Pro ceramic

[Troutrad]

I also used the Avalon King product. Because my truck was new, didn’t really need paint correction. If you don’t want to spend thousands but want something pretty durable, this is a good way to go.

You do need to prep.

1. Thorough clean and de-grease such as wash with Dawn soap
2. Clay Bar...I went with the Griot’s Garage mitt with their Speed Shine which goes a lot faster.
3. Final Prep with dilute isopropyl alcohol. I used the “Eraser” product.
4. Ceramic Coat. I did 3 coats; bought 3 bottles. Was easy to apply as Instarand mentioned above.

Might spend 300 for all this as opposed to 5 times that much. Depends on your goals. I live in NW Montana and My truck is for getting in the back woods and fishing. I expect it to get a little dinged up here and there over time but did want to make it easy to wash and provide some basic protection.

 

[Badgertits]

That is correct. I think for paint correction, full wrap (Guaranteed for 10 years) and ceramic coating, I was quoted about $7k for all. Worth it to me as I plan to have it 10 years+.

thats a lot of F’n money man....I’m
OCD too, I guess I can sorta “re-focus” some of that on other stuff like my landscaping & Z06....but when it comes to my DD Raptor or not, it sits outside & gets used as a truck.

when it comes to that kinda expense to protect a vehicle, I think you gotta be dead certain you’re going to the extreme in either 1 of 2 ways- going to friggin town like a maniac off-roading it on the reg in which case these measure go a long way by preventing only a handful of excursions from destroying the finish....OR you know you’re keeping it forever and/or gonna use it as a “show truck”

Don’t get me wrong I do have some Xpel ultimate on a few sections (the gloss black door pillars/partial hood/fenders/bumper) but I have a black truck & I know it’s gonna chip & be noticeable, on other hand we have trucks made outta aluminum so it ain’t like they’re gonna rust lol

I’m not judging one way or another just surprised how many people wind up doing this when- for sure you could get a repaint for $7-8k....will it be show quality? Doubtful unless you know a shop or do the prep yourself, but will it be better than Ford factory? More than likely yes, ESPECIALLY if you’re going w/ the same color


Then again- you could also argue, great so I wreck my truck for 5 years looks beat up then get a perfect paint job....so how do you protect that? Film/ceramic etc lol

I think if I was getting a “dream car” I’d be babying the hell outta & taking to shows I’d do it

ceramic makes things so easy to clean too....

 

[911 Crazy]

thats a lot of F’n money man....I’m
OCD too, I guess I can sorta “re-focus” some of that on other stuff like my landscaping & Z06....but when it comes to my DD Raptor or not, it sits outside & gets used as a truck.

when it comes to that kinda expense to protect a vehicle, I think you gotta be dead certain you’re going to the extreme in either 1 of 2 ways- going to friggin town like a maniac off-roading it on the reg in which case these measure go a long way by preventing only a handful of excursions from destroying the finish....OR you know you’re keeping it forever and/or gonna use it as a “show truck”

Don’t get me wrong I do have some Xpel ultimate on a few sections (the gloss black door pillars/partial hood/fenders/bumper) but I have a black truck & I know it’s gonna chip & be noticeable, on other hand we have trucks made outta aluminum so it ain’t like they’re gonna rust lol

I’m not judging one way or another just surprised how many people wind up doing this when- for sure you could get a repaint for $7-8k....will it be show quality? Doubtful unless you know a shop or do the prep yourself, but will it be better than Ford factory? More than likely yes, ESPECIALLY if you’re going w/ the same color


Then again- you could also argue, great so I wreck my truck for 5 years looks beat up then get a perfect paint job....so how do you protect that? Film/ceramic etc lol

I think if I was getting a “dream car” I’d be babying the hell outta & taking to shows I’d do it

ceramic makes things so easy to clean too....

It's a $75k truck. First phase of non wrap/ceramic mods is $15k. That's $90k clams to start out with a near perfect truck. For $8k I'm getting;

1) Paint correction: I use to own a detail shop and ALL new cars need some extent of correction.
2) Total wrap removing lights, door handles etc. Custom bulk, not plotter cut kit installation.
3) Install decals (Rappy)
4) Full ceramic application
5) Window tint ($500)

So $7,500 for something I''l have $100k into very shortly. Not counting the 8 year/ 150k mile warranty (not added in). Yes, I want this thing to look as good in 10 years as it will when I pick it up.

 

[Badgertits]

It's a $75k truck. First phase of non wrap/ceramic mods is $15k. That's $90k clams to start out with a near perfect truck. For $8k I'm getting;

1) Paint correction: I use to own a detail shop and ALL new cars need some extent of correction.
2) Total wrap removing lights, door handles etc. Custom bulk, not plotter cut kit installation.
3) Install decals (Rappy)
4) Full ceramic application
5) Window tint ($500)

So $7,500 for something I''l have $100k into very shortly. Not counting the 8 year/ 150k mile warranty (not added in). Yes, I want this thing to look as good in 10 years as it will when I pick it up.

well then I’d say you did it right....I’d also coat the F**K outta the frame/leafs/axles etc w/ that Amsoil HDMP then & touch up yearly

I mentioned on one of these detailing threads....I also personally like Yamashield protectant (formerly boeshield 9” through the engine bay/transfer case & on anything bare metal/plastic you don’t want the amsoil on

I have seen marine engines literally look NEW after 10 years by having this stuff first applied HEAVY & then light application every so often

 

[6ixTO]

Its a massive investment and to be honest not really something you are getting resale for. I went with a full XPEL stealth so I get the protection but also get a unique matte look which helped me justify the costs. Honestly, I think it is worth every penny not worrying about some rock taking out your paint and it looks so good which you are reminded of EVERY time you approach your truck. One thing I will really warn you on is make sure you use an installer who knows what they are doing. Raptors are very difficult to wrap and PPF is even more difficult to apply then a standard wrap - first question have you done a Raptor? There is an option to have the computer cut the material, if you are doing stealth be sure that this isn't the approach, you want proper install, rolled corners wherever possible. If your truck is white (like mine) any corners will collect dirt and be visible so minimizing seams and edges is key. Once the wrap is installed and set for a bit this will give your installer the opportunity to touch up or redo any areas after it has cured and the truck has flexed a bit. Once this is done THEN ceramic as it makes cleaning so easy!! I have to say without ceramic it is not bad but Stealth does not have the hydrophobic properties like ceramic does. Also, I know ceramic has some protection benefits but it really isn't much, I have it on my car and it is amazing to keep clean but don't do it by itself if protection is your ultimate goal.

 

[911 Crazy]

well then I’d say you did it right....I’d also coat the F**K outta the frame/leafs/axles etc w/ that Amsoil HDMP then & touch up yearly

I mentioned on one of these detailing threads....I also personally like Yamashield protectant (formerly boeshield 9” through the engine bay/transfer case & on anything bare metal/plastic you don’t want the amsoil on

I have seen marine engines literally look NEW after 10 years by having this stuff first applied HEAVY & then light application every so often

I had left that off of my list. Thanks for reminding me. I owe you a beer or 3!