Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
Meet Dustin Wharton: Your Ceramic Coating Expert in San Diego
Curious about ceramic coatings? I'm here to answer ALL your questions.
Hi, I'm Dustin Wharton, and I've been obsessed with making cars look incredible for over 15 years. As a certified ceramic coating installer and trainer for other coating professionals, I've seen firsthand how the right coating can transform your vehicle.
What Customers Think About Their Ceramic Coating:
But what truly matters is the experience and care behind the application. With over 400 five-star reviews, I'm proud to be San Diego's most trusted ceramic coating specialist.
Why Prep Work is Everything
It's easy to think ceramic coating is just a magic spray. But the difference between an average-looking car and one with a silky smooth finish, that is shielded from damage, and that will turn heads for years…lies in the prep work.That's why I use an exacting 8-step process to ensure your car's surface is absolutely flawless before the coating even touches it.
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The difference is striking…take a look at the hood of this BMW before we prepped it, and after:
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Or check out the swirls on this tailgate. To the untrained eye, the before photo looks like any other car. That is, until you see it after we spent time bringing back the car's showroom finish:
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We take the extra time to ensure the vehicle's surface is perfectly prepped so you get the most out of that beautiful candy gloss once the ceramic coating gets applied:
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image13.jpg)
This is the difference between an average coating and one that gives you a head-turning, candy-like gloss that lasts for years.
Other questions? Text or call me at 619-304-2507. Or connect on my socials below. I'm here to help you make an informed decision about protecting your investment.
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing:
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
San Diego's #1 Ceramic Coating Installer
Trusted Since 2009. Family-Owned. More Than 400 Five-Star Reviews.
Living in San Diego means loving the sun, but your car's paint doesn't feel the same. Our relentless sun, salty ocean air, and even the dust from our desert winds all take a toll.Ceramic coating isn't a luxury here—it's the ultimate defense against fading, etching, and damage that robs your vehicle of its looks and value. (What is ceramic coating?)
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image18.jpg)
Here are some of the reasons our customers tell us why they chose Official California Detailing here in San Diego, CA:
16 Years of Experience: Family-owned and operated since 2009, we've perfected the art of ceramic coating.
400+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews: More 5-star reviews on Google Maps than any other ceramic coating installer in San Diego.
Up to 9-Year Warranty: Unmatched in the region, reflecting our confidence in the quality and durability of our work.
Licensed, Insured, & Certified: We have earned multiple industry awards – and regularly train new ceramic coating installers.
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image24.jpg)
What Customers Think About Their Ceramic Coating:
Serving The Greater San Diego Area:
Your car deserves the best. That's why we're not just applying a coating – we're providing an experience that transforms your vehicle's appearance and longevity in all of San Diego's neighborhoods:Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Downtown, East Lake, El Cajon, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla, La Mesa, Lakeside, Mission Valley, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santa Luz, Santee, Solana Beach
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing:
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
What Is Ceramic Coating?
Imagine pulling into your driveway after a long day, and your car still looks like it just rolled off the lot. Imagine never again worrying about a bird leaving its mark on your freshly washed paint. Imagine skipping the weekend wax job and actually having free time.
That is the power of ceramic coating.
What Is Ceramic Coating, Exactly?
Scientifically speaking, ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to your car's paint. It forms a chemical bond with the surface, creating a semi-permanent layer of protection that is much more resilient than traditional wax or sealant.
Think of ceramic coating like a super-thin, invisible layer of armor that bonds to your car's paint. And because it fuses with your vehicle's paint on a molecular level, ceramic coating provides years of surface protection.
Why Does That Matter?
Without additional protection, contaminants like dirt, bird droppings or pollution stick to your car's surface. This creates a layer of oxidation and weakens the clear coat. Even on brand new cars…
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image20.jpg)
Everyday UV light destroying the clear coat…
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Water spots etched into the paint…
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image14.jpg)
Acidic bug stains…
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Oxidized metals from road grime…
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Damaged paint from bird droppings…
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Paint failure from faulty factory application…
What About Waxing? Or Sealants?
Forget everything you know about waxing and sealants. Both offer temporary protection, but they require frequent reapplication and don't have the same level of durability as a more advanced solution.
Ceramic coating isn't a quick fix – it's a molecular bond that becomes PART of your car's paint. Like a transparent shield, but stronger and longer-lasting than anything you've used before.
Is Ceramic Coating the Right Thing For Me?
Ceramic coating is a long-term investment in your car's appearance, its value, and your peace of mind. If you want your car to look its absolute best, with less effort, hassle, and cost – it's for you.
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image16.jpg)
Long-lasting protection: Unlike wax, which lasts for a few weeks at best, ceramic coating can protect your car's paint for several years.
Gloss and shine that last for years: Ceramic coating adds depth and clarity to your car's paint. It locks in that deep, glossy look you love – giving your car a showroom-quality finish that will turn heads wherever you go.
Washing your car becomes a breeze: The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coating repel water, dirt and grime – making it easier to wash your car and keep it looking clean. That means less time with a bucket and more time with activities and people that matter.
Increased resale value: Looks matter! A well-maintained car with a ceramic coating will look much more attractive to potential buyers and will command a higher resale price.
In a nutshell, ceramic coating preserves your car's value, saves you money on washes and detailing, and gives you that pride of ownership every time you see it.
What Customers Think About Their Ceramic Coating:
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing.
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
How long does ceramic coating last?
Forget Waxing & Sealants – Get Durable Protection And Lasting Looks
Ceramic coating is a liquid that binds with your vehicle’s paint on a molecular level–not just on the surface. The depth of this bond keeps it from deteriorating like waxing or sealants. Both offer temporary protection, but they require frequent reapplication and don't have the same level of durability as a more advanced solution.
Ceramic coating isn't a quick fix – it's a molecular bond that becomes PART of your car's paint. Like a transparent shield, but stronger and longer-lasting than anything you've used before. Generally, a professionally applied, high-quality ceramic coating can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
What Makes a Difference
Generally speaking, the lifespan of ceramic coating depends on several factors, including:
Quality of the coating: Higher quality coatings generally last longer.
Application process: Professional application is crucial for ensuring the coating adheres properly and lasts as long as possible.
Environmental conditions: Harsh weather conditions and exposure to pollutants can shorten the lifespan of the coating.
Maintenance: Regular washing and proper care can help preserve the coating.
How Does a Coating Look When Properly Maintained?
Here are some examples of coating we did several years ago, when the owners brought them in for their maintenance details:
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image26.jpg)
1-Year Old Ceramic Coating
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2-Year Old Ceramic Coating
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image03.jpg)
3-Year Old Ceramic Coating
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image17.jpg)
5-Year Old Ceramic Coating
Stay on The Safe Side With Extended Warranty
We're so confident in the calibre of our work as well as the quality of our coatings to offer a warranty of up to 9 years. And when opting for a professional maintenance plan, you can even qualify your vehicle for an extended warranty.
What Customers Think About The Longevity of Our Ceramic Coating:
Many of our customers have shared details about their experience and the long-lasting outcomes of our ceramic coatings:
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing.
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
How to protect your Tesla from premature aging.
Among car professionals, Tesla’s have a reputation for paint quality that’s … lacking. So much so that the car maker has faced multiple lawsuits across the globe.
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To Tesla’s defense, they have invested heavily in new paint technology, but they’re currently hitting the physical limit of what is possible. Most complaints about Tesla paint can be sourced back to their Fremont location, which is an old GM-Toyota factory that has been remodeled.But its paint shop is nearly 60 years old and cannot accommodate the drying process. Here's a short clip where Elon Musk himself elaborates on the issue:
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image05.gif)
In addition, local laws and emission guidelines severely restrict the use of hardening compounds, which leads to extremely soft paint that’s vulnerable to swirl marks, scratches and scrapes.
![](/dyncarrds/officialcaliforniadetailing/ceramic/assets/images/image07.jpg)
Long story short, if you are serious about safeguard your Tesla’s paint integrity, you can take a few extra steps that will go a long way in protecting your investment.
With more than 200 Teslas under our belt, we’re San Diego's #1 ceramic coating installer for Teslas. We’ve not only learned a few tricks on how to address paint issues, improve surface protection and made them shine:
What Other Tesla Owners Think About Our Coatings:
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing:
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
How much does ceramic coating cost?
When preparing an estimate, and then ultimately selecting the right ceramic coating option for you, there are a number of things to consider:
vehicle size and how much of its surface you want to protect
condition of the paint
how much you drive
how you store your car, and
how long you plan to keep it.
Here are the most important considerations:
Size and Surface Coverage:
This obviously determines the amount of ceramic coating will be needed for your vehicle, but also influences how much time will be spent preparing the surface
Paint Condition:
This is an area where I really encourage people to ask lots of questions.I see a lot of installers who bundle in a 2-stage paint correction on every single vehicle they coat. The problem with this is it really thins out your vehicle's factory clear coat, and can ramp up your costs at the same time.Most vehicles we coat are absolutely perfect with a more time spent on a single stage polish, without doing any heavier long term damage to th
Ownership Length:
This consideration mainly applies to leased vehicles.While our warranties can be submitted to Carfax, and ultimately can have a positive impact on resale price of the vehicle, if you're going to be returning the vehicle at the end of your lease term, you'll want to consider saving some money by getting a shorter term coating.
We have a range of options in order to ensure we've got something that can be tailored to your vehicle and situation.We'll help you decide on the right package based on what you actually want … and what your car needs.And we’ll guarantee you one thing: a ceramic coating is well worth the investment. Otherwise we’ll tell you unapologetically.
What Customers Think About Their Ceramic Coating:
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing:
Official California Detailing San Diego
11633 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 2b
92121 San Diego, CA
619-304-2507
Ceramic Coating Gallery
What Customers Think About Their Ceramic Coating:
Ready to See the Difference?
Take the first step toward a permanently protected, always-stunning car. It takes less than 90 seconds to get a personalized quote. No phone calls, no sales pitches – just honest, transparent & fair pricing: