Los Angeles Auto Body
Ceramic Coating & Paint Correction in Los Angeles
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds chemically with your factory paint, forming a hard, hydrophobic layer that resists UV damage, oxidation, and contaminants while making the car dramatically easier to clean. Donlyson Auto Concepts applies coatings only after proper paint correction, because a coating locks in whatever's underneath — swirls included.
Our process begins with a multi-stage machine polish to remove wash-induced swirl marks and light scratches, followed by a panel-by-panel wipe-down and the coating application itself. The result is a finish that beads water, sheds dirt, and maintains its gloss far longer than wax.
Coatings are rated by hardness and durability. We'll recommend the right system for your vehicle and usage, from a multi-year flagship coating on a garage-kept show car to a practical daily-driver coating that shrugs off LA smog and hard water.
Our process
- 1
Decontamination wash
Snow foam, two-bucket hand wash, iron remover, and clay bar to strip embedded contaminants from the paint.
- 2
Paint correction
Multi-stage machine polishing with graded compounds and pads to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation.
- 3
Panel prep
A panel-wipe with an isopropyl-based prep to remove oils and residue so the coating bonds cleanly.
- 4
Coating application
Layered application of the ceramic coating with flash-time and cure management between layers.
- 5
Cure & briefing
A controlled cure period and a maintenance briefing — coating-safe wash products, no automatic car washes.
What's included
Typical investment
$800 – $2,500
Typical range across vehicles we've built. Your final written estimate depends on vehicle condition, configuration, and scope — no work begins without your written authorization. Get a free photo estimate →
Frequently asked questions
How long does a ceramic coating last?+
Depending on the system and care, coatings last from two to seven years. We'll recommend a coating rated for your usage and explain the maintenance that preserves the warranty.
Does ceramic coating make my car scratch-proof?+
No coating is scratch-proof. Ceramic coatings add a hard, sacrificial layer that resists light marring and chemical etching far better than bare paint or wax, but they won't stop a rock chip or a keyed scratch.
Can you coat a brand-new car?+
Yes — new cars are ideal candidates because the paint is uncontaminated. Even so, we perform a decontamination and light correction to remove transport and dealer-prep swirls before coating.
Do I still need to wash the car?+
Yes, but less often and more easily. The hydrophobic surface sheds water and dirt, so maintenance washes are quicker and the paint stays glossier between washes. We'll recommend coating-safe wash methods.
Can ceramic coating be applied over PPF or a wrap?+
Yes, coatings can be applied over PPF and some wraps to enhance their hydrophobicity and stain resistance. We'll confirm compatibility with your specific film or vinyl.
Ready to start?
Book a consultation or virtual appraisal. You'll receive a written estimate before any work begins — no surprises, no pressure.