Ceramic coatings and dealers

[Jayandita]

I searched the site first and didn’t find much, so apologies in advance if this topic is here somewhere.


Just curious everyones thoughts on these dealers protective coatings. It seems they all use some sort. The two I called use Cilajet and Surface Care. Same price, and they both come with similar warranties for paint and interior protection to seats, and other surfaces.

The products seem gimmicky to me, but the warranty is intriguing.

just wondering if anyone hasexperience in this arena.

Dealer protection vs professional detailer ceramic coating, pros cons etc?

or Just keep waxing myself and buy covers for seats?

This is our first new car in over a decade, just trying our best to protect our beautiful new Mav.

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[Jackel007]

My first new vehicle ever so I did the ceramic coating, which to me was a better option for protecting the paint.

 

[Jayandita]

My first new vehicle ever so I did the ceramic coating, which to me was a better option for protecting the paint.

Using dealership or a detailer? Or yourself?

 

[Exranger]

Depends on your effort level and situation. If you have access to washing at your house, I’d self-maintain wax and detail. If you go to car wash and maybe do not have access, like living in apt. Or condo, then a pro type of coating may be easier. There are many great products available now, and easy to use. I use turtle wax ceramic with graphene every few months.

 

[BlueRio52]

I will be using Avalon King on my 24 XLT Hybrid pretty easy to do just make sure to use a iron out wash then claybar or Meguirs has a rubber waffle thing that looks like a desktop computer mouse that worked well on my Yota. Price is $75.00 i bought 2 but wait for a sale or get on the mailing list.I did not pay $ 75 for mine but like everything elsa prices have gone up.

 

[Jayandita]

Depends on your effort level and situation. If you have access to washing at your house, I’d self-maintain wax and detail. If you go to car wash and maybe do not have access, like living in apt. Or condo, then a pro type of coating may be easier. There are many great products available now, and easy to use. I use turtle wax ceramic with graphene every few months.

getting old and trying to keep up with times. Had someone tell me you have to be careful with ceramic. No clue which route to take. Thank you for the information

beautiful truck. Like that color.

 

[Exranger]

getting old and trying to keep up with times. Had someone tell me you have to be careful with ceramic. No clue which route to take. Thank you for the information

beautiful truck. Like that color.

Thanks for that. Very true what you say. I’ve heard of some ceramics streaking and clouding up. This turtle wax product is very user friendly and is applied to a wet car, then dried with microfiber. So far no issues on 3 different cars. Carbon grey, white and this vehicle.

 

[Optimus]

I waived dealer-offered products and opted to get paint protection film done at a detail shop, and did a ceramic coating myself. I got to pick the brands I wanted and the level of “detailing” done. True ceramic coatings are very different from old school wax, and there is a lot more prep/labor involved. In that regard, you can expect some sticker shock for a quote for ceramic coating, even on a brand new vehicle.

 

[Jackel007]

Using dealership or a detailer? Or yourself?

The dealer has their own custom modification department, so I had them do it.

 

[Montana]

"If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself"

Doubley so for dealership maintenance.

 

[Reece @ DI]

I don't want to speak ill of all dealerships, but the overwhelming majority are not detailing the way they should and the products they are using are not high end in any way. Just look at the warranties for these "coatings", they require you to "reapply" after so many months and the vehicle needs to be brought back for care every so often, etc. Most of the time they are applying a spray on sealant to the exterior surfaces that is sio2 based. These are similar to coatings in looks, but much easier to apply and offer a great deal of LESS protection. They apply with a simply spray and wipe application and it can be applied to all exterior surfaces without issues. I generally recommend these types of products to anyone looking to protect for a few months or anyone that simply wants an easier way to protect their vehicle. They are great in what they do, but they are in no way close to a true ceramic coating.

I personally recommend skipping any detailing packages as they are almost always a huge waste of money. Take the time to read up on high quality items from Gyeon, Gtechniq, CarPro, Rupes, etc. and perform these steps yourself. The technology in the industry has changed so much that using a Dual Action polisher is incredibly safe and coatings have become less finicky to apply. If you are not up to that challenge, look for a detailer in your area that uses these brands and one that wants to inspect the paint before recommending steps. What part of Florida are you in? We work with detailers across the US and I can see if I know of anyone in the area if you go that route.

Also, there is nothing wrong with an old school wax. Great warm glow and solid protection for a few weeks. Coatings will offer more of a pop or gloss, think coated in glass look. They are also more durable overall than waxes and when cared for correctly they can last 1-5 years depending on the coating applied.

 

[gwrace14651]

In my situation here in south central Texas I would not consider a full ceramic coating as the vehicle is garage stored. I wash and detail at home and apply a ceramic wax about every 6 months. IMHO ceramic coating does not prevent paint chips and is only protecting your vehicle from sun and environmental damage. It's also labor intensive to apply and expensive. All ceramic coatings require regular maintenance.
I have a 20 year old Ford Excursion with original paint that still looks like new. And all I've ever done is detail and keep it waxed.

 

[colinl]

Ceramic coatings are fancy wax. Literally the same prep as a proper traditional wax job, then you wax and apply a clearcoat. This clearcoat is what differentiates it from just doing a regular wax job in your own driveway. Many ceramic installers offer long warranties that, in my opinion, are not worth the paper they aren't printed on. You will not get them to do anything for free after the initial application. "Maintenance" of the coating will likely cost hundreds. The longer the warranty, the less likely you'll get any value out of it.

The clearcoat is not thick enough to offer any protection against stone chips or scratches, maybe .02 - .05 mil a best. It's just there to hold the wax in place.

Paint Protection Film is entirely different. The film varies in thickness from 5-13mm, by product and cost, but all of it is thick enough to offer some protection against stone chips and scratches. Some of it is so thick that it's considered 'self healing' meaning if you get scratches you just heat it up, the film melts a little and covers the scratch.

The only thing PPF and ceramic coatings have in common is that you should never take either of them through a car wash with brushes. Touchless or handwash only. But, you should treat any car that way if you care about the finish.

 

[Jayandita]

I don't want to speak ill of all dealerships, but the overwhelming majority are not detailing the way they should and the products they are using are not high end in any way. Just look at the warranties for these "coatings", they require you to "reapply" after so many months and the vehicle needs to be brought back for care every so often, etc. Most of the time they are applying a spray on sealant to the exterior surfaces that is sio2 based. These are similar to coatings in looks, but much easier to apply and offer a great deal of LESS protection. They apply with a simply spray and wipe application and it can be applied to all exterior surfaces without issues. I generally recommend these types of products to anyone looking to protect for a few months or anyone that simply wants an easier way to protect their vehicle. They are great in what they do, but they are in no way close to a true ceramic coating.

I personally recommend skipping any detailing packages as they are almost always a huge waste of money. Take the time to read up on high quality items from Gyeon, Gtechniq, CarPro, Rupes, etc. and perform these steps yourself. The technology in the industry has changed so much that using a Dual Action polisher is incredibly safe and coatings have become less finicky to apply. If you are not up to that challenge, look for a detailer in your area that uses these brands and one that wants to inspect the paint before recommending steps. What part of Florida are you in? We work with detailers across the US and I can see if I know of anyone in the area if you go that route.

Also, there is nothing wrong with an old school wax. Great warm glow and solid protection for a few weeks. Coatings will offer more of a pop or gloss, think coated in glass look. They are also more durable overall than waxes and when cared for correctly they can last 1-5 years depending on the coating applied.

thank you so much for the detailed response. Took time and effort and is greatly appreciated.

 

[Reece @ DI]

Ceramic coatings are fancy wax. Literally the same prep as a proper traditional wax job, then you wax and apply a clearcoat. This clearcoat is what differentiates it from just doing a regular wax job in your own driveway. Many ceramic installers offer long warranties that, in my opinion, are not worth the paper they aren't printed on. You will not get them to do anything for free after the initial application. "Maintenance" of the coating will likely cost hundreds. The longer the warranty, the less likely you'll get any value out of it.

The clearcoat is not thick enough to offer any protection against stone chips or scratches, maybe .02 - .05 mil a best. It's just there to hold the wax in place.

Paint Protection Film is entirely different. The film varies in thickness from 5-13mm, by product and cost, but all of it is thick enough to offer some protection against stone chips and scratches. Some of it is so thick that it's considered 'self healing' meaning if you get scratches you just heat it up, the film melts a little and covers the scratch.

The only thing PPF and ceramic coatings have in common is that you should never take either of them through a car wash with brushes. Touchless or handwash only. But, you should treat any car that way if you care about the finish.

Carnauba Wax and Ceramic Coatings are not the same and the prep work is entirely different. Ceramic Coatings do help protect from swirls, scratches, and even very minor chips. They are a harder form of protection than waxes and sealants and the paint surface has to be prepped differently than with a traditional wax or sealant.

Coatings have suffered from incorrect marketing and terrible "warranties" in the past, so I always recommend checking the brand of products (i.e. Gyeon, Gtechniq, CarPro, etc.) and that the detailer is not offering a warranty. High end detailers will not offer a warranty as they know that durability varies based on how often the car is driven, what product was applied, how it was cared for and the climate in which the car is being driven in.

PPF or vinyl wraps are completely different animals and they will protect if you are worried about rock chips and want the most durable form of protection for your paint. However, this means thousands to install if you are taking it to a reputable shop, or a few hundred dollars to apply and care for a coating if you are doing it yourself.

You are correct though, never take a vehicle through a touch wash, touchless or hand wash to avoid any issues with those dirty, high speed brushes.

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