What DIY ceramic coating do you use? What do you think of this one?

I used AvalonKing Armor Shield IX on all my cars. Got 2 bottles for $80. One bottle can do 2 cars.

https://youtu.be/Rgli6VNLsK4

 

I use aerolon tech shine for the boat. Easy to apply... looks, and work great.

 

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I want to go with the cquartz product but I keep seeing that its complicated to apply or that professionals should use it. I am not an expert at waxing but I wash and clean and have waxed with TW products in the past. In your opinion, how difficult is it to apply this product? I've never applied a ceramic product before.

 

The easiest I have found is optimum gloss coat. It's effortless to apply and buff off any high spots that don't flash fully off. Plus no voc so it won't harm you in a closed garage.

 

Anyone heard of or used this one? Really high number of good reviews on Amazon.

Mirror Shine - Super Gloss Ceramic Wax & Sealant Hybrid Spray by Torque Detail - Showroom Shine w/Professional Detailer Protection - Quickly Applies in Minutes, Each Coat Lasts Months - 16oz Bottle

https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Shine...tive&sprefix=ceramic+coating+,aps,197&sr=1-43

 

never heard of it and for that price, I wouldn't be using something generic like that. Don't trust Amazon reviews. that F11 topcoat and shine supply stuff gets great reviews but it is 100% garbage

If you want easy, durable, and not expensive. Go with the turtle wax seal n shine, griots 3in1 or the Turtle wax ceramic spray

 

I've used turtles seal n shine and it works great.

I've also used the green meguires hybrid ceramic and it also works great.

I'm going to go with the gtechniq lite + crystal, after doing a light color correction. There are swirls in the paint and other little things that bother my OCS, so I'm going to go this route for a more permanent solution. I used to restore and paint older cars, so this shouldn't be too difficult. It's all in the surface prep

 

Gtechniq CSL is great. Super slick and crazy hydrophobic. I did my truck with CSL topped with ExoV4 and I just coated my wife's new Explorer with CSL last weekend. It goes on super easy and comes off very easy. I had a 30ml bottle and I did my truck and her explorer and have 1/4 bottle left. The stuff spreads sooooo far. Only downside is it is pretty smelly with voc.

Oh money saving tip. For your final wipe after polishing. Don't waste money on a company panel wipe that cost $15 for 16oz.
1part pure acetone to 3 parts original windex. Works great. Spend like $6 at target and can make like 48oz

 

That is exactly what I plan on doing!

Question.. did you apply with a foam applicator + suede leather? Or is the suede not needed?

 

I used the one that came with it for EXO and that little white applicator I feel soaks up too much. I use to always use the suede and the foam block. Always too cumbersome with the towel flopping on the block. I used these this time and it made applying SOOO much easier. and it doesn't soak in the product because there is a barrier right under the MF top so it won't go into the sponge.
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/...r-Applicator-12-pk-Gold-Grey-Mini-16p8296.htm

 

Right on, I'll make sure to use something other than what it comes with.

Did you apply to trim/plastic, or did you use their plastic/trim product?

Just shopping around for a decent swirl remover/light polish and I'm good to go

 

you can apply it to the trim and plastic. I use solution finish on my plastics so I just used it on the paint. One thing I have been told is if you do put in on plastics make sure they are super clean. I have heard the ceramic coatings can turn white if there is another dressing on the plastics.

I use optimum Hyper polish. the best part is that it will NOT stain trim so you can actually polish the trim to clean it. So no need to tape anything off. Makes life so much easier.
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/Optimum-Hyper-Spray-Polish-18-oz-New-Blue-Formula-92p252.htm
Honestly, the new Harbor freight 21mm polisher will do just fine and its cheap. just get some decent pads. I mainly use the Lake country SDO orange pads and they do great for 1 step cutting and finishing
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/6-5-Inch-Lake-Country-SDO-Orange-Foam-Polishing-Pad-428p8156.htm

 

I'm using the Maguires Hybrid ceramic liquid wax, not the spray on one. it seems to work good. I'm sure not as good as the high dollar coatings but I'm going to do it 2-3 times a year. It's easy and quick to apply. I also am using the matching quick detailer product every few washes. that is supposed refresh the coating. So far it seems to keep the water beading up nicely.

 

This is the same stuff I was talking about, and it's what I use now.

You will need to refresh it, and having a good starting point (clay the truck/de iron) makes a massive difference.

 

I did a de iron when I got the truck home last summer. I did not clay it. that removes some paint and puts very small micro scratches in the paint and I didn't feel it was time for that. the paint was still very smooth then seemed like the dealer never took it in an automatic wash. They were hand washing and drying it with compressed air when I got there to pick it up. I will probably clay it this summer and do it all again with 2 coats.
so far it seems to be holding up well. Pretty good for the price.

 

I've tried two of the highest rated Ceramic coats, and they both were gone after 3 months, so I went back to NuFinish. Works fine and cheap to buy.

I've used it for 20 years with no issues.

$9 Nu Finish Car Polish, NF-76 Liquid Polish for Cars, Trucks, 16 Fl Oz Each

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPSW7C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8

 

sounds like user error with improper install. What are these highest-rated coatings?

 

I used this product two years ago this month. My vehicle is garage kept. I typically wash the truck once a week. The coating is amazing, simple to apply, and has made maintenance a breeze. I use an Si02 booster every couple of washes (Adams), but it probably it not necessary.

 

Don't remember the brands. 1st was $22. the 2nd was $35. both did not work for me. I guess after 47 years of applying coatings to cars, I'm doing it wrong.

Maybe you could give me step by step instructions on applying coatings. Since your so good with proper installs, I could really use your help!

 

sounds like the fake crap on Amazon. Sorry, actual coatings have only been around for about 10years on the consumer market. Waxing vs installing a true coating is not the same at all.
Yea i know how to use the products properly. Enjoy your as seen on TV crap