Ceramic coatings?

[huffDC]

Anyone have experience with getting ceramic coatings done professionally? Unfortunately I'm stuck with street parking for at least the next 8ish months, and I'm in an apartment building, so no options for washing the car myself. Ceramic seems like it might be a good option for protecting from the dust and whatnot that it picks up out on the street.

 

[2Slo4u]

The detail industry wants you to believe it's super difficult and only the pros can do it. However, that is not the case. In my area, it costs $1,500 + to get it done. I can do it for $100 and a Saturday of my time. Have done both my Stinger and Raptor.

 

[huffDC]

Yeah, cheapest quote I've found so far for a package of 1 layer of 9H is $870 including all the prep, minus and paint correction. not insane, but still pricey. Will update if I decide to go for it.

 

[Stiletto]

I can say from experience the price you pay usually includes certain warranties. I paid $600 for CQuartz and the coverage was terrible. There were sections that had no beading and after less than a year, the water is beginning to sheet off. However, I've paid $1800, got paint correction and full CQuartz (including rims and calipers), and the water beads two years later. Additionally, any issues I have are taken care of at no cost.

Certainly you apply it yourself or pay someone to do it for less. But, usually the extra cost grants you peace of mind...and a bit of quality work.

 

[SKStinger]

Anyone have experience with getting ceramic coatings done professionally? Unfortunately I'm stuck with street parking for at least the next 8ish months, and I'm in an apartment building, so no options for washing the car myself. Ceramic seems like it might be a good option for protecting from the dust and whatnot that it picks up out on the street.

If I were you and this parking outdoors thing is only temporary and you don't want to spend the big bucks on a coating or don't have the means to do it yourself, pick up a ceramic spray coating. I recommend Turtle Wax Hybrid Ceramic Spray. Two coats over 24 hours will give you up to 1 year of protection. It's super easy to apply and you don't HAVE to polish the car before applying it. I put it on both my winter vehicles and it's tough stuff.

Give it a good wash with a bucket of quality wax stripping soap first so that it adheres well but that should last you 8 months. Has good UV and chemical resistance, nice gloss and beads water really well for something so easy to apply.