STEP ONE
Wash & Decontamination
Before we touch the paint, we remove all imbedded contaminants in the paints clear coat.
Note: (A quick way to check: Run the back of your hand over the vehicles paint, clean clearcoat will feel smooth - whereas a more textured feeling indicates contaminants embedded within the clear coat)
Whats Included in this process:
Thorough contact wash removing any surface level dirt/debris/dust/etc.
Iron decontamination to lift any embedded iron/mineral deposits
Clay Bar Treatment to pull remaining contaminants from clear coat
Why it matters:
If contaminants stay on the paint, they get trapped under the ceramic coating reducing the coatings performance, longevity, and clarity.
STEP TWO
Paint Inspection
We Inspect the paint under proper lighting / direct sunlight to determine what it needs / customers needs before moving to next step.
Note: A ceramic coating can be installed without any paint correction work, but that is only recommended for new vehicles.
What we are looking for:
Swirls / Wash Marring
Oxidation / Dullness
Heavy water spots
Chemical staining
Scratches (Light to Moderate)
Why it matters:
Every vehicles paint is different, and coating pricing depends on paint’s condition - not just the vehicles size.
STEP THREE
Paint Correction (Polishing)
This is where the transformation happens
Note: Paint Correction is a cutting/polishing process that removes or reduces defects in the clear coat and improves: Gloss, Clarity, and Depth “Wet Look”
Most vehicles need one of these levels:
1-Step Polish (Enhancement Step)
Improves gloss and removes light defects (40-50%)
Most-cost efficient option
Best for newer vehicles or minimal swirling (Usually caused by automatic car washes / improper cleaning methods)
2-Step Correction (Most Common)
More aggressive correction step for noticeable swirls and deeper defects
Followed by a refining polish for maximum clarity
Best for most vehicles with visible imperfections
3-Step Correction (Specialty Correction)
Reserved for heavily neglected paint/harder clear coats/ customers aiming for the best possible finish
Followed by a refining / finish polish (to remove any rotary trails from correction step)
Best for high-expectation results / “Show Car” level results
Why it matters:
A Ceramic Coating will not hide scratches / swirls - it will seal the finish you already have. Correction is what makes the coating look its best / increases longevity.
STEP FOUR
Ceramic Coating Installation
Once the paint is properly corrected and prepped, we apply the ceramic coating of your choice.
Note: Ethos Car Care Ceramic Coatings need 24-48 hours to cure. Yes, you can drive your vehicle in this time. But for maximum performance allow the coating to cure before driving in wet conditions.
What you will notice right away:
Deep gloss and depth (Paint will look “wet”)
Better hydrophobic properties / water behavior
Easier Washes (After every wash vehicle will look freshly coated)
Improved long-term protection
Why it matters:
Proper application and curing are what allow a ceramic coating to bond correctly ad perform over time. This step directly impacts durability, appearance, and overall results
General Pricing (Starting Ranges)
Pricing depends on vehicle size and paint condition. These are starting ranges for properly prepared installations
Cars / Sedans
Starting at $599
SUVs / Trucks
Starting at $750
Multi-Step / Heavily Corrected Vehicles
Quoted after Inspection
The biggest variable is paint correction (STEP THREE) - That’s where time and results are made!