Ceramic coating your CTR? Advices

Zooropa82 said:

You failed to mention acid rain, snow, sleet, salt, UV rays, bird shit, sap, dust, pollen, tar.

I can go on....

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Acid rain. This is Texas - we don't have snow, sleet, or salt. There are no trees (and thus no sap) at my hose, at my job, or in parking lots. Tar? That would involve road maintenance or construction. I wish! Pollen? *ahhh-CHOOO*!

09CivicSiBrian said:

So once you coat it, do you just warm up the engine, crack that VTAC-YO, and let it blow dry? Do you still need to wax over the protection? I've never lived with any ceramic protection before, just self-installed carnuba wax so far.

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Your installer should give you instructions for maintaining the car. I noticed that your having Ceramic Pro put on the car, just don't waste your time on their "lifetime" warranty BS they sell people on all the time. I know quite a few of the installers in our area and most are very good at what they do, however the Brand has very misleading marketing that has resulted in lots of issues with people thinking their coating could stand up to things that it clearly can't.

Coated cars are typically very easy to maintain, which is the biggest benefit of the coating next to the durability. You still need to wash the car properly and be sure to dry the car, because you can still get etching from water spots depending on how your water is. Don't buy into the whole you can just rinse you car clean thing they pitch people also, because it still needs to be washed properly.

If you have any specific questions on coatings feel free to PM if you want and I can try and answer any questions you might have.

I am eventually going with a ceramic coat Opticoat. It's very important to do a full paint correction first to seal in the paint at its finest state.

Solis#1730 said:

I am eventually going with a ceramic coat Opticoat. It's very important to do a full paint correction first to seal in the paint at its finest state.

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You are right, it's probably best to do a paint correction when the car is new.

Just got my CTR back today, full paint correction and Ceramic Pro treatment (3+1) on the paint + wheels + calipers, and Rain on the glass. Perfect timing when I picked it up as it started to rain and I could see the hydrophobic coating at work.

Loving it so far on CW, should just be one good pressure washing away from keeping it clean.

A video showing a Mustang being treated.

CHAMPIONSHIPWHITE said:

We have a really good installer in Mass if you're interested. XPEL Wrap and then on top of that OPTI or Ceramic pro coating.

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Which company?

TypeCrane said:

Which company?

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Automotive Elegance

CHAMPIONSHIPWHITE said:

Automotive Elegance

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where in mass i might be interested

So after reading through the thread there seems to be a lot of conflicting info in
coating with ceramic. I know its super expensive, i got a quote for 7 years, complete paint restoration for $1600. I'm still debating to have it done or not

I'd do the ceramic coating. I love placing sealants and waxes. But these days, I'm realizing I'd rather spend the majority of my time with prep work (as you should), place a ceramic coating, and call it a day for a while.

These coatings might be a game changer. Waxes and sealants attract lots of dust, and I'm noticing zero static clinginess of my microfiber towels to a freshly ceramic coating applied surface right now. I resisted, but I don't think I'm ever going back to a 'last step product' wax or sealant.

I'm sorry, I am not trying to be a wise ass, but I am new to this and have some questions.

Does it make financial sense to spend so much money upfront on a clear bra, ceramic coating, etc. instead of getting the hood painted down the road?

After a several years, do these products come off without damaging, fading or staining the paint underneath? I imagine the manufacturers do make that claim, but is it actually true?

If your car is damaged (repairable or totaled) or stolen (and not recovered), would the insurance company cover the cost of these products?

Is the trade-in or resale value enhanced substantially because of these products?

Thanks!

Mick the Quick said:

I'm sorry, I am not trying to be a wise ass, but I am new to this and have some questions.

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I can answer a few of these.

Mick the Quick said:

If your car is damaged (repairable or totaled) or stolen (and not recovered), would the insurance company cover the cost of these products?

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I guess this depends on your insurance company but at the time of my accidents, AAA California paid for my PPF replacement at each occurrence.

Mick the Quick said:

Is the trade-in or resale value enhanced substantially because of these products?

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Just sold my previous car a few weeks ago to one of those 'big box' used car dealerships (kind of like a CarMax), and the appraiser commented on the cleanliness of my car. Most cars in CO get their paint sandblasted from all the salt and sand during the winter months, but I had my PPF to prevent all of that from happening. I can easily tell from my roommates' cars and they moved from under the same conditions: CA to CO. I can guarantee you their cars didn't look too bad in CA but after spending a few winters in CO, their front ends are BAD like they've taken a hit from a sandblast cannon.

Solis#1730 said:

I am eventually going with a ceramic coat Opticoat. It's very important to do a full paint correction first to seal in the paint at its finest state.

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The materials for ceramic coating the glass, paint and wheels costs about $100. Sounds like a nice way to spend a weekend. I am going to Scotchgard the inside too.