Ceramic coatings

[turtletim]

I had a detail shop put a ceramic coating on my new 60th anniversary mustang. I have no experience with this technology. Opinions on the value in doing this?

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[Sofa King]

A good ceramic coating is the way to go these days... supposed to be superior to waxes and longer lasting. First order of business for many new mustang owners.

 

[Bear376]

A good ceramic coating is well worth the cost, but the important part is to get a perfect detailing first. While nothing protects completely, PPF on the most vulnerable areas (full panels only) followed by ceramic coating is as good as you can hope for.

 

[Ryunker]

Ceramic coat has its benefits for sure, but there are cons to everything. As stated earlier if looking for protection, PPF or ceramic are the best choices.

For looks, depth in paint, nothing out there beats carnauba wax on a regular (monthly) basis.

 

[Frogdog1]

Ceramic coat has its benefits for sure, but there are cons to everything. As stated earlier if looking for protection, PPF or ceramic are the best choices.

For looks, depth in paint, nothing out there beats carnauba wax on a regular (monthly) basis.

I would never and don't criticize whatever anyone puts on their car if they're happy with it. I used to use carnuba for many years but switched to Meguire's Ultimate many years ago. To me, it gives a much deeper shine that lasts much longer. Just another option. Whatever anyone puts on their car is right for them. That's what really counts. When it's someone else's car, there is no wrong.

I also learned that what one washes their car with counts just as much for shine and protection. In that regard, I use that Meguires "banana yellow" looking car wash "soap" stuff from Autozone (forgot the name of it). it's very gentle on a wax job and makes the color and shine really "pop". I have no brand loyalty so the name "Meguires" means nothing to me. That's just what I use. I've used some very expensive stuff through the years and found it was a waste of money for me. It didn't work any better than what's in an Autozone.

That's just my experience and what I use. Like I said, everyone is right in what they use on their car because it's their car. FWIW.

FD

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I would never and don't criticize whatever anyone puts on their car if they're happy with it. I used to use carnuba for many years but switched to Meguire's Ultimate many years ago. To me, it gives a much deeper shine that lasts much longer. Just another option. Whatever anyone puts on their car is right for them. That's what really counts. When it's someone else's car, there is no wrong.

I also learned that what one washes their car with counts just as much for shine and protection. In that regard, I use that Meguires "banana yellow" looking car wash "soap" stuff from Autozone (forgot the name of it). it's very gentle on a wax job and makes the color and shine really "pop". I have no brand loyalty so the name "Meguires" means nothing to me. That's just what I use. I've used some very expensive stuff through the years and found it was a waste of money for me. It didn't work any better than what's in an Autozone.

That's just my experience and what I use. Like I said, everyone is right in what they use on their car because it's their car. FWIW.

FD

Please don't take this as a criticism. But I think you misunderstand what ceramic coating is and does. It's not an alternative to wax or a finishing product meant to enhance shine. It's a protective layer you put on your paint AFTER the finish has been color corrected. Ceramic is a hard coating that last for years. It preserves the finish underneath and resists fine scratches and contaminates like bird shit, sap, and overspray. Many in the industry call it "the sacrificial layer". The idea is it's a long term investment that both protects and keeps your finish looking like its been professionally detaled after just a rinse.

 

[turtletim]

Thanks to all who answered. Good information.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Thanks to all who answered. Good information.

Well you already got it, so hopefully you're happy! Pics?

 

[steve_2020Eco]

Hard to beat this stuff right here…

 

[turtletim]

Well you already got it, so hopefully you're happy! Pics?

Yes. It looks good.

Well you already got it, so hopefully you're happy! Pics?

yes. It looks good

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Yes. It looks good.

yes. It looks good

Looks good. Love that Wimbledon White. Red interior?

 

[Jekyll_Hyde]

Please don't take this as a criticism. But I think you misunderstand what ceramic coating is and does. It's not an alternative to wax or a finishing product meant to enhance shine. It's a protective layer you put on your paint AFTER the finish has been color corrected. Ceramic is a hard coating that last for years. It preserves the finish underneath and resists fine scratches and contaminates like bird shit, sap, and overspray. Many in the industry call it "the sacrificial layer". The idea is it's a long term investment that both protects and keeps your finish looking like its been professionally detaled after just a rinse.

So you don’t wax ur car after it’s coated? I’m having ppf and ceramic coding done next week. I’ll miss waxing… I think.

 

[RLE55]

So you don’t wax ur car after it’s coated?

Some Ceramic Coating Brands advise against waxing as they contain solvents and abrasives. Instead use a "Renew" product that enhances the coatings properties.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

So you don’t wax ur car after it’s coated? I’m having ppf and ceramic coding done next week. I’ll miss waxing… I think.

You can use a ceramic topper after cleaning. But no waxing or polishing.

 

[Ryunker]

I would never and don't criticize whatever anyone puts on their car if they're happy with it. I used to use carnuba for many years but switched to Meguire's Ultimate many years ago. To me, it gives a much deeper shine that lasts much longer. Just another option. Whatever anyone puts on their car is right for them. That's what really counts. When it's someone else's car, there is no wrong.

I also learned that what one washes their car with counts just as much for shine and protection. In that regard, I use that Meguires "banana yellow" looking car wash "soap" stuff from Autozone (forgot the name of it). it's very gentle on a wax job and makes the color and shine really "pop". I have no brand loyalty so the name "Meguires" means nothing to me. That's just what I use. I've used some very expensive stuff through the years and found it was a waste of money for me. It didn't work any better than what's in an Autozone.

That's just my experience and what I use. Like I said, everyone is right in what they use on their car because it's their car. FWIW.

FD

I could not agree more with all of this. Have not used "Ultimate" as I am currently going thru my collection of car care products in order to downsize.

As the soaps, key is PH level, PH neutral avoids degrading coatings. Meguiers banana yellow and the purple stuff both meet that mark, the banana yellow also has the claim of extending life to coatings.

Drive thru and self service car washes use PH+ soaps in order to clean, but the con is its not friendly to coatings like waxes.

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