Deep paint correction and 3-year ceramic armour
We bring back the factory mirror and depth of colour. On top — a ceramic shield for three years: water beads off, dirt won't stick, de-icer and UV work against the coating, not the paint. The car can be polished many times — we remove the minimum.
Polish removes the defects — ceramic stops them coming back
Polishing restores the smoothness and gloss of the clear coat: removes swirls (small circular wash marks), holograms, hazing, light branch and fingernail scratches. Without protection these same defects return within a couple of months — especially if you use city car-washes. Ceramic is a hard transparent SiO₂-based «armour» that sits on top of the clear coat and absorbs the hits. Dirt, de-icer, sand, UV, insects — all of that now works against the ceramic, not the paint. It can only be removed by polishing — never chipped off.
How our polish differs from the «5K-rouble special»
Cheap polishing uses coarse pads and abrasive to wipe out every defect in 2 hours. Sold as «restoring the shine», it removes 30–50 microns of clear coat — a third of its thickness. After that «service» you can polish the car maybe one more time before hitting primer. Our approach is different: 3 stages of decreasing grit, paint thickness measured before work and checked along the way, low-rotation polishing with regular pad cleaning. We remove only what's needed to clear the defects — nothing extra. The car can be polished many times across its lifespan.
- Paint thickness measured before start and checked along the way
- 3 compounds of decreasing abrasive — coarse to finishing
- Low-rotation polishing with temperature control
- Rubber and plastic masked with film and tape
- Final inspection under a defect-revealing lamp
From rough defects to a mirror finish
Standard is three stages with decreasing grit. Light paint may need only two; cars with deep scratches add a fourth wet-sanding step. The decision is made after a thickness check and visual diagnostic.
Cutting (compounding)
Coarse abrasive compound and a hard pad. Removes deep swirls, holograms, hazing, factory paint defects. Takes off 5–10 microns — paint thickness is checked so the clear coat isn't breached to primer.
Polishing (medium)
Medium compound, soft pad. Clears the marks left by stage 1 — the surface becomes smooth, the paint comes alive, sharp gloss appears.
Finishing
Micro-abrasive compound, very soft pad. Pushes the gloss to mirror level, removes any holograms from previous compounds. This is the «wet paint» effect you read about in reviews.
What we apply after the polish
We work with top Japanese and Korean ceramic brands. The choice depends on the car's condition, your budget and the protection period you need.
9H ceramic · 1 layer
One layer of professional 9H ceramic — resistance to washes, de-icer, light scratches. Hydrophobic for 12+ months. Suits new cars or those after a first polish.
9H ceramic · 2–3 layers
Multi-layer application with inter-layer cure. 2-year warranty, real lifespan up to 3 years with proper care. The most popular option.
Premium ceramic · 4+ layers
Top Japanese systems (Ceramic Pro, Modesta) with layered application and manufacturer warranty. For collector and rare cars where maximum protection and gloss are the priority.
Seven steps from intake to handover
The full cycle takes 1–2 days. The car is collected the day after coating — the ceramic needs time to fully cure.
- 01
Diagnostics and photos
We take the car in, measure paint thickness across every panel, photograph defects under a reveal lamp. Scope is approved.
- 02
Gentle wash
Two-bucket wash with pH-neutral shampoo, clay bar removes embedded contamination and tar. No brushes, no harsh chemistry.
- 03
Masking adjacent elements
Rubber seals, plastic, chrome and headlights are taped off. Compound stays where it should.
- 04
3-stage polish
Cutting → polishing → finishing. Between stages — degreasing for true result inspection. Thickness gauge logs every removal.
- 05
Pre-ceramic degrease
A specialist IPA solution removes every trace of compound. Without that ceramic won't bond to the paint.
- 06
Layered ceramic application
Each layer applied with an applicator on a marked grid (no skips, no overlaps). 30 minutes between layers for cure.
- 07
Cure and inspection
The car stays in the booth for 12–24 hours of final cure. Pre-handover — inspection under the lamp and a hydrophobic test.
An effect you see at first glance
Hydrophobic finish
Water beads up and rolls off, taking dust and dirt with it. After rain the car barely gets dirty.
Colour depth
The «wet paint» effect — pigment sounds richer, dark cars look like a mirror, light ones gain volume.
UV protection
Ceramic blocks UV — paint doesn't fade, black trim doesn't go grey, colour stays as it was the day you bought it.
Easy washing
Dirt won't stick to the coating — a normal contact wash instead of fighting streaks.
Chemical resistance
Road salt, harsh foam from car-washes, bird droppings, insects — all of it works against the ceramic, not the paint.
Re-polish capability
After 2–3 years the ceramic can be polished off and a fresh layer applied — without harm to the paint. Repeatable for years.
How to keep the effect for the maximum period
Ceramic only works alongside proper care. A few simple rules that extend the coating's life by 50–100%.
First 7 days — keep it dry
The coating needs to fully cure. No washing for a week, ideally no rain exposure.
Contact wash only
No touchless washes with active foam (kills hydrophobic effect fast) and no automatic brush systems.
pH-neutral shampoo
Specialist automotive shampoos with pH 6–8 only. Household soap is a no-go.
Two-bucket method
One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing. Removes 90% of the swirl risk.
Periodic inspection
Drop by every six months — we test hydrophobic effect, top up with a booster if needed.
We take the job — we own the result
Timing
1–2 days depending on paint condition and number of ceramic layers. The car is collected the day after coating to allow full cure.
Pricing
From 35,000 ₽ for polish + 1-layer ceramic on a compact-class car. Final cost depends on car size, paint condition and chosen coating. Quoted before work starts.
Warranty
On polishing — guarantee that we won't breach the clear coat (gauge-controlled). On ceramic — 2 years officially, real lifespan 3 years with proper care.
What clients usually ask
Ceramic coating in SPb: price, time, warranty
Base studio prices and timing for St. Petersburg.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | from 35,000 ₽ (polish + 1 ceramic layer, compact class) |
| Time | 1–2 days |
| Warranty | up to 3 years |
| Location | St. Petersburg, 34D Elizarova Ave. |
Armor-Auto studio prices · St. Petersburg, 34D Elizarova Ave. Final price is set after vehicle inspection.
Before / after on real cases
Project photos coming soon. Want to see specific cases right now — leave a request and we'll send the portfolio over WhatsApp.
Often booked together
Additional Armor-Auto services that complement what you’re booking.
Book polish & ceramic
Tell us the make, year and current paint condition — we'll give you an exact quote and a convenient slot. Done in 1–2 days.