James, DC's top rated detailer standing in front of the Capitol

Contact James

I'm looking forward to hearing about your project.
Call/Text
301-549-9786
Email
james@dawsonsdetailing.com

the best Ceramic Coating in Washington, D.c.

Trusted by Collectors. Chosen by Perfectionists.

James Dawson applies ceramic coating with such precision, it unveils depth, clarity, and presence other shops only promise.

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5 Years
Ceramic Coating
3 Stage
Paint Correction
~25 Hours
Per Car
15,000 Hours
James's Experience

Flawless Ceramic Coating in Washington D.C.

James Dawson brings expert-level ceramic coating services directly to clients, delivering flawless results without the need for a shop visit.

Specializing in eliminating swirl marks, enhancing gloss, and applying long-lasting ceramic coatings, every service is performed with precision and care. Serving discerning car owners across the DMV, James ensures top-tier protection and a showroom-quality finish—right at their doorstep.

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The Final Piece in Your Quest for Perfection. Contact James to Discuss Your Needs.

Due to the intense time and effort required per car, James' schedule is limited to a handful of detailing preservations per month. Contact James to discuss your car, pricing, and availability.

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James Dawson detailing an Aston Martin for a photoshoot.

MOST COATINGS FAIL — HERE’S WHY

Excellence Isn’t Found in the Coating—It’s in the Hands That Install It.

A top detailer paint correcting a Ferrari in Sterling, Virginia

15,000+ Hours Detailing Expert

I’ve spent over a decade honing one craft: perfecting paint. If it involves polishing, I’ve done it—meticulously, and thousands of times over.
James Dawson at the AMMO Masterclass

World Class Training

James has travelled the country training with the nation's top detailers.
James Dawson cleaning a supercar in front of the Jefferson Memorial

Never Outsourced

No employees. No handoffs. I’m the one who corrects, coats, and signs off—because that’s the only way to guarantee perfection.

"James is one of those rare folks these days who truly takes pride in his work. I cannot thank him enough for his efforts and expect that even the most discerning customers will be truly satisfied with his services. This is someone that you can trust."

Gordon W, Potomac MD
2025 VW Golf R, Preservation Detail

"I've had my Porsche detailed before but nothing close to what James did. It looks better than the day I bought it."

Ruben S.
2017 Porsche 911, Preservation Detail + Wheel Removal

"I was incredibly nervous about trusting a stranger with my car. When I met him the morning of the detail, I got the sense that my car was in trustworthy hands. He did not disappoint; the car looks incredible!"

Marcus S.
2008 Ferrari F430, The Works

"Far and away the best detail I've seen, and most devoted professional I've met to date. I will be having him back and proudly recommending him to my friends."

Sanjay F., Great Falls, Va.
2003 Lamborghini Murcielago, 1 of 300. Preservation Detail

A Glimpse into Unmatched Craftsmanship

Ceramic coating, explained.

Discover how James Dawson's Preservation Detail turns your vehicle into a masterpiece.

Why Should You Ceramic Coat Your Car?

Ceramic coating creates a durable, hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and contaminants, making maintenance effortless. It enhances gloss, depth, and clarity while protecting against UV rays, oxidation, and chemical stains. Unlike wax, it lasts for years, preserving your paint’s finish and reducing the need for frequent polishing or reapplication.

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Swirl marks and scratches on this Porsche 911.
Why I Polish Paint Before the Coating's Installed

Paint correction is the meticulous process of removing swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation to restore clarity and depth to your vehicle’s finish. Using precision polishing techniques, I refine the paintwork to eliminate defects without unnecessary removal of clear coat. Every car is different, so I tailor my approach to achieve a flawless, mirror-like shine while preserving the integrity of your paint.

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A detailer inspecting swirl mark removal on a car's paint.
The Importance of Hiring an Expert Technician

Ceramic coating is only as good as its application, and I don’t leave anything to chance. With my expertise in paint correction and precision application, I ensure every surface is flawlessly prepped for maximum durability and performance. Unlike rushed, mass-market coatings, my process guarantees a mirror-smooth finish that lasts—protecting your investment with unmatched craftsmanship.

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Trust begins with knowing who’s behind the work.

Restoring your car's paint is an investment in your car’s future, and I welcome you to scrutinize your options. You deserve to know who will be working on your vehicle and their credentials.

My commitment to transparency is rare in this industry—I’m here to create an unforgettable experience rooted in trust, skill, and personal connection.

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James, DC's top rated detailer standing in front of the Capitol

The Detailer Trusted by Collectors

Insured and skilled to care for the world’s finest vehicles.

Preserving the value and beauty of the world’s rarest vehicles.

My Preservation Detail is tailored to the unique needs of each car, ensuring every surface is treated with respect and care. Whether it’s a rare classic or a cutting-edge hypercar, I bring the technical expertise and insurance to handle vehicles of extraordinary value.

Dawson's Detailing cleaning a sports car interior

Only 3 spots left this month

Call James to experience a new level of car care.

Book this to inquire about getting your car's paint restored. During this consultation, I'll discuss the steps undertaken during a preservation detail and ask you about your goals, your car, and make sure that you and I are a good fit for each other. We will discuss pricing for your vehicle as well as availability, should you want to proceed.

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FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

Are you mobile, or do you have a shop?
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I am completely mobile! I have a 100 gallon water tank and filtration system built into my mobile unit. I'll perform this service at your home, no need to take your car anywhere! If you don't have access to a garage I can polish in, that's ok! We can arrange alternative options.
Why is it called a Preservation Detail?
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The ethos of a detailer should always be to preserve the original condition of the car. To ensure the original paint job's beauty is preserved, I take incredible care with the paint: proper edge work with 1 inch polishers, measuring the thickness of the paint, heat management and residue control means your car will be in the safest hands possible.
What can I expect from a consultation call?
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I'll gather information about your needs in order to provide you with a quote. Once I know the make and model, your location, and the level of perfection I can give you availability and pricing. Furthermore, I'll walk you through what my process includes, and what you can expect moving forward.
Do you do ceramic coatings?
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Yes. A ceramic coating is a robust and excellent option to protect your freshly perfected car's paint. While it can be skipped to cut down on cost, this is generally not recommended; If you're spending the money getting the paint perfected, then you'd ideally want to protect it as well as possible.
How much does it cost?
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Proper paint correction requires an extremely skilled technician; I've performed at an extreme caliber for years. Every car is different and I'll need to assess your vehicle's condition and your expectations to provide an accurate quote. Please reach out for a free quote and I'll be in touch.
How long does a paint correction take?
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The detail will take around 16 hours.
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