Ceramic Coating- Too Good to Be True?

So after doing a good bit of research, I made the decision to get an appointment to have my truck ceramic coated with the Ceramic Pro Gold Package (4 layers of 9h + 1 layer of the light).

While speaking with a guy in the auto paint/collision industry, I mentioned ceramic coatings to him and he informed that they are a gimmick and not what it's all cracked up to be and advised me that I shouldn't do it and stated that I should just get it waxed with a Teflon based wax. He compared the ceramic coating to that of the ceramic coating that's done on pottery. He also did not know what 9h meant.

For all you guys who have had the ceramic coating (preferably the Ceramic Pro), what is your advice? Is it too good to be true with its claims (i.e. scratch resistant (to a certain degree), hydrophobic, etc.)? Were you happy with your decision? Can I get similar results with getting it waxed a couple times a year? Thanks!

 

All you need is regular wash and wax. I agree with the gimmick part.

 

I have been in the high end auto detail industry for the last decade and seen plenty of stuff. I can tell you ceramic coating in definitely not a gimmick. Now, the longevity of the coating might not be what all the ceramic companies claim, but they absolutely work. Think of it as adding an extra layer of clear coat that is much much harder than normal paint. It will make the truck much more scratch resistant. With a good coating, you won't need to put any other type of sealant on it. It's just too slick to stay anyways. I'd say a good ceramic coating can go anywhere from 2-10 years of life span depending on the ceramic itself, the installer, washings, and if you park in the garage. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. We wouldn't ceramic coat without first doing a full paint correction. So you'd be looking at an easy $300+ BEFORE the coating (on a brand new vehicle, much more for something needing a lot of correction). We use high end stuff so you'd be looking at about $800 for the coating itself with warranty on a brand like Modesto. Last bit of advice, any professional "detailer" that tries to sell you on "wax" just laugh and move on to the next. Wax isn't gonna last you more than 4-6 weeks. That technology has been far out dated by synthetic polymer sealants for years and years.

 

BTW carpro and others make coatings that would be half the price of Modesto but won't last as long. You'd still get 2 to 5 years out of them if taken care of. If you're interested shoot me a pm and I can ask around for a highly recommended detailer in your area of the US. I know some pretty well respected fellows in the high end detail industry that may be able to point you in a certain direction.

 

The Cermaic Pro package I was getting comes with a lifetime warranty...but I do have to go back to the installer once a year for maintenance to keep that warranty valid. I got quoted $1500 for the package which also includes up to two levels of paint correction, clay bar, a full detail (inside and out), and ceramic coating of my wheels and windshield/windows.

After that guy told me it was a gimmick, he referred me to a local detailer who stated he used 3M wax (not sure how good that his, not up in my waxes). And then puts Rain-X on afterward. The detailer also said that he doesn't know much about ceramic coatings when I asked him about it.

 

Sounds like the second detailer is very inexperienced. The $1500 price for all of that sounds about right no par. I cannot say how well the ceramic pro product is because I do not personally have experience with it, but I can say I have heard good things. That lifetime warranty is through the manufacturer not the detailer. As we know a warranty is only as good as the company. This is good because you don't have to count on that detailer to stay in business. I'd say you found a fair deal with the first detailer. If you honestly don't plan on having the truck for a decade or more and want to save the money, you can get sealants that are pretty durable and won't need to be applied for than a couple times a year, and you could easily do that yourself. Just my $.02

 

I do plan on keeping the truck for awhile. I just like the idea of a coating with it being easier to wash and gaining some extra protection.

 

Well you will gain those two things for sure. Plus, it will be a selling point in the future. Might not net you a higher price, but may cause someone to choose it over another used truck.

 

Yeah, that is a good point. Thanks for your input! I appreciate it! I'm probably going to post this in the 3rd gen thread as well...more people will view it and maybe someone who has had the Ceramic Pro coating done can tell me what they think about it.

 

Yeah no problem man, glad to help.

 

I use consumer version of ceramic coatings and let me start off by saying I will never go back to wax or a sealant for protection. For starters, ceramics keep a car cleaner longer (crucial for me since my vehicles live outside). Try getting 2 years out an application of wax, I am speaking to the consumer versions I use.

You obviously have never used a coating.

 

What coating do you use?

 

I used Optimum Glosscoat, which does not even compare to what you are looking at. Seriously, if you can spare the coin, do it.

 

I think I'm leaning towards keeping my appointment and getting it done. Thanks for your input!

 

Head over to Autogeek.net: a detailing forum and detail supply sales sight. Paint coatings are getting very consumer friendly, rather than paying big $$ to have it applied. They are not just a gimmick! It is nano-technology & science in action! Lots & lots of real world, positive testimonials to read there. Also, lots of good how-to articles & pics. I have not yet done my truck, but am going to take the plunge when it warms up more. Plan on using the CQuartz line. P.S., I am not associated w/ the website or business, other than researching the forums and swapping information.

 

Big difference from consumer products and professional products.