KeithL

I usually don;t get into all the extra paint sealants and stuff, but since I am getting a Modern Steel Metallic color which is darker I want to do my best to keep it looking decent. So I know there are all these newer paint coatings that really help the keep the finish looking good and protect it, what is the current thinking around them and what is everyone recommending? Wasn't there a thing with Opti-Coat Pro and others similar products that was a big rage.

Thanks!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

a ceramic coating is what you're after.

wax - natural product from nature. Protects up to 3 months.
sealant - man made synthetic. Protects up to 6 months.
ceramic coat- synthetic with nano-ceramic particles that bonds with paints, which lasts longer

KeithL

Any suggestions on what the better ceramic coatings are and anyone in Atlanta area care to recommend a detailer for them?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I believe the thinking is; you'd want to detail the car and get rid of all paint imperfections, then apply the ceramic coating.
with this level of work and man hours, expect to pay a pretty penny.


as far as the brands of ceramic coats go; i'm sure by now every one has gotten the chemistry down...as they're all probably made at the same factory, like everything else in this world

KeithL

I am getting quotes of $900 - $1500 is this stuff that good? Can I really go 3+ years without a wax and just lightly washing it?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^it's the labor hours that kills...
as mentioned; if the car isnt prepped via paint correction; probably isnt worthwhile to add a ceramic coat.
detailing involves steps...cant jump ahead to the end result..

If I, alone, am spending 12 hours on a car, I'd want at least $300 for my time. then add in the overhead expenses...


and it takes the place of a wax...it a protectant..
so we have a wax...which is naturally found from a tree.
then we have a sealant which scientist/chemist formulate chemicals with certain properties to bond to paint which repels dirt and water.
then the next evolution of sealants is a nano-ceramic formula that bonds with the paint and is superior to the other two I just mentioned.
because science!!!!!!!!!

so these nano-ceramic particles bond to your paint and repel water!!!!! and yes, it LASTS a long time..
there are youtube videos of a detailer with a scrap hood panel, testing out different waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings....leaving the hood panel out in the sun for many many many many months...coming back each month to show youtubers how each wax, sealant and ceramic coat is holding up...because SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Buzzgo

i just got a brand new 2019 Acura TLX and i have this body color Modern Steel Metallic and i am thinking about doing ceramic coating. oh man this ceramic coating information is really overwhelming. i don't know if i should go for it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

it's not that overwhelming...it takes the place of a wax...because wax doesnt last long and needs reapplication....scientist/chemist created a long lasting protectant that repels water.

Buzzgo

Normally, my daily habit i brought car wash product is "Turtle wax zip wax car wash & Wax" and after that my car is dry up then i will use this product "Turtle Wax T9 1-Step Wax And Dry" for my old car but now i got a new car and i want to keep this baby car paint last longer and look "new" and "Shiny". that why i want to see if i should do this way ceramic coating instead use turtle wax and dry? does it make sense? i am kind of person wash and regularly keep up with the body maintenance and want it looking good, coating, proper hand washing and etc. you know what i mean. i want to keep this car that always looks clean, and glossy. if i will plan to use ceramic coating from professional auto shop and after that can i continue to use Turtle wax and dry after car wash?

KeithL

I am with you. Thinking about dropping $1K on a coating that I find hard to believe is going to hold up the 5 years they say it will.

08KBP_VA

I have the coatings on 6 of my cars (used a couple different brands) yes it works and no it was not cheap however after 3 years the water still beads and the depth of the color is amazing. IMHO its seems to look way better on darker colors almost making it look like you can fall into the paint. I have also done it to some rims and to 1 set of my brake calipers, its THAT awesome. Now the coating all has a limited life span you just have to determine if its worth it for you. As Justn said the key is the prep cuz once this is on and cured good luck getting it off, the only way to do that is not easy or cheap.

As to price, keep in mind newer cars will be less expensive as the paint correction should be minimal. Some shops if you can find them will also do coatings for like $600 which includes a 1 stage correction but the finish would be guaranteed for less time if at all.

Keep in mind once the coating is applied you dont need to wax it just wash and dry. As far as complicated its purely a cost benefit analysis...is the cost worth it in your situation only you can answer? As with any product as competitors enter market the prices have been trending down but waxing a car yourself will always be less lets face it you can buy and apply a lot of product for $1000.

Buzzgo

interested to read from your experience and knowledge. thank you for sharing your feedback. If you don;t mind me asking you. what kind of cars you put on coating? you quote 6 cars. sweet!! that way you can experiment to see which one color come out really good and learn how to use coating. are you saying that dark color looks way better? my car color is "modern Steel Metallic" which it is darker color? will make it look stand out really good and glossy. i would like to hear back from you soon. If these answer is yes then i will go ahead to call every auto detail and see how much their quotes. Thanks

08KBP_VA

I have coatings on the following cars and colors:
M5 (chairetto red - darker color think like burgundy) Upper end coating
500e - Spruce green (darker green) Upper end coating
TL - KBP mid level to upper
RL - CGP mid level to upper (prolly most similar to your color but a bit darker than yours)
Landcruiser (desert dune - silvery color) budget coating
Maxima (Pearl white) budget coating
2018 Camry XSE (Celestial Silver) Upper end coating

The fist 4 cars the paint is amazing especially the M5 (15 years old) and 500e (25 years old) with the depth of color. The Acura's also being darker same behavior and result. The other 2 (Maxima and LC) while they looked great it doesnt have the pop. Now on the Camry the silver looks amazing after coating. Almost looks wet. Oddly when the shop was done folks couldnt believe how well the paint took to that coating but I do recall that was a higher end coating.

All paint correction and coatings were installed by same shop

Good luck in your decision. I have not done my other vehicles done as I have had other things take my attention that were more important.

yeahkkyle

I just picked up a 2019 RDX advanced in Gunmetal metallic and am also looking to get it nano coated. After speaking with a detailer, as Justnspace mentioned, the cost is from the prep work. They usually bring the car in and assess the condition, wash it thoroughly, buff and polish to remove any imperfections and then apply the coating. The prep work determines the outcome of the top coat. I did a lot of research with the scotch guard that the dealer offers and you are basically paying for the insurance of any rips or damage. The dealer rarely preps the car properly or the product doesn't even get applied to the vehicle. So for the $470 from the dealer I'd rather take it to an actual "specialist" in this area and have them properly coat it. I was quoted $4-500 for a detail with poly sealant or $6-1500+ depending on the nano coating applied. A lot of companies offer up to a 9 year nano which will obviously be on the high end. I think ill stick to a ~2-3 year coating and probably be in the $8-900 area.

Buzzgo

yeah i saw 2019 RDX gunmetal metallic at the dealership. it is sweet car! =D I called one "specialist" my area and i was quoted "gold package" $1895 lifetime warranty, second is silver package $1290 5 years warranty and last is bronze package $990 for 2 years warranty. Yike! expensive! i will try to save money. In your area "CT/PA" you got a good deal.

KeithL

I have Modern Steel Metallic and usually I do silver cars which hide everything, so with this car even though it is a lease I figured I would coat it and have lined up a shop to do my car in 2 weeks, they quoted me $800 to do 1 stage correction and coating of gtechniq crystal serum and being told it will last the 3 years of the lease.

wilztlxs

iTrader: (8)

The ceramic coatings are worth every penny. I had my 2015 Graphite Luster Metallic TLX coated with Opti Coat Pro Plus within 2 weeks of purchasing it. I also had Nano Fusion clear bra installed. The total cost for everything was $1500.

After 2 years, the coating is just like the day I had it put on. I just wash and rinse, then dry off. Very fast and easy to keep the car clean.

Buzzgo

sweet! i am wondering where do you get your ceramic coating done by? you get a sweet deal. I noticed you in Colorado. Thanks

wilztlxs

iTrader: (8)

Hit up ColoradoDetail, his name is Steve and he does excellent work, no one else in the area I would trust with my car to detail, clear bra, and window tint. He is always booked with all the cars he gets, depending on the work you need done, it can take 1-2 months to get an appointment.

https://www.coloradodetail.com/
720.799.7798

Buzzgo

Thank you! i will look up. =D

KeithL

I figured I would follow up. So right after I got the car in July 2018 I had the gtechniq crystal serum coating put on by Buff Guys Detail and first he did an awesome job. I have followed his recommendations around caring for the finish. I only hand wash and use good microfiber towels to dry it. I use Mr. Pink from Chemical Guys to clean the car and now 18 months later I am truly amazed. Water beads as if freshly waxed and the car washes easily no stubborn dirt or grime to get off. The paint still has nice shine and depth and the car still feels slick like the coating was put on yesterday. I love this stuff and will do every car going forward.