How to check an installer is trained and does proper prep

You're trusting someone to prepare and seal your car's paint — likely your second-biggest asset. You'll want proof they know what they're doing. The question isn't just whether they have a business licence, but whether this person has actually trained in ceramic coating application and understands the science of surface prep. Here's how to check.

Search their training credentials and brand partnerships

Reputable installers train with the coating brands they use. Ceramic coating isn't a paint job that any detailer can improvise. The brands — Gyeon, XPEL, IGL Coatings, Ceramic Pro and others — run certification programmes. When you contact an installer, ask them: which brand do you use, and can you show proof you've completed their training? This isn't a vague certificate of attendance; look for course completion documentation that names the brand, the installer's name, and the date.

Some installers also train with independent automotive detailing schools. Ask for their credentials from those institutions. Search the brand's official website for their certified installer directory — if the installer claims to be certified by Ceramic Pro or Gyeon, you should be able to verify it on the brand's site.

If they're evasive or say "I've been doing this for years, that's my qualification", that's a red flag. Coating technology evolves, training is ongoing, and brand certification matters because you need someone who understands that particular product's cure time, humidity requirements, application temperature and layer thickness.

Dig into their prep process and ask past clients directly

Prep is where 90 percent of coating longevity lives. A trained installer knows this; an untrained one cuts corners. When you speak to a candidate, ask them to walk you through their prep steps: Do they clay bar the paint? Do they use an iron remover? Do they polish or compound? Do they use a pH-neutral final wash? Do they check the paint thickness before starting? What humidity and temperature range do they require during application? A trained installer will answer in detail without hesitation.

Then phone three past clients — ask the installer for references — and ask them specifically: Did the installer explain the prep steps before starting? Did the process take longer than a day? Did they see the car stripped down and treated, or did it feel rushed? Did they return for cure time follow-up? If prep was done right, it took time, and the client will know it. If a reference says "Yeah, they had it done in a day", that's likely incomplete prep.

Ask references whether the coating held up — is it still beading water six months or a year later? Beginner mistakes show up fast. Real results take consistency.

Check their insurance and warranty language

A trained, professional installer carries liability insurance. Ask for proof. If they damage your paint during prep, you want to know they're covered. They should also offer a warranty on the coating itself — but read the fine print. A warranty that voids if you don't use their prescribed aftercare is normal and reasonable. One that offers no protection against water spotting or minor degradation is weaker. Ask: What does the warranty actually cover, for how long, and under what conditions does it void? A dodgy installer will be vague.

Before you book, verify they're registered with CIPC as a business. Ask for their registration number and check it yourself on the CIPC website. It's not a full guarantee of competence, but an unregistered operator is a risk.

The cheapest quote is rarely the right one in ceramic coating. Pay for someone trained and methodical — someone who can prove it. Strove hosts installer profiles where customers leave verified reviews; you can see real feedback on their prep and results before you call.