What Our Ceramic Coating Customers Say
"I was able to see the hydrophobic performance of the coating after a rainy San Diego morning, and it worked exactly as promised. Maintenance car washes at home are also so easy now. I highly recommend Flat Out Detailing for ceramic coating and auto detailing and definitely plan to be a returning customer."
Jennie L.
"Scheduling was easy, pricing was great for ceramic coating. Would highly recommend! Makes the black color shine even more than I thought it would."
Henry W.
"I got a ceramic coating for the Bronco Sport and 1 step paint correction for the Honda Civic. The Bronco Sport looks better than when I drove it off the lot. The Honda's paint seemed to be beyond repair prior to the service, but these guys made it look brand new. Top of the line products used and it shows. Customer service is exceptional. We won't be trusting our cars with anyone else!!"
Diego A.
The Flat Out Promise
We're not happy until you're happy. If anything doesn't meet your expectations, just let us know and we'll make it right. That's the Flat Out Promise.
Ceramic coating packages
We price by how long you want the protection to last and how much correction your paint needs. Every package includes a wash, full decontamination, and at least single-stage paint correction before the coating goes on.
CRYSTAL+
Up to 2 years
Perfect for first-time ceramic users
PRO+
6-year warranty
Best value for daily drivers
MAX G+
Lifetime warranty
Ultimate long-term protection
Popular add-ons: wheel-face & caliper coating, glass coating, trim & plastic coating, and ceramic-over-PPF combinations for maximum protection.
What ceramic coating does (and what it doesn't)
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to your clear coat and cures into a hard, semi-permanent layer. In San Diego's climate it earns its keep three ways: it blocks the year-round UV that fades and oxidizes paint, it resists etching from coastal salt air and bird droppings, and its hydrophobic surface makes dirt and water sheet off — so washes are faster and the car stays cleaner between them. You also get a deep, glossy finish that lasts.
What it won't do: a coating is not a force field. It dramatically reduces fine swirl marks and wash marring, but it won't stop rock chips or deep scratches. If impact protection is your priority, that's a job for paint protection film (PPF) — and the two work beautifully together.
Our ceramic coating process
- 1
Inspection & intake
We assess your paint under proper lighting and agree on the right package.
- 2
Wash & decontamination
Foam wash, then clay bar and iron remover to strip embedded contaminants.
- 3
Paint correction
Machine polishing to remove swirls and defects (single-stage on CRYSTAL+, multi-stage on PRO+/MAX G+).
- 4
Surface prep
A full panel wipe-down so nothing comes between the coating and your clear coat.
- 5
Coating application
Applied by hand, panel by panel, in our controlled Mira Mesa shop.
- 6
Curing & final inspection
The coating cures before the car leaves; we re-inspect every panel.
- 7
CARFAX report & aftercare
We log the service to your vehicle's CARFAX record and send a simple maintenance guide.
Pairs well with our other services
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Physical rock-chip protection on high-impact areas, with ceramic over the rest.
Paint Protection FilmPaint Correction
Included in your coating, but also available on its own to remove swirls and defects.
Paint CorrectionCar Detailing
Keep your coated car at its best with maintenance detailing, inside and out.
Car Detailing in San DiegoConveniently located in San Diego
Our ceramic coatings are done at our Mira Mesa shop, where a controlled, dust-free environment produces the best results — especially for correction-heavy jobs.
We also serve Carlsbad · Pacific Beach · Poway / Rancho Bernardo · and greater San Diego.
Why San Diego chooses Flat Out
Since 2022 we've coated and detailed 2,000+ vehicles across San Diego, earning 250+ five-star reviews. We never coat over defects to save time — the prep is the product — we offer both a real shop and mobile service, every coating is CARFAX-documented to protect resale value, and we're locally owned, so you deal directly with the people doing the work.
- Locally owned since 2022 — you deal directly with the people doing the work
- 2,000+ San Diego vehicles coated and detailed since 2022
- 250+ five-star reviews
- We never coat over defects to save time — the prep is the product
- Every coating reported to CARFAX to protect resale value
Ceramic coating FAQ
How much does ceramic coating cost in San Diego?
We price based on the current quality of your paint, how long you want the protection to last, and where you want us to apply it. Check our ceramic coating page for current rates.
View PricingHow long does ceramic coating last?
It depends on the package — CRYSTAL+ protects for up to 2 years, PRO+ carries a 6-year warranty, and MAX G+ comes with a lifetime warranty. San Diego's UV and coastal salt make regular maintenance washing important to get the most from your coating.
Is ceramic coating worth it?
For most drivers who keep a car longer than a year, yes — the UV and salt-air protection, easier washing, and preserved gloss usually outweigh the cost, especially against the price of correction or repainting later. It also increases your car's resale value: we update your CARFAX report with the coating, so future owners can see the paint has been professionally protected.
Ceramic coating vs. wax — what's the difference?
Wax lasts weeks and sits on top of the paint; a ceramic coating bonds to the clear coat and lasts years, with far stronger UV, chemical, and hydrophobic performance.
Does ceramic coating prevent scratches and rock chips?
No. It reduces fine swirl marks and makes the surface easier to clean, but it does not stop rock chips or deep scratches. For impact protection, paint protection film (PPF) is the right solution.
Learn about PPFDo you offer mobile ceramic coating in San Diego?
Yes, across the county — though correction-heavy coatings come out best in our controlled Mira Mesa shop. We'll advise when you book.
Can you ceramic coat a Tesla or EV?
Absolutely — coatings work on any modern paint, and new EVs are ideal candidates since the paint starts in great condition.