Ceramic pro coating...??? Done it?

yeah I guess if you take into consideration all the "prep" work it can be pricey. and probably worth it to some who don't want to tackle it themselves. if I didn't have the time or place or want to, to do it myself I definitely would have farmed it out and let someone else do it. $500 was a quote I got for one of my vehicles that needed very limited paint correction, and that was using a 5 year coating. after consideration, I just decided to use a consumer version and do it myself. will it last as long as a "pro" job? who knows? but will I keep it long enough to even notice it wearing off? definitely not.

I used to install paint protection film myself as well, and still do small jobs on occasion. but like others have posted, over time that stuff yellows and cracks and looks horrible. I personally don't like the product at all honestly. I know it's intention and what it is supposed to be used for, but I still don't like how it looks on vehicles.

 

I love these threads. The ceramic pro critics are people who haven't had it applied to their vehicles. I have yet to see anybody that has made the purchase to bitch about it.

I've had it on a previous car and it will be going on my Taco in a week. The cost is extremely minimal if you value your free time.

 

Remember too, that cost is paying a professional installer for a professional job. Ceramic pro isn't a product you can pick up just anywhere.

 

$33 Gtechniq C2 Ceramic Sealant for Cars, Protect Car Paintwork, Trim, Tyres and Windows, High Shine, Easy to Apply - 500ml (Sufficient for 2-3 Large Cars)

https://smile.amazon.com/Gtechniq-C...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S4CWXSM8YC9JA8N84KRH



This stuff is pretty amazing. Way less trouble than spending 6 to 8 hours with a buffer and cutting polish stripping your Tacoma down to bare paint then doing the ceramic. Claybar, then this. Shouldn't take more than an hour every 6 months.

I was working on a commercial for ESPN & Mercedes and while talking with the Mercedes guy whose sole responsibility is to keep the $250,000 AMG G65 detailed, he actually recommended the C2 as a base coat then use the GTechinq Exo over the top of the C2. Protects almost as well as the ceramic (it is ceramic, just in a lower solution), much less expensive, and infinitely easier and less time consuming to apply. He said that would last for 18 months. Great to hear from a professional that I was already on the right track.



GTechniq EXO Ultra Durable Hybrid Hydrophobic Coating Sealant and Protectant (30mL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HTTVHJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VHwpAbM718XV7
http://a.co/8ScwVVx

It would be worth it to give these a try before spending ~$2,000 on the CeramicPro.

 

I use C2V3 as a "drying agent" every time I wash my vehicles. I use it on my ceramic coated Mini, and on my Tacoma. I also used it on my Macan the same way. It's a great product, as it can be used on glass and black plastic trim as well as paint.

 

But does it offer a warranty such what Ceramic Pro offers ???

 

Why would it need a warranty?

 

Hum... I bet you have more money than brains? Got a big "G" stamped on your head too? It's just a fad and this too will pass with the applicator laughing all the way to the bank.

Remember the days of the Teflon coatings that sold for hundreds of dollars and when you had a paint claim they did everything they could to get out of it. Rust and Dust they called it. Guaranteed to stop acid rain!

When I bought Tacoma they tried to sell me the Ceramic paint BS. My come back was maybe Toyota is selling trucks with defective paint, therefore I should be buying another brand? Then came in the gal with knockers bigger than basketballs and lips strong enough to suck the chrome off a bumper and then some. At that point my little head was supposed to be doing all the thinking and I was supposed to say yes to everything!! You'll never have to wax again I was told! My next commit was; Am I buying a truck or a hooker for the night. Either stop the hustle or I'm taking my checkbook home. Game over! I then asked if they accepted coupons? That didn't go over well!

Nothing has changed! Just a new twist on how it's delivered!

My zipper is still up, feet are on the ground! And my big head does all the thinking for me! I'll keep my 1000+ bucks and the plastic dip at Western Auto!!

 

The thing is, you don't "HAVE" to paint correct before ceramic coating. But why would you seal in paint defects?

 

Actually ceramic coatings actually do work well and last longer then waxes and sealants. They are tested and trued over the years. Although some companies like to advertise their
coatings as magic compared to others, coatings are here to stay. And just a friendly tip to people getting their vehicle coated, DO NOT have the dealership do it. Go to a private shop and have them do it.

 

this made my day! haha, I was thinking the exact same thing. people get so caught up in "warranty" that it is almost comical.

I get for some people it gives them a sense of hope since they paid so much for their coating. the problem is, if it were applied correctly, either by a "professional" detailer or themselves, you wouldn't need a warranty at all. I can assure you, most detailers won't warranty anything other than the actual coating itself should something fail. but again, if applied correctly and the consumer maintains their vehicle as suggested, you will very likely never have to file a warranty claim. but in the off chance you do, I guess it is good to have it.

I know the "pro" coatings and consumer versions are a lil different. and only "pro" detailers are allowed to buy and install the pro coatings. but from what I can tell from the consumer version I used, it will last at minimum 3 years. which is good enough for me.

I am not disputing coatings or their place in the market. they are very good and I see them being here a long time. I actually wish they would have been around back when I was a "professional" detailer myself. I am just simply shocked by the price some of these guys are getting. I know what these coatings do, and how they are applied and I know it can be a lot of work to get them applied correctly. the paint correction process alone is not something the average person would want to handle. ceramic coatings are definitely worth the money over the long run, I simply prefer to do something like this myself. I know it is a lot of work and time, but that doesn't bother me. in the long run it saves me a ton of money to spend on other things for my vehicles.

 

how much did it cost

 

Here's actual proof of what it is. Warrenty is dumb and it is how they get you to fork over money. Pay for them to prep and apply the coating. YouTube "pan the organizer" and he tells how you should do the maintenance your self. It's easy and you can make you coating last as long as the vehicle.

Eduacate yourself on how to maintain coating!! Meaning HAND WASH ONLY!

It's not in the picture but I also use Iron X for the upper half and the lower half TRIX for decontamination. Hydro O2 is a silica sealant which makes it hydrophobic. The actual ceramic coating doesn't make water bead. It's just a clear coat on steroids! It's an extra layer of protection that resists scratching, UV rays etc. always use a PH neutral soap, I use meguiars hyperwash. Reset just removes any sealants and you start back to just the bare coating. It's not rocket science. DO NOT USE A CLAY BAR!! Chemical contamination as stated above is what you use.

First day
https://youtu.be/s4_hMd0xRK8
Almost a year later
https://youtu.be/zU_MzyiwEjI

What was done to mine for a ceramic pro coating for 700.00. Go to a certified coating installer! And make sure they Prep the vehicle properly as that's he most important part!!!

Before we apply the Coating we:
•Wash and prep ext
•Clean all wheels and tires
•Full Claybar Trreatment
•Compound to remove any imperfections this is out paint correction process
•Compound Removal process
•Full Polish to bring out luster and shine
•Polish Removal process
•Ceramic Coating application
•6 hours of drying time
•Treat and Coat vehicle a second time.
•6 hours of drying time.
•Ceramic Coating hardener applied

Most importantly your truck looks clean all the damn time!! Here's a pic to share!

And yes I do OFf road it

 

Actually a ceramic coating should bead and sheet off water with out anything else added, don’t know who told you it doesn’t.

 

Got it applied roughly a year ago. Makes washing it very easy(I use dry wash) it’s also protected my truck from trail pin stripes. It’s a solid product IMO. Also I’ve gone on trails during rain and got my truck covered in mud. It made it very easy to get all the mud off in comparison to my buddies trucks who didn’t have it.

A lot of people like to talk shit on it and rag on it. But the time and money it’s saved me from washing and not having to get someone to wash it for me was well worth it.

 

Is it safe to mix brands? For instance, carpros hydro02 over ceramic pro?
I have Arctic Coating on mine and they are just now coming out with a reload product as a personal up keeping spray.
So whats the difference with carpros reload and the hydro02 and can it be applied over ArcticCoating?
Thanks

 

warranty is offered by Ceramic Pro , the mfg of the product not from the detail shop that performed the work .The warranty covers defects in the product that can damage the paint

 

For the non believers read this ..... http://ceramic-pro.com

 

Uhhh no....sorry. The coating helps Sheet/bead water a little bit as it's a clean and PERFECT flattened surface! Meaning the prep (cut and Polish) be done right and and the coating applied correctly. It's the reason why silica sealants exist to add on top of your coatings for that crazing bearing effect...if someone told you otherwise they don't know what they're talking about. The video I added says it all. THe first video is with Carpro reload the second is with carpro hydro O2 lite. Hydro is what is now used on my maintenance.

You can mix and match silica sealants. I've tried 3 different types. I tried Gtechniq C2V3 but I didn't like the beading effect but it gave it a good shine. Hydro is better imo at least for my use becuase you spray it on and you immediatley rinse it off. YouTube it, it damn good stuff, the biggest Reason why I use it is because it's a time saver! Carpro reload or other sealants you have to use multiple micro fibers clothes and apply it then buff it off.l and take a damn long time. For me the less you touch your paint the less damage you can cause.