FAQ

Ceramic Coating

I. Understanding Ceramic Coatings

What is a Ceramic Coating?

A Ceramic Coating is a professional-grade, liquid polymer applied to your vehicle’s exterior. Once cured, it chemically bonds with the factory clear coat to create a semi-permanent, invisible shield. This adds a sacrificial layer of protection that is significantly harder and more durable than traditional wax.

How does it work?

On a microscopic level, the coating fills the pores of your paint’s clear coat, creating a perfectly smooth, hydrophobic surface. This "self-cleaning" effect means water, road grime, and environmental contaminants cannot easily bond to the surface. When you wash the car, dirt simply slides off with the water.

How long will it last in Ontario’s winters?

Designed to withstand the harsh Canadian climate, our professional coatings will last multiple years even through heavy road salt and snow. Longevity is guaranteed when paired with proper maintenance and the recommended aftercare guidelines.

What are the primary benefits?

Superior Protection: Shields against UV oxidation, chemical stains (bird droppings/sap), and environmental wear.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Significantly increases the gloss, depth, and "mirror finish" of your paint.
Maintenance Efficiency: Keeps the car cleaner for longer and makes your bi-weekly washes much faster.
Longevity: Offers years of protection, whereas traditional waxes degrade in weeks.

What a Ceramic Coating is NOT

It is important to note that ceramic coatings are not bulletproof. While they provide a hardened surface that resists light marring, they do not prevent rock chips or deep scratches. Think of it as a transparent, protective skin: it absorbs the brunt of environmental damage so your actual paint doesn't have to.

II. Installation & Quality

The Importance of Paint Correction

Paint Correction is the meticulous process of removing swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation. Because a ceramic coating is transparent and high-gloss, it acts like a magnifying glass—it will lock in and highlight any existing defects. To achieve a flawless finish, we require professional paint correction prior to any coating application.

New Vehicles & Paint Correction

Even brand-new vehicles typically arrive from the dealership with transport film residue, iron deposits, or "dealer-installed" swirl marks from improper washing. Correcting the paint while the vehicle is new ensures the best possible bond for the coating and often requires less intensive labor, making it the ideal time for protection.

The "Value" Coating Myth ($299 Specials)

Many "budget" services advertised at $299 are actually ceramic sealants, not true coatings. These are spray-on products that sit on top of the paint rather than bonding into it.

Longevity: Sealants last months; our professional coatings last years.
Process: Budget shops rarely include the necessary paint correction, meaning you are coating over damaged paint.
Expertise: At Downforce Detailing, we use professional-grade materials applied by master installers, backed by a real warranty and measurable durability.

III. Maintenance & Aftercare

Washing After Application

Yes, you can and should wash your vehicle. Upon completion, you will receive a digital copy of your warranty details and a custom maintenance guide. If you prefer a "hands-off" approach, we offer professional maintenance packages to ensure your coating performs at its peak year-round.

Can I apply a coating myself?

While consumer-grade "sealants" are DIY-friendly, professional-grade coatings are not. Improper application can lead to "high spots" (dark, oily streaks), hazing, or permanent streaking that requires machine sanding to fix. Professional installation also ensures your investment is backed by a warranty.

Can I use wax over a coating?

You can, but it is unnecessary. Waxes actually interfere with the hydrophobic properties of the coating. If you enjoy the ritual of topping your car after a wash, we recommend using our specialized Ceramic Booster/Sealant, which is designed to work in harmony with the coating.

Ceramic Coatings

Detailing Services

Professional Detailing Services

Our Pricing Philosophy

We do not list flat rates online because every vehicle's condition is unique. Factors like size, level of debris, and surface contamination vary greatly. We provide transparent, accurate quotes after an in-person assessment, ensuring you only pay for the specific care your vehicle requires.

The Difference: Clean vs. "Shine"

Many low-cost shops use "dressings" (oily silicone products) to mask dirt with a high-gloss shine. Downforce Detailing focuses on true cleanliness. When you receive your vehicle, the interior will have a factory-fresh matte finish—no greasy residue or hidden dirt. We use VOC-compliant, green, and biodegradable products to ensure a safe environment for you and your family.

Odour & Smoke Removal

Odours: Lingering smells are often caused by trapped moisture. We use advanced extraction and controlled drying to ensure your interior is truly dry, preventing mildew.
Smoke: While we cannot guarantee 100% removal of deep-set nicotine, our multi-step process includes a full nicotine-dissolving shampoo, ozone treatment, and surface neutralization. Pro Tip: Always replace your cabin air filter during this service.

About Downforce Detailing

Established in 2017, Downforce Detailing is led by a master detailer with over 20 years of industry experience. Our longer service times reflect our commitment to a "no corners cut" methodology.

Window Tinting

Window Tinting Services

How much does window tinting cost?

The investment for window tinting is based on the number of windows, the vehicle type (e.g., sedan vs. hatchback), and the type of film selected. Our professional packages typically start at $250. For an exact quote tailored to your specific vehicle, please contact us directly.

What tint shades do you offer?

We carry four premium shades to balance privacy, style, and visibility:

5% (Limo Tint): Maximum privacy and darkness.
15% & 20%: Popular choices for matching factory rear privacy glass.
35%: A subtle, classic look that offers moderate privacy.

Ontario Tint Regulations

Front Windshield: It is illegal in Ontario to tint the full front windshield. We prioritize your safety and legal compliance and do not offer this service.
Front Side Windows: According to provincial regulations, the driver and front passenger windows must allow at least 70% light transmission (meaning the tint cannot be darker than 30%).
Sun Strips: We offer Sun Strips, which consist of a 3 - 6 inch band of tint applied to the top of the windshield. This is a legal and effective way to reduce sun glare while driving.

Ceramic vs. Carbon Tint: What is the difference?

While both films look virtually identical once installed, the performance difference is significant:

Ceramic Tint: The gold standard in film technology. It uses ceramic particles to block a vast majority of Infrared Heat (IR), keeping your interior cooler in the summer.
Carbon Tint: Provides excellent UV protection and a sleek look but offers less heat rejection than its ceramic counterpart.

Why avoid "$99 Tint Specials"?

Budget-tier tinting often uses low-grade dyed films that provide little to no UV or heat protection. These "value" shops frequently cut corners on labor and rarely provide a warranty. At Downforce Detailing, we use a Precision Plotter to computer-cut our film for a perfect fit, ensuring no blades touch your glass and providing a result backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Common Tint Issues: Bubbles and Purple Discolouration

Bubbling: This is typically caused by the failure of low-quality adhesives. As the glue breaks down, it releases gases that become trapped, creating unsightly bubbles.
Turning Purple: This occurs with older, dye-based tints. Over time, UV exposure bleaches the dye, leaving behind a purple hue. Our modern films are engineered to remain colour-stable for the life of the vehicle.

Headlight Restoration

What are the benefits of restoring my headlights?

Headlight restoration is a critical service for both safety and aesthetics.

Improved Visibility: Clouded, yellowed lenses diffuse light, making your night vision soft and unfocused. Restoration restores a clear, focused beam, allowing you to see further and more clearly at night.
Enhanced Appearance: Restoring "foggy" lenses instantly takes years off the look of your vehicle, increasing its curb appeal and resale value.

Our Specialized Process

Cost & Time: Services start at $120 and typically take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
No Headlight Removal: Our specialists use precision tools and meticulous taping techniques to restore your lenses safely while they remain on the vehicle.
Ceramic Protection: Unlike many shops that use temporary clear coats that eventually peel, we seal our work with a Professional Ceramic Coating. This bonds to the lens to prevent future oxidation and ensures clarity for years to come.

Will it make my lights "brighter"?

Technically, the bulb's output remains the same, but the perceived brightness increases significantly. By removing the yellow haze that traps and scatters light, the beam is no longer diffused, resulting in a much sharper and more effective projection on the road.

Warranty & Re-Installation

We stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty on all tinting services. We also offer tint removal and re-installation services for clients looking to upgrade their current film or correct a previous poor installation.