top of page
All Posts


Wax vs. Ceramic Coatings: Which One Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Wax or ceramic coating? Learn the differences, benefits, durability, and why both still have a place in modern vehicle care from the perspective of a professional detailer.
Chris Howell
Jul 13 min read


Building Aura Surface Works While Living with ADHD
People sometimes assume ADHD means you can't focus. For me, it's almost the opposite. If something genuinely interests me, I can spend hours researching it, refining it and trying to make it better. The challenge isn't a lack of motivation—it's directing that energy toward the right things. Building Aura Surface Works has shown me both sides of that. The Strengths When I become interested in something, I want to understand it completely. That's why I've spent countless hours
chris56830
Jun 282 min read


Gel Coat Restoration – Bringing Your Boat Back to Life
There's something about restoring an older boat that I genuinely enjoy. Unlike automotive paint, gel coat presents its own challenges. Years of sun, water, oxidation and neglect slowly rob it of its colour and gloss. What was once a deep, vibrant finish becomes chalky, faded and tired. Then the polishing begins. Section by section, the colour starts to return. The gloss comes back. Reflections become sharper, and before long the boat starts looking like itself again. It's one
chris56830
Jun 283 min read


On to New Beginnings, The Starting Days of Aura Surface Works
Aura Surface Works was built from a lifelong passion for cars, detailing, and quality craftsmanship. In this post, I share the journey that led to starting my own automotive detailing business in Ottawa, the lessons learned along the way, and the goals driving the future of the company.
chris56830
Jun 162 min read


Long term ownership of a 2014 Scion FR-S
Long-Term Ownership: The 2014 Scion FR-S An introduction to my automotive journey. This is my first foray into automotive journalism, and I can't think of a better place to start than with the one car I'll never sell. At least, that’s what I tell myself. I remember the day—August 22, 2014. I was handed the keys to my first brand-new car: a 2014 Scion FR-S in Asphalt Grey. Manual, of course. I had owned plenty of used cars before, but this was different. This was mine from mil
chris56830
Jun 63 min read


Mobile Headlight Restoration in Ottawa – Restore Clarity, Improve Safety & Protect Your Investment
Cloudy, yellowed or oxidized headlights don't just make your vehicle look older—they can dramatically reduce nighttime visibility and become a safety concern. At Aura Surface Works, I offer professional mobile headlight restoration in Ottawa, bringing professional equipment and premium protection directly to your home or workplace. Unlike quick fixes that only polish the surface, every restoration is finished with long-term protection to help keep your headlights looking clea
chris56830
Jun 42 min read


Why Ceramic Coating Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make for Your Vehicle
When most people think about protecting their vehicle, they think of wax. While wax has its place, modern ceramic coatings offer a completely different level of protection, durability, and appearance. At Aura Surface Works, I specialize in professional ceramic coating installations throughout Ottawa, helping vehicle owners preserve their investment while making routine maintenance significantly easier. What Is a Ceramic Coating? A ceramic coating is a liquid protective layer
chris56830
Jun 43 min read


Paint Correction Isn't Just a Service — It's Why I Started Aura Surface Works
If there's one part of detailing that never gets old for me, it's paint correction. Watching dull, swirled, neglected paint slowly transform into something that looks deep, rich and alive again is incredibly satisfying. Every vehicle tells a different story, and every correction requires a different approach. That's what keeps it interesting. At Aura Surface Works, paint correction isn't about chasing unrealistic perfection. It's about restoring your vehicle to the best versi
chris56830
Jun 43 min read
bottom of page