Ceramic protection
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Ceramic protection
Hey Guys,
I am running low on wax and is about to purchase new stuff, but I have been hearing a great deal on ceramic coatings. So I wanted to ask if I should upgrade from now on.
concerns:
1) difficulty to apply (like don't get it on any plastic, need a buffer, time to complete job, etc)
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
I am running low on wax and is about to purchase new stuff, but I have been hearing a great deal on ceramic coatings. So I wanted to ask if I should upgrade from now on.
concerns:
1) difficulty to apply (like don't get it on any plastic, need a buffer, time to complete job, etc)
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 25,303
Likes: 1,683
From: The Steel City, Colorful Colorado
Winner 2020 C7 of the Year - Modified
Hey Guys,
I am running low on wax and is about to purchase new stuff, but I have been hearing a great deal on ceramic coatings. So I wanted to ask if I should upgrade from now on.
concerns:
1) difficulty to apply (like don't get it on any plastic, need a buffer, time to complete job, etc)
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
I am running low on wax and is about to purchase new stuff, but I have been hearing a great deal on ceramic coatings. So I wanted to ask if I should upgrade from now on.
concerns:
1) difficulty to apply (like don't get it on any plastic, need a buffer, time to complete job, etc)
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
2) cost (seems really expensive) Not really, if you do it yourself
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring) Opinions vary but 1-3 years would be my opinion
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction - Replace/different regimen
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
1) difficulty to apply (like don't get it on any plastic, need a buffer, time to complete job, etc)
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
2) cost (seems really expensive)
3) longevity (how often do you need to apply - I currently wax my cars twice a year, fall and spring)
4) Does ceramic replace wax or do you use it in conjunction
Thanks.
- There are a number of YouTube videos on applying ceramic coating and it appears to be relatively easy
- Cost varies A LOT and there are LOTS of differing opinions on "the best" - search CF for ceramic coating
- Longevity will depend on whether it's garaged, under shade or in the sun. My car is garaged and I do not anticipate it degrading.
- Once the ceramic is applied, wax isn't necessary but won't hurt it. Cleaning can be done with standard detail sprays and in the XPEL world, they have a "Ceramic boost" spray for upkeep.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 1,162
From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2018 C6 of Year Winner
Ceramic coatings have quickly evolved into three distinct versions.
1. Professionally installed product like CQuartz. This is the most expensive and longest lasting.
2. DIY installed product can be purchased from all the major companies like Adam's, Griot's, AutoGeek. Longevity is estimated to be 1-2 years.
3. DIY spray applications like Griot's Ceramic 3-in-1 or Adam's Ceramic Spray Coating & CS3.
Whatever type of ceramic you choose, a thorough paint correction should be done before applying ceramic. Clay-bar to remove contaminants and polish to remove swirls and scratches.
I did the first generation of Adam's Ceramic Paint Coating on our `19 Corvette and maintained that coating with Adam's Ceramic Boost. I recently tried their CS3 as a maintainer and am sold on that product. Ceramic was applied over Xpel Ultimate Plus film (full front, rockers, side skirts, A pillars, rear brake ducts & rear "triangle").
I also used Griot's Ceramic 3-in-1 on my wife's XT5 and my GMC Sierra. Both these sit outside, so the prep was extensive, but the spray-on ceramic was incredibly easy. Just spray on, wipe off and buff. Gloss and reflection are good, but not quite on par with CS3.
1. Professionally installed product like CQuartz. This is the most expensive and longest lasting.
2. DIY installed product can be purchased from all the major companies like Adam's, Griot's, AutoGeek. Longevity is estimated to be 1-2 years.
3. DIY spray applications like Griot's Ceramic 3-in-1 or Adam's Ceramic Spray Coating & CS3.
Whatever type of ceramic you choose, a thorough paint correction should be done before applying ceramic. Clay-bar to remove contaminants and polish to remove swirls and scratches.
I did the first generation of Adam's Ceramic Paint Coating on our `19 Corvette and maintained that coating with Adam's Ceramic Boost. I recently tried their CS3 as a maintainer and am sold on that product. Ceramic was applied over Xpel Ultimate Plus film (full front, rockers, side skirts, A pillars, rear brake ducts & rear "triangle").
I also used Griot's Ceramic 3-in-1 on my wife's XT5 and my GMC Sierra. Both these sit outside, so the prep was extensive, but the spray-on ceramic was incredibly easy. Just spray on, wipe off and buff. Gloss and reflection are good, but not quite on par with CS3.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Every year I clay before adding wax. As I said earlier, I do this twice a year. I do swirl or polish every couple of years of I think the car needs it.
So if all I have to do is clay before adding ceramic, that is not a big deal.
Is ceramic applied the same way as wax? Put it on, let it dry, and wipe off?
So if all I have to do is clay before adding ceramic, that is not a big deal.
Is ceramic applied the same way as wax? Put it on, let it dry, and wipe off?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 1,162
From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2018 C6 of Year Winner
Once the paint is ready to begin there is a prep agent used to further clean the paint. Then you apply 2 drops of ceramic liquid to the application pad and work a 2' x 2' section, once north-south and once east -west. Watch for the product to "flash" (which looks like a rainbow or oil sheen on water) and wipe it off with a special microfiber cloth. Once the whole car is done, then it needs to sit inside for a full 24 hours to cure.
I suggest you watch videos of the process at either Adam's Polishes, AutoGeek, You Tube or probably dozens of other websites. And have fun with it!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 1,067
From: Auburn,WA (30 miles SE of Seattle) WA
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Any coating should only be applied over "corrected" paint
If you arent a detailing enthusiast and dont want to spend the money
for professional "correction" then I would advise staying way from any
of the DIY pro-sumer Ceramic Coatings.
Turtle Wax Seal and Shine and other Turtle Wax DIY sprays, plus
Meguairs and many other companies have all come out with all
manner of Ceramic Sprays and SiO2 infused products.
You are either a Detailing Enthusiast OR you are NOT
Enthusiasts should already be aware of the Car Care Forum at this Web Site
Or the Forum at AutoGeek.com
If you arent a detailing enthusiast and dont want to spend the money
for professional "correction" then I would advise staying way from any
of the DIY pro-sumer Ceramic Coatings.
Turtle Wax Seal and Shine and other Turtle Wax DIY sprays, plus
Meguairs and many other companies have all come out with all
manner of Ceramic Sprays and SiO2 infused products.
You are either a Detailing Enthusiast OR you are NOT
Enthusiasts should already be aware of the Car Care Forum at this Web Site
Or the Forum at AutoGeek.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
A couple of thoughts...
- If ceramic is applied without paint correcting first, it's like spraying paint on a rusted or dirty part - the potential finish is far from ideal.
- Once ceramic coated, the surface is very slick and resists most contamination and the need for further clay barring is reduced if not eliminated depending on how/where the car is stored/driven.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 247
Likes: 69
From: Texas
I need to do this, I already spend a lot of time cleaning the car. I recently purchased a Master blaster, Sun Joe electric power washer, and Snow foam gun. I no longer visit the local car wash. Time to hit up YouTube University again!