GEN 2 Ceramic advise?

[dmarkh]

I'm thinking about having this done to the body:

https://usa.gtechniq.com/products/auto/protect/exterior/paint/exo-and-crystal-serum-light

And this done to the wind shield:

https://www.glassparency.com/protective-window-coating-our-product-glassparency/

By a local detailer of coarse. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

 

[allinon72]

Gtechniq CSL is awesome, have it on my truck. However, I would never pay thousands to have it applied by a shop. There are too many environmental variables that could make that money go up in smoke in an instant. Just my opinion on coatings.

If you do have it applied by a shop, make sure they use Chrystal Serum Ultra.

 

[GLT]

Gtechniq CSL is awesome, have it on my truck. However, I would never pay thousands to have it applied by a shop. There are too many environmental variables that could make that money go up in smoke in an instant. Just my opinion on coatings.

If you do have it applied by a shop, make sure they use Chrystal Serum Ultra.

Agree on all counts. The GTechniq CSL and EXO combo is great. You don't have to be a pro detailer to apply it; if you are reasonably experienced in paint correction and protection, you can do this yourself. I just applied the CSL and EXOv4 to my Raptor last week after doing a decontamination, clay bar and two-stage paint correction. The CSL fairly straightforward to apply, you just have to have good light and pay attention.

 

[jimmyjamm]

This sort of product is common and has been around for a while. The glass treatment is essentially the same as Rain-X or Castroll Glass Treatment, places a transparent film that is hydroscopic and repels water. It wears off over time (really the more you use the wipers the faster it will wear off), and you have to reapply. The catch with both the glass and paint protectants, you are supposed to remove any old film prior to application of new, as it will apply the new in uneven distribution and can cause fading over time with exposure to sun...on glass it just makes the beading action spotty across the glass.

 

[Bradley J Zefkeles]

So I owned and operated a professional auto detail shop for 27 years. Like most I was intrigued by the ceramic hype. I got online and studied and investigated. Long story short...the stuff works but don't throw away from $500 to $4000 folks pay. Dig in online and find Mr Fix 9H ceramic in the 3 oz bottle for $8 to $14. Buy at least 3. Prep your surface/paint...wash, gentle pass with a meguire's or mother's clay bar, cut, polish and orbital de-swirl as normal. Apply ceramic as instructed in the box in a temperature environment over 50 degrees. Wipe off and let it cure for 24 to 48 hours in the heat and without getting wet. Repeat the ceramic coating step and cure 1 to 2 more times. That's it. Your Raptor will frigging glow, dirt, bird poop etc almost rinses off. For maintenance wash gently by hand...sorry no carwashes, drybwith an absorber synthetic chamois ONLY. A quick spray and microfiber wipe with CMS Ceramic detail mist. So with about $120 in products, some quality time with your truck and minor elbow grease you have it done.

 

[dmarkh]

OK, thanks all. I will be letting a local detailer do it though as all the prep stuff is more than I can probably do properly. Actually even the application is probably more than I am able to do properly. Thanks for the input.

 

[dblack]

I have Gtechniq Crystal Serum on 3 different vehicles and it has been great. I also have Shine Supply Beadlock Pro on the wheels and suspension of the Raptor. I definitely think the ceramic coatings are worth it from a protection and ease of cleanup standpoint.

 

[ljn21]

So I owned and operated a professional auto detail shop for 27 years. Like most I was intrigued by the ceramic hype. I got online and studied and investigated. Long story short...the stuff works but don't throw away from $500 to $4000 folks pay. Dig in online and find Mr Fix 9H ceramic in the 3 oz bottle for $8 to $14. Buy at least 3. Prep your surface/paint...wash, gentle pass with a meguire's or mother's clay bar, cut, polish and orbital de-swirl as normal. Apply ceramic as instructed in the box in a temperature environment over 50 degrees. Wipe off and let it cure for 24 to 48 hours in the heat and without getting wet. Repeat the ceramic coating step and cure 1 to 2 more times. That's it. Your Raptor will frigging glow, dirt, bird poop etc almost rinses off. For maintenance wash gently by hand...sorry no carwashes, drybwith an absorber synthetic chamois ONLY. A quick spray and microfiber wipe with CMS Ceramic detail mist. So with about $120 in products, some quality time with your truck and minor elbow grease you have it done.

Can the ceramic coating be put onto the plastic trim like fenders, bumper, hood vent? How about over the matte hood stripes and bedside vinyl graphics?

 

[500mag]

Can the ceramic coating be put onto the plastic trim like fenders, bumper, hood vent? How about over the matte hood stripes and bedside vinyl graphics?

Excellent question - would like to know myself.

 

[MattR]

Can the ceramic coating be put onto the plastic trim like fenders, bumper, hood vent? How about over the matte hood stripes and bedside vinyl graphics?

They make specific coatings for plastic.

I'm sure someone makes a special vinyl coat, but I've read hundreds of threads or posts where someone used something like CSL over vinyl. Prep of that area is a little different I think.

CSL is a great coating. No way I would pay over a grand for it to be applied, though. These detailers have gone wild with ceramic pricing. It takes a little time, but I can't say that they should be making $150-$200/hr for it.