Your car deserves the best—and when it comes to protecting its paint and finish, not all coatings are created equal. If you’re wondering whether to invest in a ceramic coating or settle for Teflon coating, you’re not alone. At San Diego Select, we provide premium mobile detailing and paint protection solutions to keep your vehicles looking flawless.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ceramic coating vs. Teflon coating, so you can make an informed decision for your vehicle.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with your car’s paint, creating a durable, long-lasting shield against UV rays, bird droppings, acid rain, and environmental contaminants. Unlike waxes or sealants, ceramic coating doesn’t wash off or break down easily—it can last up to 5 years or more with proper care.
It also creates a hydrophobic surface, meaning water beads right off, taking dirt and grime with it. This makes routine washing easier and reduces the risk of paint swirl marks. If you’re someone who values a flawless finish and minimal maintenance, ceramic is the gold standard.
Ceramic coatings are perfect for high-end cars like a BMW, or even a daily driver that you want to keep in showroom condition. We recommend pairing it with our Full Detail package for maximum effect.
Teflon coating, often referred to as PTFE coating, offers a temporary layer of protection. It’s typically applied as a polish and can give your car a quick shine boost—but it doesn’t last nearly as long. While it’s water-repellent and somewhat effective against minor scratches, Teflon coatings typically wear off within a few weeks to a couple of months.
It’s also worth noting that some "Teflon" coatings offered by lower-tier detailers are misbranded waxes or sealants. If you’ve invested in a luxury car, Teflon simply doesn’t offer the level of protection your paint deserves.That said, Teflon might be an entry-level option for those on a tight budget or looking for a very short-term solution.
In San Diego’s sunny, coastal climate, ceramic coating provides lasting protection against intense UV rays and salty air—something Teflon simply can’t match.
Ceramic coatings typically range from $700 to $2,000 depending on the package, vehicle type, and condition of the paint. While this may seem like a big investment, consider the long-term value—especially for exotic or high-end cars. It protects the vehicle’s resale value and saves on repainting costs.
Teflon coatings may cost between $100–$300 but require frequent reapplications, which adds up quickly over time.
Ceramic coating is ideal for drivers who:
It’s also perfect for new cars or freshly detailed vehicles. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right choice for you, explore our full list of services to compare all your options.
At Two Palms, we don’t just apply ceramic coatings—we perfect them. Our mobile team brings elite detailing to your driveway, whether you’re in Poway, San Carlos, or anywhere in San Diego County.
Here’s why we’re trusted by car enthusiasts and luxury owners alike:
Check out our real before & afters to see the magic.
In the ceramic vs. Teflon showdown, the winner is clear. Ceramic has the durability, shine and protection San Diego’s climate demands. Teflon may give you a quick shine but can’t compete long-term.
Ready to level up your car care? Learn more about us or book a ceramic coating consultation today.
Whether you drive a brand new Rolls Royce or your daily driver, we’ll treat it like royalty
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Perfection & Protection.
Frustrated with everything that the car wash leaves behind?
Does your paint not shine like it used to?
In love with your car and want to preserve your investment for the long term?
That is why we are here. Not only do we leave you with flawless results, but we make sure that your paint, leather, and other materials are protected for years to come. We will treat your car (and you) like one of our own.
The shampoo and hot water extraction is the best possible care for your FABRIC seats.
We will bathe your seats in thick foam shampoo, agitate it with a fabric brush attachment on a drill, and then extract all the grime, dirt, stains and contaminant from the seats with hot water at 210ºF. If your seats need a refresh, this is as good as it gets. Because the service takes 45 minutes on average, and only a small percent of vehicles need it we charge extra for it. Don't worry - its only $50 extra. Totally worth it.
Do you have any little scrapes and scratches that bother you?
We can handle it.. to an extent. We are polishing experts - so if the scratch isn't too deep, we can get it out. Ever heard of "The Fingernail Test", this is a great way to know if your scratches are fixable. If you feel the scratch will your fingernail and you can feel a groove in the paint, it it probably a little bit too deep ~in the sections where the groove is~
A clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a little ball of malleable puddy.
This is used in the decontamination phase of the detail to prepare your paint for protection. Clay Bar Detailing is essential for preparing your vehicle's paint for protection by ensuring it is free of contaminants.
Every exterior detail has 3 phases: 1. Wash 2. Decontaminate 3. Protect. The decontamination stage is responsible for removing from the paint everything that doesn't come off from the wash.
Remember when you bought your car and the paint was smooth to the touch? That is the goal of this stage. Remove all the crusty junk that is stuck to you paint. This way, when we apply sealant (protection) to your paint it will adhere to the paint itself, rather than the junk sitting on the surface. This will give the sealant its longest possible useful life.
For the same reason that you get an oil change. Engines are expensive to replace (8-15K) so we take good care of them. So is your paint - the average paint job costing around $5,000. If you don't protect your paint with some type of ceramic, wax, or sealant, your paint WILL fail.
In San Diego, our biggest enemy is the sun, or the salt if you live near the beach. Next time you are in a big parking lot, look around at the hoods of the vehicles. You will notice around 1/6 vehicles have completely delaminated clear coat.
That means the paint looks like dead skin on the surface and you could peel it off with you fingers. Not pretty. There is a simple solution to ensure your vehicle never ends up like this. Exterior Detailing. Bonus points for a ceramic coating with is the best protection possible.
