Ceramic coat

CarPro Reset, it's damn expensive but it's also very concentrated so little is used per wash. Try to pick it up at Autogeek or Detailed Image when they're running a 25% sale.

Most soaps don't necessarily have wax in them but a lot of them leave something behind (gloss enhancers) that improve the look of the paint. They're very short lived but are generally inferior and not ideal to have sitting on top of some greater protection like a coating. Plus these kind of soaps you don't want to use when you're polishing or applying a sealant or coating.

 

This is why if you know how to correctly apply ceramics the final step before application is to wipe down the vehicle with a dilute mixture of alcohol to water. But even this is preceded by using a leveling compound. If you do these steps the finish will be clean and ready to receive the ceramic. So it’s foam cannon followed by preliminary wash then a final wash while using the clay mitt, dry, leveling compound, alcohol wipe down then the ceramic. Then letting it cure a few days.

Is it worth it? This depends on you. I like the idea of having a durable shine for 3 to 5 years with only a maintenance wipe down of spray ceramic a couple times a year. Others here will stay stuck in the past using waxes and products grand dad used. Then there’s the clueless that post wondering about why their paint is coming off the roof. As John Wayne said “ Life is hard and it’s even harder if you are stupid”

 

Its all I use now. Plus it smells great!!

 

@Gen2 Man Wish I knew long time ago when I got my Camry and Sienna. I would have them ceramic coated as well. I was told never apply wax, because the truck with ceramic coating does not require it. It will do more harm than good and never never order wax if going through a car wash (I don’t go to car washes anyway). After 7 years, the dealership will reapply another coat of ceramic and as needed. Having my truck ceramic coated does not excuse my truck by not getting any wash. Once every 2 weeks is the plan.

 

@gorram Thanks for the recommendation. I checked it out online and it looks to be a very nice product perfect for ceramic coated vehicles.

 

Picked this up at Walmart today for $3.25 . Any good

 

Never going back to wax.

Nano-Bond Ceramic Coating and Touch Up Spray.
https://nanobondus.com/

Available at Amazon

 

I’m not a detailer and have a shop nearby that I’ve used. I’m looking to get a good ceramic coat on my new Taco.

I’m getting MGM flares to go with my MGM taco and wondering if I get the truck ceramic’d before I put the flares on or after?

I will have the flares - maybe get the truck cramic’d and have the flares coated before I put them on? Thoughts?

 

You could do both the truck and flares before. That way you have protection under the flares. Unless 2 sided tape is part of the flare application. You want the truck surface clean of wax or ceramic coating for tape application so you would coat after flare installation. Hope this helps.

 

If it doesn’t come in a glass bottle it isn’t a ceramic coating

 

Didn’t come with flares so will be using 2 sided tape. Guess I’m installing flares before ceramic coat...

 

Somebody tell Optimum...

 

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax. Paint looks pretty good for an 8 year old truck.

 

my truck is coated with Gtechniq CSL and topped with EXO v4.
I used Optimum gloss coat on my previous truck

 

opti coat pro. done and done

 

I used Armor Shield IX two years ago. I did a clay bar treatment (40 minutes), wiped it down with isopropyl alcohol (10 minutes), and did two passes (40 minutes each) to ensure full coverage. The treatment only sticks to the paint, so the second pass was probably not necessary. I am 2 years and 3 months in, and the treatment is still hydrophobic. My vehicle is garage kept, but it is a daily driver, washed weekly. Treatment cost $69 per bottle. You will need a clay bar kit and a fresh package of quality microfiber towels (you will toss these when you are done). One bottle was good for almost two full passes. The most difficult thing about this process is paint correction if needed. I didn't need any correction, which is why mine was so easy.

 

I did the same process. Seems to hold up well so far

 

Great info here - you folks have some good looking rides... thank you.
Anyone have experience with the DIY ceramic spray ons on fiberglass? Looking to help some older, over pressure washed, violated John Deere tractors, gators, and side x sides at a horse rescue.
I would not want to chance it fogging up is a few years. I apologize if this goes too far off subject.