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Ceramic coating vs polishing: what is the difference and which to choose?

· PRO SERVICE

One of the questions we hear most: "Should I polish the car or get a ceramic coating?" In fact they do not replace each other – they work together.

What is polishing?

Polishing removes light scratches, swirl marks, dullness and stains from the top layer of clear coat using special compounds and a machine. The paint gains depth and gloss.

What is a ceramic coating?

Ceramic is a hard, clear protective layer applied after polishing. It keeps the gloss for a long time, repels water and dirt (hydrophobic effect), makes washing easier and protects the paint from sun and chemicals.

The order matters

  1. Full wash and decontamination of the paint.
  2. Polishing – defects are removed.
  3. Ceramic is applied and left to cure.

Ceramic applied to unpolished paint "seals in" all the scratches – so polishing always comes first.

Which should you choose?

Price

At PRO SERVICE, detailed polishing starts from 200 AZN and ceramic coating from 400 AZN. The final price depends on the size of the car and the condition of the paint.

Frequently asked questions

When can I wash the car after a ceramic coating?

It is best not to wash it until the coating has fully cured – usually a few days. The technician will tell you the exact time.

Does ceramic protect against scratches?

It reduces light wash scratches but does not protect against stone chips – that is what PPF is for.

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