Ceramic Pro Coating

it is

 

Worth it for $1500? Is it just application or does it involve prep/correction? From what I've gathered so far, I've been quoted around the same.

Ceramic coating is a good option, I coated a Macan and A5. Washing the vehicles is so much easier, plus whatever small amount of water that didn't bead off blows off easily. Gloss level seems to be a bit nicer on one of the vehicles which previously had a plain sealant on it.

 

Agreed

 

Had it done, worth it. Also had it done on my 15 and 16 but the bronze package went silver this time, definitely worth it. I paid $1300 mine included paint correction and prep, full detail, 9H coating, light coating and everything else coated from tonneau to wheels and glass, also included the yearly check ups for the next 5 years.

 

Audi Sq5 bro

 

I had ceramic pro done on my truck within a couple weeks of buying it. I have put 10,000 km on it since. I just did a maintenance wash myself a few days ago to restore the hydrophobic effects.

You can run your fingers over the paint and they just glide on it. I don't get the micro scratches from hand washing the truck because the coating is apparently more scratch resistant then your regular clear coat. The detailer also did my black plastic trims and vinyl on the hood of the pro. I find that the black comes back like brand new every time i wash it.

I did hear if you do get deep enough pinstripping that goes through the 9h that it is a pain in the ass to fix as wax won't adhere to it. I just got a door ding a couple days ago and it went thru the ceramic pro and maybe the clear coat. I was gonna give the detailer a call to see what can be done about it. Truck was pristine up until that point.

 

There are ways to tell if a vehicle had protection and the level of it, but it takes a familiar hand. Not trying to insult anyone, but there are a few things wrong here.

1) there is no majic juju, it comes down to the quality of the product, the quality of the work and application of said product, and your knowledge/expectations of what you're getting. From the sounds of it, you don't know what to look for so therefore your disgruntled about spending a large amount of money for something you cannot visibly see.

2) the product that you had applied does not seem to be one that holds up to it's claims very well. Something that we have been discussing to be a known issue.

Whatever the dealer sells you is bull$hit. (If we are talking about a car dealership) they are in the business to make money and oversell a product that isn't really what they claim. People just don't know better.

I can tell you that if the proper product and application is done, you will spend more in cost of materials than what you paid in full.

 

Wax is an option, but does not offer the same amount of protection and only last a fraction of the time.

For that price, it should be prep/correction. The actual prep work is far more labor intensive than the application itself, thus the great cost.

The application is very tedious itself which is why some manufacturers only allow certified pros to buy the product.

 

Several months ago I had a full paint correction and application of Nanohide, self healing paint coating (swirls literally disappear with application of heat) done on my Lotus. I was a bit skeptical about this, however I am glad I went for it. Paint looks phenomenal. To me the biggest benefit is the ease of cleaning the car afterwards. I haven't used a mitt in months and bugs/debris literally fall off with by hosing off the paint.

If you are an expert at paint correction and buff/polishing then I can see how it is tough to spend money on, however I am a bit of OCD when it comes to my toys.

 

This shit is nuts! I've never heard of this until now! WHAAAAT?? $1k+ for a sealant? You guys are balling out, more power to ya. I feel like I'm splurging when I use tire shine when washing my truck.

 

LOL, I thought I was anal about my truck and I get it with the guys that are doing this to no shit super cars but it's a truck. Most are daily drivers. How does it hold up to door dings?

 

nice!

 

It's not a suit of armor. You will get door dings, you can get rocknchips, scratching is possible but less likely. If you ever feel your paint it's usually feel like sand paper if you don't clay bar it etc etc, any quality ceramic coating applied it will feel smooth as glass.

It's basically an extra layer of clear coat that lasts longer than a sealant/wax

 

This, those criticizing the price and "snake oil" clearly don't care and are not interested enough to understand the product or process. Most detail places will charge you $500 alone just for paint correction which is a must as part of the application process. Though some coatings may be "snake oil", ceramic pro requires certified installers, backed by a warranty and is used on tons of other applications including military, its not some made up nonsense. Just like anything else it requires maintenance to fulfill its guarantees for protection, but its nothing out of the ordinary. And by the way for the snake oil argument, ceramic pro is now listed on carfax reports, which should increase your resale value slightly.

For me, now living in Arizona and not having a garage or carport sitting out in the sun I would rather have my truck coated with a UV resistant coating than the factory clear coat which is none to fail with long term sun exposure, it was worth the extra $700 to me.

 

Love the plate!

 

I was being sarcastic about the door dings and such. Hey if you can afford it more power to you. It is not for me but for those who get it, awesome. I am sure it is great stuff and $700 seems much more reasonable than $1,500. My point is that with a truck that will get a ding here and there along with the wear and tear of a truck I do not expect to maintain a flawless paintjob though I do my best to try. It seems the money would be better invested into armor or something that actually protects from the stupidity of others than in fighting the inevitable losing battle of show room paint. For me a good wax job a couple times a year that only cost me my time and armor works. For those of you who use additional paint protection, good on ya.

 

You also have to remember us 2nd gen guys are busy coating the frames of our trucks than worrying about the paint burning off!

 

Had mine done about a month ago, 4 coats and paint correction, all surfaces including glass and tonneau cover cost me $1000. I like it and I have the money to do so.....I did. Saves me time washing it.

 

After hearing everyone here is paying around 1,000 for ceramic coating I've decided to get it done again for $450.

Appointment set for late next month, I'll document it for you guys.

My local "detailer" (not dealer) does goes work and has a good following.
Check out his instagram @properlydetailed
He is no longer accepting new clients but at least you can see his work.

 

I'd double check what your getting for $450, the base package which is a 2 year coating (bronze) is around that price. I extremely doubt your getting paint correction and prep along with the 9H permanent protection and additional coating (silver package) which is 5 years for that price, at least not ceramic pro, they are pretty stringent on keep prices set amongst their installers which also have to be certified.