Ceramic Pro 3 Year Update

Anyone in the Raleigh, NC that does a good ceramic job?

 

Are you mixing with distilled water and how do you deal with water spots

 

Echo is a concentrate so it has to be mixed with distilled water. Only place I kinda get waterspots is on the hood, I neglected water spots for almost a year on my hood as I was still learning the process. I used Carpro spotless then buffed it (low-medium speed) out with Carpro essence plus (no abrasives to ruin coating). Use a pad that will not CUT any polishing pad will work. Haven’t seen water spots since. I used Carpro gloss pad as is was designed for it.

I’ve only had to buff my truck once with this process. Looks like I’ll do it once a year. But the essences plus gives it a crazy glossy appearance.

 

The only place I get them now is on hood was getting them on back 1/4 panel I appreciate your feedback as we both have the same issues and you have the answers been looking for a year now for someone with these issues will buy product you recommend.noticed you live in virginia did you get your truck from koons

 

Welcome, Checkered flag dealership.

I buy all my stuff at autogeek. They always have 15-25% off and free shipping but you have to check the website constantly.

 

Also as a heads up. No need to be using Carpro reset every wash. I only use it 3-4 time a year on my truck depending. Reset will remove waxes even echo and reload elixir mixture. Use any PH neutral soap like meguiars hyperwash d110 or similar for maintainer washes.

Lately been using reset mostly to detail cars that my prepping for a wax and sealant combo

 

You guys are on the next page when it comes to maintenance. Much more experience with this than me. Please, continue discussing among yourselves. I'm taking notes.

 

I’m not a ceramic coating expert or pushing anyone to go ceramic coat there cars. I’m going by experience and the numerous people I’ve talked to on the subject.

The Audi I drive which is black isn’t even coated. Nothing wrong with a wax and sealant combo. Both have its pros and cons. I use Carpro products on the Audi as well but I might try out turtle ice spray wax and/or turtle wax seal and shine as that’s getting all the hype of 2019.

 

What is the benefit of using the reset if it removes everything you built up

 

Sometimes your truck just gets really dirty lol. Iron fallout, salted roads, beach trips etc. I use reset and Carpro iron X or anything similar like Eagle one decon anytime I go for a long trip, east coast has some dirty ass roads especially when it rains. The top coating you add on top of the ceramic coating isn’t bullet proof. Some people only reset they’re coating once a year but for me that’s way to long. To me the products are priced fairly where I can do it more often.

I don’t even wash my truck as much as I use to as I’m fairly familiar with its properties. I wash my truck like every other month or longer.

From October 2018 to The end of March 2019 is how long I tested it and after that I won’t wash my truck on a weekly basis.

 

I specifically went ceramic just for the purpose of not having to wash mine all the time. Washing it, rubbing the finish is what takes away the new appearance. That, and having to leave it outside. If it sheds water and most of the soil well (except for the water spots), then it needs less washing. That's why I went ceramic: wash less, look better long-term. I've got a G8 that is kept inside and is not a DD. I probably haven't washed it 20 times since 2009. Looks almost new at 83K. Zaino Z2, Z5, Z6, Z8 and Zaino Car Wash. More gloss than all my CarPro layers. It can carry around a patina of light filth for a year and still look bettern' most cars on the road. Tolerating a little filth is better than washing the new away by weekly washings. Ask me how I learned the hard way about that happening thirty years ago.

 

This is all great info, thanks for the suggestions! I’ll try this between maintenance intervals. One thing is for sure, we have awesome looking trucks when they are clean!

 

What is it they do for a 3 year service?

I used Optimum Gloss Coat a few years ago and occasionally I clay barred it and used a little spray wax once in a while to keep it super slick. But I’m curious what the Ceramic companies recommend for maintenance.

 

Basically, Ceramic Pro Sport treatment and any coating touch ups since it has a lifetime warranty. If you aren't taking care of it, the company won't stand behind it, common sense stuff and nothing special.

 

Here is the difference with ceramic versus anything else. With equal amounts of work I can make my vehicle look better with a good polish and a top coat of something like Zaino Z2 or Z5. However, with ceramic it looks almost as good, but you know those bug splats on the front? They are on there good with anything else but ceramic. With ceramic you walk up and wipe them and they come right off, wet or dried. I think dried is easier between the two. I haven't found anything yet that clings to ceramic. THAT is why you want to go ceramic. It stays pretty longer and easier.

 

Just had the 5 yr done on my ‘16 two weeks ago. Shines up quite nicely and paint swirls are gone. Had paint correction done on the trail rash. You can see it still at certain angles but overall looks pretty damn good. Haven’t noticed the water spots from the rain yet...and yes, it’s a 3yr old black truck. I always had water spots with the high mineral content in my tap water. If anything, it will be an improvement.

Mostly got it to protect the clear coat and you can see the difference.

 

I'd try putting something on top to see if it helps with the water spots. I'd try Finish Kare Hi Temp Paste Wax. It's a very durable synthetic paint Sealant.

 

Not buying into the ceramic coatings. Sticking with Lithium Gloss Sauce.