Paint Protection FAQ

Wax is the original “Paint Protection” – It has been around since the early 1800s. Wax originally was made from animal fats to cover horse trailers (ironic right?). While it has developed over the decades, the cons of wax far outweigh its offerings. Constant reapplication is the biggest of these cons.

Ceramic Coatings bond with your vehicle’s clear coat and form a long lasting, high gloss “Nano Coat” barrier. Ceramic Coatings repel water, environmental factors and even prevent lackluster. It protects, enhances and strengthens one of your most valued investments. Ceramic Coatings have a good balance between pros and cons.

Paint Protection Film is the latest addition to the protection market. It is the only protection that will resist; and in some cases even heal, after taking damage. Yes you read that right – some PPF is self-healing. It can handle going through car washes and rock chips with minimal issue. The disadvantage? VERY expensive. This protection can run you 5 figures for an entire vehicle. It requires multiple days for application. Even for protection on the front third of the vehicle (hood, fenders, front bumper, mirrors) you will spend thousands.

Kings Valet recommends Ceramic Coating for a great balance between price and protection. However, Ceramic Coating is not right for everyone. If you are looking to “do jeep things” offroad – PPF may be a better solution. 

A Car Wash’s “Ceramic Coating”? The same as that car wash applies a wax – this wax is rated for a couple days (first rain after clean at longest). They stick some SiO2 in their mix, scratch your car up while cleaning it then tell you that you have a Ceramic Coating. It will also last a couple days or first rain.

“Ceramic Wax”? What an oxymoron. Like the car wash, wax manufacturers stick a bit of SiO2 in their formula and call it ceramic. True Ceramic coatings have no fillers (wax does) and will last years NOT days. Best case with a spray applies “Ceramic Wax” you will see a couple weeks; meaning constant reapplication.

Consumer Grade Ceramic Coatings? Lifespan is the answer here as well. No consumer grade coating is rated over 2 years. Even this rating is a stretch. Prep is the most important part of installation. without a proper clean, clayed and polished surface you will coat over contaminants. When these contaminants eventually fall from the surface – so does that amazing consumer grade coating. Consumer grade companies know (the same as pro) that YOU are the biggest factor that determines how long your coating lasts. They would never release a “lifetime” option without properly educating their base. Biggest problem here? Proper education is EXPENSIVE.

Kings Valet offers Ceramic Coating. Mastering a single trade is their intention.

The day you buy it – The longer you leave your vehicle unprotected the higher the risk. Kings Valet understands many people buy cars around the holidays then want to wait for spring to stop in for service. Yes, it will get dirty the day you leave if you have Coated Coated during winter – but this is a MUCH better option than driving around unprotected.

Absolutely – Once Ceramic Coating is installed there is absolutely no risk to you or your vehicle. During installation Kings Valet will wear PPE – there are odors emitted (similar to paint or gas) that are likely harmful over the long-term. Kings Valet does their best to protect their staff from any harm.

Again, No. This is not what Ceramic Coating is designed to do. Will it help with a few pebbles, probably – but Kings Valet will never sell a Ceramic Coating as a solution to rock chips. PPF is the only solution on the market that can handle rock chips (and even PPF is not perfect).

Literally anyway EXCEPT a tunnel (brush) wash. The preferred method will be the two-bucket approach. This is the least aggressive method; both in what chemicals are used and abrasion on the surface.

You may also go through any touch-free automatic wash. The chemicals are harsh and while Ceramic Coating is resistant, overuse of automated touch-free is not suggested. If you go to a wash bay – do NOT use the brush provided by the wash. It is full of grit and is rarely cleaned. Bring your own wash mitt or microfiber.

Ceramic Coated vehicles will clean near perfection with just a power washer, but a contact wash (two buckets) will help with clogged pores. Kings Valet gives after-care instructions and warranty information post service for their specific brands. Kings Valet also offers a FREE maintenance program that includes a detail every 3 months.

Obviously, Kings Valet recommends coming to them for a Professional-Grade Ceramic Coating Installation. Consumer-grade ceramic coatings do exist, but they will not have near the life-span or integrity of a professional grade coating.

How Much Do Ceramic Coatings Cost? Kings Valet has LIFETIME Ceramic Coating starting at about $1275. Ceramic Coating can range up to about $2,500 depending on additional packages selected, size of vehicle and level of paint correction needed. Average invoice for Kings Valet’s clients is about $1,700. This includes a couple popular add-on packages and / or an additional level of paint correction. Exact pricing for your vehicle can be found under our “Lifetime Ceramic Coating” tab, towards the bottom of the page.

Absolutely – Just don’t come back to Kings Valet with a Warranty Claim or lawsuit.

In all seriousness, this is one of the worst marketing gimmicks related to Ceramic Coatings. The manufacturers say “Hey, look at this crazy stunt” then immediately tell you it will void all warranties and they assume zero liability. Please do not do this.

Call a professional! This issue typically only arises in 2 situations: You tried to install your own coating and it went terribly wrong OR you knew a guy who could do it for $100. Either way – neither of you should attempt the process of removing a coating. Installation of a coating is easy compared to removal. The removal process requires wet-sanding, buffing and a ton of patience.

Full Exterior Detail. We will also go over every inch of the originally installed exterior coatings and ensure they are working as well as day one. The last thing we want you to do is be less than satisfied with your coating so please let us know if you have noticed anything over the past year. We then sign-off that you came for your annual appointment and you are good to go for another year!

What is not included at this appointment? Paint Correction. Poor washing / drying methods will lead to marring / scratching of the coating. We are more than willing to do paint correction, but it is not an included service. While Paint Correction is NOT required to maintain your warranty; a marred surface will have less luster than the date your coating was initially installation.

Interior Detailing is also not included.

Absolutely! Tired of dealing with bugs sticking to your mirror-housing and head lights? Maybe the bothersome part is plastic trim fading over time? All of this (and more) is eliminated by Ceramic Coating Plastics.