15 Questions to Ask Before Booking Ceramic Coating

Choosing a ceramic coating shop in Scottsdale is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your vehicle. With so many options, how do you know who to trust with your investment? Start by identifying 10 red flags to avoid and understand what ceramic coating costs in Arizona. Here are 15 critical questions to ask before booking.

1. What Brand of Ceramic Coating Do You Use?

This is the most important question. Professional shops use branded, professional-grade products like System X, Gtechniq, Ceramic Pro, or IGL Coatings.

If they can't name a specific brand or say "our proprietary formula," that's a red flag. They're likely using consumer-grade products from Amazon.

Research the brand they mention. Look for manufacturer websites, professional certifications, and independent reviews.

2. Is Paint Correction Included in Your Package?

Ceramic coating over uncorrected paint is like painting over rust—you're preserving imperfections. Any shop worth your money includes at least single-stage paint correction.

Ask: What level of correction is included? Single-stage, two-stage, or multi-stage? What defects will you address (swirls, scratches, oxidation)?

If they say paint correction "isn't necessary," walk away immediately.

3. How Long Does the Process Take?

Proper ceramic coating takes 2-3 days minimum. Day 1: decontamination and paint correction. Day 2: final prep and coating application. Day 3: cure time and inspection.

Same-day or 4-hour ceramic coating? That's impossible to do correctly. They're cutting corners.

4. Can I See Your Work Space?

A legitimate shop will gladly show you their facility. Look for clean, organized work bays, climate control (temperature and humidity matter for curing), proper lighting (to spot defects), and professional equipment.

If they refuse, make excuses, or only offer mobile service, that's a red flag.

5. Do You Have a Portfolio of Previous Work?

Ask to see before-and-after photos, video walkarounds, or examples of similar vehicles they've coated.

A professional shop has extensive documentation of their work. If they can't show you anything, they're either brand new or not producing quality results.

6. What's Your Experience Level?

How long have you been applying ceramic coating? How many vehicles have you coated? What training/certifications do you have?

Look for shops with 3+ years of experience and manufacturer certifications (System X, Gtechniq, etc.). Ceramic coating application is a skill that improves with experience.

7. What Does Your Warranty Cover?

Ask for warranty details in writing. What's covered? What's not covered? What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid? How long does the warranty last?

Quality shops provide clear, written warranties. Be suspicious of vague "lifetime" warranties with no details.

8. What Prep Work Is Included?

Ceramic coating requires extensive prep: washing, decontamination (iron remover, clay bar), paint thickness measurements, paint correction, and final panel wipe.

If they skip any of these steps, the coating won't bond properly. Ask: What specific prep steps do you perform? Do you measure paint thickness? Do you use clay bar?

9. How Do You Handle High Spots or Streaks?

Ceramic coating can flash (cure too quickly) if not buffed properly, leaving high spots or streaks. Ask: How do you prevent this? What if it happens—how do you fix it?

Professional shops work in controlled environments, apply in sections, and have protocols for fixing application errors.

10. What Aftercare Do You Recommend?

Ask: What products should I use for maintenance? How often should I wash? When can I wash after application? What should I avoid?

A quality shop provides detailed aftercare instructions and recommends specific products. If they say "you never have to wash it again," they're lying.

11. Do You Offer a Written Quote?

Never accept a verbal quote. Get everything in writing: total cost, what's included (prep work, correction level, coating brand), timeline, and warranty terms.

Written quotes prevent disputes and show professionalism.

12. What Are Your Customer Reviews Like?

Check Google reviews, Yelp, and Facebook. Look for detailed reviews mentioning staff names, specific processes, before-and-after photos, and realistic expectations.

Be wary of all 5-star reviews with generic language (probably fake) or zero reviews (new or problematic).

13. Do You Use PPE and Proper Ventilation?

Ceramic coatings contain chemicals that require proper handling. Ask: Do your technicians wear gloves and masks? Is your workspace properly ventilated?

This shows they care about safety and follow manufacturer guidelines.

14. What Happens If I'm Not Satisfied?

Ask about their satisfaction guarantee or correction policy. What if you notice streaks, missed spots, or issues after pickup?

Professional shops stand behind their work and will address legitimate concerns.

15. Why Should I Choose You Over Competitors?

This open-ended question reveals a lot. Do they focus on price, quality, experience, or customer service? Are they confident and knowledgeable, or defensive?

Look for shops that emphasize quality, transparency, and realistic expectations—not just low prices or exaggerated claims.

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid shops that can't answer these questions, provide vague responses, pressure you to book immediately, quote unrealistically low prices (under $500), or make impossible promises ("lifetime protection, no maintenance required").

At Upscale Detailz in Scottsdale, we welcome these questions because we have nothing to hide. We use System X ceramic coating, include multi-stage paint correction, provide written quotes and warranties, and back our work with 6+ years of experience. View our pricing packages or explore our ceramic coating resource hub.