Those that ceramic coated ...

[titanjc]

Echoing the other DIYers in this thread - if you have 8 hours on a weekend to burn I’d recommend doing it yourself. I spent about $125 on the Adam’s Graphene Ceramic kit and applied it myself in my garage. It’s very easy to apply, especially if you get the UV light with the kit so you can check your coverage along the way. I’ve only had it on the truck for a little over 2 months, but I’m very happy with it so far. I’ve washed the truck twice since applying it and it makes the job much easier, and the finish is very slick after drying. FYI one bottle of the graphene coating was enough to do the whole truck including all glass, my BakFlip cover, and the wheels.

 

[Oldfart]

For people thinking about DIY ceramic coating, don't underestimate the paint correction that a good shop does before application. When my truck was delivered, it looked really good. 2 weeks later I took it to the to the shop for Ceramic coating and tint. I checked in on it after 2 days and I was blown away by the pop and depth of shine on the truck. It looked like the paint was wet. The tech then informed me that there was no ceramic on it yet, it was just the paint correction! Night and day difference from the as delivered factory paint.

 

[Blown00gt]

I got to reading the warranty for Ceramic Pro the other day and contacted them to verify - you have to take it in annually to have an inspection/touch up to keep the warranty valid. They update the Carfax at the time of service as well, $160.

I have the lifetime ceramic pro. Unless things have changed the only time you pay anything is if you need another coating during your annual inspection. The 2 I have had didn’t need anything and did not cost me a dime.

 

[Blown00gt]

As far as maintenance with the coating , how much of a pain is it? I go through spells where I won’t wash the truck for months. Will this be an issue ?

I’m in the same boat. Mine was washed twice all winter but looked brand new after each wash with no polishing or chemicals. Soap and water.

 

[KODIAK]

I agree with this. If you’re willing to spend a day or two in the garage, the consumer grade ceramic coatings are excellent. If you don’t have as much time, there are some great spray sealants out there that have excellent self cleaning properties. Beadmaker isn’t the most hydrophobic or longest lasting, but it’s my favorite for gloss & slickness. I apply it on top of my ceramic coated paint.

Personally, if I were going to spend $2k, I’d rather put it towards paint protection film which is much more protective.

If protection from scratches and rocks is what you’re after, then yes, PPF is the way to go. But it also comes at a 4x price from professional ceramic application. If you’re looking to protect your paint from tar, bird shit, rail dust, etc, and make washing a breeze, then the ceramic is the way to go.

 

[Mike O]

Here is an interesting article. It is informative regarding the measure used to rate "hardness". It states that, according to the scale, 9H is the upper limit and that any product claiming a higher rating is full of dooky.

Adam's claims this... huh? Click this link, then look at the picture. Not sure which to believe.

https://avalonking.com/blog/how-to-maintain-ceramic-coatings/

 

[TedB]

I spent about $125 on the Adam’s Graphene Ceramic kit and applied it myself in my garage. truc

While I love Adams products and have a garage full of their products. Something to be aware of on the graphene coatings from different manufacturers, based on their SDS's.

 

[Raptorial]

Does the DIY polishes, like Adam’s, need to be removed at the end of its life. Like Modesta?

 

[richnot]

For people thinking about DIY ceramic coating, don't underestimate the paint correction that a good shop does before application. When my truck was delivered, it looked really good. 2 weeks later I took it to the to the shop for Ceramic coating and tint. I checked in on it after 2 days and I was blown away by the pop and depth of shine on the truck. It looked like the paint was wet. The tech then informed me that there was no ceramic on it yet, it was just the paint correction! Night and day difference from the as delivered factory paint.

Pretty much the same story here. Because of health reasons waxing is out of the question for me. I had the paint correction which blew me away! I thought my truck was ready to go bet the ceramic coating wasn't even put on yet. I had GTECHNIQ Crystal serum ultra applied and it does have a 10 year warranty as long as it gets inspected once a year. The cost was around $1800, I could not afford to have my truck wrapped $6k plus around here. I did have some of the truck wrapped with Xpel clear film and had the hood graphics done in satin finish.
If I wasn't in the boat I`m in I would have done it myself, I did my BMW M3 way back and it was not like what they have today but it still protected the hood.

I bought a foam cannon that goes on the end of my electric power washer and don't even have to hit it with a sponge, I let it sit for a few minutes and then hit with the water from the powerwasher and it looks like new. I bought a overkill drying towel from Griots Garage and just wipe it down

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/pfm+terry+weave+drying+towel.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

https://www.xpel.com/paint-protecti...ars--AND--Light-Trucks/2018/Ford/F_150/Raptor

 

[WEV]

I put Ceramic Pro on my 2019 (new to me in 2021; 8,400 miles at purchase) this year and so far am happy. My profile picture is from the day I drove it home after getting the gold level coat, or whatever they’re calling 4 layers. Always difficult to evaluate all the claims out there.

As far as cost, and at the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, shop around for pricing and options. I decided to forgo the interior and was able to save a few hundred by calling around. An hour on the phone was worth saving over $600.