Outlaw Detailing logoOutlaw DetailingManatee & Sarasota · FEYNLAB® Installer
Ceramic Coating FAQ

Ceramic Coating Questions, Answered

36 straight answers about cost, warranty, FEYNLAB® vs wax and PPF, aftercare, Florida conditions, and visiting our shop.

Cost & Value

How much does ceramic coating cost in Sarasota and Bradenton?

Our FEYNLAB® ceramic coating packages start at $699. Pricing by vehicle size (Car / SUV-Truck / 3rd-row, minivan & oversized truck):

  • 1 Year: $699 / $799 / $899
  • 3 Year: $1,250 / $1,400 / $1,500
  • 5 Year: $1,500 / $1,650 / $1,800

Every package includes gloss enhancement. See the full breakdown on our packages & pricing page.

Why does the price change with vehicle size?

Bigger vehicles have more painted surface to wash, decontaminate, polish and coat, and they use more product. A third-row SUV or lifted truck simply takes more time to do right than a coupe.

What is included in every ceramic coating package?

Every package includes prep and a gloss enhancement polish before your FEYNLAB® coating goes on, so the coating locks in a deeper, glossier finish. Packages differ in coating durability and warranty length: the 1 Year uses FEYNLAB® Original Ceramic, the 3 Year uses FEYNLAB® Ceramic V3, and the 5 Year uses FEYNLAB® Ultra V3.

Do I need paint correction too, and what does it cost?

Not always. Gloss enhancement is included, but if your paint has swirls, haze or light scratches, we recommend correcting it before coating so those flaws aren't sealed in. Add a true 1-step polish for +$250 or a 2-step correction for +$400 to any package. We'll inspect your paint and tell you honestly what it needs.

Is a ceramic coating worth it?

For most owners who plan to keep their vehicle, yes. A ceramic coating from Outlaw Detailing helps protect your paint, makes it easier to clean and maintain, and keeps your ride looking new. The benefits outweigh the initial investment, especially under the Florida sun.

Do you require a deposit or offer financing?

Booking is handled through our online scheduler. Call or text 941-390-6388 with any payment questions.

Durability & Warranty

How long does a ceramic coating last?

We offer 1-year, 3-year and 5-year FEYNLAB® coating packages. Real-world life depends on how the vehicle is washed and stored; proper maintenance washes and annual inspections keep the coating performing for its full term.

What warranty comes with my coating?

Every coating we install carries the Outlaw Detailing warranty, on any vehicle, of any age, with any paint, as long as we installed it. On top of that, our 3 Year and 5 Year packages also qualify for FEYNLAB®'s manufacturer-backed warranty when the vehicle meets FEYNLAB®'s terms: under 3 years old, original factory paint, registered within 30 days, and a yearly inspection with us.

What do I need to do to keep the FEYNLAB® warranty valid?

Under FEYNLAB®'s published warranty terms, the coating must be installed by a certified applicator, the vehicle must be registered with FEYNLAB® within 30 days of application, and it must come back to the original installer for an inspection every year (within 30 days of the anniversary). FEYNLAB® also limits its warranty to vehicles under 3 years old with original manufacturer paint. If your vehicle doesn't meet those rules, you're still covered by the Outlaw Detailing warranty on every coating we install.

Does my coating show up on CARFAX?

Yes. Every coating we install (1 Year, 3 Year and 5 Year FEYNLAB®) is registered to your vehicle's CARFAX history, which helps resale value and proves the work was done professionally.

Is a ceramic coating scratch-proof?

No coating is scratch-proof. FEYNLAB® coatings help resist the light marring and wash scratches that come from washing, but they won't stop rock chips, keys or deep scratches. For impact protection, paint protection film is the right tool.

Coating vs PPF, Wax & Sealant

Ceramic coating vs wax: what's the difference?

Wax sits on top of the paint and wears off in weeks, especially in Florida heat. A ceramic coating forms a chemical bond with the clear coat and lasts for years, with stronger gloss, water beading, chemical resistance and UV protection.

Ceramic coating vs paint sealant?

Sealants are synthetic and outlast wax, but they're still a temporary layer measured in months. A professional FEYNLAB® coating is harder, glossier, more chemical resistant and lasts much longer, and it comes with a warranty.

Ceramic coating vs PPF (paint protection film)?

PPF is a thick, clear urethane film that physically absorbs rock chips and impacts. A ceramic coating is a thin, hard chemical layer that adds gloss, makes the car easier to clean and protects against UV, chemicals and contamination. Many owners do PPF on high-impact areas and coat the whole vehicle. PPF is coming soon to Outlaw Detailing; call or text us to be notified when it's available. Read our full ceramic coating vs PPF guide.

Can you ceramic coat over PPF or a wrap?

Yes. Coatings can be applied over paint protection film and many vinyl wraps to make them easier to clean and add hydrophobic protection. Tell us what film or wrap is on the vehicle when you book.

Why do you use FEYNLAB® instead of other brands?

Outlaw Detailing is an official installer of FEYNLAB® ceramic coatings. In our experience they outperform other big-name coatings with a higher gloss finish and a more durable coating, and every coating we install carries the Outlaw Detailing warranty, with FEYNLAB®'s manufacturer warranty on 3 and 5 Year packages for eligible vehicles.

Prep & Process

What happens during a ceramic coating appointment?

Every coating starts with an inspection under shop lighting, then a thorough wash and decontamination to strip away embedded contaminants. Next comes the gloss enhancement (or the paint correction you've chosen), a panel prep wipe so the coating can bond, the FEYNLAB® coating itself, and a controlled cure before you pick it up.

What's the difference between gloss enhancement and paint correction?

Gloss enhancement, included with every package, is a light polish that boosts clarity and shine. Paint correction is a deeper machine process that levels the clear coat to remove defects. A 1-step polish generally removes 60–70% of defects; a 2-step (cut + refine) removes 80–95% and is recommended for black paint or heavily swirled cars.

Do brand-new cars need paint correction?

Often, yes. Many new cars leave the factory with poor paint, and dealer washes add swirls before you ever take delivery. A new car is the perfect time to correct and protect.

How long does a ceramic coating take?

It depends on the package, the vehicle's size and condition, and how much correction it needs. Every coated vehicle stays in the shop for 24 hours after the coating goes on so it can cure, and we'll give you a drop-off and pickup time when you book.

Do I need to wash my car before I drop it off?

No. Washing and decontamination are part of our prep. Just remove personal items and bring it in.

Can you coat wheels, glass, trim and interiors?

Ceramic protection can be applied to wheels, glass, plastic trim and interior surfaces like seats. Ask us and we'll quote it with your package.

Aftercare

When can I wash my car after it's coated?

We'll give you written aftercare instructions for your exact coating. Ceramic coatings keep curing after you pick up, and the FEYNLAB® warranty becomes effective 72 hours after application, so follow the wash-wait time we give you.

How should I wash a ceramic-coated car?

Hand wash with a pH-neutral car soap, a clean wash mitt and the two-bucket method, then dry with a clean microfiber towel or air. Avoid automatic brush car washes and harsh degreasers, which can wear down any coating faster.

Do you offer maintenance washes for coated vehicles?

Yes. Already ceramic coated? Let us maintain it! Our maintenance plans keep your coating performing and your car looking perfect while you focus on what you do best.

Do I still need to wax a coated car?

No. Wax can actually mask the coating's slickness and water behavior. If a topper is ever needed, we'll recommend one that's compatible with your FEYNLAB® coating.

Florida Sun & Salt

Does a ceramic coating protect against the Florida sun?

Yes. UV and heat protection are core benefits of FEYNLAB® coatings, helping guard your clear coat and trim against the oxidation and fading that Sarasota sun causes. Parking in shade or a garage still helps.

Will it help with salt air near the beach?

Living near Siesta Key, Lido or Venice beaches means salt in the air. A coating makes salt, sand and grime much easier to rinse off, but salt should still be washed off regularly instead of left to sit.

What about lovebugs and bird droppings?

Both are acidic and can etch paint if they sit in the sun. A coating's chemical resistance buys you time and makes them easier to remove, but wash them off as soon as you can.

Can a coated car still get water spots?

Yes. Florida's hard water and lawn sprinklers leave minerals behind when water dries on any surface. Dry the car after washing, avoid sprinkler zones and don't wash in direct sun.

What if it rains right after my coating?

It won't reach your coating. After a ceramic coating we keep your vehicle indoors for 24 hours so the coating can cure before it sees sun, rain or sprinklers. That's one big reason coatings are done only at our shop. The coating keeps curing after pickup, so follow the wash-wait time in your aftercare instructions.

Shop Visit, Drop-Off & Pickup

Where is your shop?

Our studio is at 2242 72nd Ave E, Sarasota, FL 34243. That's a Sarasota mailing address in unincorporated Manatee County, just north of University Parkway off US-301, about 15 minutes from downtown Bradenton or downtown Sarasota. See drive times from your area on our service areas page, or call or text 941-390-6388 for directions.

What are your hours?

We're open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, for drop-off and pickup too. We're closed Saturday and Sunday.

Do you still offer mobile detailing?

Yes, mobile detailing is available Wednesday–Friday. Choose Mobile when you book online, or call or text 941-390-6388. Travel is free within 20 miles of our shop; beyond 20 miles it's $2 per mile. Mobile service covers detailing only: paint correction and ceramic coatings are performed only at our shop at 2242 72nd Ave E, Sarasota, where we control lighting, temperature and cleanliness so the coating can bond and cure properly.

How do drop-off and pickup work?

Book online, drop your vehicle off between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on your scheduled weekday, and we'll call or text you when it's ready. Pickup is also 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Book your service through our online booking form, or call or text 941-390-6388. Coatings and corrections are scheduled so each car gets our full attention.

Still have a question?

Call or text 941-390-6388, or book online.

Bradenton · Lakewood Ranch · Sarasota · Anna Maria Island · Longboat Key · Siesta Key

Ready to Protect Your Ride?

Book your FEYNLAB® ceramic coating at our shop off US-301, or call or text with questions.