To clear bra(xpel) or ceramic coat...

[Socalstinga]

Wondering what the opinions are on clear bra vs. ceramic coating. if you've done either, why did you select that option over the other?
I've got a quote to do the xpel for $850 out the door for side mirrors, entire front bumper, partial fender, and partial hood. I have another quote for $690 to do the ceramic coating - 1 coat of the 9h + wheels and caliper (assuming I read the quote right)

 

[scharn]

I would classify them as completely different products for different purposes. Xpel and the like are for paint protection against fairly significant impacts such as rocks and other road debris. Paint coatings are not necessarily meant for this kind of damage protection. It is more for looks and general color protection of the paint. Coatings help ensure that all the nasty stuff in the environment and on the road don't stick to the paint, it creates a sacrificial barrier that will wear down over time. It will only slightly help against light scratching like swirl marks or marring. It won't do anything against rocks.

This isn't so much as a one or the other type thing. Lot of people get xpel on the front portion of the car where more significant damage is likely to occur, and apply paint coatings to the rest of the car to keep and enhance the look of the car.

 

[Socalstinga]

I would classify them as completely different products for different purposes. Xpel and the like are for paint protection against fairly significant impacts such as rocks and other road debris. Paint coatings are not necessarily meant for this kind of damage protection. It is more for looks and general color protection of the paint. Coatings help ensure that all the nasty stuff in the environment and on the road don't stick to the paint, it creates a sacrificial barrier that will wear down over time. It will only slightly help against light scratching like swirl marks or marring. It won't do anything against rocks.

This isn't so much as a one or the other type thing. Lot of people get xpel on the front portion of the car where more significant damage is likely to occur, and apply paint coatings to the rest of the car to keep and enhance the look of the car.

I see, now it makes sense why I read people doing both. Then maybe what I should do is do the xpel just to the front bumper and side mirrors, which is the least expensive option then do the ceramic coating to the rest of the vehicle.

 

[scharn]

I see, now it makes sense why I read people doing both. Then maybe what I should do is do the xpel just to the front bumper and side mirrors, which is the least expensive option then do the ceramic coating to the rest of the vehicle.

Yep i would say that is a pretty good balance between cost and protection. I've seen people even put coatings on top of xpel to help bring some more shine back after applying it.

 

[ScottM]

I would classify them as completely different products for different purposes. Xpel and the like are for paint protection against fairly significant impacts such as rocks and other road debris. Paint coatings are not necessarily meant for this kind of damage protection. It is more for looks and general color protection of the paint. Coatings help ensure that all the nasty stuff in the environment and on the road don't stick to the paint, it creates a sacrificial barrier that will wear down over time. It will only slightly help against light scratching like swirl marks or marring. It won't do anything against rocks.

This isn't so much as a one or the other type thing. Lot of people get xpel on the front portion of the car where more significant damage is likely to occur, and apply paint coatings to the rest of the car to keep and enhance the look of the car.

I did the PPF half front and such and ceramic 7h all the way around. Exactly for the reason @scharn stated. If you got the money and you trust the vendor...I recommend it. Just my two cents.

 

[Socalstinga]

If any of you were to choose one or the other, which would you choose? If I do both, wheels and springs are going to be a next year project.

 

[scharn]

If any of you were to choose one or the other, which would you choose? If I do both, wheels and springs are going to be a next year project.

Really a personal choice. If you are concerned with damage from rocks etc, then yeah xpel would be good. If you haven't had that problem in the past, than perhaps only protecting the paint will be enough.

I personally chose to just apply ceramic coat myself... though it can be a very time consuming process.

 

[Socalstinga]

@scharn whats interesting is that when I looked up the ceramic coating site they claim the 9h is so durable it helps to protect from scratches and small rock chips. Makes it sound like the best invention ever lol. So I take it w/ a bit of a grain of salt. I appreciate the feedback, I’m leaning now on doing the layer of the 9h ceramic coating. If I get some chips, so be it, another cost of living in SoCal smh

 

[Socalstinga]

Ceramic Pro Nano Technology Coating Products

I suppose it’s a case of reading the fine print- “improved scratch resistance” lol

 

[scharn]

@scharn whats interesting is that when I looked up the ceramic coating site they claim the 9h is so durable it helps to protect from scratches and small rock chips. Makes it sound like the best invention ever lol. So I take it w/ a bit of a grain of salt. I appreciate the feedback, I’m leaning now on doing the layer of the 9h ceramic coating. If I get some chips, so be it, another cost of living in SoCal smh

I can guarantee it won't provide nearly the same level of protection as they claim. I've been using ceramic coats for awhile now, had the chance to apply them to a few cars, and all have still gotten paint chips or scratches.

Now that being said, it does lessen the amount of swirl marks and general marring that normally comes from washing the car overtime. It also keeps the car looking cleaner as water and dirt doesn't adhere to it like it would unprotected paint. I look at it like one long day of work = about 3 years of protection and not having to devote time to waxing the car every month or two.

 

[DCBStingerGT]

Paint Protection Film on the entire front end is the way to go, which includes the front bumper, front side panels, front hood, and if you want, side exterior mirrors. applying ceramic coating to the rest of the vehicle will at least protect the paint, you can also ceramic coat over the PPF, to give the entire car a more uniform shine, if you think it is necessary, the most important thing here is preventing stone chips to the front end, because stone chips are permanent, PPF has already paid you back in cost, everytime a stone bounces off the PPF, without chipping your paintwork, and if your wondering, i have Suntek PPF, and it has 10 warranty, and doesn't yellow because it was not cheap. Very happy with it.

 

[Socalstinga]

I think I’ll do the coating and then the expel later if possible. I’ll ask the vendor tomorrow

 

[Socalstinga]

Paint Protection Film on the entire front end is the way to go, which includes the front bumper, front side panels, front hood, and if you want, side exterior mirrors. applying ceramic coating to the rest of the vehicle will at least protect the paint, you can also ceramic coat over the PPF, to give the entire car a more uniform shine, if you think it is necessary, the most important thing here is preventing stone chips to the front end, because stone chips are permanent, PPF has already paid you back in cost, everytime a stone bounces off the PPF, without chipping your paintwork, and if your wondering, i have Suntek PPF, and it has 10 warranty, and doesn't yellow because it was not cheap. Very happy with it.

Is that what’s usually done - ppf then coating?

 

[DCBStingerGT]

Is that what’s usually done - ppf then coating?

Yes, I was told i can apply Ceramic Coating over the PPF, if i want too, i do not think it is wise too apply a PPF over the coating , CC may deteriorate over the years, the PPF adheres to the paintwork better than to the coating, but ask someone who is in the business, and at least your protecting the PPF as well, if that is the way you want to go.

 

[ScottM]

If any of you were to choose one or the other, which would you choose? If I do both, wheels and springs are going to be a next year project.

As someone else said, it kind of depends on what fears you the most. Is it the rock chips from "stuff" flying at your front end or the dirt and grime that can get all over. The PPF will protect the front end fairly well and the ceramic not so much. My opinion, they go hand in hand and that's really the way to go. BUT... it's not free, so you have to decide.

 

[Socalstinga]

@ScottM i have the panthera metal so I’m really trying to preserve that paint color... I’m kind of resigned to the fact thatchips will occur. But the paint color is nice enough to try and protect... but if they give me a deal, might be a different story

 

[Expert4]

Paint corrrection comes first then film then ceramic coating. Don’t do the ceramic coating first if u plan on doing the film.

I did all 3 options above in that order. See my other posts for more info.

 

[Never thought]

I did both.

 

[Never thought]

I did Suntek Ultra over the entire front though. Seems like it’s better than xpel.

 

[Soca Boy]

I have the clear bra in front and hood, going to do nano coating later after my trip. I wish they made dust with full water/rain and fingerprint repellent coating, black cars are hard to keep clean.