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Ok, I did ask in the Paint forum - absolutely zero replies so....
I'm, in all probability, picking up a 2014 Z51 Premier with 2950 miles on it. So I'm thinking on having a pro ceramic coat it.
Opinions? Worth it or hype?
They do have their advantages but some installers are charging a lot of money for it. I have done a few using some pretty high quality products and of course the shine and hydrophobic properties are awesome. With that said ceramic Coatings are not invincible force field as some would have you belive. Also your washing and maintenance routine will need to be adjusted to maintain the coatings. Not sure how much you intend to drive it. The more you drive it the more ceramic might make sense. If it's hardly driven then not so much.
The reason ceramic coating is so expensive is because the paint prep needed before the coating goes down is very labor intensive. And that paint prep is critical to the outcome of the finished product. So is it hype? No not really. Is it worth depends on how much you plan to drive it and keep it and what climate you drive it in. You can spend hundreds to thousands. Only you can decide. I know how to apply it and how to prep the paint for it and I didn't do it to my own Vette but it's up to you. Good luck. Pick the installer VERY carefully.
Thanks shineocd! I should have put that in the OP and will edit it. I don't put a lot of miles on them and it will be garaged. I live in SW Florida so VERY sunny, hot and humid.
The sun here will literally burn paint off of metal.
I am looking at the McKees37 360 one step ceramic. Check out the above thread for my response.
We paid $1,500 to have my wifes Audi TT professionally coated, plus a tip on top of that. The car looked great and was easier to clean, but since it was a garage queen, I could have got the same results with a little hard work myself for a hell of a lot less. My 2019 GS is not a daily driver, therefore, I will be doing something myself. Not the full ceramic, but a spray and wipe type. I dont mind doing it once a year.
Thanks shineocd! I should have put that in the OP and will edit it. I don't put a lot of miles on them and it will be garaged. I live in SW Florida so VERY sunny, hot and humid.
The sun here will literally burn paint off of metal.
If it's garaged and not driven a lot then it's up to you. Again depends how much they want to charge you and then you decide if it's worth it? Cost vs benefit. At the minimum though a very high level exterior detailing job even without ceramic can blow you away if done right that I can assure you.
Thanks shineocd! I should have put that in the OP and will edit it. I don't put a lot of miles on them and it will be garaged. I live in SW Florida so VERY sunny, hot and humid.
The sun here will literally burn paint off of metal.
Here is mine without ceramic. I do it myself. Pics don't do it justice.
Can someone explain what benefit the ceramic provides vs. A good polish? When you drive in the rain or if there is dust/pollen in the air it is going to need to be washed? Does it prevent stone chips?
Can someone explain what benefit the ceramic provides vs. A good polish? When you drive in the rain or if there is dust/pollen in the air it is going to need to be washed? Does it prevent stone chips?
Based on my experience with it on the Audi, it makes it easier to clean, dust off etc. Its like a layer of protection for the clear coat. Provides no chip protection. Last for several years depending on the type of coating. I guess polish once a year, ceramic can last 3 years+.
Can someone explain what benefit the ceramic provides vs. A good polish? When you drive in the rain or if there is dust/pollen in the air it is going to need to be washed? Does it prevent stone chips?
Absolutely does not prevent stone chips. Ceramic vs polish provides little more shine, definitely sheds water more and is a little easier to maintain buy mostly ceramic has longer durability. Meaning was and polish will breakdown much sooner than ceramic coating. Posted pics of mine. I first corrected the paint, then polished then applied sealant not a wax which also lasts longer then topped with a spray. I would put my shine up against a ceramic all day long.
Last edited by shineocd; May 10, 2020 at 04:33 PM.
Reason: Typo
Ok, I did ask in the Paint forum - absolutely zero replies so....
I'm, in all probability, picking up a 2014 Z51 Premier with 2950 miles on it. So I'm thinking on having a pro ceramic coat it.
Opinions? Worth it or hype?
EDIT: I live in SW Florida so VERY sunny, hot and humid. The sun here will literally burn paint off of metal.
I’d say do it yourself and save a lot of money Probably 1-2 thousand depending if you get the entire car coated. There are some very good, very consumer friendly products out there like stuff from CarPro and Gtechniq.(and plenty of others) One other reason why these detailers are are so expensive besides the prep, is there coating are made specifically for the authorized dealer. There harder coating to work with and you need special training and experience to apply, not sold to the general public. I believe there more durable and last longer. I’d do something yourself Easy to do, just time consuming and the hydrophilic is outstanding. Water just rolls right off and much easier to clean and maintain
Absolutely does not prevent stone chips. Ceramic vs polish provides little more shine, definitely sheds water more and is a little easier to maintain buy mostly ceramic has longer durability. Meaning was and polish will breakdown much sooner than ceramic coating. Posted pics of mine. I first corrected the paint, then polished then applied sealant not a wax which also lasts longer then topped with a spray. I would put my shine up against a ceramic all day long.
Originally Posted by golddog
Based on my experience with it on the Audi, it makes it easier to clean, dust off etc. Its like a layer of protection for the clear coat. Provides no chip protection. Last for several years depending on the type of coating. I guess polish once a year, ceramic can last 3 years+.
Thanks for the replies, this answers all my questions. I do like to put in a bit of elbow grease once in a while and use polish rather than a wax and I do get incredible beading.
polish rather than a wax and I do get incredible beading.
Speaking of Beading.This sealant called Bead Maker has alot of fans.You can check it out in the care care section.
I use it on everything including glass.Lasts maybe 2 months depending on rain on amount.
Goes on and off easy and can be purchase even in bulk from amazon.
Gonna need real good micro fiber polishing towels.Adams has a thick pile double face.Sold on Amazon too No wax needed.Wash,clay,Bead
I am cheap and LOVE to do things by myself. No vette I have ever owned has ever seen a dealer for anything after purchase. That being said, I know my limits and paint prep is one of them. When I bought my Grand Sport I loved everything about it, but the dealer hazed up the paint in prep and I wasn't comfortable with trying to fix it myself, only to lock my mistakes in with a self ceramic coat. I decided to use a Pro and it cost me $1,200.
I have to say, this was the best $1,200 I've ever spent on a car and I will always do a Professionally installed XPEL Fusion ceramic coat from now on (until something better comes out, but dang I can't imagine).
Obviously, some love 'em. But, I don't feel the need and I live in Louisiana, so I understand summer sun, etc. Of course, having tried about everything, I still use ol' carnauba paste wax on all my vehicles. All the best.
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Not worth it for me. It reminds me of the time not long ago that Zaino developed a cult like following that I didn't understand and I am hypercritical about paint. My 2019 TR Stingray came blessed from the factory with an excellent paint job that had some random minor swirls and two small fogged looking spots, (most likely dealer prep). After taking care of those I used Meguiars Ultimate which is a full synthetic sealant on the car and wheels. To give it depth and a warmer look I topped it with Meguiars Carnauba Plus. Each takes less than an hour to do the entire car. I am more than satisfied. Very easy to keep clean and I enjoy detailing so applying a coat every month or two is no big deal to me. In the pic below I just got the car out of the garage and missed some wax that can bee seen on the front fascia above the grill under passengers headlight.
Last edited by Scruff Vette; May 10, 2020 at 09:17 PM.
Ceramic Coating opinions?
