How to Verify Ceramic Coating Quality: What to Check

How to Tell If Ceramic Coating Was Done Right

You invested in ceramic coating. But ceramic is invisible—how do you know you actually got what you paid for? Here's how to verify quality.

Immediate Post-Install Checks

Water behavior (after cure):

• Pour water on surface
• Should bead tightly (not sheet flat)
• Contact angle should be high (110°+)
• Beads should roll off easily

If water sheets flat: Either no coating, improper cure, or poor-quality product.

Visual Inspection

Under bright light:

• Surface should be uniformly glossy
• No high spots (rainbow/haze marks)
• No streaks or uneven areas
• Clear reflections without haze

Touch test:

• Surface feels slick, almost slippery
• Different from wax (less greasy)
• Finger slides easily

Common Quality Issues

1. High Spots

• What it looks like: Rainbow effect, hazy patches
• Cause: Product not fully wiped off
• Fix: Can be polished out if caught within days

2. Uneven Coverage

• What it looks like: Some panels bead, others don't
• Cause: Missed sections during application
• Fix: Reapplication on affected areas

3. Contamination

• What it looks like: Bumps or grit in coating
• Cause: Dust during curing
• Fix: May require compound and recoat

Questions to Ask Your Detailer

Before you leave:

1. What product was used? (Brand, product line)
2. How many coats were applied?
3. What's the recommended cure time?
4. When can I wash the car?
5. Can I see the product bottle used?

Red flags:

• Can't name the product
• Vague about coat count
• No cure time instructions
• Resistant to questions

The Documentation You Should Receive

Professional installers provide:

• Written receipt with product name
• Warranty registration (if applicable)
• Care instructions
• Coating-safe product recommendations
• Contact info for follow-up

No documentation = potential problem

Testing Your Coating Over Time

30-day check:

• Water still beads properly?
• Easy wash cleanup?
• No contamination bonding?

6-month check:

• Beading still strong?
• No visible wear spots?
• Gloss maintained?

12-month check:

• Coating performing as promised?
• Scheduled maintenance due?
• Ready for booster application?

What About Coating Thickness?

Some shops claim to measure coating thickness with gauges. Reality:

• Standard paint gauges can't reliably measure ceramic (too thin)
• Coatings are measured in microns (μm)
• Claims of "50 micron coating" are marketing
• Focus on performance, not thickness claims

If You Suspect Poor Work

Steps to take:

1. Contact the shop with concerns
2. Ask for re-inspection under proper lighting
3. Request water bead demonstration
4. Document any issues with photos/video
5. Reference your warranty/receipt

Reputable shops will:

• Address concerns professionally
• Offer correction if warranted
• Stand behind their work

📞 Want coating done right? Get a quote