FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CERAMIC

A ceramic coating is a highly durable paint sealant that bonds directly to your vehicle's surface. Once cured, the ceramic coating will boost your vehicle's gloss and resist damage from scratches, light airborne debris, paint oxidation, and various other external factors. E.g. bird droppings and tree sap. Additionally, the coating will repel mud, water, and dust; meaning your vehicle stays cleaner for longer.

The base chemical composition of a ceramic coating is Silicon Dioxide (Si02). Silicon Dioxide is what gives the coating its unparalleled durability, gloss, and hydrophobicity. As a general rule, the higher the concentration of Si02, the longer the coating will last and the better it will perform. We offer coatings that last from 1 to 6 years.

At Vanguard, we break down our ceramic coating offerings into 3  levels or "Echelons." The Echelon is based on the coating's durability, performance, and longevity.  Echelon 1 coatings can last from 5-6 years, and have the highest level of gloss and slickness.

Echelon 1: (5-6 year coating) 3 layers applied. Includes all Á La Carte options.

Echelon 2: (3-4 year coating) 2 layers applied. Stage-1 paint correction standard.

Echelon 3: (1 year coating) paint correction optional.

*motorcycles and other non-standard vehicles are quoted on a case-by-case basis (often reduced rates). 

GENERALLY, you can expect an Echelon 1 coating to last 5-6 years, followed by 3-4 years and 1 year respectively.

There are (3) factories that will affect how long your coating will last:

1.  Quality of the product

2.  Maintenance

3.  care

The quality of the product is your baseline; a higher-quality product will last longer. If a ceramic coating is advertised to last 7 years, it will only do so if the maintenance and care plan is followed as directed by the manufacturer. 

The best way to extend the life of your ceramic coating is to follow a maintenance and care plan. Idealistically, this would mean storing your vehicle under cover when parked, and two to three hand washes per month (one including a ceramic topper). Fortunately, washing your car at least once a month and adding a ceramic topper biannually will keep your coating healthy.

Paint correction is the process of removing scratches, swirls, hazing, and yellowing from your vehicle's clear coat. 

The stage refers to the intensity of the paint correction.

Vanguard's Staging Guide

Stage 1: Corrects most minor defects in a vehicle's paint. This is a great option for new or newer vehicles that have only experienced some wear.

Stage 2: Removes most medium-depth paint defects and adds exceptional gloss, depth, and clarity

Stage 3: Removes nearly all defects and gives the paint exemplary gloss, depth, and clarity. 

The cost can vary greatly based on the size and condition of your vehicle's paint. 

See below for average prices:

Stage 3: $1800
Stage 2: $1300

Stage 1: $800 

At Vanguard, we recommend having a ceramic coating applied after a paint correction. The additional cost may be as low as $150!  

Yes and absolutely. A hand wash is a delicate and methodical process that leaves your vehicle looking better than ever. While a drive-through car wash is seemingly convenient, they are also one of the worst things you can do to your vehicle's paint. In a word, drive-through car washes are VIOLENT! Dirty spinning wheels, harsh chemicals, and dryers that launch nearby contaminants into your paint. Terminate the machines and join the winning side. Book today for the Vanguard Experience!

Vanguard offers the most innovative auto detailing services. We always utilize the highest quality products, equipment, and techniques to ensure your vehicle looks its best.

Of course! Being a veteran-owned business, we offer a 12% discount to all military and first-responders upon validation. Verification methods include: Military ID, LES, Orders, or DD 214.  

Yes, we require appointments to ensure that the highest level of attention and care is given to your vehicle. 

Contact us at: ‪910-495-6784 or VanguardCeramic.Coating@proton.me