They're often confused, but they solve different problems. Paint correction removes damage that's already there — swirls, scratches, oxidation. Ceramic coating protects against new damage. Here's which one your car needs, what each costs in Toronto, and why most people do both.
Paint correction and ceramic coating solve different problems and are often done together. Paint correction is machine polishing that removes existing swirl marks, scratches, water spots and oxidation from the clear coat — it repairs damage that has already happened. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds on top of the paint and creates a hydrophobic protective layer against road salt, UV fading and light wash marring — it prevents new damage rather than fixing old damage. Correct first, then coat: coating over swirled paint locks those defects in for the life of the coating. Cars with visible swirls or scratches need correction before coating; cars with healthy paint can go straight to coating. Honest Mobile Car Detailing does both as a mobile service across Toronto and the GTA.
Two services, two different jobs. Here's how they stack up.
Our mobile prices for each service. Most people book a correction and a coating together in one visit.
| Service | Sedan / Coupe | SUV / Crossover | Truck / Minivan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step Polish | $450 | $600 | Quoted |
| 2-Step Correction | $700 | $850 | Quoted |
| Ceramic Coating (3+ yr) | $599 | $699 | $799 |
Booking both? We do them in the right order in one visit — ask about bundle pricing. Full details: paint correction prices and our ceramic coating cost guide.
We check your paint's actual condition before recommending anything — no guesswork.
Swirls, scratches and oxidation get physically removed with machine polishing.
The coating seals in the corrected, glossy finish — not the swirls underneath it.
New cars or recently corrected paint can often go straight to coating.
Think of it like skin care: paint correction is the treatment that removes existing damage. Ceramic coating is the daily protection that keeps new damage from building up.
Doing both, in the right order, gives you the longest-lasting, best-looking result — and it's the combination most serious car owners choose.
Mobile paint correction and ceramic coating at your home, condo garage or office — 7 days a week.
If your paint has visible swirls, scratches or water spots, yes. The coating seals in whatever is underneath it for years, so correcting first means you lock in a clean, glossy finish instead of the damage. Brand-new cars with healthy paint may only need a light polish, or none.
Yes, if your paint is already in healthy condition. If it has visible swirls, scratches or oxidation, the coating will seal those in under a multi-year layer. We check your paint for free and tell you honestly which it is.
Our paint correction starts at $450 for a 1-step polish or $700 for a 2-step correction on a sedan ($600 and $850 for an SUV). Ceramic coating is $599 for a sedan, $699 for an SUV and $799 for a truck or minivan. Booking both? Ask about bundle pricing when you request your quote.
No. A coating can make paint look glossier, but it doesn't remove swirls or scratches — only paint correction does that. What a coating does is help prevent new wash marring once the paint is corrected.
Paint correction is permanent — the defects it removes don't come back, though new swirls can build up over time from washing. Ceramic coating is a protective layer that typically lasts 3+ years with basic care before it needs reapplying.
Plan for a full day or more. A 1-step polish takes about 3 to 4 hours and a coating about 6 to 10 hours depending on vehicle size. A 2-step correction plus coating on an SUV can run into a second day. We give you the exact timing with your quote.
Yes. Many customers do correction on its own, especially before a sale or trade-in. Just know that without protection, new swirls and light scratches build up again from regular washing.
Text us a few photos of your paint in daylight. We'll recommend correction, coating or both — no upsell, just an honest answer and a clear price.
Tell us your vehicle and paint condition, or text photos to (437) 775-2782. We'll tell you honestly whether you need correction, coating or both — usually the same day.