CERAMIC COATING - Professional or Self Application

[KT_bronco]

If you're able to do some research on your own and set aside a weekend to do this yourself, then I would definitely recommend doing that and saving yourself $1k+. You won't need to do a full paint correction if you don't have many swirl marks or if you're okay with the condition the paint is currently in.

Most important part is that you prep the surface correctly and use a good quality ceramic coat like CQuartz instead of going for some of the cheaper options that can be found online.

You could also try something more beginner friendly like Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax as it can easily last over a year (there's a YouTube video somewhere of a guy testing out like 20+ sealants on a car's hood and it was one of the last ones standing). The first coating of the Meguiar's required you to apply it to the car by hand, but after that you can just spray it onto the car and spray it off with a pressure washer/hose and it will extend the life of it.

I just started using the Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax. It was really easy to apply. Works as advertised. Makes it really easy to wash the car after it's been applied. The shine looks nice too.
So glad there is an easier replacement to the old waxes.

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[rayhil67]

I did the Adams Graphine 7+ year kit ($145), Took me a weekend, 5 hours Saturday for all prep then Sunday pre coat and coat (about 3 hours) Watch the youtube videos, anybody can do it. This is one upgrade you can save some coin on by DIY...

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Hey Friends!

Just putting this out there for constructive thoughts on any side of the argument. I have been looking around at the various ceramic coatings, processes, applications, etc for a couple of months now. I have a friend who has a mobile detailing business that recommends ceramic coating whole heartedly, but I have not been able to get pricing from him as it is his side hustle.

There is a provider in town that has a package that seems appealing, but I am thinking of cleaning, claying, paint correcting and applying a system myself, as well. The provider had availability to schedule a call via social media and I was curious, so I figured I would hear what they have to say. I have included a little snippet from their website below. They seem to run a tight ship and have a brick and mortar location here in SE VA that has a very high rating on Google - whether that is real or manufactured is yet to be determined...

Here is the offer from the local processional detailer:

• 9-Year Warranty on Ceramic Coating application with wash, clay, paint correction, polishing and ceramic application.
• The service gets registered with CARFAX (claiming it will add value to the vehicle).
• Includes all painted panels of the vehicle, headlights, windows, hard top, wheels and tires.
• Any installed or repaired parts can be recoated during that 9 years for free
• "VIP" club includes $50 interior and $50 exterior details during that 9 year period (usually $150 ea)

They quoted a 25% off price of $1776 for the Bronco - I also have a 4runner that I would consider having done. The second vehicle gets same as above for $1476 ($300 multi-vehicle discount).

I would love to hear all opinions as I consider this!

I would say do it yourself but that 9 year warranty is kind of nice. I would do it yourself.

 

[DCtoobs42]

Thanks all. I've decided to do it myself with your help and describing your personal situations. I really appreciate it.

Now I just have to decide on a line of products to use. I looked into all of the products you all mentions and have narrowed it down to Adams and Chemical Guys (for me). A couple of you on here have suggested both. Adams has an edge in my mind, but I have also used and enjoyed CG products in the past. You all have any +1 for either of them?

Cheers.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

I do my own ceramic. I am using the Adam's brand of Graphene as I am comfortable with the brand of other products. The first rig I did was my Raptor. My Raptor is white so I used a single stage polish for correction. I started with a good wash, clay bar, paint correction, ceramic prep (rubbing alcohol), and finally the ceramic. It was a long process but the results were fantastic. That original coating lasted 2+ years. I just did a fresh application on that rig this past weekend. Just like painting a car, it's 95% prep and 5% application. If your prep is good it will look amazing. If you cut corners it will show in the finished work and not last.

 

[Patriotic]

My 911 has the Adams Graphene Advanced (Gold label, small bottle), and my Bronco has the Turtle Wax (Hybrid Solutions) Ceramic Spray Wax (Green label). I'm pleased with how both came out. Highly recommend both products.

 

[Patriotic]

I do my own ceramic. I am using the Adam's brand of Graphene as I am comfortable with the brand of other products. The first rig I did was my Raptor. My Raptor is white so I used a single stage polish for correction. I started with a good wash, clay bar, paint correction, ceramic prep (rubbing alcohol), and finally the ceramic. It was a long process but the results were fantastic. That original coating lasted 2+ years. I just did a fresh application on that rig this past weekend. Just like painting a car, it's 95% prep and 5% application. If your prep is good it will look amazing. If you cut corners it will show in the finished work and not last.

100%

 

[DCtoobs42]

My 911 has the Adams Graphene Advanced (Gold label, small bottle), and my Bronco has the Turtle Wax (Hybrid Solutions) Ceramic Spray Wax (Green label). I'm pleased with how both came out. Highly recommend both products.

The 911 is gorgeous. My partner has that on her dream car list. We also have an EG on the way. Cheers.

 

[Patriotic]

^^ Thank you.

 

[AZSky]

Decide whether you also want PPF protection (recommended) at least partial as this shall go on before the ceramic coating.
Consider Gyeon products, like Syncro on paint
https://www.autogeek.net/gyeon-syncro.html
or Q2 on the PPF:
https://www.autogeek.net/gyeon-q2-ppf.html

I did several cars by myself. On my Bronco, I went whole body PPF and did the coating incl bumpers, steps, wheels myself.

 

[Garemlin]

There are a few threads on the topic of ceramic/wax in general so I suggest using the search engine. (Also search keyword "zaino", it's what "ceramic" was before they put brick powder in the product just so it can screw up your paint)

And at that price it makes no sense to me personally, unless I was drunk and wanted to burn through cash like a well-oiled cash burning machine.

Just do Zaino yourself and it will cost you $150 in materials. Unfortunately you can't harm your paint with Zaino, so no shop in its right mind would offer it, how else will they bilk you out of $2K????

I have been using Zaino products since 2002. Good stuff. Easy to apply. Very forgiving to tempatures when applying.

 

[Garemlin]

Professional ceramic coating costs around $1700 here for paint prep and two coats. Five year lifespan. I can get the whole thing PPF'ed for a little over $3000 with a ten year nationwide warranty. And it's self healing. Ceramic coating does not actually protect against scratches or anything else. Just makes washing easier.

 

[Thor88]

Thanks all. I've decided to do it myself with your help and describing your personal situations. I really appreciate it.

Now I just have to decide on a line of products to use. I looked into all of the products you all mentions and have narrowed it down to Adams and Chemical Guys (for me). A couple of you on here have suggested both. Adams has an edge in my mind, but I have also used and enjoyed CG products in the past. You all have any +1 for either of them?

Cheers.

If you decide to go with Adams, order direct through their site. You will get 20% off for signing up for emails. I purchased the full kit w/light for $104 shipped today. Was the cheapest I saw by a bit.

 

[DCtoobs42]

If you decide to go with Adams, order direct through their site. You will get 20% off for signing up for emails. I purchased the full kit w/light for $104 shipped today. Was the cheapest I saw by a bit.

They are doing 20% off in October with the code OCT20

 

[T Copp]

I have a guy that has some five year ceramic coating that is expiring soon, so he’s giving me a killer deal. Comes with a stage 2 paint correction. His 5 year package is usually $1400-$1700, I am only being charged $500. Looks like he uses SB3 Coatings products.

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