Ceramic coating - worth it?

[DOC1990]

Getting my new tremor next week in antimatter blue........do I need to do a coating to protect the paint or is it like the undercoating of old? Excuse my ignorance. Thanks, Doc

 

[Cheif2Slo]

I will say 100% yes. But, you need to find a quality shop to install a quality product. My guy has done mine and the wife’s last 2 cars and he details, buffs, and does any required paint corrections and the result is amazing. Last truck still had water beading and a deep glossy finish after 3 years of New England winters and parking outside. I actually just scheduled the coating on the new, also antimatter blue, truck today. Can’t wait to see the results!

Edit; I answered based off the title and didn’t read the post… as far as the dealer installed coating I have no idea. But I definitely recommend a quality ceramic coating. It’s amazing.

 

[DOC1990]

I will say 100% yes. But, you need to find a quality shop to install a quality product. My guy has done mine and the wife’s last 2 cars and he details, buffs, and does any required paint corrections and the result is amazing. Last truck still had water beading and a deep glossy finish after 3 years of New England winters and parking outside. I actually just scheduled the coating on the new truck today.

Ballpark, what do they charge to do it? Thanks!

 

[Cheif2Slo]

Roughly $1000, but he stands behind his product.

 

[DOC1990]

Awesome, thanks!!!!

 

[808 Tremor]

I was planning on getting Ceramic coating but they quoted like 2k here in Honolulu. I was thinking ballpark $500.00 or so. I passed but from what it sounds like, better to find a quality person / shop to apply.

 

[Kenn]

I've ceramic coated several cars and you should plan to do it yourself. Paint prep is the most important but with a new vehicle it's not that difficult. Applying the stuff is about as difficult as a wax job. Mine has been beading for 3 years now, but don't expect any protection for scratches. I use Gtechniq, but I don't know if it's any better or worse than others. It'll cost you less than $100 and you can do a couple of cars.

 

[Crabbs]

The hardest part is the paint correction...

You could have someone do that, if you are not familiar... once your past that, it is fairly simple... plenty of "YouTube" videos out there...

Once you master ceramics, you will never go back to wax

 

[zarc14]

Whatever you decide like many mentioned don’t do the dealer option to ceramic coat…if you decide to do it yourself i used apex surface protection and would recommend…

 

[Crabbs]

Yes, the Dealer "paint Protection" is a scam!

 

[Cheif2Slo]

I applaud y’all doing your own ceramic coating. I lift my own trucks and have rebuilt a few engines but bodywork and applications still scare me. I’ll take the $ I saved from the level install and roll it into the cost of application!

 

[zarc14]

I applaud y’all doing your own ceramic coating. I lift my own trucks and have rebuilt a few engines but bodywork and applications still scare me. I’ll take the $ I saved from the level install and roll it into the cost of application!

And I applaud you…rebuild engines…level kits yeah : )

 

[TX_Powercat]

Newbie question. What is the “paint correction” that is done prior to the ceramic?

 

[Kenn]

I'd put two ceramic coats on your truck for one lift.

 

[Kenn]

Newbie question. What is the “paint correction” that is done prior to the ceramic?

Just making sure it's perfect. Usually buffing, clay bar, alcohol rinse, but with a new car not much if anything is needed. Yes, I know polishing can help, but not necessary.

 

[Crabbs]

Lots of YouTube information out there on Ceramic Coating... basically, need to buff out all imperfections and remove all polishes/ oils so the Ceramic can adhere to the clearcoat

 

[JordanB7]

I picked up my AMB tremor 2 days ago and it was ceramic coated and holy wow what a sick looking finish. I’ve been driving around in this snow freezing cold Canada winter and just got home from a 5 hour trip and the truck still has a shine. Its crazy. Its been too cold to get too many pictures but they will come.

 

[Cheif2Slo]

I'd put two ceramic coats on your truck for one lift.

If your in New England it’s a deal! Although I have to warn you, I’ll need a gopher but I’ll be a gopher as well!

 

[FTLBS]

Just picked mine up from getting Ceramic & PPF. Looks amazing and feels even better! Here's what I had them do:

- 45% ceramic tint applied to front windows
- Paint Correction
- SunTek Ultra PPF applied to Front Bumper, Headlights, Fog Lights, Orange Grille Stripe, Mirrors, B-Pillars, and Entire Hood
- 2 Layers of Pro 9H Ceramic applied to all painted surfaces
- 1 Layer of Pro 9H Ceramic applied to glass, plastic, and all 5 wheels

They told me not to wash it or even dust it off for 7-10 days while the ceramic cures. After 7-10 days, I'm supposed to bring it back for its first car wash where they will give me the proper care instructions.

 

[KCDave]

Just picked mine up from getting Ceramic & PPF. Looks amazing and feels even better! Here's what I had them do:

- 45% ceramic tint applied to front windows
- Paint Correction
- SunTek Ultra PPF applied to Front Bumper, Headlights, Fog Lights, Orange Grille Stripe, Mirrors, and Entire Hood
- 2 Layers of Underdog Pro 9H Ceramic applied to all painted surfaces
- 1 Layer of Underdog Pro 9H Ceramic applied to glass, plastic, and all 5 wheels

They told me not to wash it or even dust it off for 7-10 days while the ceramic cures. After 7-10 days, I'm supposed to bring it back for its first car wash where they will give me the proper care instructions.

View attachment 1735

If you don't mind sharing, what did this cost? I plan to keep mine for 10+years and this seems to be a good way to keep it showroom quality