Whether online or at a shop, if you have looked into ceramic coatings, you have likely encountered multi-year guaranteed protection

“Five years of protection!”
“Ten-year ceramic coating!”
“Lifetime shine!”

It sounds like peace of mind. One large expense and application and you are set for years. But here’s the truth, these guarantees rarely mean what they seem. And if your vehicle’s finish starts to dull or degrade long before that promise is up, you’re not alone, and you’re not to blame

Let’s Break Down the Two Reasons Why:

Reason 1: No Coating Can Last 5–10 Years Without Degrading

Even the most advanced coatings that are ceramic with nano technology or graphene will degrade over time, not because they are low quality, but because no product can outperform physics.

Every vehicle finish no matter how advanced is exposed to the elements

Here in Ontario, we face brutal winters, road salt, freezing rain, scorching summers, and pollution. These elements steadily break down every coating, no matter how strong the label sounds

Some of these elements include: 

• UV exposure weakens bonds
• Road salt and fallout cause chemical erosion
• Automatic washes and dirty towels leave micro-scratches
• Organic debris introduces acid and moisture

The science does not support a “set it and forget it” approach. Protection fades, and routine care is essential, no matter what the guarantee states

Reason 2: Most Guarantees Rely on Marketing, Not Real-World Use

The problem is not with the coatings; it is with how they are sold. Ceramic coatings can absolutely deliver real benefits, but many of the multi-year guarantees attached to them are based on ideal lab conditions, not the reality of everyday driving

Manufacturers often promote best-case lifespan estimates while minimizing the variables that shorten protection in real life. 

These guarantee promises often: 

• Assume perfect washing routines
• Ignore local climate realities
• Hide behind exclusions for common damage
• Require ongoing upkeep that is not explained up front

They promote a timeline, but not a plan

What Ceramic Coatings Actually Do Well

Ceramic coatings can offer impressive benefits when applied properly on a well-prepared surface. They bond to the clear coat and create a hydrophobic, protective layer that helps:

• Repel water, dirt, and contaminants
• Reduce staining from road grime, bugs, and bird droppings
• Improve gloss and depth of shine
• Make washing easier and less frequent
• Delay the visible effects of wear and weather

These benefits are real, but they are not permanent, and they do not replace proper care

What We Guarantee at DeTox Finishing Co.

While no coating can defy time, weather, or neglect, and we will never pretend otherwise. What truly determines how long your finish lasts is not the label on a bottle, but the quality of the prep, the precision of the application, and the care that follows

At DeTox Finishing Co., we guarantee:

• Proper surface correction and decontamination
• High-grade, tested products with no shortcuts
• Skilled application tailored to your vehicle and usage
• Honest guidance about what to expect and how to maintain results

We do not promise magic. We deliver durability that is earned, not exaggerated