Ceramic Coating for Automobiles

[6518John]

Have any of you tried this? I just heard about it this week from a client. It is apparently some sort of polymer coating applied to a vehicle to basically give it a "just-waxed" appearance for the life of the vehicle. I think it is fairly expensive too. But if it works as claimed, it could be great—the cynic in me wonders if "snake-oil" might work just as well if you catch my drift.

 

[dusty3030]

It's the new "thing" in higher end detailing. It isn't a snake oil. Most of it has trickled over from aviation where these coatings were applied to aircraft.
I would suggest if a person were to have it put on that the paint get a full blown higher end detailing type wash (clay bar etc.) before it is applied. You want it completely clean and the paint in top shape before you have it put on to get your moneys worth.

 

[Warbird111]

Not for the life of the vehicle. Best results obtained with reapplication once a year.

 

[Breakaway500]

Snake oil. Ceramic coating..they may as well say it's Kryptonite coating..

 

[dusty3030]

I forgot to add that they are great for protection, they aren't permanent. Automatic brush type car washes and other improper washing techniques will trash the coating just like it does the clear coat / paint in one that isn't coated.

 

[oldman10mm]

Yes, they are pricey. I do intend to try them. Most are hydrophobic, as the windshield coatings that repel water that have been available for a while now.

The Truth About Ceramic Coatings: What You Need to Know

gotta try to keep it looking nice

 

[H Richard]

Why bother? The Clear Coat that the auto Co's have been using for 10-15 years or more now hold up very well. I just traded off my 2010 Toyota and the finish was still like new. (It is garaged every night).

 

[Rule3]

Gee, NANO particles,Hydrophobic Polymer?? Sounds a lot like gun oil producrs. Whats wrong with stuff like:
Meguiar's new NXT Generation Polymer Paint Sealant??


PS: the new all electric vehicles come with an optional electronic force field around the entire car!


NXT GENERATION POLYMER PAINT SEALANT – Meguiar's Australia

 

[JayCeeNC]

I had CeramicPro applied to a new 2015 Nissan. It held up very well, but was costly, about $1200.
Bought a 2019 Nissan and chose to use GTechniq C2v3 silicone treatment. It's held up very well, needs to be applied about every 6 months. Much cheaper at about $30 a bottle.

 

[WardenRoss]

FWIW

I use Meguiars Instant Ceramic.

Works unbelievably well and stupid easy to use. The future is here.

According to Meguiars, it lasts longer than their best wax. I can attest to that.



.

 

[Watchdog]

It's the new "thing" in higher end detailing. It isn't a snake oil. Most of it has trickled over from aviation where these coatings were applied to aircraft.
I would suggest if a person were to have it put on that the paint get a full blown higher end detailing type wash (clay bar etc.) before it is applied. You want it completely clean and the paint in top shape before you have it put on to get your moneys worth.

I'm in complete agreement with you on this, but I'll tell you what...if I never have to clay bar another vehicle, it won't bother me one bit.

 

[hittman77]

I bought a "used" 2019 Silverado a few months back and was offered that for (I think) $1800.00.

I didn't know anything about it.
They couldn't or wouldn't explain it well.
It seemed expensive.
I passed.

 

[Telecaster]

Is this like Rhinoshield for your house? "Never paint your house again"?

 

[chief38]

I am a detail nut when it comes to my vehicles. I do not use ceramic coatings for several reasons - one being that they are prone to water spotting.

My once a year routine for each vehicle is to detail strip off old wax and sealants, Clay car, wipe down with IPA, wax with griots Polywax (a combo of polymer and Carnauba), let cure for 24 hours and then coat with A Polyner coating called Bead Maker which needs 8 hours to cure. Polishing is only done on an as needed basis.

When I wash my car (usually every week - 10 days) I apply a topper coating of Griots Spray Wax and reapply bead maker every month or so. This process lasts a year and then is repeated.

NOTE: My car is garage kept.

 

[6518John]

This is why I love this forum.

There is no finer collection of women and men in America with a more expansive knowledge base, which is almost always backed by years of experience. We may have our petty differences and personality conflicts here on occasion, but they are so minor and inconsequential they aren't worth mentioning. In a country that seems hell-bent on tearing itself apart over differing opinions, it is so refreshing to reach out for help and get valid and helpful advice from a group of true ladies and gentleman.

 

[swsig]

My, my. Such disagreement over auto paint protection. Has everyone forgotten the most effective form of paint protection of all time? Polyglycoat!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3zaXAmzq-w[/ame]

 

[moosedog]

I am impressed with the clear coat finish that came on my 2016 Buick Enclave. Two days ago I had a freak accident where the garage door came down on the rear latch and rubbed against it before I could stop it. I saw the white scratches and thought "oh heck" (not my actual words at the time)
Yesterday I was going to deal with it and started rubbing the spot with a baby wipe which was handy at the time. I was amazed that the scratches were actually the garage door paint and they came right off of the clear coat almost perfectly. Amazing.

 

[Rule3]

Is this like Rhinoshield for your house? "Never paint your house again"?

Nah, more like "Aluminum Siding"

"Let us you house as a demo, and get siding for FREE!"

 

[Engineer1911]

Genteel Enforcement

There is no finer collection of women and men in America with a more expansive knowledge base, which is almost always backed by years of experience. We may have our petty differences and personality conflicts here on occasion, but they are so minor and inconsequential they aren't worth mentioning. In a country that seems hell-bent on tearing itself apart over differing opinions, it is so refreshing to reach out for help and get valid and helpful advice from a group of true ladies and gentleman.

Lee and his Moderators have a significant role in keeping us gracious.

On car care, oil/filter changes, running gear, steering, tires, brakes, and shocks are important. My truck is going to get dinged in public parking lots, sometimes I get in it with dirty clothes, it doesn't always stay on paved roads. Show room pristine isn't here but regular interior cleaning and vacuum the carpets I do regularly.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

If you want to protect the paint, do what I have done with old blue for years. Allow the dirt to build up on the outside-it will protect the paint.
Another tip-instead of those $500 Thule car top racks, a couple of 2x4's wrapped with old carpet and tied to the existing roof rack works every bit as good for a fraction of the price. Use treated 2x4's though.