Ceramic prep
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 15
Likes: 7
Ceramic prep
I have a 2012 GS Centennial Edition, and I am considering a dyi ceramic coating. The car has flat racing stripes down the middle and a clear bra. When I do the clay bar step, should I mask off and stay away from the stripes? How about the clear bra? Thx much.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 6,509
From: Melbourne, FL
Absolutely mask off the stripes for clay bar and polishing. You can ceramic over them, but don't try to clay or polish over them or you'll just damage the stripes. I don't think I'd try to clay or polish the clear bra sections either.
Personally, I wouldn't bother ceramic coating the clear bra sections. It won't really add any benefit. Maybe some extra shine or water sheeting, but nothing significant.
Personally, I wouldn't bother ceramic coating the clear bra sections. It won't really add any benefit. Maybe some extra shine or water sheeting, but nothing significant.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 25
From: New Smyrna Beach, FL
I have the same car and my name is Scot (although I only have one 't' in my name...strange, I know), too! Crazy.
I've been thinking about doing the same thing. If you pull the trigger and do any of this, I'd be curious to hear how it went.
I've been thinking about doing the same thing. If you pull the trigger and do any of this, I'd be curious to hear how it went.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 766
Likes: 719
From: In my house
Not all ceramic coatings are the same. The most popular, which was mainly due to their HUGE marketing campaign, turned out to be the WORST in terms of durablility. I won't mention the name because someone will get butt-hurt over it and a huge debate/fight will start in this thread.
This guy put together IMHO the best ceramic coating test in a real world environment. Highly recommend you watch before getting ripped off on an overhyped ceramic coating that won't last two months. He has multiple videos showing how these ceramic coats hold up...the results will surprise you.
Watch a few and you'll know which ceramic coat I am referring to at the top of this message.
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottHD/videos
This guy put together IMHO the best ceramic coating test in a real world environment. Highly recommend you watch before getting ripped off on an overhyped ceramic coating that won't last two months. He has multiple videos showing how these ceramic coats hold up...the results will surprise you.
Watch a few and you'll know which ceramic coat I am referring to at the top of this message.
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottHD/videos
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 6,509
From: Melbourne, FL
Not all ceramic coatings are the same. The most popular, which was mainly due to their HUGE marketing campaign, turned out to be the WORST in terms of durablility. I won't mention the name because someone will get butt-hurt over it and a huge debate/fight will start in this thread.
This guy put together IMHO the best ceramic coating test in a real world environment. Highly recommend you watch before getting ripped off on an overhyped ceramic coating that won't last two months. He has multiple videos showing how these ceramic coats hold up...the results will surprise you.
Watch a few and you'll know which ceramic coat I am referring to at the top of this message.
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottHD/videos
This guy put together IMHO the best ceramic coating test in a real world environment. Highly recommend you watch before getting ripped off on an overhyped ceramic coating that won't last two months. He has multiple videos showing how these ceramic coats hold up...the results will surprise you.
Watch a few and you'll know which ceramic coat I am referring to at the top of this message.
https://www.youtube.com/@ScottHD/videos
One other thing to add, you should ABSOLUTELY do a multi stage paint polishing before doing a ceramic coating. At least 2, maybe 3 grades of polish to get that surface really prepped, after a clay bar and iron remover treatment
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 766
Likes: 719
From: In my house
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 742
Likes: 464
From: New Albany, Ohio
Do not clay the PPF or the stripes and also stay away from polishing them. You can 'polish' the PPF if you find it is dull and needs some rejuvenation but it's more of a cleaner than an abrasive polish. Additionally, if you are going to clay painted areas, be sure to polish them afterwards as clay is abrasive and can scratch/mar the surface.
Can you POLISH paint protection film?!
As for ceramics, there are some great consumer-available coatings that not only give great results but are very easy to use as well. One of our favorites is Kamikaze ISM 3.0. It is a single-layer coating and is appropriate for use on paint, PPF, head lights, tail lights, your stripes...pretty much any exterior surface aside from paint and glass. Plastic trim, wiper arms, windshield cowlings...the list goes on! Coating PPF has the same benefits as it does on bare paint; enhanced chemical and environmental protection and ease of cleaning/maintenance.
Please reach out at any time with any product and detailing-related questions! You can reach our Product Support line at 614.855.2573 or via e-mail at sales@esotericcarcare.com
Prepping you car and applying a ceramic coating is well within the abilities of an interested DIY enthusiast and, in the end, is quite rewarding as well.
Enjoy!
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ESOTERIC Fine Auto Finishing - America's Premier Corvette Detailer
Detailing . Paint Protection Film . Protective Coatings . Car Care Product Sales . Training
HRE Wheels . Forgeline Wheels . BBS Wheels . Akrapovic Exhaust . Fabspeed Exhaust . KW Suspension
9801 Karmar Ct. New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 855-6855
Contact@esotericdetail.com
EsotericDetail.com
EsotericCarCare.com
ESOTERIC on YouTube
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 64
Likes: 50
From: AZ
Matte finish prep and care
There's gobs of information on ceramic coatings for regular automotive (gloss) paint, but I was curious about how to care for matte finishes myself. With regard to the matte stripes, I found the following on YouTube video:
(Pan the Organizer's: "The Ultimate Matte Paint Protection Guide!") to be very informative. I've found his automotive detailing content along with Brian's from Apex Auto Detail to be in-depth, easy to understand and very trustworthy. Although I do not have matte stripes or a matte wheel finish, I have used their methods on my own Corvette with outstanding results! Pan and Brian do not advocate just one brand, but test and display a myriad of products, giving you the freedom to choose whatever is best for your particular situation.
I wish you the very best outcome for your Corvette! Post before and after pics if you could - would be very interesting to see!
I wish you the very best outcome for your Corvette! Post before and after pics if you could - would be very interesting to see!