Ceramic Pro

[Wfo]

Do it yourself. It took me about 6 hours to do my truck. I didn't do a full paint correction as it's my daily driver and gets used as intended. Washed, clayed, ceramic pre-clean, and applied the ceramic. I used Adam's Polish products start to finish. It came out great. I spent about $125 for all the products and have enough left over to do the truck at least 4 more times.

I have the Adam’s ceramic kit waiting to be applied. I thought paint correction was mandatory. Maybe I’ll clay and go if this is an option. I have a white truck.

 

[TimmyP]

Paint correction is highly recommended as once you install the coating, you aren't getting any swirls out. You would have to remove the coating to then take swirls or imperfections out. Typically if you are spending the money or investing your time, you want it over perfect paint.

 

[Wfo]

Paint correction is highly recommended as once you install the coating, you aren't getting any swirls out. You would have to remove the coating to then take swirls or imperfections out. Typically if you are spending the money or investing your time, you want it over perfect paint.

Thanks for the response

 

[TripleE44]

A high quality ceramic coating, yes. Ceramic Pro? Meh. I've known a few people that have went that route lately only to have it seemingly wash off within months.

The new wave of spray ''ceramic" products are ok for what they are, and if you're just looking for some protection for your paint and don't want to go to the trouble of applying a real coating. But they're in no way, just as good as a real ceramic coating. I've used Cquartz in the past with some good results, but it didn't seem to last after my last application. I switched to Gtechniq this time and the difference is clear. It beads up way better, even when dirty, and the truck stays cleaner on it's own much longer than with Cquartz.

I'm also convinced at least a light polish is crucial to proper adhesion, followed by isopropyl or prep spray wipe down. I even spray and wipe the whole vehicle down with waterless wash between those two just to be sure I'm not just wiping the leftovers from the polish/compounds around with the prep spray.

As for paying for someone to apply it for you, it can be worth it. The bulk of the money you'll spend would be for the paint correction process. Most "real" detailers will not apply a true coating without doing some level of paint correction. And those same detailers are spending some serious time and attention getting your paint better than it ever was from the factory. It takes me two 8 hour days to do a full size truck with a 2 step correction and ceramic application.

True ceramic coating does offer some protection from scratches. But it's more of swirls and very very light scratches. It's not going to stop real desert pinstriping, but it does provide a sacrificial layer on top of the paint that will take some of the swirls and stuff like that. It's kind of like another thin layer of clear.

 

[SilverBolt]

I have the Adam’s ceramic kit waiting to be applied. I thought paint correction was mandatory. Maybe I’ll clay and go if this is an option. I have a white truck.

My truck is also white. Full correction is not mandatory but would remove any light imperfections. Being a daily driver that does see some use as a truck as well as light off road I can live with a few swirls. I gave it a good bath with just normal car soap. Clayed the truck using Adam's clay and Adam's quick detailer to keep it wet. I wiped as I went during the clay process never letting any panel go dry. Once done with the clay I used Adam's Surface Prep for ceramics (basically isopropyl alcohol). I thought is was clean after the clay, huge difference after the surface prep. I then used the Adam's Ceramic Spray as my top coat. Very simple wipe on wipe off process. Do not do any of the steps in direct sunlight. I am very happy with the results.

 

[MadMaxx]

Not a believer of it. Seen even the "Lifetime" Platinum Package stuff start showing signs of not working around the 1 year mark.

I just keep it old school...and apply in this order: Chemical Guys Blacklight or Whitelight (depending on color of your vehicle), Chemical Guys Jetseal, Chemical Guys Wax (whatever your choice is), then maintain it with Chemical Guys Hybrid V7 between washes.

 

[Scottx]

Well worth it if you want your vehicle to look great and like new.
Go to Autogeek look up optima technology products.
Get opti coat 99$ look at the videos there and on iTunes.
Easy to diy, best if vehicle is new. My 14 mustang black looks like a mirror and really never gets dirty as nothing sticks. Just my experience,wasn’t paying$$$$$ for what I could do myself. If you can wash and wax a car you can do this. IMHO good luck

 

[Scottx]

That’s utube not iTunes stupid auto correct. Sorry

 

[bmexline]

Had it done to mine. Super happy with it. 5yr warranty and I won’t have it for half of that. Money well spent.

 

[pbtjrlmrt]

Ceramic pro and XPEL premium plus make an unbeatable combo. I did all painted surfaces including headlights for about 4k. Permanent wax job and protection from scratches including light scratches from bush when off road means it'll be looking brand new for years even if off roading. The ceramic pro on top of Xpel has a 5 year guarantee on the shine and a 10 year guarantee on the film.....I've done it on my last two vehicles so obviously worth it for me