Ceramic Coat Protection?

[Phyguy]

Thoughts on Ceramic Coating for paint protection?
Thanks,
Matt

Sponsored

 

[John Auer]

Thoughts on Ceramic Coating for paint protection?
Thanks,
Matt

I had our new Expedition ceramic coated when we took delivery last fall. I think it’s a worthwhile investment. I use a ceramic detailer after running it through the car wash. Shines like a diamond! I’ll do the same when my Bronco arrives next month.

 

[Fly]

I recently had an Opti-coat Pro ceramic coating done on the Bronco and couldn’t be happier. Keeps a great shine and water beads right up on it. $1300 cost and comes with a 5yr warranty.

 

[MnLakeBum]

They work but a lot of places overcharge for them IMO. Depending upon how much paint correction needs to be done, it takes about 1.5-3 hours to do the job. I do it myself as I have the tools and ability and the going rate seems to be $600-$1,300. Way too much for a couple hours of my time. Adams sell's a quality kit for about $85 and I've used less expensive ceramic coatings on my boat with great results. CQuartz UK is about the same price as the Adams and is outstanding as well.

Another option is to have someone detail/paint correct your car for about $350 and do the ceramic coat yourself in about 30 minutes.

The quick version.

 

[John Auer]

They work but a lot of places overcharge for them IMO. Depending upon how much paint correction needs to be done, it takes about 1.5-3 hours to do the job. I do it myself as I have the tools and ability and the going rate seems to be $600-$1,300. Way too much for a couple hours of my time. Adams sell's a quality kit for about $85 and I've used less expensive ceramic coatings on my boat with great results.

Another option is to have someone detail/paint correct your car for about $350 and do the ceramic coat yourself in about 30 minutes.

The quick version.

My guy did my wife’s Expedition, including paint correction, for $750. I didn’t think that was a bad deal. He’ll do my Bronco when it arrives next month. If I had a garage, I’d probably do it myself.

 

[BRBlue]

Can’t beat Turtle Wax Graphene for the money. Similar protection as pro products at a fraction of the cost. Super easy to apply. Just spray on and wash off. Will last up to a year and indefinitely if you apply after each wash.

https://a.co/d/7yvF2YS

 

[Nzoreo]

I opted for a clear wrap instead of ceramic. My rational is that a wrap is more substantial and absorbs impact more while ceramic is more for clear coat protection. For a tall box I’m expecting a ton of rock chips. Wraps are more expensive by 50% usually but they last double the amount of time.

 

[MnLakeBum]

My guy did my wife’s Expedition, including paint correction, for $750. I didn’t think that was a bad deal. He’ll do my Bronco when it arrives next month. If I had a garage, I’d probably do it myself.

$750 is fair and many don’t have the space, time, or haven’t mastered paint correction so they really should pay someone to do it. It’s therapeutic for me to clean and detail a car or especially a boat. I actually enjoy it especially if I can do it at my leisure.

 

[Sandbergo]

A ceramic coating will not stop paint from being scratched or chipped, it will make it easier to clean but if you want protection get it with Paint Protection Film. A lot of films have either a hydrophobic coating or even a built in ceramic coating.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Ceramic coatings are great but I recommend applying it yourself and saving $1000+ if that's an option. Don't forget that they require some upkeep/maintenance and won't last as long if you're always going to be parked outside or going through car washes vs washing by hand.

If your Bronco hasn't arrived yet, ask the dealer to not wash it or apply any sealants to it. This way they won't create any swirl marks in the paint or add anything to it that would require a full paint correction before the coating goes on.

 

[Bullitt]

First vehicle I've had ceramic coated...and love it. So easy to keep clean and so easy to wash. Here's a pic I took while in the National Forest with gravel and dirt roads....still looks clean.

 

[John Auer]

A ceramic coating will not stop paint from being scratched or chipped, it will make it easier to clean but if you want protection get it with Paint Protection Film. A lot of films have either a hydrophobic coating or even a built in ceramic coating.

I don’t plan on “pin striping” my rig. Beach runs and wicked easy trails.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Another option is to have someone detail/paint correct your car for about $350 and do the ceramic coat yourself in about 30 minutes.

The quick version.

^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

 

[Sandbergo]

I don’t plan on “pin striping” my rig. Beach runs and wicked easy trails.

Fair enough, I would suggest a full front PPF just to prevent rock chips and bug guts killing the paint. There are kits made for consumers and to be honest the Bronco isn’t a hard vehicle to do. Prep is the biggest part with PPF so you don’t get dirt trapped under the film. Just don’t get bent over for either service. I heard the other day that a couple kids that detail cars were charging $1,500 to ceramic coat cars, crazy.

 

[John Auer]

Fair enough, I would suggest a full front PPF just to prevent rock chips and bug guts killing the paint. There are kits made for consumers and to be honest the Bronco isn’t a hard vehicle to do. Prep is the biggest part with PPF so you don’t get dirt trapped under the film. Just don’t get bent over for either service. I heard the other day that a couple kids that detail cars were charging $1,500 to ceramic coat cars, crazy.

My guy charges $750, including paint correction, and a great job..

Sponsored