Ceramic Coating

I am considering having a new car ‘ceramic coated’. Anyone on here had it done? If so is it worth the expense and is there any professional local that can be recommended?

 

Worth doing it if you’re keeping the car, and going to wash it properly yourself mainly.

Automatic car wash or a roadside car wash just ruin the coating and eventually the paint again.

If getting it done, stay away from the dealer - Try JMM Detailing down Racecommon Road - Facebook page has all the details. Does some stunning work and all types of cars.

 

I had mine done when the car was brand new nearly 9 years ago, here https://cleandetail.co.uk/

Still looks pretty good now, no stone chips etc. Dirt comes off easily when it gets washed and it polishes up almost like new. Not cheap but well worth considering.

Edit: should have said I had PPF done

 

This

 

I went for PPF for the first time. Worth considering but depends on budget and what you want.

As said earlier ceramic coating is good but needs looking after properly.

 

So, the King's new clothes for cars.

 

I asked AI about this. Does the car end up looking like this?

 

Is it a luxury motor? If so I’d consider looking at PPF, it’s pricey but worth it. I used to take my Cayman to track days, but it was also my pride and joy. So PPF was the best option for me, mainly due to stone chips etc.

Ceramic coating is good, but get someone decent to do it because I’ve seen some horror jobs and make sure every 3-6 month you treat it otherwise the whole process will be pointless.

 

Ceramic coating or PPF give Nick a ring at Excel Detailing or visit his website will sort you out with the best option to have 100% genuine bloke

 

PPF is a good option - but I’d only go for that if the car’s been machine polished and fully prepped. Otherwise you’re just ‘locking in’ average paintwork.

Even brand new luxury and expensive sports cars have average paintwork from the factory. The all benefit from a good prep and machine polish before ceramic coating or PPF.

 

If you’re looking at this consider PPF coating as well.
Can’t help you with a local guy to Barnsley but do avoid main dealers they often take for it but don’t apply it.

If you go down the route of Ceramic make sure you do your homework on what process they are going to use to prep, is it one stage or two machine polish, what are limitations of coating, how long before you can wash it, what warranty are they offering, is the warranty product backed or applicator backed etc.
When it comes to maintaining it get advise from the applicator what to use, but as a guide don’t use a TFR product as it will degrade it quicker, use a shampoo (ideally foam)but do not use one with any waxes or sealants in it as it will clog your coating.

Lastly it is not a wonder product, think of it as a protective layer for your paint, some applicators will try to tell you, you will never have to wash your car again etc, you will it’s just the muck comes off easier.

PPF is generally better to have as the better ones are ‘self healing’ and more resistant.

If you want info etc on specific products feel free to DM me.

 

PPF is better for worse paintwork than Ceramic as it hides flaws whereas a good Ceramic will magnify any flaws in paintwork.

 

My friend does it , if you are anywhere near mapplewell

 

I didn't think this was bad:

 

You’d do a full machine polish and rectification before applying ceramic to a car ideally. Otherwise not worth doing imo.

A single stage would be enough usually on a brand new car.

I’d do the same on a car before PPF too tbf. Gives a perfect finish to protect. Although a lot only go for the front bumper and bonnet.

 

Thanks for that mate.

 

I agree with what you put but to put a quality ceramic on you ideally would do a 2 stage(even on a new car), whereas with PPF you can just do a single stage as it hides slight imperfections.
It’s why more retailers are moving over to PPF because whilst the product is more expensive they can complete more work quicker.

*Disclaimer - worked in paint and coatings pretty much all my life. Including teaching people around the world to paint and machine polish any hard surface.
Last 8 years I’m the guy detailers/Valeter’s go to for training and technical advise.

 

Is there a local detailer you would recommend to ceramic coat my car?

 

Local to Barnsley no, I wouldn’t TBH.
The nearest I personally would recommend is Jim White of White details just outside Gainsborough but does work Internationally.