber for final leveling
Stage 05

Cure & Aftercare

After application, the coating needs time to fully cross-link and cure. You'll receive aftercare instructions specific to the product applied.

  • 24 hours minimum before any water contact
  • 7 days before washing
  • 2–4 weeks to reach full hardness
  • Avoid automated car washes permanently
  • Annual or semi-annual top coat spray to maintain hydrophobics
We send written aftercare instructions with every coating appointment.
Common Questions

Ceramic Coating FAQ

It depends on the product. Gyeon Q² CanCoat EVO is rated by Gyeon at up to 12 months, Gtechniq EXO v5 at 18 to 24 months, and Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light at up to 5 years. Bay Area salt air and fog reduce all of those without proper upkeep — an annual top coat spray maintains the hydrophobics.
Correction is not required but strongly recommended. A ceramic coating is semi-permanent — it will seal whatever is underneath it. If your paint has swirl marks, light scratches, or oxidation, those defects will be locked under the coating unless removed first.
No. Automated car washes use stiff nylon brushes that scratch clear coat — coated or not. After a ceramic coating, hand washing or touchless washing only. This is non-negotiable if you want the coating to last.
A basic coating with a single-stage correction typically takes 6–8 hours. A full multi-stage correction plus coating on a larger vehicle can take 2 days. We'll give you a time estimate when we quote the job based on your vehicle's condition.
Yes — especially in SF. The combination of UV exposure, salt air from the Bay, and parking in tight spaces makes paint take a beating. A ceramic coating reduces maintenance time dramatically (rain sheeting, self-cleaning in most conditions) and preserves your car's resale value.

Get a Ceramic Coating Quote

We quote based on vehicle size, paint condition, and the level of correction needed. Fill out a quote request and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Request a Quote Read More About Ceramic Coating

Explore Our Full Process

Overview

Full Process Overview

The complete SF City Wash detailing method — interior and exterior start to finish.
Process

Exterior Detail

Foam cannon, iron decon, two-bucket wash, sealant — our 9-step exterior process.
Process

Interior Detail

Blowout, double vacuum, panels, carpet, glass, and trim — the full interior method.
Gear

Products We Use

Every polisher, pad, and coating product we actually use — linked to where to buy them.