Ceramic Coating

[Berzerker]

Has anyone looked into ceramic coating? I've been looking at a highly rated place near me and they quoted $1000 for a 1 layer of 9H/CP Light, $2000 for 4 layers of 9H/1 of CP Light, or $1500 for Gtechniq Crystal Serum.

Anyone have any experience to know if these products are good/priced competitively?

 

[phxgt]

Sounds similar to what I paid. You will probably have, and need, paint correction done before the ceramic coat.

 

[Berzerker]

Sounds similar to what I paid. You will probably have, and need, paint correction done before the ceramic coat.

Any insight as to which brand to go with?

 

[ScottM]

I used Gloss IT here in Las Vegas, NV. I went with the EVO Quartz 7H (2 layers, 3 yr warranty). My cost was about $1500 as Rich gave me a discount on this along with the PPF and leather ceramic guard. I believe somewhere between $1200-$1500ish is about the norm that I've seen.

Gloss-It Detail Studio | Premium Quartz Coatings | Las Vegas NV

 

[RickFL]

I did xpel full front and Ceramic Pro 9H Gold. It was not cheap. Only time will tell if the investment was worth it. Car looks great now. Ceramic coating gives an incredible glass-like shine. I think you determine your ROI based upon the time you save not waxing, money not using car washes and rock chips not needing repair. UV protection also saves your trim over time.

 

[ScottM]

It was not cheap. Only time will tell if the investment was worth it. Car looks great now. Ceramic coating gives an incredible glass-like shine. I think you determine your ROI based upon the time you save not waxing, money not using car washes and rock chips not needing repair. UV protection also saves your trim over time.

I couldn't agree more!!!!

 

[phxgt]

I used Carpro. Professionally done. I'm too impatient for that kind of work.

 

[Walid El-Tawel]

Just got mine back from ceramic coat. $1400 Canadian dollars. 9h 5 year package. Full exterior and interior and windows and brake calipers and wheels. Given that he’s my good friend. Same package he prices at $2000....Canadian. So it seems like your prices are on the expensive side even at full pop what my friend charges regular clients. The bottle of 9h is only 280-350$ the rest is the clay bar and tons of labor behind it. The product cost is low you’re mostly paying for skilled labor but still think your quotes are on the high end

 

[scharn]

I've had the chance to apply several different consumer level ceramic coatings. Wolfgang's, 22ple, gtechniq, and migliore. I like doing it myself since detailing is a hobby of mine, i've got close to 1k in equipment at this point.

If I was going for a more pro level series of product (i'm little upset they don't sell it to consumers but I understand why) probably go with crystal serum ultra, and would top it evo v3 for more slickness. That being said, I've talked to a few pro detailers and even though that stuff can last 10 years, the reality is a daily driven car with that stuff usually would need a good exterior detail every 3-5 years anyway. They suggest stripping the previous coat and reapply. To me if i'm going to have to do that, might as well apply my own every 3 years or so.

It really isn't that hard to do, it just takes time. Its all the prep work that is difficult. But either way, it is absolutely worth it. I still have some stupidly expensive wax which is great for looks; but nothing compares to the longevity and protection coating provides. If and when i get a stinger I'll either go with 2 coats of miyabi and 1 coat of ISM kamikaze; or just 2 coats of 22ple HPC (really tremendous stuff).

 

[Expert4]

The most important thing is the paint prep and paint correction. It is like finding a skilled artist and unfortunately there are more bad artists than good ones so do your research and find the most skilled person with the most expierence and if it cost less than $1000 you are probably getting a less than skilled person. Paint correction done properly will take a few days and only once the car is prestinly catered to for proper paint correction than the ceramic coat can be applied.

 

[StingerGT68]

I did xpel full front and Ceramic Pro 9H Gold. It was not cheap. Only time will tell if the investment was worth it. Car looks great now. Ceramic coating gives an incredible glass-like shine. I think you determine your ROI based upon the time you save not waxing, money not using car washes and rock chips not needing repair. UV protection also saves your trim over time.

I'm thinking of doing a wrap like Xpel now because I've gotten too many chips on the hood/front fenders already. Does the Xpel blend nicely with the rest of the car? Or can you tell it's wrapped?

 

[Expert4]

I have xpel and it is only noticeable if u look super close to find the edge of the film. Unless you are inspecting the car to try and find an edge of the film you would never notice it.

 

[Eugene Onegin]

My nephew has it on his car ,it was $1000.00 with a 5 yr guarantee ,it was Ceramic pro 9h .

 

[RickFL]

I'm thinking of doing a wrap like Xpel now because I've gotten too many chips on the hood/front fenders already. Does the Xpel blend nicely with the rest of the car? Or can you tell it's wrapped?

Most Xpel installers use a large format cutting machine with patterns professionally developed for each specific vehicle by Xpel. A majority of edges fall on a frame seam or cover an entire part such as the hood which is one complete sheet except for the "vent" cutouts. Unless you cover the entire car, you will have some areas where the film stops and are noticeable only if you're looking for them. IF you have re-badge you car, be sure to tell the installer as they will then need to hand cut those spots.