Topic: ceramic coating?

[21Rouge]

A friend is soon to pick up recently purchased Audi. I asked him if he was getting any body protection eg 3M film or something similar. Instead he said he was going to take the car directly to a detailing shop to get "ceramic coating" applied to all the painted areas. I guess this is the in thing these days for surface detailing? Is there a consensus regarding its effectiveness?

[rrocket]

A friend is soon to pick up recently purchased Audi. I asked him if he was getting any body protection eg 3M film or something similar. Instead he said he was going to take the car directly to a detailing shop to get some "ceramic coating" applied to all the painted areas. I guess this is the in thing these days for surface detailing? Is there a consensus regarding its effectiveness?

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

[EV Dan]

A friend is soon to pick up recently purchased Audi. I asked him if he was getting any body protection eg 3M film or something similar. Instead he said he was going to take the car directly to a detailing shop to get some "ceramic coating" applied to all the painted areas. I guess this is the in thing these days for surface detailing? Is there a consensus regarding its effectiveness?

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

Paging Safristi ...

[21Rouge]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

[rrocket]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

Yes, the clear bra (like Xpel for example) is highly effective for preventing rock ship.  So most people opt for that on the front, hood, mirror.  Nano coatings prevent scratches, swirls, etc.  Think of the nano coatings as a super-duper, durable wax job.  That just a basic explanation...but should give you an idea.

[21Rouge]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

Yes, the clear bra (like Xpel for example) is highly effective for preventing rock ship.  So most people opt for that on the front, hood, mirror.  Nano coatings prevent scratches, swirls, etc.  Think of the nano coatings as a super-duper, durable wax job.  That just a basic explanation...but should give you an idea.

Thank you.

[rrocket]

It is the new rage. Rocket dumbed it down really well.

Mine is in overnight getting it done now and I will review it. I am using Gtechniq Crystal Serum.

It's quite the process. They must do an entire paint correction before applying the product.

Any Xpel going on your car for rock chips??

[UCD]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

Yes, the clear bra (like Xpel for example) is highly effective for preventing rock ship.  So most people opt for that on the front, hood, mirror.  Nano coatings prevent scratches, swirls, etc.  Think of the nano coatings as a super-duper, durable wax job.  That just a basic explanation...but should give you an idea.

Negative....Nano coatings don't prevent scratches or swirls.

[rrocket]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

Yes, the clear bra (like Xpel for example) is highly effective for preventing rock ship.  So most people opt for that on the front, hood, mirror.  Nano coatings prevent scratches, swirls, etc.  Think of the nano coatings as a super-duper, durable wax job.  That just a basic explanation...but should give you an idea.

Negative....Nano coatings don't prevent scratches or swirls.

Sigh....lessen swirls.  Or perhaps "help to prevent" swirls.  Or maybe "resists swirls".  Or "reduce swirls".  Nothing can outright "prevent" swirls or scratches as far as a coating goes...I mean it's only a few microns thick.  But compared to untreated paint...it will lessen them (or choose whatever word you want to make you feel warm and fuzzy).

I was present for a "test" on 2 panels.  Both were pristine black paint.  One was coated (I forget if it was CQuarts or Opti-Coat, etc).  And a dry Kleenex-type tissue was rubbed across both.  Under light, you could clearly see the scratches/marks/swirls on the unpainted one.  And nothing on the coated one.

So call it what you want.  But in the case I saw..I'd say if definitely prevented the fine swirls/scratches (even if you disagree with the word "prevent").

[aquadorhj]

I thought these were basically a hardened clear coat.  Perhaps less susceptible to minor damage nut would still scratch if severe contact is made. 

[rrocket]

I thought these were basically a hardened clear coat.  Perhaps less susceptible to minor damage nut would still scratch if severe contact is made.

Yes.  More "resistant" to fine scratches.

[Jaeger]

So do you wax over this ceramic coating, or not necessary?  How long does it last and how much does it cost?  If they are doing full paint correction as a mere preliminary step and keeping your car for a day or two, it sounds $$$.  Probably worth it on a black car though.

[Jaeger]

^^^ Awesome.  Dude PLEEEEEASE start a new show n shine thread with pics of this car so we don't have to chase pics all over hell's half acre of multiple threads.  It deserves it's own spot where you can update over time on all aspects of the car. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

^^^ Awesome.  Dude PLEEEEEASE start a new show n shine thread with pics of this car so we don't have to chase pics all over hell's half acre of multiple threads.  It deserves it's own spot where you can update over time on all aspects of the car. 

Yes, you should start a new thread

[Weels]

10 days??  You'll need new tires by then.   

[Weels]

10 days??  You'll need new tires by then.   

Unfortunately the maro will be in the garage as we take the family mdx north 🙁

What's your address again?   

[Jaeger]

10 days??  You'll need new tires by then.   

Unfortunately the maro will be in the garage as we take the family mdx north 🙁

What's your address again?   

 

[evil_twin]

10 days??  You'll need new tires by then.   

Unfortunately the maro will be in the garage as we take the family mdx north 🙁

What's your address again?   

Exactly.   Vman, I'm like a km away from your house.  I'll happily get that pesky break-in period taken care of while you're gone.

I presume the garage code is still 1-2-3-4?

[Ex-airbalancer]

10 days??  You'll need new tires by then.   

Unfortunately the maro will be in the garage as we take the family mdx north 🙁

Not the pick up 

[UCD]

Quite effective.

These nano coats are pretty popular.

But they serve a different purpose than say a "clear bra" like 3M?

Yes, the clear bra (like Xpel for example) is highly effective for preventing rock ship.  So most people opt for that on the front, hood, mirror.  Nano coatings prevent scratches, swirls, etc.  Think of the nano coatings as a super-duper, durable wax job.  That just a basic explanation...but should give you an idea.

Negative....Nano coatings don't prevent scratches or swirls.

Sigh....lessen swirls.  Or perhaps "help to prevent" swirls.  Or maybe "resists swirls".  Or "reduce swirls".  Nothing can outright "prevent" swirls or scratches as far as a coating goes...I mean it's only a few microns thick.  But compared to untreated paint...it will lessen them (or choose whatever word you want to make you feel warm and fuzzy).

I was present for a "test" on 2 panels.  Both were pristine black paint.  One was coated (I forget if it was CQuarts or Opti-Coat, etc).  And a dry Kleenex-type tissue was rubbed across both.  Under light, you could clearly see the scratches/marks/swirls on the unpainted one.  And nothing on the coated one.

So call it what you want.  But in the case I saw..I'd say if definitely prevented the fine swirls/scratches (even if you disagree with the word "prevent").

I'm just trying to educate potential customers in this thread who would like to get their car(s) coated..... short answer, coatings don't prevent any swirls or scratches. You would need to clear bra the car and even the self healing films still get scratches (at least in harsh climates).

Videos are videos, real life is a different story. I hope you are not in a detailing business that spreads false info to potential customers that coatings prevent scratches.

And I don't think people use a tissue to wash cars or remove show in the winter