The Truth About Dealership “Paint Protection” – And What You Should Know Before You Pay for It

When you’re buying a new or used car, the excitement of getting behind the wheel can be quickly followed by a wave of upsells — especially the infamous “paint protection package.”

You’ve probably heard it:

“We apply a protective coating that keeps your paint looking new — only $895 and it’s included in your financing!”

But here’s the truth most dealerships won’t say out loud:That "paint protection" is often a glorified spray wax that costs them less than $1 per car — and it’s not even close to a true ceramic coating or professional-grade protection.

💡 What You’re Really Paying For at the Dealership

Most dealership paint protection packages:

• Take minutes to apply

• Involve no paint preparation (no decontamination, no polishing)

• Use cheap, short-lived products

• Don’t bond properly to unprepped paint

• Are sold at a 500–1000% markup

It’s profit — not protection.

They may call it “ceramic” or “polymer sealant” — but if it’s sprayed on in under 10 minutes after paperwork is signed, it’s not the real thing.

🔧 What Real Paint Protection Looks Like

At Revive & Ride Auto Detail LLC, a professional ceramic coating involves:

✅ A full hand wash✅ Chemical & mechanical decontamination (including clay bar treatment)✅ Paint correction (if needed) to remove swirls or oxidation✅ Panel wipe-down to remove oils✅ Application of true ceramic coating — which bonds to the surface and requires proper cure time✅ A gloss and protection boost that lasts months to years, not days

This process takes hours, not minutes. It’s done with intention, precision, and care — not as a sales add-on between car deals.

🔍 What You Should Do Instead

Instead of paying a dealership $500–$1200 for a spray-and-pray “coating,” you could:

• Save that money

• Book a professional detail when you're ready

• Know exactly what’s being applied, how long it will last, and what you're paying for

At Revive & Ride, we’re not here to upsell. We’re here to help you protect your investment the right way.

👊 Honest Protection. Real Results.

If you want paint protection that actually protects, gives lasting gloss, and is done with the care your vehicle deserves, skip the dealership spray wax.

Let’s revive. Then ride.

📲 Contact us today to schedule your ceramic coating consultation.