Paint Protection & Ceramic Coatings.

A professionally applied GTECHNIQ ceramic coating typically lasts 3-9 years depending on the product, preparation and maintenance. Crystal Serum Light is warrantied for 5 years, Crystal Serum Ultra for 9. Longevity depends on regular safe washing and avoiding harsh chemicals.

No. Ceramic coating is a hard, sacrificial layer that adds meaningful chemical, UV and light-swirl resistance, but it will not stop rock chips or deep scratches. For impact protection, paint protection film (PPF) is the correct product, and coatings and PPF are often combined.

Yes, and you should. A safe two-bucket hand wash every 1-2 weeks with a pH-neutral shampoo keeps the coating performing at its best. Contamination bonded to the surface is what dulls a coating, not the coating itself wearing out.

Yes. A ceramic coating outperforms wax in every measurable way, from gloss and durability to chemical resistance and hydrophobicity, and it lasts years rather than weeks. There is no need to wax on top of a coated vehicle.

A full ceramic coating service takes 1-3 days depending on paint condition and correction required. A brand-new car with clean paint may complete in 1-2 days; a used vehicle needing multi-stage correction can take up to a week.

Professional ceramic coating in Auckland starts around $1,000 for a light coating on a new car and can reach $4,000+ for multi-stage correction with Crystal Serum Ultra on a larger or heavily used vehicle. Pricing is always confirmed after an in-person inspection.

For most owners planning to keep the car more than 12 months, yes. You spend less time washing, the paint stays glossier for longer, chemical damage from bird droppings and industrial fallout is greatly reduced, and resale presentation is stronger.

GTECHNIQ backs their professional coatings with manufacturer warranties (5 years for Crystal Serum Light, 9 years for Crystal Serum Ultra) when applied by an accredited installer like Carfē. The warranty covers loss of gloss and hydrophobicity within the coverage window.

Ceramic coatings dramatically reduce the ability of bird droppings, tree sap, and industrial fallout to etch into the paint, but they are not a licence to leave contaminants sitting. Rinse off contamination as soon as practical for best results.

The vehicle can be driven immediately after the initial cure (typically 12-24 hours in-studio). Full cure takes around 7 days, during which you should avoid heavy rain exposure, automatic car washes and any harsh detergents.

Yes. The coating process is entirely external and has no impact on EV or hybrid systems. EVs benefit particularly from the easier wash routine, since owners tend to keep them cleaner between charges.

Yes, but only with a matte-specific ceramic coating. Using a standard glossy coating on matte or satin finishes will alter the appearance. We confirm the correct product during inspection.

Avoid automatic brush washes. Touchless washes are acceptable in a pinch, but a proper two-bucket hand wash preserves the coating and finish for the longest.

A pH-neutral car shampoo, quality microfibre wash mitts and drying towels, and an occasional ceramic-safe topper spray. Avoid strong degreasers, wheel cleaners with harsh acids or alkalis, and abrasive polishes.

Indirectly, yes. A well-maintained coated vehicle presents better, holds its gloss, and shows less oxidation and swirl marks, all of which support a stronger resale price and faster sale.

Graphene coatings are a subset of ceramic technology that add graphene oxide for improved anti-static properties and heat dissipation. In real-world use the differences are marginal; a well-chosen ceramic from a reputable brand is the more important decision.

No. Professional coatings (like GTECHNIQ Crystal Serum) are chemically different formulations, restricted to accredited installers, and require controlled conditions and machine paint correction to perform correctly. DIY kits sit closer to a good sealant.

Yes, and it is a common premium combination. PPF absorbs impact on high-risk panels (front bumper, bonnet, mirrors), and ceramic coating goes over the film and the rest of the vehicle for chemical protection and gloss.

Carfē is a GTECHNIQ-accredited studio in Greenlane, Auckland. We offer GT1 as an optional 1 year ceramic coating with our 1-step paint correction, and with Platinum you choose between EXOv5 (included), Crystal Serum Light, Crystal Serum Ultra, Crystal Serum Light + EXOv5, or Crystal Serum Ultra + EXOv5, with protection lasting up to 9 years.

GT1 is our entry point into professional ceramic protection, added to your paint correction for gloss, water repellency and easier washing, and lasting around 1 year. EXOv5 is GTECHNIQ's hydrophobic top coat and is included with Platinum. Crystal Serum Light is a professional base coating for long-term protection, and Crystal Serum Ultra is GTECHNIQ's flagship coating available only through accredited installers, with protection of up to 9 years. CSL and CSU can also be topped with EXOv5.

GT1 with Black is +$300 for all vehicle sizes. With Platinum, EXOv5 is included; Crystal Serum Light is +$400 to +$800, Crystal Serum Ultra is +$600 to +$1,000, CSL + EXOv5 is +$800 to +$1,200 and CSU + EXOv5 is +$1,000 to +$1,400, depending on vehicle size.

Always. Black includes a 1-step paint correction before the optional GT1 coating, and Platinum includes a more comprehensive 2-3 step paint correction before your chosen GTECHNIQ ceramic protection. A coating locks in the finish underneath it, so preparation and correction determine the final result.

Black is a 1-step paint correction that lifts gloss and reduces light defects, with GT1 ceramic protection (around 1 year) available as an optional upgrade. Platinum is our full paint restoration service: decontamination, solvent prep, a 2-3 step paint correction and professional GTECHNIQ ceramic protection of your choice, with protection lasting up to 9 years.

If you want gloss and easier washing at an accessible price, Black with GT1 is the simplest step. For long-term protection choose Platinum with Crystal Serum Light, or Crystal Serum Ultra for GTECHNIQ's flagship protection. Adding EXOv5 over either brings extra gloss, slickness and water repellency. If you're unsure, talk to our Greenlane team and we'll recommend based on your paint and how you use the car.

Yes. We offer scheduled maintenance washes and coating decontamination services designed specifically for coated vehicles, which is the single best way to preserve the warranty and performance.