mark8

Just finished giving the Macan the full spa treatment. It will probably never look quite this good again while I own it.

The process was: 1) Wash/dry, 2) Clay bar, 3) Machine polish, 4) Wash/dry again 5) spray prep (IPA dilute solution), 6) Ceramic Coating

I'm the second owner of this 2020 Macan Turbo and I am impressed with the condition of the paint on this 4 yr old vehicle. Surely this is a testament to the care it was given by the previous owner, but also the quality of the paint process used by Porsche.

Ironman88

Just completed the same process with a newly acquired '24 SQ5.

I've done paint correction / ceramic coatings on numerous cars and it absolutely is a great way to preserve / protect the finish of your car.


'24 Audi SQ5 - Misano Red

mark8

Looks amazing! What ceramic did you use? Believe it or not I used simoniz glass coat. I've used some of the more expensive coatings but I honestly have come to prefer a 2 yr coating (which I can easily stretch to 4 years with proper care) over some of the heavier coatings. Easier to apply and also easier to polish off when the time comes.

Ironman88

Thanks mark8.

I used GTechniq Crystal Serum LT and a topcoat of Exo v5. Very durable and easy to work with.

I used the same products on my '19 Cayenne...

Pierregirard

Looks great! But I wouldn't experiment with all the DIY stuff with my car. I need to make sure that I won't ruin everything and harm my babe!

big_willy

I have had good success with Carpro series. Pretty easy to work with, have done 2 cars.

mark8

I have started using CarPeo Reset for washing. I plan to try their other products too. Seems like good stuff.

Ironman88

I've used CarPro products and I like them. CarPro C-Quartz UK 3.0. It's a very good product.

CarPro Eraser is fantastic. I still use it.

I switched to GTechniq Crystal Serum two cars ago. The gloss level is better I think - particularly if you use the EXO product as a topcoat. The water repellency is definitely better. I've read that it has unsurpassed durability (for a consumer-grade product). I'll see how that goes over time.

Pierregirard

I think I should try it too. I'll just look for a couple of video tutorials before trying it.

Ironman88

Great idea. I did the same thing.

I would say there are just a few primary keys to a successful outcome:

1) Make sure that the paint is completely prepared. Clean. Polished. (Any dirt or scratches will create an inferior outcome.)

2) After polishing, it's a good idea to use a product to remove all of the polish residue - something like CarPro Eraser or Gyeon Prep. The ceramic will bond better to the paint.

3) Divide the car into small manageable sections. It's easier to control what's going on if you don't take on too large of a section at a time.

4) Use a "3 rag" process for removal of the Ceramic. Microfiber cloths - 1st one to fully level and remove all excess product. 2nd one to go over any adjacent panels that may have gotten some of the ceramic on them at intersection points with the primary work section. 3rd one to ensure that the finish is completely clean and clear of any ceramic that's not yet fully bonded with the paint.

5) Use an LED light to closely inspect the completed panel to ensure a uniform high gloss with no clouding from ceramic that was not fully removed.

6) Continue on with a methodical approach to ensure that no panels or sections are missed.

This Jeep Grand Cherokee was my "learning" car - the first ceramic coating that I attempted. (CarPro C Quartz UK 3.0 - 50ml size).

Having applied that, it made keeping the finish clean and in good condition so much easier over time. I applied the ceramic coating on it in 2019 and it was still intact on the car after almost 5 years.

Terry Adams

Took mine directly from delivery to a detailer for a 4 stage 4 day process.
DIY too much for me. Hat's off to the DIY guys, looks great.
$ 1200 with lifetime no charge refresh. Which I will do soon due to road rash.

mark8

I would say this step is 100% required. And I think it's good practice to actually do a full second wash after polishing, THEN once the vehicle is really dry (I let mine sit inside overnight with the doors open) use an IPA spray (Eraser, WipeOut, Prep, etc).

Removing ALL residual oils from clay bar lubricant and polish is vital. And hard to see visually. The oils look invisible to the eye. So it it's hard to know if you got them off entirely.