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Rated 5.0 | 41 Reviews

MOBILE CERAMIC COATING INSTALLATION. DC/MD/VA. BY JAMES DAWSON

Rated 5/5 By CUstomers

Mobile Ceramic Coating Installation, Done At Your Door. (DC/MD/VA)

James takes on limited ceramic coating installs so every step is done properly: inspection, meticulous paint correction, then ceramic coating so it holds up in real sunlight.

AMMO Masterclass Certified
2 Days Dedicated to your Car
Protect your Vehicle for 5+ Years

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Most installs start at $1,499.

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No spam. No pressure. Let's chat about your car. Start-to-finish by James Dawson. For fastest response, text James now.
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“After another detailing service left swirl marks on my new Ferrari with only 100 miles on it, I was extremely cautious — but James has earned my full trust.”
Arlie, Ferrari Roma

Get your Same Day Ceramic Coating Quote

Most installs start at $1,499.

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No spam. No pressure. Let's chat about your car. Start-to-finish by James Dawson. For fastest response, text James now.
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James, DC's top rated detailer standing in front of the Capitol

Contact James

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Prefer to speak directly?
301-549-9786
james@dawsonsdetailing.com

1/3 of James' BOOKINGS Are To Fix Sloppy Work.

Big shops win on quick turnaround. They lose on consistency. That’s why you’ll hear “9H,” “graphene,” and “diamond” thrown around—it’s easier to sell labels than process.

What makes a ceramic coating last is proper installation. I don’t rely on buzzwords to sell coatings. You hire an expert so you don’t have to be one yourself.

AMMO Masterclass Certified

Not “shop trained.” Masterclass trained. No shortcuts, no handoffs, no mystery technicians.
James Dawson at the AMMO Masterclass

Mobile Service. DC, Maryland, Virginia.

Mobile ceramic coating installation. Including but not limited to Potomac, Great Falls, McLean, Tyson's, Rockville, Arlington and Bethesda.
Mobile ceramic coating service based in DC.

ARTISTRY CANNOT BE MASS PRODUCED.

Anyone can apply a ceramic coating. But not everyone can turn it into art. This level of precision can’t be mass produced or taught in a class. It’s the result of obsession, instinct, and hours no one else was willing to put in.
Ferrari Mondial being polished before a ceramic coating
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1/3 of James' BOOKINGS Are To Fix Other Detailers' Work.

ceramic coat your car right the first time.

Testimonials From Past Clients

EXCELLENT
Based on 41 Reviews
Gordon Wilson
James was incredibly professional and did an amazing paint correction job (+ceramic coating) on my new $50k car that was delivered by the dealer with swirl marks all over. Thought I would be stuck with a less than perfect car for the next 10 years that I planned to own it but James saved the day when he did his magic.
Steve Hay
His attention to detail is superb, and he loves what he does. The results on my car, going through a two-day process, were absolutely superb. I was able to watch him work, and he did everything in his power to achieve an excellent result. Five stars is not enough.

What You Can Expect

  • 5 year ceramic coating
  • 2-3 Days of undivided attention for your car
  • Exacting paint preparation for show-stopping results
  • A made-to-measure paint correction based on your car’s paint composition and condition.
  • On-site mobile service at your home or garage
  • Aftercare guidance + optional maintenance
  • Service cost between $1499-$3400, depending on your specific needs. Contact for an exact quote.

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What do you need from me on install day?
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Access to the vehicle, a workable space (ideally enclosed), and realistic expectations about time.
Can you coat over PPF or wrap?
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Yes, depending on the film and condition. Coating can improve gloss and make cleaning easier, but film has different behaviors than paint. I’ll check it and recommend the correct product for the surface. If you plan on putting on PPF, it is advisable to put coating underneath.
When can I wash the car after the coating?
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There’s a cure window. You’ll get a simple, non-confusing care plan: what to avoid in the first days, how to wash, and what products are safe. If you want maintenance help, that’s available too.
Is there a warranty? What does it actually mean?
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Warranties vary and they’re not magic either. Most require proper maintenance and documentation. I’ll be clear about what’s covered, what’s not, and what you actually need to do to keep the coating performing.
How do you price it?
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Pricing is based on vehicle size, paint condition, the level of correction required, and the coating system. If you’re comparing against $500–$900 “ceramic specials,” you’re not comparing the same service. Those are usually fast prep + fast install + fast failure.
What if my car is brand new—do I still need prep?
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New cars are often not “perfect.” They can have transport marring, dealership wash damage, and random defects. Coating a brand-new car without inspecting and correcting what’s there is how people end up disappointed after spending real money.
Can you do this at my home?
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Yes, assuming the environment is workable. If the garage is too tight, dusty, or poorly lit, I’ll tell you up front because it affects results. I’d rather do it right than “make it work” and hand you a compromised finish.
What’s included in your ceramic coating service?
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At minimum: safe wash, chemical decon, clay as needed, paint inspection, prep wipe/solution, coating application, and a controlled cure plan. If correction is needed, that’s scoped based on what your paint actually looks like, not a one-size-fits-all “stage 1” promise.
What makes your ceramic coating different from other shops?
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Most ceramic coatings are only as good as the prep and the installer. My whole angle is risk removal: proper wash/decon, paint assessment, measured correction where needed, and a controlled install so the coating bonds correctly and looks right. If you’re paying real money, you shouldn’t be gambling on whoever happens to be working that day.
Who actually works on my car?
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Me. Not a random employee, not “the team,” not a handoff. If you’re the type of person who’s picky about mechanics/body shops touching your car, you’ll get why this matters.
Do I need paint correction before coating?
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If the paint has swirls, hazing, or deeper defects, coating will lock that in. Coating adds gloss and protection, but it doesn’t magically erase imperfections. The right answer is “it depends,” and I’ll tell you honestly what’s worth doing so you’re not paying for perfection you can’t see or skipping prep you’ll regret.
How long does the install take?
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Real installs aren’t “drop it off at 9, pick it up at 4.” Depending on condition and what level of correction you need, it’s typically a full day to multi-day process. If someone is promising a top-tier outcome in a few hours, they’re cutting steps somewhere.
What does ceramic coating actually protect against?
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It helps with chemical resistance, easier washing, gloss retention, and minor marring resistance. It is not a force field. If you want rock-chip protection, that’s PPF territory. If you want “I never have to wash my car again,” that’s not a thing.
Will it prevent scratches and swirls?
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It can reduce how easily light marring happens and it makes washing safer because dirt releases easier. But improper washing will still scratch paint. The coating is part of a system: install quality + wash method + maintenance.

BEGIN YOUR Ceramic COATING JOURNEY

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James, DC's top rated detailer standing in front of the Capitol
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