nuvolari612

Ceramic coating and clear bra - what brands are you guys putting on your cars.

unotaz

Clear bra by Xpel. No need for ceramic coating after you get the clear bra. I would also get the windshield protection as well.

CGT000

Xpel and you could apply ceramic coating on top if you like.

nuvolari612

That's the plan - Xpel seems to be the best clear bra.

Now it's on to the best ceramic over the clear bra then coat the wheels calipers etc.

NYC123

When it comes to the new coatings out there ask 10 different "experts" you are likely to get 11 different opinions. Regardless of what product you go for a big part of it will be the person applying it.

nuvolari612

Will do on the windshield.

The clear bra with the ceramic really makes a huge difference. Not only for protection x2 but the finish is much better.

Ceramic also makes it 10x easier to wash / dry a car the water repels right off especially on wheels calipers the dirt comes right off.

nuvolari612

Agree.

Two good shops in my area and they both bash the other. Getting 3 cars done and want to get it right.

It's interesting you and I can buy ceramic coating from Germany and apply but the pro version is only sold to the expert.

Would love to spend the weekend or however long it takes learning how to apply ceramic coatings.

Mr. Sparkle

Some information on Opti-Coat Pro which may help in your decision making

https://rennlist.com/forums/concours...-coatings.html

TONY AIR C2S

SunTek or Xpel are both great products. Find the best installer in your area. Good installers will recommend the best film for your vehicle. They usually consider color and shapes to determine which film will look best when complete. I had my whole car covered with SunTek and then coated with a ceramic coating that my detailer recommended, sorry I don't know the brand. He also did the wheels, calipers, and wheel wells. So far very happy with the ceramic coating. I have silver wheels that show brake dust quickly. Wheels are very easy to clean compared to my other car that doesn't have the coating. Good luck on what ever products you go with.

918man

ceramic pro on top of clear bra.... perfection... so much protection... so easy to wash and repel...

try ceramic pro interior and textile...

cwrm4

We got a new SQ5 last year, which will spend most of its life parked outside, under and around trees, so I wanted some extra protection for it.

I had the full front done in Xpel, and then Cquartz Finest applied over the entire car, including the wheels and calipers. I couldn't be happier, it looks great when washed, and it's very easy to clean. You would never know the film is on there, and it's saved the car from a few paint chips already.

One big piece advice though on the Xpel (or whatever film you use) - get them to custom cut the pieces when they are wrapping the car. If they use the pre-cut kits, the pieces generally only go to the edge of the panel. You really want the edges wrapped around the panel wherever possible - it's a much better look. If they try to wrap the precut pieces around the edges, you'll risk stretch marks in the film. I made my installer redo the hood because of this issue.

E-Man

XPel and CQuartz Finest. Have it on 6 cars and am happy with it.

nuvolari612

Results

Cquartz Finest - full body wheels calipers installer is excellent at paint correction and application. No need to go into other brands but this was IMO the best combination of product / installer.

Clear Bra - Xpel Ultimate 2nd best.

Suntek - 1st choice but the closest installer is 5 hours can not get him scheduled for 4 weeks. Smoother film may tear off the Xpel and have Suntek installed. Only downside of Suntek is less warranty if that matters.

CGT000

Xpel is thicker than Suntek. Works better in Northeast.

racingfan

I also used Suntek when I had the entire car clear filmed. I evaluated 7 different samples from different manufacturers against my gloss black paint, and Suntek was the best mix of clarity and strength. Strong, but clear enough to still easily see the carbon fibre weave beneath the paint. Key is who does the installation -- do whatever is necessary to have the most experienced installer work on it. Ideally someone who has done multiple CGTs before, as the car has unique curves and installation challenges.

After the install: