Professional Ceramic Coating Installers in Kansas City
Add a layer of gloss and protection to your vehicle
What is a Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a modern, long lasting form of paint protection that far outperforms traditional waxes. While wax was once the top option for shine and basic protection, ceramic coatings use advanced technology to create a durable protective layer on your vehicle’s surface.
A ceramic coating is a semi permanent liquid that bonds to the clear coat. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing exposure to rain, dirt, bird droppings, and other contaminants so your paint stays cleaner and better protected. It also adds a deep gloss that keeps your car looking freshly detailed.
If you want the strongest possible protection from rock chips and physical impact, paint protection film PPF is the top choice. We also offer professional window tinting to reduce heat and protect your interior.
Your Go-To Ceramic Coating Experts in Kansas City
A ceramic coating is one of the best ways to enhance your vehicle’s gloss and protect the paint for years. But if the coating is applied incorrectly, you will not get the results you expect and it can create even bigger problems.
Many store-bought “spray ceramic” products claim to offer long term protection, but they are not true ceramic coatings. They add shine and short term protection, but they are not worth spending hundreds of dollars on.
Proper prep work is also essential. Before we apply a coating at Empire Customs, your vehicle goes through a full wash, clay bar treatment, and machine polishing to ensure the coating bonds correctly and performs at its best.
The amount of polishing needed depends on your paint’s condition. If your paint is already in great shape, a light polish may be enough and the job can be finished in a day. If your paint has heavy swirl marks or defects, the process can take two or three days.
Is polishing required for a ceramic coating? Technically no, but applying a coating over swirled or dull paint means you lose most of the benefits. In that case, a sealant would make more sense. To get the full effect of a ceramic coating, the paint needs to be corrected first.
Applying a Ceramic Coating Is a Detailed and Precise Process
A ceramic coating is not applied like wax or sealant. You cannot simply apply it, wait a few minutes, and wipe it off. You need to understand how the coating behaves and when it is ready to be removed.
Each coating brand responds differently based on temperature, humidity, and working conditions. There is no exact timer. You must visually read the coating to know the right moment to level and wipe it off.
This is why coatings are applied in small sections under proper lighting. Removing the coating too early can reduce durability. Waiting too long makes it extremely difficult to remove and can cause streaks or bonded residue.
One of the most common mistakes we see from improper applications is high spots. A high spot occurs when part of the coating dries unevenly on the paint, leaving a visible smear or patch. If caught quickly, it can be removed with light polishing. If not, it must be machine polished after the coating cures.
This is what makes a ceramic coating different from wax or sealant. It is a semi permanent layer of protection. To get all the benefits and avoid issues, it must be applied correctly by someone who understands the process.
Is a Ceramic Coating Right for You
A ceramic coating offers outstanding gloss and long lasting protection, but it is not the perfect solution for every vehicle or every situation.
For example, if you have a work truck that is constantly getting brushed by branches, tools, boxes, or heavy traffic on job sites, a coating may not be the best fit. The truck takes too much physical impact for the coating to provide full value.
On the other hand, if you use your work truck for long distance travel and want protection against rain, dirt, bugs, and road grime, a ceramic coating can be a great option to keep the vehicle cleaner and easier to maintain.
The Benefits of a Ceramic Coating
A lot of coating brands make big claims, and while some of them are true, we prefer to be honest and clear about what a ceramic coating actually does for your vehicle.
Here are the real benefits you can expect:
✅ Creates a durable protective layer that lasts three to five years
✅ Only needs to be applied once instead of every few months like wax or sealant
✅ Adds a deep, rich gloss that outperforms traditional protection
✅ Offers exceptional hydrophobic properties that keep your car cleaner and make washing much easier
✅ Can be applied to paint, glass, wheels, vinyl wrap, and paint protection film
For the coating to perform at its best, your vehicle must be properly prepped and corrected beforehand. Skipping the prep work means you will not get the full benefits or longevity of the coating.
Common Myths About Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings are durable and long lasting, but they are often misunderstood. A coating improves protection and makes maintenance easier, but it does not make your vehicle invincible. Many customers expect too much from a coating and end up disappointed when they see swirls or etching. Here are the most common myths:
Myth: A ceramic coating makes your paint scratch proof
Many coatings claim scratch resistance, but this applies only to very light contact. A coating can resist micro swirls from a soft towel or gentle wiping, but it cannot stop scratches from dirty wash mitts, rough clothing, or anything abrasive.
If you drag dirty materials across the paint, you will scratch it. Scratch resistance does not mean impact resistance.
Myth: A ceramic coating protects against rock chips
Ceramic coatings cannot stop rocks or road debris from hitting your paint. No matter how many layers you apply, a coating cannot prevent impact damage, scuffs, or chips.
The only product that can protect against rock chips is paint protection film (PPF). If your main concern is physical impact, PPF is the correct choice.
Myth: You never have to wash your car again
A coating helps keep your vehicle cleaner longer, and it makes washing much easier. But you still need to wash your car regularly to maintain the coating.
Tunnel washes with harsh bristles and strong chemicals will swirl the paint and wear down the coating. To keep your coating performing for its full lifespan, you should wash with quality wash mitts, drying towels, and proper cleaners. Maintenance is the difference between a coating lasting two years or four years.
Ceramic Coating Pricing
Sedan/coupe: $500
Midsize SUV: $600
Truck/large SUV: $750
3-Year Ceramic Coating
Sedan/coupe: $700
Midsize SUV: $800
Truck/large SUV: $950
5-Year Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating FAQ’s
Do you have a shop
Yes, we do. All of our paint correction, ceramic coating, window tint, vinyl, and paint protection film services are performed at Empire Customs shop located at 5100 Ararat Dr. Kansas City, MO 64129, right behind Bellicose Church. Depending on the service and level of work, jobs can take anywhere from two to five days to complete.
Is ceramic coating the best protection for my paint
A ceramic coating provides excellent shine, gloss, and long lasting protection, but the strongest form of protection is paint protection film. PPF adds an eight mil layer of impact resistance that protects your paint from rock chips and road debris far better than any coating.
Can I wash my car after the coating is installed
Your vehicle should not get wet for the first 48 hours while the coating cures. After that, we recommend waiting two full weeks before washing it.
Can a ceramic coating replace my clear coat
No. If your clear coat is peeling, chipping, or failing, the only solution is repainting. A ceramic coating cannot repair or replace damaged clear coat.
Can I skip the prep work and apply just the coating
No. We do not apply coatings without proper prep and correction. Skipping that step prevents the coating from bonding correctly and significantly reduces the benefits and longevity.