CERAMIC COATING - Professional or Self Application

[4xFord]

I just finished using the Adams Ceramic Coating on Saturday. Did it myself after watching multiple videos on YouTube. Took the entire day from start to finish. If you can follow instructions and have at least two arms and hands you can do it.

I'm in the Adams graphene camp as well. 10 months later it still sheds water like day one. I also like that it's more forgiving and gives you time to work.

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[JD11937]

+1 for the Adams Graphene. Had my last car done professionally with ceramic pro and find the Adams product to be much better and did it myself.

 

[Tilzbow]

Wow, that seems expensive. I did mine myself using GTechniq Crystal Serum Light. It was fairly easy to apply and I didn’t do paint correction on the entire vehicle but I did strip any wax and residue. Yeah some will tell you that full paint correction is needed on a brand new vehicle but I’m simply not that anal or picky. GTechniq won’t sell their longer lasting professional grade product to individuals but the “Light“ version should last a few years. The Bronco was super easy and only took a few hours start to finish and I did the top and wheels, too. Just a warning that after I did my v2 MIC top the snakeskin pattern showed up. I could care less but you might not have the same attitude.

I also installed their marine product on my boat 3 years ago and it’s still holding strong after hundreds of hours on the water with speeds over 60 MPH.

If you choose Gtechniq products they’ve got nice instructional videos on their website and YouTube.

 

[mrjerry469]

Did my own. Cant tell you how long it will last yet. But it was less then 300 for everything and to this point is great. Time will tell. I have a friend who runs a professional ceramic coating shop who recommended the products I used. It ceretainly wont last as long as a pro application but should last 3 years at least. Took me about 6 hours over a two day weekend to do. Biggest cost you are paying for is paint correction which is labor but my friend looked at mine and said there wasnt much to do on it. Vehicle was made 1 month earlier from time I did coating.

I did my own also looks great and has that better than new look after any wash.

 

[KT_bronco]

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.

Perfect combo!

 

[goatman2]

Keep in mind that different products last different lengths of time. Hybrid waxes last the least, spray ceramic coatings last longer, DIY ceramic liquids last longer still, and professional grade products last the longest. They all look great and bead water initially, the difference is how long it lasts. A good professional job might not be that expensive when you consider your time, and doing it multiple times compared to a professional job.

I ended up doing full PPF on mine. Since it was brand new, paint correction wasn't needed, other than really good prep. It was $2300 and included ceramic coating of the top and windows.

 

[8DaysDazed]

What's everyone's thoughts on polishing before coating a brand new Bronco.
100% necessary and only a fool would skip it or, it's new you'll be fine?

 

[KKCSHIPP]

If you have a blacklight then look it over in the dark and you’ll see where you need to polish. I did a very light polish in areas only. Then straight to coating.

 

[Patriotic]

Even if new:

Wash
Clay
Polish
Decontaminate (Adams Surface Prep or similar)
Coat

Paint prep is key.

 

[FellowM3]

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.

Can you post a link to the kit you went with?

Want to order and make sure I get the right one?

Was it the Adams advanced? 50ml?

Not sure what size I need. Id like to do 2 cars with the kit

 

[Losy]

I am having my detailer do the Ceramic.
He swears by Shine Supply products. After seeing that he can detail my cars and make them look so much better that I can, I feel like it is worth it to have a meticulous pro handle this. Just personal preference.

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