Ceramic Paint Coatings

[JudgeLucid]

I brought BURRRD down to my detailer to schedule her annual spa treatment, and we got talking. He suggested that rather than spend $250 a year to have her stripped, clayed and resealed and waxed, that I might want to get an estimate on having the ceramic coating installed (he doesn't do it, but gave me the name of a company in the next town over that specializes in it). Reportedly this treatment lasts 10 years (by which time I will not expect to even know I own a t-bird).
My issue is that her black paint has a moderate micro-scratch problem (which may be able to be fixed with "color correction") and a few pebble dings on the front clip but is otherwise in really good condition. I want to make an appointment with these guys to see what they say, and get a quote, but first wanted to mine the expertise of the TBN mob to get opinions. I did do a search and couldn't really find that this issue has been addressed here before. As always, you guys are the experts, so whaddayathink?

Judge Lucid

[Rondor]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

I think it would be a big mistake, for several reasons. It is impossible to hide a re-paint ,( at least from anyone who really knows cars.) While I agree black is a difficult color to maintain it is still a great show color. Most commercial detailers are very hard on any paint job because of the equipment and methods they use. I might consider a new clear-coat but ceramic on a car will likely devalue it. At least it would for me. I would guess that your " spa" treatments have worn out your paint job.

[Chuck]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Here's a good website on these what I now know as "nano coatings"

http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2014/...ersible-error/

I would be a tad bit concerned on a black car, but the picture on this website has the dude putting it on a black car

[merlot4]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Good link, Chuck, thanks!

[Blue Heaven]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

I had Simoniz Glasscoat applied to my black ATS by the dealer before taking delivery. I actually watched some of the prep and application process, it is quite involved. That being said, the results are nothing short of amazing. I've owned five black cars in the past and am quite familiar with what it takes to keep one looking good. Granted, the ATS was a new car so my results may be a little skewed, but we did put it next to a new black CTS-V afterwards and the difference was highly evident.

Very glad I did it.

[Rondor]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

[QUOTE=Blue Heaven;6336
Very glad I did it.[/QUOTE]

Having that done to a new car is an excellent idea and good protection. It also should last a long while on a garage kept car.Stripping, buffing and clay treatment is a good restorer, but done many times will gradually remove most of the finish. A car paint job is probably no more than a mil or so thick when new.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Does anyone remember Blue Coral?

[Rosebud]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

I use this on our 56 bird with great results. A good coat of wax then nano wax, very easy to put on wipe off then a quick buff and a show shine. I have won many awards because of the shine.

https://www.eagleone.com/superior-nanowax-spray

[Blue Heaven]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Does anyone remember Blue Coral?

Yup, sure do.

[sauernote]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

I've only used Zaino products on my 15 year old black car from day one. Aside from the little scratches and dings from normal usage, the paint looks better than new--a much deeper shine.By the way, the leather seats look as good as new, too.

[Rondor]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Does anyone remember Blue Coral?

Yep,, loved results, hated the task.

[JudgeLucid]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Follow-up: Spoke to the owner of the coatings place - He quoted $995 for the coating plus an additional $125 to detail the interior. Comparing to what I'm doing now ($225 per year x 10 years = $2250), technically I'm saving money long term (if I live that long). There is also the on-going cost of the spray on top coat used after every 2 or 3 washes or before a show. The cost aside, the finish is "a mile deep" and includes stripping, clay barring, color correction buffing to resolve microscratches, and the coating.
I'm still on the fence.
We also talked about the new clear vinyl bra application, but I wonder how car show judges react to cars with this treatment.

[Welker]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Yep,, loved results, hated the task.

Ditto, Ron. I now use Klasse, a German product. It is an acrylic and really does leave a "wet look" that a lot of products promise and don't deliver.

[AyPapiii]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

Does anyone remember Blue Coral?

The last time I saw it for sale I bought out the store. A couple of years ago I used the last of it.

I am getting older and slower. By hand, it took me three days of hard work per car. I have never seen its equal.

[Rondor]

Re: Ceramic Paint Coatings

I would guess that euro-thane and clear coat finished have put a dent in the car wax business. While wax may make those finishes easier to keep clean they don't improve the look as much as in days gone by. Back when the price of a good wax job would buy a tank of gas we would resort to kerosene and water for a quick but very temporary shine.