Paint correction/ceramic coating--worthwhile?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 725
Likes: 235
Let me dive in here... Pro detailer in a high end part of Silicon Valley.
I do both Zaino and Ceramics.
So Ceramics are simply awesome, some are snake oil, no doubt, but it is where the future of paint coatings. Paint correction aka removing swirls is absolutely part of the deal. Otherwise you are locking in a mess with ceramics.
My own personal car has three different coatings on it to test them out. Drove though the center of the San Joaquin Valley with literally thousands of bugs hitting the car. The front and windshield were simply coated with dead bugs. When I washed it, they wiped off and did not leave an etching at all. That simply won't happen with any Carnuba or Zaino. I used a product called Glassparency on the windshield(think of it as a ceramic coating for the windshield) and the same thing, the bugs just wiped off.
Drove it in the rain, and the car still looked like it was just washed.
The "hydrophobic" qualities and I hate that word, is simply awesome. The self cleaning qualities of ceramic are nothing short of amazing.
Does it cost more, you bet, but the long term benefits are well worth it.
I do both Zaino and Ceramics.
So Ceramics are simply awesome, some are snake oil, no doubt, but it is where the future of paint coatings. Paint correction aka removing swirls is absolutely part of the deal. Otherwise you are locking in a mess with ceramics.
My own personal car has three different coatings on it to test them out. Drove though the center of the San Joaquin Valley with literally thousands of bugs hitting the car. The front and windshield were simply coated with dead bugs. When I washed it, they wiped off and did not leave an etching at all. That simply won't happen with any Carnuba or Zaino. I used a product called Glassparency on the windshield(think of it as a ceramic coating for the windshield) and the same thing, the bugs just wiped off.
Drove it in the rain, and the car still looked like it was just washed.
The "hydrophobic" qualities and I hate that word, is simply awesome. The self cleaning qualities of ceramic are nothing short of amazing.
Does it cost more, you bet, but the long term benefits are well worth it.
One other question - I understand ceramic can be problematic if you develop minor scratches or swirls in spots because it is difficult to remove. What is your opinion on that.
BTW I currently use Zaino and Z-8, and dirt certainly seems to stick less and the car looks good.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 1,650
I,WE At the Forum appreciate your write up.I did spend sometime detailing.Buffed about 20 cars.Long time ago.
Paint was a lot of Enamel.Never burnt any edges.Came close on Silver.
Know about Black.Owned a few.Very Temperature Sensitive Color.
Guess these new orbital buffers seem to be effortless.Can't push them,let them do the work so to speak.
The C7 is a tricky Body.A ton of edges.Edges can F U up.Takes time to get the feel of the machine.The top of the front fender to hood seam.Has about 2 inch wide flat top.2 quick edges right their.Gonna need that small diameter machine for that and trimming around vents.
Do i sound professional yet?
So,ya need 2 machines to do your own car.Hopefully no blow outs on the clear coats.Wet sand first.Use a coarce pad to start.Then step down to a mild compound.Then a good polish,Then clean paint finish with alcohol,Then get body panel temperature Right.Then apply sealant,no streaking,small area's only.Buff to smooth-en.Let Dry..ENJOY
For how long?
Gonna get beat-up for knocking sealant down...HA
Just trying to relate what I Believe is just not a easy job.Need Practice before the Vette.Especially if you attack the orange peel.
Thanks again for the write up
Paint was a lot of Enamel.Never burnt any edges.Came close on Silver.
Know about Black.Owned a few.Very Temperature Sensitive Color.
Guess these new orbital buffers seem to be effortless.Can't push them,let them do the work so to speak.
The C7 is a tricky Body.A ton of edges.Edges can F U up.Takes time to get the feel of the machine.The top of the front fender to hood seam.Has about 2 inch wide flat top.2 quick edges right their.Gonna need that small diameter machine for that and trimming around vents.
Do i sound professional yet?
So,ya need 2 machines to do your own car.Hopefully no blow outs on the clear coats.Wet sand first.Use a coarce pad to start.Then step down to a mild compound.Then a good polish,Then clean paint finish with alcohol,Then get body panel temperature Right.Then apply sealant,no streaking,small area's only.Buff to smooth-en.Let Dry..ENJOY
For how long?
Gonna get beat-up for knocking sealant down...HA
Just trying to relate what I Believe is just not a easy job.Need Practice before the Vette.Especially if you attack the orange peel.
Thanks again for the write up
Last edited by MMD; Mar 26, 2018 at 08:34 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 21
Let me dive in here... Pro detailer in a high end part of Silicon Valley.
I do both Zaino and Ceramics.
So Ceramics are simply awesome, some are snake oil, no doubt, but it is where the future of paint coatings. Paint correction aka removing swirls is absolutely part of the deal. Otherwise you are locking in a mess with ceramics.
My own personal car has three different coatings on it to test them out. Drove though the center of the San Joaquin Valley with literally thousands of bugs hitting the car. The front and windshield were simply coated with dead bugs. When I washed it, they wiped off and did not leave an etching at all. That simply won't happen with any Carnuba or Zaino. I used a product called Glassparency on the windshield(think of it as a ceramic coating for the windshield) and the same thing, the bugs just wiped off.
Drove it in the rain, and the car still looked like it was just washed.
The "hydrophobic" qualities and I hate that word, is simply awesome. The self cleaning qualities of ceramic are nothing short of amazing.
Does it cost more, you bet, but the long term benefits are well worth it.
I do both Zaino and Ceramics.
So Ceramics are simply awesome, some are snake oil, no doubt, but it is where the future of paint coatings. Paint correction aka removing swirls is absolutely part of the deal. Otherwise you are locking in a mess with ceramics.
My own personal car has three different coatings on it to test them out. Drove though the center of the San Joaquin Valley with literally thousands of bugs hitting the car. The front and windshield were simply coated with dead bugs. When I washed it, they wiped off and did not leave an etching at all. That simply won't happen with any Carnuba or Zaino. I used a product called Glassparency on the windshield(think of it as a ceramic coating for the windshield) and the same thing, the bugs just wiped off.
Drove it in the rain, and the car still looked like it was just washed.
The "hydrophobic" qualities and I hate that word, is simply awesome. The self cleaning qualities of ceramic are nothing short of amazing.
Does it cost more, you bet, but the long term benefits are well worth it.
Yes, I am a big fan of GlassParency as well. Works wonders on your glass, even at home. Highly recommended.
