Coating, Steamboat Springs
Ceramic Coating
Mag chloride rinses off instead of bonding on.
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to your paint and cures into a hard, hydrophobic layer. Elemental Auto preps and coats vehicles in Steamboat Springs so mud, salt and road grime rinse off instead of bonding on, and the shine outlasts any wax.
What's included
- Multi-stage decontamination and paint correction first
- Hydrophobic, easy-rinse finish
- Resists mag chloride, road salt and UV
- Wheels, glass, trim and PPF can be coated too
- Multi-year durability with simple aftercare
Why it matters up here
Mag chloride on winter roads is the enemy of paint and metal in Routt County. A coating keeps it from etching in between washes and makes the wash itself a quick rinse rather than a scrub.
How the appointment goes
Prep is most of the job: a decontamination wash, clay, then paint correction to remove swirls and oxidation, because a coating locks in whatever is under it. We apply the coating panel by panel and let it cure in the shop. Expect one to two days. Keep it dry for the first several days and skip harsh soaps.
Coating questions
- Is a ceramic coating the same as paint protection film?
- No. A coating makes the paint easier to clean and resists chemical etching and UV; it does not stop rock chips. Film stops chips. Many vehicles here get film on the front and coating everywhere, including over the film.
- How long does a coating last?
- Multiple years with simple aftercare — hand or touchless washes and no abrasive polishes. We'll tell you the specific coating and its rated life at your consult.
- Do I still need to wash the car?
- Yes, just less often and more easily. Dirt and salt have a harder time sticking, so most of it comes off with a rinse.
Ready to talk coating?
Send the year, make and model and we'll come back with a recommendation and a price.