Answers to the most common questions about our auto, marine, paint correction, and ceramic coating services.
Auto Detailing
A full mobile detail includes a hand wash, chemical decon, interior vacuum and wipe-down, window cleaning, tire shine, and engine bay rinse (if accessible). Upgrade tiers add clay bar treatment, machine polish, and ceramic coating prep.
A standard detail takes 2–4 hours depending on vehicle size and condition. Premium packages with paint correction or ceramic coating take 6–10 hours across two sessions.
No — most clients drop their keys and go about their day. We just need access to the vehicle and a parked location to work. For first-time services, we do a quick walkaround with you to note any pre-existing conditions.
We use a rotation of Gyeon, CarPro, and Chemical Guys for interior surfaces. Interior dressings are water-based (not greasy) and UV-protected. Leather gets conditioner; cloth gets steam extraction or foam shampoo depending on the material.
Light and medium scratches — yes, fully. Deep scratches that have gone through the clear coat into the color layer can be reduced but not fully erased without repainting. We assess every vehicle before committing to a correction tier.
Paint Correction
Only if done wrong. Wet sanding is a controlled removal process — we use appropriate grit sequences (1500–3000), keep surfaces lubricated, and stop when we have achieved the desired result. We never oversand past what the defect requires.
Results are permanent — we removed the defect, not just masked it. What degrades over time is the protection layer on top (wax, sealant, ceramic). With proper maintenance and annual top-up, the correction itself holds for years.
Almost always yes. If you apply ceramic coating over swirls and oxidation, those defects become permanent under a hard shell. Correction first, then coat — that is the correct order.
Light and medium scratches — yes, fully. Deep scratches that have penetrated through the clear coat into the color layer can be reduced significantly but not fully erased without repainting. We show you exactly what is achievable during inspection.
Yes. Marine gel coat correction is a different discipline — we adjust compounds, pads, and techniques for the thicker gel coat layer (15–25 mils vs. automotive clear coat at 1.5–2 mils). It is part of our marine detailing service.
Ceramic / Graphene
Standard ceramic (SiO2) creates a hard hydrophobic layer that repels water and contaminants. Graphene adds a carbon-nanostructure layer that is harder, more chemically resistant, and less prone to water spotting. For coastal environments (salt air, UV, humidity), graphene outperforms ceramic.
Professional-grade ceramic coatings last 2–3 years with proper maintenance. Annual inspection and top-up application extends that indefinitely. We include a maintenance schedule with every coating we apply.
No — wax and sealant must be fully stripped before ceramic bonds to the paint surface. We do a full chemical decon and panel wipe before any coating application to ensure proper adhesion.
Yes. Ceramic coating protects against UV fade, acid rain, bird etching, and road salt — all things that degrade your car faster. It also makes washing easier ( contaminants slide off). For a vehicle you plan to keep, it is one of the best investments you can make.
Marine Detailing
Yes. That is the core of the service — we bring everything to your vessel. Whether it is at a marina slip, residential dock, dry stack storage, or trailer at your home, we come to the boat.
Marine detail every spring before launch is the minimum. For boats kept in salt water year-round, a fall detail before winter storage and a spring detail before launch gives the best gel coat protection. Annual graphene reapplication maintains the coating.
Gel coat correction is restoration — removing the oxidized layer to reveal the good gel coat underneath. Painting (bottom paint, topside paint) is a coating applied over gel coat. Most boats need correction, not painting. We only recommend painting when gel coat damage is too deep to correct.
Depends on the service. Hull compound and wax can be done on boats in the water for topsides above the waterline. Bottom work and wet sanding require the boat to be pulled. We assess and tell you upfront what is needed.
Yes — we work with commercial vessels as well as recreational. Larger vessels may require scheduling around tides and dock access. Contact us with your vessel specs and we will give you a timeline.
General
We serve New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Onslow counties — including Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, Surf City, Hampstead, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas. Outside these counties? Contact us — we will try to make it work.
Fill out the quote form on our /contact page, email us at tidalshine@polsia.app, or call / text (910) 622-5483. We respond within 2 hours — usually sooner. No commitment until we confirm your vehicle or vessel condition and the right service tier.
For auto detailing, just have the car parked in a accessible location with windows closed and valuables removed. For marine services, ensure the boat is accessible (out of water if bottom work is needed) and power/water is available at the dock. We handle the rest.
We use professional-grade products from CarPro, Gyeon, Chemical Guys, and Rupes for automotive correction and detailing. For marine services, we use Star brite, Collinite, and MD-based marine compounds matched to gel coat hardness. We do not use big-box consumer products.
No problem — just give us at least 24 hours notice so we can adjust the schedule. We understand boat schedules, weather windows, and life happens. Reach out by phone, text, or email and we will find a new time that works.
If you do not see your question here, reach out directly — we will get you an answer fast.
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