Ceramic or Polymer for my new Taco

I'm looking to lay down a protective coating or sealant after I do a quick clay and then polish out the swirl marks that the dealership threw in for free! I have a DA polisher and various compounds already.

I've been looking at a few sealants as well as recommended maintenance products and I was hoping some of you could share your opinions on which to use or advise similar items that you have had more success with.

Details: California weather, not garaged, Cavalry Blue
Desires: Simple application, long lasting, not too pricey, it would be nice if it worked on plastic flares as well

CarPro Cquartz 3.0 UK
CarPro Reload

Mckees 37 Paint Coating
Mckees 37 Hydro Blue

Opti-Seal (while not ceramic, I like that it can be applied to any surface)
Optimum Car Wax

Now I've listed 2 ceramics and a polymer and part of the struggle is figuring out what I should go with. Will Opti-seal really get me 6 months? Will re-application require polishing again? Same for other products?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

You can apply opti-seal whenever you want. No polishing necessary. 6 months might be pushing it. But it’s so easy to apply that you can put some more on after a wash anytime. Takes about 5 minutes. As easy as applying a spray wax (that’s essentially what it is).

Tons of great reviews for the McKees coating. And I think they’ve recently updated the formula for easier application and even longer durability.

The coatings are going to give you much more of a candy-coated gloss than the sealants.

 

Longevity has too many variables to know for sure. In your environment with Cali weather you'll probably get more out of any product than others. But say you were to be a maniac of keeping your car clean and washed it every 5 days you're going to even wear a ceramic coating out before it's time.

Or use a product like Reload or Opti-seal, don't try to get 6 months they say it can last out of it. Apply it once a month or every other wash which takes little effort and you'll have protection that is nearly good as a coating so topping an actual coating will be even better.

As for polishing off an existing product that's more necessary if you're trying to remove a coating that is still in good shape. But it's probably a good idea if you want to ensure the best bond for a coating.

You're already looking at some great choices, I've been happy with every McKee's or Carpro product I've tried. Both Hydro Blue and Hydro2 are some of the coolest and most satisfying products to use, definitely check one of them out. As for Optimum there is certainly enough good feedback on their entire product line so you can't go wrong.

 

I’ve also been impressed with every McKees product I’ve used.

 

I've been using Carpro Hydro2 and really like it. And you can't beat the spray on rinse off application.

There's some negativity regarding its durability, but it's so easy to reapply, who cares if it only lasts for 6 months....

 

If you are going through all the work of DA polishing your truck. Which can be 6-20 hrs depending on condition.

Why save the 3-4hrs difference adding a "sealer product" vs a tougher "Ceramic" coating?

I used Cquartz 3.0 and Reload, (thin coats, and cool days, out of sunshine while applying, and it's real easy to apply)
after 2 years of being outdoor every day, in sunshine to snow,
I can say I'm impressed.
Truck still looks great, (better than new)
does not get swirl marks as easy. Cleans up easier too.



No more sealers or waxes for me, ever again.

 

looks good

 

I use Carpro products also, top of the line stuff and easy to use...