Boat ceramic coating & waxing in Toronto.
Wax, polymer sealant or ceramic coating: what each one does, how long it lasts and which is right for your boat on Lake Ontario. Then we polish and protect it at your marina.
- Polish first, then protect
- Wax, sealant or ceramic
- Before and after photos and video
Ceramic coating vs wax, in one minute
- The difference
- Wax and sealants sit on top of the gelcoat and wear off in weeks to months. A true ceramic coating cures into a thin, glass-like silica layer that lasts much longer and makes washing easier.
- How long they last
- Carnauba wax: about 6 weeks to 6 months, sources disagree [BoatUS] [BoatTest]. Polymer sealant: about 9 to 12 months. Hybrid ceramic sprays: about 3 to 6 months. True ceramic coatings: makers claim roughly 18 months to 3 years on boats [Gtechniq] [IGL].
- Does it fix oxidation?
- No. No wax, sealant or ceramic removes oxidation. Chalky gelcoat has to be polished first; protection then keeps the gloss.
- Our prices
- Wash & Shield (wash + hybrid ceramic polymer wax) from $25/ft. Full restoration with ceramic (polish + ceramic protection) $130/ft. Before 13% HST. Polishing prices.
- Best choice
- Wax or a sealant for a boat in good shape on a budget; ceramic after a proper polish for owners who want the gloss to last and washing to be easier.
See all boat cleaning services and 2026 prices →
Typical durability, in months.
Real life depends on prep, sun, use and care. *Maker claims for ceramic products.
Sources: [BoatUS 2024] [BoatTest] [Gtechniq] [IGL].
Marine wax vs sealant vs marine ceramic, side by side.
Durability figures are typical ranges from boating publications and manufacturers’ data. Real life depends on prep, sun, use and care.
| Marine wax | Polymer sealant | Hybrid ceramic | Ceramic coating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Natural carnauba palm wax, often blended | Synthetic polymers that bond to the surface | A sealant with some SiO2 added | SiO2 or polysilazane coating that cures into a silica film |
| Typical durability | ≈ 6 weeks to 6 months (sources disagree) | ≈ 9 to 12 months | ≈ 3 to 6 months (maker claims) | ≈ 18 months to 3 years (maker claims) |
| Gloss | Warm, deep shine | Sharp, glassy shine | Glassy, slick | Deep, glass-like |
| Water behaviour | Beads at first, fades | Good beading | Strong beading | Strong beading, about 110° contact angle claimed |
| Prep needed | Wash, light polish if dull | Wash, polish if dull | Wash, polish if dull | Full decontamination and polishing, the most work |
| Maintenance | Re-apply often | Re-apply each season | Top up every few months | pH-neutral washes plus a topper every few months |
| Best for | Quick refresh, budget | Longer than wax, good value | Easy upkeep between details | Lasting gloss, easier cleaning |
| Our option | On request | On request | Wash & Shield, from $25/ft | Full restoration + ceramic, $130/ft |
Sources: [BoatUS] [BoatTest] [Gtechniq] [IGL] [Southern Boating]. Full list at the bottom of the page.
Wax or ceramic: what costs less over three seasons?
Move the sliders. It compares our Wash & Shield (wash + hybrid ceramic wax, from $25/ft) a few times a season with one polish + ceramic ($130/ft, polishing included), before HST.
Estimate only, before 13% HST. Real ceramic life depends on the product, prep, sun and care (makers claim about 18 months to 3 years). Exact price from photos.
Which protection fits your boat?
How wax and ceramic actually work.
Why gelcoat oxidizes
Gelcoat is a thin, pigmented polyester resin skin over the fibreglass. Sunlight breaks the resin down (photo-oxidation) and moisture attacks it too. First the colour shifts, then the gloss drops, then the surface turns chalky [source] [source]. Canada’s highest UV Index values are found in southern Ontario [Government of Canada], so Lake Ontario boats feel it every summer.
Carnauba wax
Carnauba is a natural wax from Brazilian palm leaves that melts at about 82–86 °C [source]. It gives a warm, deep shine but wears off fastest, so it needs re-applying often. In Practical Sailor’s long-term wax tests, paste waxes did best for durability [Practical Sailor].
Polymer sealants
Sealants use synthetic polymers that bond to the surface. They usually outlast carnauba and give a sharper, glassier shine, with protection measured in months rather than weeks [source].
Hybrid ceramic sprays and waxes
These are sealants with some silica (SiO2) added. They bead water strongly and are easy to apply, but contain far less SiO2 than a professional coating, so they last months, not years [BoatUS].
True marine ceramic coatings
A marine ceramic coating reacts with moisture in the air and cures into a very thin silica (Si–O–Si) network, roughly 1 to 2.5 microns thick [IGL TDS] [Gyeon manual]. Water beads off at a contact angle of about 110°, which is hydrophobic but not “superhydrophobic” (that starts above 150°).
What “9H” really means
“9H” comes from a pencil-scratch test for paint films, not the mineral hardness scale. It does not mean a coating is scratch-proof [ChemQuest].
What the testing tells us.
Practical Sailor wax tests (2003–04, 2009–10)
Long-term tests of boat waxes on gelcoat panels found paste waxes held up best. Products have changed since, so treat it as a guide to categories, not brands [source] [2010 results].
BoatUS ceramic spray trial (2024)
A six-month DIY ceramic spray trial gave excellent gloss, but scuffs and bait stains in the cockpit were harder to clean, so the cockpit was waxed at month two [source].
Prep decides the result
A certified ceramic installer quoted by BoatUS puts prep at 80 to 90% of the labour: oxidation, swirls and old wax must come off before the coating goes on [source].
Graphene coatings
Graphene-enhanced coatings are marketed as the next step, but most of the claims are not independently verified yet [source].
Five ceramic coating myths.
“Ceramic means I never wash the boat.”
You still wash it, with pH-neutral soap. It just gets clean faster, and a topper every few months keeps it slick.
“Ceramic fixes oxidation.”
It doesn’t. Oxidation is polished off first. The coating protects the corrected finish.
“9H means scratch-proof.”
It’s a pencil-scratch rating for paint films. Coatings still scratch and scuff.
“Any shiny spray is a ceramic coating.”
Most sprays are sealants with a little SiO2. A true coating cures into a silica film and needs full prep.
“Coat the non-skid too.”
We don’t coat walking surfaces. Slick non-skid is a safety issue [Practical Sailor].
What’s included in boat protection.
We tailor the coating plan to your boat’s finish and condition: gelcoat, paint or previously coated surfaces.
Surface prep (core)
- Wash and surface decontamination: film, grime, residue
- Inspection of gelcoat and paint condition
- Prep polishing as needed so protection bonds evenly
- Panel wipe so nothing sits between the gelcoat and the coating
Protection (core)
- Application of the protection you choose: wax, polymer or ceramic
- Clean, even finish, extra attention to high-visibility areas
- Rails, steps, swim platform and trim panels
- Coating plan defined before we start, no surprises
Optional, only with your approval
- Multi-step machine polishing before coating (oxidation and swirls)
- Ceramic upgrade to a higher-durability tier
- Water and mineral spot treatment before coating
- UV protectant for vinyl seats
- Maintenance topper or booster between washes
Honest note: protection is not magic. The final look depends on the finish underneath. If the gelcoat is oxidized or chalky, a coating alone won’t restore it: polishing brings back the gloss first.
Choose the level that matches the condition.
We recommend honestly, based on how you use the boat and where it sits: sun exposure, marina conditions and how often you wash.
Wax / Sealant Protection
When the finish is in decent shape and you want clean gloss and easier upkeep.
- Wash and prep
- Marine wax or polymer sealant
- Quick protection reset
Great for: Regular maintenance, mid-season refresh, boats that are already well kept.
from $25/ft (Wash & Shield)
Get a quote from photos →Ceramic Coating
The option for durability and less cleaning.
- Proper wash and decontamination
- Necessary prep polishing
- Ceramic protection on the hull, topsides and detail zones (scope defined)
Great for: Stronger shine, UV protection, easier washes all season.
quote from photos
Get a quote from photos →Correction + Ceramic
For oxidized or swirled finishes where you want the best possible result.
- Multi-step polishing and correction as required
- Ceramic protection after correction
- Highest gloss and best protection outcome
Great for: Faded boats, pre-sale boats, owners who want it done once and done right.
$130/ft (full restoration + ceramic)
Get a quote from photos →Prices before 13% HST. Topsides are priced separately. Severe oxidation takes more time and has realistic limits: we explain expectations before starting.
Prep is most of the job.
Most of the work happens before any coating goes on. That’s what makes it last.
Wash and decontaminate
Remove film, grime and old residue so nothing is trapped under the protection.
Polish the gelcoat
Remove oxidation and swirls: 1-step, 2-step or wet sanding, depending on condition. See polishing.
Panel wipe
Strip polishing oils so the coating bonds directly to clean gelcoat.
Hand-over and care tips
You get before and after photos and video, plus simple washing and topper instructions.
Keep the gloss all season.
- Wash with a pH-neutral boat soap; avoid harsh degreasers on coated surfaces.
- Rinse salt, bird mess and spills early, before they dry on.
- Use a ceramic topper or booster every few months to keep the slickness.
- Remove brown waterline stains with a gentle gel cleaner, not abrasive compounds.
- Don’t coat non-skid or walking surfaces.
Why it matters on Lake Ontario.
Southern Ontario gets Canada’s highest UV Index values [Government of Canada], and boats here sit in the sun all summer. Fresh water leaves brown tannin and mineral stains at the waterline. A protected, polished hull fades more slowly and releases grime more easily at every wash.
Real workPolish + ceramic, on real boats.
- 38’ Mystic, 1,800 HP: deep cleaning, full exterior polish and hybrid ceramic protection.
- Sea Ray, ready for the market: full detail and hybrid ceramic for a strong first impression.
- Sea Ray 550: detailed and ceramic coated; the owner left us a 5-star Google review.
Boat owners say it better.
Real reviews from our Google profile. Swipe or hover to read more. See all reviews on Google →
Our company used them at the Toronto International Boat Show and their team is world class! They were more than willing to start at 5am and work late into the night to finish cleaning over 50+ products.
Pavlo and his team turned our oxidized dull looking 1991 CS34 into a sparkling masterpiece!
Pavlo and his team did bottom painting and hull polishing on our Hunter sailboat, and everything turned out amazing.
These guys are the ultimate professionals. Great communication, obvious expertise and experience and fabulous job. I would hire them again in a minute!
I recently had my Sea Ray 550 detailed and ceramic coated, and I couldn’t be more impressed.
Pavlo and his team did an absolutely outstanding job detailing our Yamaha FX Cruiser.
Boat sat all winter dirty and came out looking new after their great work.
I asked for a sticker removal on my boat, and they went above and beyond by waxing, detailing, and thoroughly cleaning it.
Ceramic coating across Toronto & the GTA.
No travel fee in Oakville and Bronte, all of Mississauga including Port Credit, Etobicoke, Mimico and Humber Bay, downtown Toronto and the Islands, East York, North York south of the 401 and Scarborough up to the Bluffs. North York north of the 401, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Brampton, Durham, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara, Barrie, Lake Simcoe and Peterborough have a travel fee shown in your quote.
Marinas where we polish and protect.
Don’t see your marina? If your boat floats in the GTA, text us and we’ll tell you. Subject to each facility’s contractor rules.
Downtown Toronto & Toronto Islands13 locations
- Toronto Outer Harbour Marina
- Harbourfront Centre Marina
- Marina Quay West
- Marina Four
- Queens Quay West Marina
- Polson Pier Marina
- RCYC (Royal Canadian Yacht Club)
- Queen City Yacht Club
- National Yacht Club
- Aquatic Park Sailing Club
- Toronto Island Marina
- Hanlan’s Point Marina
- Keating Channel Marina
East Toronto & Scarborough9 locations
- Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club
- Ashbridge’s Bay Marina
- Bluffer’s Park Marina
- Bluffer’s Park Yacht Club
- Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club
- Scarborough Bluffs Sailing Club
- Water Rats Sailing Club
- Toronto Hydroplane & Sailing Club
- Highland Yacht Club
West Toronto & Etobicoke6 locations
- Mimico Cruising Club
- Humber Bay Park Marina (East & West)
- Etobicoke Yacht Club
- Lakeshore Yacht Club
- Mooredale Sailing Club
- Humber Bay Sailing Centre
Mississauga & Port Credit5 locations
- Port Credit Harbour Marina
- Port Credit Yacht Club
- Lakefront Promenade Marina
- St. Lawrence Park Boat Launch
- Credit Village Marina
Oakville & Bronte5 locations
- Oakville Harbour Marina
- Oakville Yacht Squadron
- Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
- Bronte Outer Harbour Marina
- Sixteen Mile Creek Public Docks
Burlington & Hamilton7 locations
- LaSalle Park Marina
- Burlington Sailing & Boating Club
- Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
- Hamilton Bay Sailing Club
- Macassa Bay Yacht Club
- Fifty Point Marina
- Harbour West Marina
Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa & Clarington9 locations
- Frenchman’s Bay Marina (Pickering)
- Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club
- Ajax Yacht Club
- Whitby Marina
- Port Whitby Marina
- Oshawa Harbour Marina
- Oshawa Yacht Club
- Port Darlington Marina (Clarington)
- Newcastle Marina
York Region & Lake Simcoe6 locations
- Keswick Marina
- Jackson’s Point Harbour
- Pefferlaw Marina
- Beaverton Yacht Club
- Friday Harbour Resort Marina (Innisfil)
- Barrie Marina
Niagara Region & St. Catharines5 locations
- St. Catharines Marina
- Port Dalhousie Pier Marina
- Port Weller Marina
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club
- Grimsby Yacht Club
Georgian Bay & beyond (by arrangement)7 locations
- Port of Orillia
- Lagoon City Marina
- Penetanguishene Town Dock
- Midland Bay Sailing Club
- Bay Port Yachting Centre (Midland)
- Parry Sound Town Dock
- Sugarloaf Marina (Port Colborne)
Private docks & condo marinas4 locations
- Toronto private docks (Harbourfront, Islands)
- Condo marinas (Tip Top Lofts, Waterclub, Quay West and more)
- Custom residential docks (Mississauga Rd, Bronte, Oakville, King City)
- Trailered boats, driveways and storage yards across the GTA
Ceramic coating and waxing: your questions.
How long does ceramic coating last on a boat?
Will ceramic coating remove oxidation?
Is it safe for gelcoat and painted surfaces?
Do I still need to wash the boat after ceramic?
Can you do protection only, without full detailing?
What’s the difference between wax and ceramic coating?
Is ceramic coating worth it for a boat in Toronto?
How much does ceramic coating a boat cost?
Do you coat non-skid?
Can you apply ceramic while the boat is in the water?
When is the best time for ceramic coating?
Which coating brand do you use?
Do you come to my marina?
Boat protection, in plain words.
Protection services, explained
Boat ceramic coating in Toronto
Polish plus ceramic protection at your marina for a deep, lasting gloss and easier cleaning.
Marine ceramic coating
Silica-based protection designed for gelcoat and marine paint, applied after correction.
Boat waxing
Classic marine wax for a quick, warm shine between details.
Polymer sealant for boats
Longer-lasting synthetic protection than wax, with a sharp gloss.
Hybrid ceramic wax
Our Wash & Shield: a wash plus hybrid ceramic polymer wax, from $25/ft.
Gelcoat protection
UV and grime protection that slows oxidation once the gelcoat is restored.
Yacht ceramic coating
Hull, topsides and superstructure on cruisers and yachts, scope defined before we start.
Ceramic vs wax for boats
Wax is quick and cheap but short-lived; ceramic takes more prep and lasts much longer.
Sources & further reading
- BoatUS, Ceramic coatings (2024)
- BoatTest, Boat coatings explained
- Southern Boating, The boat coating controversy
- Practical Sailor, Wax test results
- Practical Sailor, Liquid wax test results 2010
- ChemQuest, The pencil hardness conundrum
- IGL Coatings, Marine coating technical data sheet
- Gtechniq, Marine Ceramic Base
- Gyeon, Marine coatings manual
- PCI Magazine, UV inhibitors in polyester gelcoats
- Weta Marine, Care and upkeep of gelcoats
- Government of Canada, UV Index and sun safety
- Practical Sailor, Refinishing non-skid decks
- Boating Magazine, Applying spray-on ceramic coating
Related services
Boat polishing
Hull & deck cleaning
Full yacht detailing
Pre-sale detailing
Weekly boat cleaning
Boat care FAQ
Wax or ceramic? We’ll tell you from photos.
Send the boat length, marina and photos of the hull sides in daylight. We’ll recommend the right level and price it.
- Honest recommendation: wax, sealant or ceramic
- No travel fee from Oakville to the Scarborough Bluffs
- Before and after photos and video
Gloss that lasts, season after season.
Send a few photos and get a clear recommendation and price. We come to your marina.