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cost: varies greatly depends if you get complete paint correction + coating and how much correction is necessary
durability: 3 months to 5+ years depends on product
protection: does not eliminate potential scratches, the layer is sacrificial and will protect the paint from minor abrasion don't expect the same protection as PPF.
Ideal is solution is paint protection film + a coating. Also keep in mind PPF has much greater UV protection. The best professional products are only available to certified detailers.
The CC does not eliminate swirls. That is done by paint correction (polishing), most reputable places will tell you they do paint correction as part of the CC coating process. If they don't, you run. CC is a coating that protects the paint from the chemical element, bird droppings, UV, and some youtubers have done different chemical tests on them. It's a hard coating, much more durable than wax, and seals the look of the paint, so the installer has to make sure your car is looking at its best before CC coating.
Duration is how much you willing to pay and your mileage will vary depending on where the car is parked and weather in your area. Scott H / Pan the organize and other youtubers have ceramic coating torture test. When you walk into a shop I've seen $650 and up to $2K (5 coats). The 5-coats is Life Time warranty, I didn't ask how that would work since it was way above my budget. I got the 2 coat 5yr warranty. Different shops will offer different packages. The expectation is the hydrophobicity should last for the years that you paid provided you bring the car back the the shop for annual inspection. I think they want to be sure you are not washing your car with dish soap.
What matters in real life is in the post on bitka taking his car for CC coating. Lots of folks, shared their experience. Only time will tell since I've had my car done only 2months ago.
Ceramic coatings are a great way to protect your paint and make it easier to wash your car. They won't prevent swirls caused by improper washing (need to use 2-bucket method, etc), however, they do provide more depth and as long as the car is washed properly, you'll have very minimal swirls introduced into the ceramic. As others have mentioned most shops will do a single step paint correction, or 2 step, but you may pay more for that. Then ceramic after. The best thing you can do to protect the paint is to have the front of the car covered in PPF - Suntek, 3M, Expel, etc and then ceramic over. The PPF will protect the paint from minor rock chips and road debris as well as bug guts.
Price for paint correction and ceramic - $1000-$2000 depending on market as well as your current paint condition. Expect to pay another $1000-$2500 on top for PPF depending on how you do it - partial, complete, etc.
Jonas
all the imperfections that can be will be removed. Thats where the bulk of the $$ are spent in the prep. Great process and is the way to go, It will look wet, pop and will clean up well.
Here in the UK I had Cristal Serum Ultra, with a 9 year guarantee and two coats of Exov4 on top. wheels removed and coated back and front, glass, interior and engine bay cleaned. £1100
The car is 3.5 years old