Correct. Protect. Preserve.
Collector-grade paint work on every car. What we learn preparing classics, Barrett-Jackson consignments and private collections goes into every ceramic coating we install.
Ceramic coating in Portland, at a glance. Platinum Auto Care inspects, decontaminates and – where needed – machine polishes your paint before installing a ceramic coating, because a coating won't erase swirls, oxidation or haze. The coating adds a hydrophobic protective layer that makes washing easier and helps resist environmental and chemical contamination; it does not make paint scratch-proof or stop rock chips (that's what PPF is for). Price depends on vehicle size, paint condition, correction needed and the coating selected – send your year, make, model, photos and ZIP for a quote. We serve Portland and the surrounding region – north to Kalama, south to Salem, east to Hood River and west to Forest Grove.
We use professional-grade coatings matched to your package level, with 1-year, 5-year and 10-year options; higher-end packages include full paint correction. Your warranty is backed by both the manufacturer and our shop directly, so there's no runaround with the manufacturer. A typical install takes about 48 hours (two days) for correction and cure, longer if the paint needs heavy correction. We measure paint thickness with a gauge before and after correction, and you leave with a before-and-after paint thickness report sheet. Mobile at your place if you have a garage or shop available, otherwise at our shop on SE 111th Ave by appointment only. Call or text (503) 395-5572 · Need correction first? See paint correction.
The collector standard
We inspect, prepare and refine your paint before installing long-term ceramic protection. A better finish starts underneath.
Classic and collector cars leave no room for guesswork: original paint, limited clear coat and owners who see every flaw. We prepare cars for Barrett-Jackson auctions, museum floors and private collections, and every ceramic coating we install gets that same standard.
We gauge the paint before correction and again after, so we know how much clear coat there is to work with. You leave with the before-and-after paint thickness report.
Original single-stage lacquer behaves nothing like a modern respray. Compounds, pads and the number of stages are chosen for your paint, not a preset.
Orange peel, runs, sags and overspray are leveled by wet sanding, then brought back through progressive polishing. Our background in sanding is what sets our multi-step work apart.
Auction halls and museum floors reveal defects that daylight hides. We finish-polish under inspection lighting to that standard before the coating goes on.
The surface comes first
A coating will not erase swirls, oxidation or haze. If those defects are left in the paint, they remain visible beneath the protection. We evaluate and refine the finish first.
Inspection lighting reveals the swirls and haze that ordinary daylight can hide.
Correction reduces suitable surface defects. The goal is a better finish while respecting the paint’s condition.
Panel preparation and ceramic installation follow the paint work. That sequence is the foundation of the service.
The right question is not just “Which coating?” It is “What happens before it goes on?” Explore paint correction & detailing
Plan your coating
The right approach depends on your paint and the finish you want. Use these examples to start the conversation, then we will recommend a scope for your vehicle.
How does your paint look today?
Silver
Fits your paint$750 starting
Decontamination wash, 1-step paint correction, an exterior detail and a complimentary interior detail.
Book a free paint assessmentGold
Fits your paintMost chosen$1,250 starting
Everything in Silver, with a higher level of paint correction.
Book a free paint assessmentPlatinum
Fits your paint$1,550 starting
Everything in Gold, with our most thorough paint correction.
Book a free paint assessment| Silver | Gold | Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free paint assessment | Included | Included | Included |
| Decontamination wash | Included | Included | Included |
| Paint correction | 1-step | Higher level | Most thorough |
| Ceramic coating | Included | Included | Included |
| Exterior detail | Included | Included | Included |
| Complimentary interior detail | Included | Included | Included |
| Paint thickness report, before and after | Included | Included | Included |
Prices are starting points: vehicle size, paint condition and the correction needed set your quote. Coatings come in 1-year, 5-year and 10-year options matched to your package level, and your warranty is backed by both the coating manufacturer and Platinum directly. Ceramic coating adds surface protection and can make cleaning easier; paint protection film provides a physical layer against road impacts. Neither makes paint damage-proof.
01 / Preserve
For paint that already looks good and an owner who wants easier ongoing care.
Usually a fit: Silver · from $750
02 / Improve
For visible swirls, haze or dullness that you want assessed before coating.
Usually a fit: Gold · from $1,250
03 / Refine
For a vehicle where finish quality and careful preservation are the priority.
Usually a fit: Platinum · from $1,550
Condition: send clear paint photos and note visible defects. Goal: tell us what you want to improve or preserve. Location: share your ZIP code so we can confirm suitable installation arrangements.
Include your year, make and model when you request a quote. We will confirm the preparation, coating, surfaces covered, care requirements and price before you book.
Our goal is to exceed your expectations on every visit. If something isn’t right, tell us and we’ll make it right. Your coating warranty is backed by both the manufacturer and Platinum directly.
Selected work
Some of the cars we work on you’ll never see: collector work is often private. These are a few we can show. See classic & collector car detailing
What ceramic does
A carefully installed coating adds a protective layer over your clear coat. The difference shows up in the finish—and in the way you care for it.
Enhance the appearance of properly refined paint. Polishing creates the clarity; coating helps preserve the result.
Hydrophobic properties help water bead and make regular washing and drying easier. Your car still needs to be washed.
An added layer of resistance to environmental and chemical contamination. Remove bird droppings, bugs and grime promptly.
A clear distinction: ceramic coating does not make paint scratch-proof or stop rock chips. For impact protection, explore paint protection film (PPF).
A closer look / Paint & protection
The color sits beneath a clear protective finish. Washing and everyday use can leave marks in that clear coat. Paint correction and ceramic coating do different jobs.
Swirls, scratches & hazeFine wash marks scatter light and can make paint look hazy. Deeper scratches may extend beyond what can safely be polished out.
Mirror-flat clear coatPolishing carefully removes a small amount of clear coat to reduce suitable defects. We inspect the finish and choose the correction scope around its condition.
Ceramic coatingA thin coating follows the prepared surface, helping with gloss and routine cleaning. Safe washing and prompt removal of contamination still matter.
Conceptual illustration, not a microscope image. Layer thickness and defects are exaggerated and not to scale. Coating does not rebuild clear coat, erase deep scratches or stop rock chips.
The Platinum process
Assess the paint, visible defects and existing protection. Agree on the finish you want and what can safely be improved.
Wash thoroughly, then use chemical and, where needed, mechanical decontamination to remove bonded residue.
Evaluate the clean paint and machine polish as appropriate to refine swirls, oxidation or haze. Preparation follows condition.
Remove polishing oils and residue with a suitable panel preparation product so the coating can bond to a clean surface.
Install the selected ceramic coating methodically, working in controlled sections and checking the finish as we go.
Check coverage and finish, allow the required cure, then explain water exposure, first-wash timing and ongoing care.
Choose by purpose
Match protection to the problem you want to solve. Ceramic and film can work together when the products are compatible.
Temporary surface protection
Longer-term surface protection
Physical, sacrificial film
New vehicle protection
A new car is a good time to plan protection. It is still worth inspecting: transport, storage and dealership washing can leave contamination or fine swirls.
We assess the paint first, then recommend the preparation it actually needs. If highway miles are part of the plan, consider PPF on high-impact areas alongside ceramic protection.
Plan my new vehicle protectionBeyond the paint
Different surfaces need different products. Ask about these options as part of your quote; exact coverage is confirmed before installation.
Ask about ceramic wheel protection to make routine brake-dust cleanup easier. Confirm the coated surfaces and whether wheel removal is involved.
Discuss a glass-specific coating for water-repellent behavior. Glass preparation and application requirements differ from paint.
Combine film on vulnerable areas with a compatible coating for easier care. Start with the panels most exposed to road debris.
Plan your PPF coverageMade for real ownership
Wet commutes, tree-lined parking and weekend highway miles all leave their mark. Ceramic protection can make the cleanup more manageable.
Hydrophobic behavior helps with washing and drying during wet months. Rain alone will not clean the car; road grime still needs a proper wash.
Remove sap, bird droppings and bug residue promptly. A coating gives you an added protective layer, not permission to leave contamination on the finish.
Winter residue, summer UV exposure and outdoor parking all influence the care your paint needs. Keep up safe washing and use covered parking when practical.
Client perspective
“Their communication and friendliness were top notch.”
“They are consistently meticulous about the way they do things down to every detail”
“I was amazed at how improved my car was after their service. It looked like new. They removed old sap that had been on my car and my paint finish looks perfect.”
“Highly recommend Platinum Auto Care for the attention to detail, outstanding customer service, and punctuality.”
Feedback from Platinum Auto Care customers. Explore our paint protection services.
Know before you coat
Understand the preparation, protection and ongoing care before planning your coating.
Ask about your vehicleA ceramic coating bonds to a properly prepared surface, adding a protective layer over the automotive clear coat. Its hydrophobic properties help water bead and make routine cleaning easier. It enhances the appearance of the prepared paint and helps resist environmental and chemical contamination; it does not repair existing damage.
It can be a good fit if you plan to keep your vehicle, value its finish and want easier routine maintenance. The value depends on preparation, the selected coating and how you care for it. If rock chips are your main concern, prioritize paint protection film on high-impact areas.
Packages start at $750 (Silver), $1,250 (Gold) and $1,550 (Platinum). Vehicle size, paint condition, the correction required and the selected protection all affect the total. Send your year, make, model, clear photos, finish goals and ZIP code for a quote tailored to your vehicle. Your quote should identify the preparation, surfaces included and coating before you book.
Two installations can involve very different amounts of work. Washing, decontamination, machine polishing, panel preparation and curing all take time. Compare the scope of preparation and correction, the actual coating, surfaces covered and aftercare—not only the advertised price or number of years.
Service life varies with the coating, preparation, exposure and maintenance. A vehicle parked outdoors and washed with harsh brushes will age differently from one kept indoors and carefully hand washed. We offer 1-year, 5-year and 10-year coating options, and your warranty is backed by both the coating manufacturer and Platinum directly, so there's no runaround with the manufacturer if anything comes up.
No coating makes paint scratch-proof, and ceramic coating is not a rock-chip barrier. Careless washing can still create swirls. PPF is a physical, sacrificial film that provides substantially more protection against road debris and stone impacts. Film also has limits; neither treatment makes paint indestructible.
Every vehicle needs an evaluation and thorough preparation. Machine polishing may be appropriate for swirls, haze or oxidation, but the level depends on paint condition and your goals. Coating does not remove visible defects. Deep scratches, failed clear coat or damage beyond safe correction may require body-shop repair.
Yes. New vehicles can have bonded contamination, transport marks or wash swirls. Inspection determines whether a light polish is needed before protection. Tell us your delivery date so we can discuss scheduling and a suitable preparation plan.
Timing depends on vehicle size, correction work, the surfaces being coated and the product’s curing requirements. We confirm the work schedule and handover time after assessing your vehicle. Coating needs suitable installation conditions; we will confirm the location and arrangements when quoting.
Follow the instructions for the coating installed on your vehicle. Initial water exposure and the first wash can have different waiting periods, and temperature and humidity affect curing. We confirm both before handover rather than applying one universal time to every coating.
Wash regularly with a coating-safe, pH-neutral shampoo and clean wash media. Avoid abrasive brush washes, rinse thoroughly and dry with clean microfiber or suitable air drying. Remove bird droppings, bugs and other contamination promptly using a safe method. Water beading does not mean mineral deposits or water spots cannot form.
Wax is a temporary protective layer that needs regular renewal. Ceramic coating is designed for longer-term protection with proper care, so traditional waxing generally is not needed. Use only maintenance products compatible with your installed coating; adding random waxes or sealants can change its water behavior.
Ask about wheel and glass protection when planning your installation. These surfaces need compatible products and their own preparation. A compatible coating can also complement PPF. We confirm exact coverage, product suitability and care instructions in your quote; wheel removal and full wheel coverage are not assumed.
Portland & the metro
Based in Portland, serving owners across the metro. Share your ZIP code with your vehicle details so we can confirm the right installation arrangements.
Correct. Protect. Preserve.
Professional preparation. Careful installation. Protection planned around how you actually use your vehicle.
Email for a quote · Mon–Sat, 8am–5pm · Start with your year, make, model and a few clear photos.