A true ceramic coating process doesn't come out of a spray bottle. Autozone or your local parts stores don't carry a TRUE ceramic coating that offers lasting paint protection. Anything you can find locally will only last about 30-60 days.
The ceramic coating process involves a thorough prep, including a full wash, paint decontamination, clay barring, paint correction, and polishing, followed by the application of the ceramic coating itself.
With our SystemX Ceramic Coating packages, you will receive a complimentary The Rag Co drying towel, a 16oz bottle of P&S Dream Maker spray detailer, and a registration packet from SystemX to register your new coating on their website, which will then appear on your CarFax!
System X Phantom 2K is an advanced professional ceramic coating designed to permanently bond with your vehicle’s paint. Its two-component—or “2K”—technology creates a highly cross-linked protective layer engineered for exceptional durability, chemical resistance, gloss retention, and long-term protection.
Traditional ceramic coatings generally use a single-component formula. Phantom’s two-component technology creates a stronger cross-linked structure once cured, providing enhanced durability, chemical resistance, slickness, and gloss retention.
Phantom 2K provides:
Yes. When professionally installed, properly registered, and maintained according to System X requirements, the automotive Phantom package is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Warranty eligibility and continued coverage are subject to System X’s current terms, required maintenance, and inspection guidelines.
Phantom 2K forms a lasting bond with the vehicle’s clear coat and cannot simply be washed away like wax. “Permanent” does not mean indestructible, however. The coating can gradually wear based on mileage, weather exposure, washing methods, environmental conditions, and maintenance. It can also be removed through machine polishing or paint correction.
No. Phantom 2K offers resistance against light swirls, minor surface marring, chemicals, and environmental contamination, but it does not make paint scratch-proof or chip-proof.
For physical protection against rock chips, road debris, and deeper scratches, paint protection film—also known as PPF—is the better choice. Many customers combine PPF on high-impact areas with Phantom 2K over the rest of the vehicle.
No, but it makes the vehicle considerably easier to maintain. Because the coated surface is extremely slick and hydrophobic, dirt, road film, and contaminants have a harder time sticking to the paint. Regular washing is still necessary to preserve the coating’s appearance and performance.
Touchless washes are acceptable, but automatic washes that use brushes should be avoided. Brushes can create swirl marks and may damage the vehicle’s finish. According to System X aftercare guidelines, using a brush-style automatic wash may also void the coating warranty.
For the best results, hand wash the vehicle with a pH-neutral automotive soap and clean microfiber towels.
Yes. Ceramic coatings are highly water-repellent, but they are not completely water-spot-proof. If hard water is allowed to dry on the vehicle, mineral deposits can remain on the surface. The vehicle should always be dried after washing, and sprinklers or other sources of hard water should be avoided whenever possible.
System X states that its coatings generally require approximately two to three days to reach full hardness, depending on temperature and humidity.
During the initial curing period:
The vehicle should not be washed for the first two weeks following installation.
For the best long-term performance:
Annual inspections are recommended to maintain peak gloss, hydrophobic performance, and warranty eligibility. Inspections should be completed by an approved System X installer within the required service window. Ask Fade to Black Tint & Customs about the maintenance requirements that apply to your installation.
Yes. Phantom 2K can be installed on both new and used vehicles. Before coating a used vehicle, the paint must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. Paint correction may also be recommended to reduce existing swirls, oxidation, water spots, and other defects.
Because the coating locks in the condition of the paint underneath it, proper preparation is one of the most important parts of the installation.
Possibly. New vehicles can arrive with light swirls, water spots, dealership wash damage, or transportation-related contamination. We inspect the paint before installation and recommend only the preparation needed to produce the best finished result.
Installation time depends on the vehicle’s size, paint condition, and the amount of preparation or paint correction required. Phantom 2K is professionally installed in a controlled environment and must be given sufficient time to cure before the vehicle is released. Fade to Black Tint & Customs will provide an estimated completion time after evaluating your vehicle.
Phantom 2K is primarily applied to the vehicle’s painted exterior surfaces. Protection for wheels, exterior glass, trim, leather, vinyl, fabric, and carpet may be available as additional System X services. The exact surfaces included will be listed in your individual package or estimate.
Yes. Daily-driven vehicles are exposed to sunlight, road grime, salt, bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, chemicals, and frequent washing. Phantom 2K helps protect the finish while making routine cleaning easier. It is an excellent option for owners who want lasting gloss and protection without repeatedly waxing or sealing their vehicle.
Proper preparation and professional application are essential to ceramic-coating performance. Fade to Black Tint & Customs carefully inspects, prepares, and coats each vehicle in a controlled environment. We also explain the curing process, aftercare requirements, and warranty-related maintenance so you know exactly how to care for your investment.
Contact Fade to Black Tint & Customs in Crown Point, Indiana, for a personalized System X Phantom 2K ceramic coating estimate. Pricing depends on the vehicle’s size, paint condition, preparation requirements, and any additional surfaces or protection services selected.
