Ceramic Pro - failure?
12-08-2018, 11:42 AM
#16
To take a contrarian position to others on this thread so far, I have definitely found ceramic coatings to make cleaning my cars and wheels much easier. However, coatings are not completely maintenance free. But maintenance is simple and takes very little time. There are many products available that you just spray on and wipe off to maintain the performance of the coating. Look for something like Bead Maker by P&S or Reload from Car Pro as examples. In CA you could most likely do this once every 6 months and it would take you 20-30 mins each time. I do this on my cars 3-4 times per year (but I live in the northeast). I enjoy the process but it isn’t a full day commitment - just adds a little time to my typical wash routine.
12-08-2018, 11:47 AM
#17
Three Wheelin'
To take a contrarian position to others on this thread so far, I have definitely found ceramic coatings to make cleaning my cars and wheels much easier. However, coatings are not completely maintenance free. But maintenance is simple and takes very little time. There are many products available that you just spray on and wipe off to maintain the performance of the coating. Look for something like Bead Maker by P&S or Reload from Car Pro as examples. In CA you could most likely do this once every 6 months and it would take you 20-30 mins each time. I do this on my cars 3-4 times per year (but I live in the northeast). I enjoy the process but it isn’t a full day commitment - just adds a little time to my typical wash routine.
12-08-2018, 12:07 PM
#18
I'm not at all convinced by these treatments. In the UK they seem to be a necessary upselling opportunity for dealers to make their margin. My previous car had some sort of nano-technology nonsense, seemed like an expensive waxing to me. OPC said £480 but to me half price. I said the car at that price should have the best finish possible already but I would give him £100, which he accepted. I couldn't tell the difference from previous car to that without it. OK, probably because I only paid a quarter so only got a quarter job.
My current car, the dealer 'made me' have G-technic at £560 down from £640, wrapped up in the deal apparently. He wouldn't even accept an offer £200 less and without it. Psychological bullying, 'you'd be mad to spend that money on a car without it'. This time it does seem better but only had it 6 months so time will tell. Feels slightly moist or slippery and waxy to the touch still when dry but can't imagine this will last that long. Interesting too that as the car was only 16 months old when I bought it, he couldn't tell me whether original owner splashed out for it. It's got quite a few swirls on the black metallic. So had the previous carmine red 718 and that was applied as bought new. Applied badly I hear you say!
I would be interested to hear other UK buyers' experiences. It appears from this forum that these coatings are very prevalent in the US and they go even further. Never heard over here of these film wraps and other stuff. Do people really cover their cars or whole panels is some sort of see-through plastic like you get for stone guards in front of rear wheel arches?
My current car, the dealer 'made me' have G-technic at £560 down from £640, wrapped up in the deal apparently. He wouldn't even accept an offer £200 less and without it. Psychological bullying, 'you'd be mad to spend that money on a car without it'. This time it does seem better but only had it 6 months so time will tell. Feels slightly moist or slippery and waxy to the touch still when dry but can't imagine this will last that long. Interesting too that as the car was only 16 months old when I bought it, he couldn't tell me whether original owner splashed out for it. It's got quite a few swirls on the black metallic. So had the previous carmine red 718 and that was applied as bought new. Applied badly I hear you say!
I would be interested to hear other UK buyers' experiences. It appears from this forum that these coatings are very prevalent in the US and they go even further. Never heard over here of these film wraps and other stuff. Do people really cover their cars or whole panels is some sort of see-through plastic like you get for stone guards in front of rear wheel arches?
12-08-2018, 12:30 PM
#19
+1 This. Very content with my ceramic coating. Just have it done at a specialist. That’s usually not the dealer ...
12-08-2018, 12:41 PM
#20
Can you not do it yourself? My hourly rate is very cheap and I can be very meticulous. Can't imagine some of the poor ******* I see on minimum wage being that skilled? If I want to renew / replenish my G-technic, what product from the multitude on their website do I use?
12-08-2018, 01:10 PM
#22
12-08-2018, 01:18 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
I had been a slave to the twice a year clay and wax (carnauba) routine for years. The cars looked great and I use to enjoy it but after many, many of applications, I got tired of doing it. So, decided to go with CeramicPro on my new 911 about eight months ago. Other then my usual washing, I've used Hydrosilex a couple of times. The finish remains shiny and smooth. Water beads and rolls off the paint like a ducks back. I'll probably go for the "refresh" in a few months. My package - silver - included all windows and the outward facing parts of the wheels (not the barrels). So far, so good. The product delivers as advertised. 
12-08-2018, 01:27 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
It was part of a bundle with the PPF but I had the silver package applied. I am under the one year check in and will be headed there next week to press my case.
As an aside, I had the basic ceramic pro spray applied to my wife's car after a paint correction at another detailer and it has been great. I don't recall what it was called but it has lasted much longer than I was told it would.
As an aside, I had the basic ceramic pro spray applied to my wife's car after a paint correction at another detailer and it has been great. I don't recall what it was called but it has lasted much longer than I was told it would.
12-08-2018, 01:28 PM
#25
Nordschleife Master
Still, for those who have it and say they have to maintain it, I don't know how maintaining ceramic or nano is different from maintaining a car with sealant/wax on it. I wash my car and it looks great afterwards. I re-apply sealant every few months.
12-08-2018, 02:09 PM
#26
Please read the other recent topic on ceramic coatings. It’s a very specialist job, the slightest difference in air humidity can spoil the whole process and the end result. Even the dealers are getting it wrong.
12-08-2018, 02:26 PM
#27
Yes, I think that's the issue. Dealers valet staff not up to it, hence my swirls. Presume I can at least try to maintain it with some product or other. And guess if I was just to apply good quality wax like Auto Glym, I might be destroying whatever coating is supposed to be bonded on there.
12-09-2018, 03:27 PM
#28
Three Wheelin'
Can you not do it yourself? My hourly rate is very cheap and I can be very meticulous. Can't imagine some of the poor ******* I see on minimum wage being that skilled? If I want to renew / replenish my G-technic, what product from the multitude on their website do I use?
12-09-2018, 04:04 PM
#29
I'm not at all convinced by these treatments. In the UK they seem to be a necessary upselling opportunity for dealers to make their margin. My previous car had some sort of nano-technology nonsense, seemed like an expensive waxing to me. OPC said £480 but to me half price. I said the car at that price should have the best finish possible already but I would give him £100, which he accepted. I couldn't tell the difference from previous car to that without it. OK, probably because I only paid a quarter so only got a quarter job.
My current car, the dealer 'made me' have G-technic at £560 down from £640, wrapped up in the deal apparently. He wouldn't even accept an offer £200 less and without it. Psychological bullying, 'you'd be mad to spend that money on a car without it'. This time it does seem better but only had it 6 months so time will tell. Feels slightly moist or slippery and waxy to the touch still when dry but can't imagine this will last that long. Interesting too that as the car was only 16 months old when I bought it, he couldn't tell me whether original owner splashed out for it. It's got quite a few swirls on the black metallic. So had the previous carmine red 718 and that was applied as bought new. Applied badly I hear you say!
I would be interested to hear other UK buyers' experiences. It appears from this forum that these coatings are very prevalent in the US and they go even further. Never heard over here of these film wraps and other stuff. Do people really cover their cars or whole panels is some sort of see-through plastic like you get for stone guards in front of rear wheel arches?
My current car, the dealer 'made me' have G-technic at £560 down from £640, wrapped up in the deal apparently. He wouldn't even accept an offer £200 less and without it. Psychological bullying, 'you'd be mad to spend that money on a car without it'. This time it does seem better but only had it 6 months so time will tell. Feels slightly moist or slippery and waxy to the touch still when dry but can't imagine this will last that long. Interesting too that as the car was only 16 months old when I bought it, he couldn't tell me whether original owner splashed out for it. It's got quite a few swirls on the black metallic. So had the previous carmine red 718 and that was applied as bought new. Applied badly I hear you say!
I would be interested to hear other UK buyers' experiences. It appears from this forum that these coatings are very prevalent in the US and they go even further. Never heard over here of these film wraps and other stuff. Do people really cover their cars or whole panels is some sort of see-through plastic like you get for stone guards in front of rear wheel arches?
12-09-2018, 11:36 PM
#30
Three Wheelin'
I just took delivery yesterday, but I too am getting the full car covered with a clear bra. Its jet black metallic and it will keep me from getting swirls. But, I'm not paying for professional ceramic this time, or ever again!, Just using Hydrosilex,or a similar easy to us afterwash product for now on.
Also, I did my own paint correction today.
Also, I did my own paint correction today.