Archimedes

Keith and Cullen at Diamond Car Care Systems did my cars. Very good work, pretty expensive, especially for paint correction - Cullen is a bit of a perfectionist. Bit eccentric though, so I don't know if I'd recommend them at this point. Constantly calls me to try to sell me more work.

cajerseyboy

I did plenty of research into BA installers before choosing Vincent at OmegaWerks. Just got my car back from them and it's great. No seams to see and Great customer service. He sent me pics and was in constant communication during the entire process.

Whoever you choose, make sure they aren't using pre cut pieces. That is an indication of visible seams. I also choose Omega because they use suntek w a 10 year warranty.

Didn't find Premier to be as customer service focused as I would like during my discussions with them.

asia

Carbonite Detailing, Burlingame for excellent paint correction and coating work.

leanofpeak

Seems like we have plenty of options. Thanks for all the referrals. Time to go quote shopping...

vg247

If you have some time, I'd suggest first call the shops and ask about their work what each entails etc. you'll get a feel for them and then physically bring your vehicle in to the shops that you like the most.

Personally, and through many many similar experiences with friends and family Vincent at Omegawerks will take care of you with outstanding work, prices, and a long standing commitment to customer service long after he finishes the job so if you can take your car there and have them look at it and provide you a quote.

Feel free to pm me if you need details (no affiliation , just a super happy customer btw)

leanofpeak

@vg247 - Thank you for that. I will be sure to contact Vincent.

JLG

Seems like just another profit center for car industry since people are too lazy to paste wax their cars any more. Agree with the film to protect against chips though. Nothing like a good hand paste wax to get to know your car and notice issues. The wax makes it much easier to wash your car and only needs to be redone twice a year to keep it nice. I can do a lot of hand waxes for $1200.

MoeMistry

Not really a profit center...just an evolution of car wax. Think of it as a computer vs. typewriter. The latter can be great and nostalgic, but won't do you any good in modern age where you need to email or fax things.

Paints aren't the same as they were 10-20 years ago. I've been a zymol fan since the time I started detailing back in 1995...garage queens or museum pieces can benefit from the deep color and soft glow of a high-end carnauba wax. But daily drivers or car driven a few times a month requiring washing, paint is too soft to deal with now days.

Nano products that are of quality and vetted, will out perform carnauba by a land slide as it relates to durability, scratch resistance, stain resistance, clarity, etc.

You don't need to spend arm/leg to get a proper nano technology product...CarPro Reload is a simple nano spray sealant any DIYer can apply for less than $30 /bottle...just make sure your prep work is done properly.

mikex25

what kind of wax are you using that lasts 6 months?

Gary JR

Or think they (especially those who put value on their time) have better things to do like, oh I don't know, drive it?

911boy

^ some of us just really enjoy spending time washing and waxing our cars. Not sure how any coating can make washing a car any easier....I only use weight of wash mitt to clean mine....wheels and all. I do use spray waxes between full Carnuba treatments. I did recently cave and wrap (Expel Ultimate) my hood and bumper. Good news is it is swirl proof and helps with sandblasting and rock chips and it shines pretty well . I can see it but have to look hard. Have NO idea how a coating can do anything to protect like PPF.

MoeMistry

Great point...best I can explain it is, coatings, when applied correctly, becomes the sacrificial layer, much more robust than traditional carnauba and sealants, that the dirt is sitting on.

Imagine how you car rinses off after that first carnauba treatment...it's amazing and dirt just rolls right off. Now imagine that effect for a few years...not a few months.

When you can flush most of the dirt off the paint, say 70-80%, just with initial pressure washer rinse, you're cleaning only 20-30% of the dirt when using soap and wash mitt. Hence, less dirt, less scratches and possible swirls.

Hope that helps.

Again, not the only option out there that fits EVERYONE, but definitely an advancement in the car care that makes maintenance easier

Rocket_boy

Have to say I'm in this camp also. Car gets stripped and clayed twice a year with two coats of Zaino every quarter (and sometimes more). Use Adam's glaze after every car wash to refresh. No swirls, coatings or paint correction needed.

Yeah it takes a little time, something I like to do though....

RONGLOS

I've been waxing my cars close to 50 years. I agree. You feel every inch of the body and it is a moving projectile so things happen.

Gary JR

Welcome to this century!