First Wash and Ceramic Coat!

[landscpdesgnr]

I also applied Adam's "UV Graphene Ceramic Coating" 7 year protection almost 3 weeks ago and have washed it a couple of times since. Personally, I found polishing (Adam's white pad) prior to coating a real added benefit and it definitely improved both clarity and luster of the paint. Understand I really liked the original paint job to begin with, so I was surprised how much of a difference it made. I agree that the truck looks / stays cleaner longer and the hydrophobic properties is very obvious! As far as the product I really did appreciate the UV implementation during application and it is NOT a marketing gimmick, it absolutely helped me (being a 1st timer at this). I used the UV flashlight while I was applying to ensure a complete and even application, it was very easy!

Ohhhhhh very nice look!!!! Love the rack, definitely getting that for husband's truck for Father's Day Well I was going to start ceramic w lower level easy apply spray but this difference in your pics has convinced me to try on my Ford Fusion in Sunset Red. Sooo total nub, before you applied the 1st step of ceramic, and after the clay bar you polished w Adam's white pad? Is that w a polishing machine (scares me) or by hand?? I am also more interested in this process now that you mentioned the UV protection b/c both my car & the Mav will be outside the garage in sunny, hot Orlando (till husband gets his woodshop out of the garage lol).

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[BeautyMommaBear]

Awesome!!! My hubby and I just did mine done this past Saturday!!!

 

[glpuckett]

Ohhhhhh very nice look!!!! Love the rack, definitely getting that for husband's truck for Father's Day Well I was going to start ceramic w lower level easy apply spray but this difference in your pics has convinced me to try on my Ford Fusion in Sunset Red. Sooo total nub, before you applied the 1st step of ceramic, and after the clay bar you polished w Adam's white pad? Is that w a polishing machine (scares me) or by hand?? I am also more interested in this process now that you mentioned the UV protection b/c both my car & the Mav will be outside the garage in sunny, hot Orlando (till husband gets his woodshop out of the garage lol).

Liz, I've never done this process before nor have I ever polished a brand new car, so I was a bit nervous & researched / watch a lot of "how to" (youtube). I convinced myself of two things - 1) I wanted to do it myself 2) After all done I didn't want to feel I could've done a better or more complete job!

With that said I did purchase the Adam's "Swirl Killer 9mm LT Polisher" $110 w/ discount b/c I couldn't get myself to spend the big bucks for the more professional versions (wasn't justifiable). I'm sure there are even less expensive options out there, but in the end this polisher worked just great! I don't have an opinion about "By Hand" so maybe someone else does.

My car is always outside in the SoCal sun and ocean contaminants, so I wanted to protect the original paint. I admit this felt like a very daunting / expensive job and it was to a certain degree. I'm decades behind the latest car washing philosophy / technologies but most of it does make sense. So, if you're like me and only have beach towels and cheap car soap then it can be expensive. My desire to take care of my Mav took me down the path and I was OK with it.

Once your ready to begin, give yourself a full day and I would highly suggest having an enclosed area. For me that meant cleaning out the garage so I could use it for a full 24 hours. Without going into great details you need to get your truck's surface as clean, smooth and swirl free as possible. Obviously your coating will go over whatever is on the paint. I planned my coating time for the evening thinking it would be the best conditions (temp / lighting) to take advantage of the UV flashlight; having never done this before. In the end it really wasn't hard, but I'm a bit anal so I tend to take my time & double check / inspect everything...

I hope this helps.

 

[rightmuch]

After researching t all the options, including dealer treatment, I got the Turtle Wax Hybrid ceramic spray https://www.walmart.com/ip/Turtle-W...06d86579dbe8115984dc072f3410d288&gclsrc=3p.ds for about $15. It's done an incredible job and even if I have to apply once a year, I think it's definitely the way to go. I've got the Area 51, too and with this application, dirt just doesn't show at all.

 

[Bladj002]

So happy with how it came out! Still have to VRT the trim and apply the ceramic boost tomorrow after the coat cures but I think it turned out wonderfully! Sure there were areas I could have improved but I am happy with my results

Process used:
1) wash with Adam’s car shampoo
2) claybar with clay lube (chemical guys)
3) Adam’s ceramic coating kit (not the quick spray stuff) step one, basically isopropyl alcohol on one body panel at a time.
4) Adam’s ceramic coating kit step two in 2’x2’ sections as it describes on the body panel prepped in step 3.
5) buff off when rainbow effect appears (15s-30s).
6) Adam’s graphene detail spray on wheels
7) Adam’s tire dressing
8) Adam’s detail spray on windows and trim (though I think I could have done better here but I was exhausted at this point!)

I think it turned out great pics:

I had my area 51 ceramic coating leaving my salesman mouth drop from the great results. Thanks to Ford.my salesman said his maverick will be next to have the coating

 

[onetequilatwo]

When ever Ford decides to build the truck, will look at the weather and shoot for an overcast day and less than 15% chance of rain during the overnight hours and dew points are not real close to night lows.

 

[adawalli]

Initially there were concerns with this eco friendly paint taking a long time to cure. Any paint experts agree with that .. Or the sooner the better to ceramic coat?

 

[baseballchamps]

It looks amazing but personally I'm not sold on ceramic coat. After talking to body shops in my area, they hate working on cars that have ceramic coat on the paint because it bonds to the paint and does not come off easily.

I have been using Nu Finish for the past 20 years (once every 6 months) It is awesome an only $8.

 

[BB0]

Initially there were concerns with this eco friendly paint taking a long time to cure. Any paint experts agree with that .. Or the sooner the better to ceramic coat?

I’m not sure what the standard timeline is in general but it’s usually on the order of a week or two if I remember correctly. Since my truck took 37 days just to ship I was fairly confident it was cured haha

 

[BB0]

I have been using Nu Finish for the past 20 years (once every 6 months) It is awesome an only $8.

Glad you’re enjoying it! I love hearing what process everyone prefers; so cool to see the variety and preferences I hope it continues to serve you well for many years! Can’t beat that price!

 

[YOBY]

Looks awesome!! THAT is alot of work, how long do you estimate it lasts? Do you hand wash? I was going to do a simpler process for the Mav, my husband is probably never going to wash it

I have a guestroom & live outside Orlando if you want to stay w your wife and ceramic coat my husband's Mav that is coming in Mon. He will be out of the country for 2 weeks end of April too! J/K I can't wait to have the house to myself for 2 weeks

Any easier applications products you recommend?

I use Mothers CMX. The purists are going to hate what I'm going to tell you, but I've been doing this to my cars since Ceramics hit the market.

Twice a year I wash my vehicles really well in the Spring AND Fall, I drive down to the local carwash with the high pressure spray and rotating brushes. Next, I spray the whole vehicle with CMX and wait for it to dry (light gray color) and then run it through the car wash. Your vehicle will still be beading between applications. Plus, all that ceramic that is washed off will coat places where hand waxing will never reach.

That's the easiest ceramic coating you'll ever do, since your husband may never wash the truck.

 

[BB0]

There is not supposed to be any polish or product on the vehicle prior to ceramic coating. It defeated the purpose. Ceramic coat can't Bond to polish.

You can absolutely polish before ceramic coating; maybe you are thinking of wax or another detailing product. I chose not to since I didn’t feel like mine needed it, but @glpuckett ’s truck looks incredible so I’m sure it had added value for them

 

[uh50]

What do you recommend for Ford's Soft Roll up Tonneau cover? Is there anything that repels dust?

TIA

 

[BB0]

What do you recommend for Ford's Soft Roll up Tonneau cover? Is there anything that repels dust?

TIA

Some form of Vinyl/Rubber/Plastic/Tires product would do nicely! I'm still playing with a few products so I can't make a specific recommendation though, sorry! But in general I always feel safe with Adam's products, so if you want to go the Adam's VRT route I doubt you'll be disappointed.

 

[uh50]

Some form of Vinyl/Rubber/Plastic/Tires product would do nicely! I'm still playing with a few products so I can't make a specific recommendation though, sorry! But in general I always feel safe with Adam's products, so if you want to go the Adam's VRT route I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Thanks for the reply.

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