Ceramic Coatings
Premium Ceramic Coatings
Charleston’s salt air, intense UV, humidity, and summer storms demand more than off-the-shelf detailing. That’s why we use professional-grade chemistry lines built for coastal climates—like Koch‑Chemie’s interior and exterior systems with UV blockers, hydrophobic finishes, and gloss enhancers, and Majestic Solutions’ SHIELD ceramic coatings. Our two-tiered packages—Level 1 Graphene and Level 2 Diamond—offer long-lasting protection, dirt repellency, and material-safe durability to preserve your vehicle’s paint, plastics, and trim in the Lowcountry’s toughest conditions.
At-a-Glance Package Comparison
Level 1 Graphene
- Coating Chemistry
- SHIELD Carbon X
- Graphene Coat
- Longevity*
- Up to 7 years of UV &
- oxidation resistance
- (real-world)
- Hardness
- 9H micro-scratch resistance
- Where We Apply It
- Paint & clear coat
- • All exterior glass
- • Trim
- • Wheel faces
Level 2 Diamond
- Coating Chemistry
- Pro Diamond X 10H Ceramic
- Longevity*
- Up to 10 years with proper care
- Hardness
- Ultra-hard 10H,
- extreme gloss & self-cleaning
- Where We Apply It
- Everything in Level 1 plus
- interior leather, vinyl, & carpets
*Stated longevity assumes annual inspection & gentle wash routine; coastal environments can potentially shorten any coating’s lifespan.
Why Protection Matters on the Coast
Salt‑laden air, sandy roads, and intense UV accelerate corrosion, fading, and surface contamination. Quality ceramic protection and disciplined wash routines slow that damage, improve gloss, and make cleanup far easier—critical when your vehicle lives near the water. Environmental fit (salt & moisture resistance + UV shielding) should guide coating choice; hydrophobic surfaces also shed contaminants faster between washes.
Ceramic Coatings Quick Facts
Hydrophobic “Lotus” Effect
Both coatings shed water at contact angles above 110°, making washes quicker and reducing etching from pesky environmental factors like bird droppings or sap.
Self-Cleaning Chemistry
Diamond’s tighter lattice structure helps dirt release sooner—often called the “self-cleaning” property.
9H vs 10H—What’s the Difference?
9H equals the hardness of a sapphire on the pencil scale, while 10H exceeds it, providing extra micro-scratch resistance under routine washing and when dust and debris are kicked up ahead of you on the highway.
Graphene = Cooler Surface Temps?
Independent tests show graphene-infused coatings can run a few degrees cooler, reducing water-spot risk.
Interior Ceramic = Spill Insurance
A single treatment forms a hydrophobic barrier that gives you more time to blot coffee or soda before it soaks in.
What’s Included in the Process?
Multi-Stage Paint Prep
Foam pre-soak, iron fallout remover, clay-bar decontamination, and 1- to 3-step machine polish (package-dependent) ensure a contaminant-free, high-gloss surface that the coating can bond to.
Controlled-Environment Application
We coat inside our temperature- and humidity-managed Ravenel shop; these stable conditions prevent moisture-related high-spotting and cure defects.
Panel-by-Panel Application
Applied in 1 ft² sections, leveled, then infrared-assisted cured for uniform cross-linking.
Wheels & Glass
(Both Levels)
Wheel faces get a dedicated high-temp application for easier brake-dust cleanup; all exterior glass receives a ceramic rain-repellent layer for safer wet-weather visibility.
Interior Protection
(Level 2 only)
We treat leather, vinyl, and carpets with a flexible interior ceramic that repels UV fade, dye transfer, and staining while remaining breathable.
Ready to Experience the Spa?
Whether you’re protecting a new luxury vehicle, reviving a daily driver, or preparing to sell, Stono River Car Spa delivers certified care tailored to Charleston’s climate—and to your schedule. Book a consultation to get a ceramic coating quote for your specific vehicle and situation.
Ceramic Coating FAQs
Why does it cost so much?
The process to apply the paint correction is extensive, 11 steps in all. After detailing your vehicle, it then goes through a period of decontamination in the form of a clay bar. This is similar to an exfoliant that you would use on your skin. The clay bar removes surface material that remains even after soap and hand mitt have cleaned your vehicle.
Next would be your iron removal, a chemical that is used to remove iron contaminants that remain even after all previous steps of washing your vehicle. It has a distinct smell and texture and will turn your iron deposit into a deep purple indicating the places where iron deposits are on your vehicle’s paint and wheels. After a few minutes and a thorough rinse, the real work begins.
All plastic and delicate exterior parts are covered with painters’ tape, and the paint correction process begins. This can be a one, two, or three step process… all depending on the condition of your paint. What would be the best solution for you is discussed during the consultation phase. The paint correction process will select the proper polishing tool, pad, and compound combination to achieve the best results while preserving as much of your factory clear coat as possible.
After substantial time and attention has been applied to the paint correction process, it is on to the ceramic coating application. For the best application, temperature and humidity must be in the proper range. Dust and particles are removed from the atmosphere as much as possible to prevent these items from landing in your ceramic coating. The application is applied to your vehicle in 1ft x 1ft square increments until the entire surface, hood, truck and roof included, is coated with the ceramic of your choice. After curing time, your car now has the highest level of protection and gloss available in the industry today.
What is Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is an application that protects your car’s exterior components from sun damage and oxidation. It is the best protection you can have from contamination that comes in contact with your vehicle daily.
How do I Prep for My Appointment?
Please remove personal items (cupholders, door pockets, seat backs, console, trunk) and child seats you want cleaned separately—cleared cabins let us clean deeper and protect valuables from chemicals or misplacement. A quick pre‑check of trouble spots (stains, scratches) helps us budget time and set expectations, especially for add‑ons like pet hair or sand extraction.
What happens if my car gets wet after application?
Generally we will keep your vehicle indoors for the initial curing time. Afterwards it’s best to try to avoid exposure to moisture for up to two weeks after application. If it happens to get wet, contact us and we will guide you on the necessary steps to ensure your coating is in the best shape. We keep your vehicle in the shop for at least 12 hours after final wipe to complete initial cure; avoid rain or wash bays for 7–10 days.
How long does it last on my vehicle?
You’ll have a choice of the level of ceramic, generally from a 7-year application to up to 10 years. The best overall option will be discussed during your consultation.
How long does it take?
Please plan for 12-24 hours to complete the ceramic coating process.
Will Level 1 Graphene turn my paint “grey”
No—modern graphene coatings are nearly clear; they add a little touch of depth to the color of your car without darkening metallics.
Do I still need to wash the car?
Yes—routine pH-neutral washes preserve hydrophobics. Skip drive-thru brushes that can mar even 10H surfaces. We can set you up with a monthly or quarterly maintenance plan to ensure your ceramic coating keeps its long-lasting shine and protection.