Car Paint Protection in Paisley

Is This the Right Package for Your Car?

A good fit if:

• Your paint is in decent condition and you want gloss and protection
• You've just bought a used car and want to give it a proper reset
• You want your car easier to keep clean through a Scottish winter
• You'd like ceramic protection without the cost of a multi-year coating

Not the right fit if:

• Your paint has noticeable swirl marks or scratches you want removed. You'll want Paint Enhancement or Paint Correction, finished with a 2 or 5 year coating.
• You've just collected a brand-new car. My New Car Ceramic Coating gives far longer protection from day one.

If you're not sure, send me a few photos or pop in to my workshop and I'll tell you honestly which package your car needs.

What's Included, Step by Step

1. Wheels and shuts

Wheels are cleaned with a non-acid wheel cleaner, which is safe on all finishes, and the door shuts and boot shut are cleaned out.

2. Snow foam and safe wash

A snow foam pre-wash loosens and lifts dirt before anything touches the paint. The car is then washed using the two-bucket method with grit guards and premium wash mitts, so grit isn't dragged across the paintwork.

3. Decontamination

Tar spots are removed, and a fallout remover dissolves the iron particles that embed in paint from brake dust and rail dust. A full clay bar treatment then lifts any remaining bonded contamination, leaving the paint smooth as glass. The car gets a second snow foam wash to rinse everything away.

4. Safe drying

The car is dried with soft microfibre towels and an air dryer, which blows water out of mirrors, badges and trim gaps so it doesn't drip down the panels afterwards.

5. Machine polish

A machine polish brings up the gloss and depth in your paint and prepares the surface for the coating. To be clear, this step enhances shine; it isn't a swirl or defect removal treatment.

6. Panel wipe and ceramic coating

Every panel is wiped down to remove polishing oils, because any residue left behind stops the coating bonding properly. The ceramic coating is then applied panel by panel, giving up to 12 months' protection.

7. Finishing touches

Wheels are waxed to resist brake dust, exhaust tips polished, tyres and trims dressed, and the exterior glass polished and treated with a rain repellent.

Time: around one day, depending on the car.

Price: from £200. Every car is priced on its size and condition, and I'll agree an exact price with you before any work starts.

What Makes My Approach Different

A machine polish at this price. Many entry-level protection packages are a wash and a spray sealant. Every Exterior Protection Detail includes a machine polish before the coating goes on, which is where the gloss comes from.

Proper decontamination first. A coating applied over embedded iron and tar won't bond or last. Fallout remover, tar removal and a clay bar are standard, not extras.

Honest about what it won't do. If your car would be better served by correction, I'll tell you before you book, not after.

One person, start to finish. I don't hand cars to staff. You deal with me, and I'll keep you updated and let you know as soon as your car's ready.

Car Paint Protection FAQs

How much does car paint protection cost?

My Exterior Protection Detail starts from £200. The final price depends on your car's size and condition, and it's agreed with you before I start.

How long does the protection last?

Up to 12 months. How long it lasts in practice depends on mileage, where the car's kept and how it's washed. For longer protection, my 2 and 5 year coatings are available with New Car Ceramic Coating and Paint Correction.

Will it remove swirl marks and scratches?

No. The machine polish boosts gloss, but it's not a correction process. If defects bother you, Paint Enhancement removes around 60% of swirl marks before coating.

How long will you need my car?

Usually about a day. Drop it off in the morning and I'll let you know when it's ready.

Can I add an interior clean?

Yes. Many customers combine it with an interior clean. See my Interior Deep Clean & Exterior Detailing service.

How do I look after the coating?

Hand wash with a pH-neutral shampoo and clean wash mitts, and avoid automatic car washes with brushes. The coating makes washing quicker, but it still needs washing.

Is this the same as paint protection film (PPF)?

No. PPF is a thick physical film that guards against stone chips. A ceramic coating is a thin chemical layer that adds gloss, repels water and dirt, and makes the car easier to clean. It won't stop stone chips.