A ceramic coating is only as good as the paint underneath it. Diesel Detail treats preparation as the main job and the coating as the final step, with realistic expectations about what it does.
A ceramic coating is a liquid applied to clean, prepared paint that cures into a thin protective layer. Compared with wax or a sealant, it is generally more durable and more resistant to chemicals, and it makes paint shed water and dirt more readily. Our comparison guide goes through the differences in detail.
It is not armor. A coating does not make paint scratch-proof, does not stop rock chips and does not remove the need to wash the truck. Anyone who promises otherwise is overselling. What it does is give the finish a more resistant surface that is easier to clean, which matters on a truck that sees mud, bugs, road film and deicer.
Coatings bond to the surface under them, so whatever is on the paint gets locked in. The sequence is a thorough wash, chemical and mechanical decontamination, an inspection under good light and, where the finish justifies it, polishing before the coating goes on. The reasoning is covered in our clay bar guide and paint correction explainer.
Just before application the panels are wiped to remove polishing oils and residue, since oils can interfere with bonding. Work then proceeds panel by panel, following the product maker's directions for flash time, leveling and cure.
Painted body panels are the main target. Depending on the product and the truck, glass, wheels, painted bumpers and some trim can be treated with products made for those surfaces. Textured or uncoated plastic trim and spray-in bed liners are different materials, and a product designed for paint is not automatically suitable for them. We tell you what we recommend for each surface and what we would leave alone.
Work trucks with a lot of existing damage may be better served by a sealant than a coating. Coating over deep chips and heavily worn paint locks in the flaws rather than hiding them, so we talk through whether it is worth it for the truck in question.
A coated truck still needs washing, and how it is washed decides how long the protection performs. Use a pH-neutral soap and clean wash tools, avoid abrasive brush-style automatic washes, and rinse road salt off promptly, as described in the salt removal guide. Chemicals that strip wax can also reduce a coating's performance, so check labels before using strong cleaners.
We give written aftercare notes with the finished truck and answer questions on product compatibility.
Whether you hire us or someone else, a few questions separate careful work from a sales pitch. Ask what preparation is included and how the paint will be inspected. Ask which product will be used and what the manufacturer's instructions say about application and cure. Ask what maintenance is expected from you, and what the provider will and will not stand behind in writing.
Be wary of vague promises, fixed lifespans stated without conditions and any suggestion that a coating removes the need to wash. Good providers explain limits as readily as benefits.
Price depends on truck size, paint condition, the amount of correction wanted and the coating chosen, so we quote after hearing the details instead of publishing a number that would be wrong for most trucks. Use the quote form and include whether the truck is new, used or already waxed. A new truck still benefits from decontamination, while an older one usually needs more preparation.
No. Coatings wear down over time, and how long they last depends on the product, the preparation, how the truck is used and how it is washed. Treat any claim of permanent protection with caution.
Yes, though new paint is not always clean. Transport and dealership handling can leave bonded contamination and light marks, so a new truck is still decontaminated and inspected before coating.
Yes. The coating makes dirt release more easily, but it does not stay clean by itself. Regular gentle washing, plus prompt removal of salt, DEF or bug residue, keeps it performing.
No. A coating can look glossy and slightly fill very fine marks, but it is not a repair. Defects are corrected by polishing first, if the paint has enough clear coat to allow it.
Describe the truck and what you want done, and we will reply with scope and a quote.