Ceramic coating - is it worth?

[artheb]

I wonder if any of you tried ceramic coating on your car. I am looking to get my car done with ceramic coating. Results looks impressive and apparently lasts 5 years. It also protects against scratches.
I saw the car today which was covered while back. Water was running down the car like it was freshly waxed. It was also very shiny.


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[Whippy53]

If you want it get it, I use snake oil myself.

[artheb]

If you want it get it, I use snake oil myself.

I'm looking for some opinions from folks who got for their cars.

What brand of snake oil are you using?


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[Whippy53]

Who do you think who has shelled out for it isn't going to praise it?

[A6S]

Nothing is gonna last 5 years, let's get that out the way first. Especially the fact we use salt and grit on our roads.
The car pro range of stuff is pretty decent and my personal favourite at the moment is h2o spray on sealant. Lasts between 3-6 months.
If you are doing it yourself then you need to first decontaminate the whole body otherwise you are just sealing in the dirt. Remove all dirt, waxes, iron and tar then clay bar if necessary.
Next if there are minor swirls will need machine polished out before you seal it.
The cquartz stuff is meant to last 2 years but I would reapply annually.
My suggestion is do a couple of panels at a time otherwise it's a 2 day ish job.

[artheb]

Who do you think who has shelled out for it isn't going to praise it?

I wouldn't if it wasn't good. Would you???

[artheb]

Nothing is gonna last 5 years, let's get that out the way first. Especially the fact we use salt and grit on our roads.
The car pro range of stuff is pretty decent and my personal favourite at the moment is h2o spray on sealant. Lasts between 3-6 months.
If you are doing it yourself then you need to first decontaminate the whole body otherwise you are just sealing in the dirt. Remove all dirt, waxes, iron and tar then clay bar if necessary.
Next if there are minor swirls will need machine polished out before you seal it.
The cquartz stuff is meant to last 2 years but I would reapply annually.
My suggestion is do a couple of panels at a time otherwise it's a 2 day ish job.


Thanks A6S. I looked at AlyM thread about his C7.
He uses:
1. Auto clay bar
2. Compound
3. Autoglym SRP
4 Collinite 845 wax 2 coats

I was thinking of trying that as well.

[NewAudi]

I have my cars professionally polished all the time and can say what I have been told/done.

1. A simple polish will lasts about 3-6 months.
2. A nano tech polish will last about a year.
3. A ceramic coat will last 24-36 months depending on use of car.

1. Never done except by myself so hardly a pro job.
2. Here in Germany I pay about €450 for this the firat time its done and about €300 for the top-ups and are very happy with the results so far. My S6 has this and so does wife's XC60 as well as my old BiTdi which also had it.
3. Only applied this to my Mustang which stands outdoor constantly but at €1100 its not cheap but worth it if, like me, are fed up having to do all cars once a year and spend way to much time sorting cars out constantly. On top of which, the Mustang only gets driven about 1000 mls a year. Have held up very well against wind and weather.

However, there is a difference between say the S6 and the Mustang. Both by touch and looks. The ceramic coating is soooo much nicer. Thanks to the thicker protection, it also helps against stonechips to a degree but mostly the dead bugs. So easy to get off. Bird crap also tends to not get through the ceramic coat as easy as on the nano tech treated cars.

My detailer actually recommended against it doing it on the S6. Not because of the money over the years, but as this car is in constant use but saying that, I may well still have it applied next year for piece of mind and it gets driven mostly on motorways across Europe and thein the UK.

I would recommend either the Nano (with a yearly top-up) or the ceramic coat but have it pro made. You will not be dissapointed!

[artheb]

I have my cars professionally polished all the time and can say what I have been told/done.

1. A simple polish will lasts about 3-6 months.
2. A nano tech polish will last about a year.
3. A ceramic coat will last 24-36 months depending on use of car.

1. Never done except by myself so hardly a pro job.
2. Here in Germany I pay about €450 for this the firat time its done and about €300 for the top-ups and are very happy with the results so far. My S6 has this and so does wife's XC60 as well as my old BiTdi which also had it.
3. Only applied this to my Mustang which stands outdoor constantly but at €1100 its not cheap but worth it if, like me, are fed up having to do all cars once a year and spend way to much time sorting cars out constantly. On top of which, the Mustang only gets driven about 1000 mls a year. Have held up very well against wind and weather.

However, there is a difference between say the S6 and the Mustang. Both by touch and looks. The ceramic coating is soooo much nicer. Thanks to the thicker protection, it also helps against stonechips to a degree but mostly the dead bugs. So easy to get off. Bird crap also tends to not get through the ceramic coat as easy as on the nano tech treated cars.

My detailer actually recommended against it doing it on the S6. Not because of the money over the years, but as this car is in constant use but saying that, I may well still have it applied next year for piece of mind and it gets driven mostly on motorways across Europe and thein the UK.

I would recommend either the Nano (with a yearly top-up) or the ceramic coat but have it pro made. You will not be dissapointed!

This is very nice summary. Thank you!


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[Gazwould]

Gtechniq.

[fest0r]

I initially used CQuartz UK Edition and it requires strict prep and application. It still seemed to be working and looked good 18/24 months in... with a top-up of Reload (twice). Also needs a week of aftercare if you plan to drive in the rain. I switched around 18 months ago to Gtechniq C1.5 v2 Silo Seal which provides similar protection, but is far, far easier to apply. One full prep 18 months back (mostly to remove the CQuartz) and 2/3 double applications of C1.5 per year gives a deep gloss protection. Great on the wheels too… I previously thought Poorboys Wheel Sealant was good.

I think CQuartz was tougher and gave more protection, but C1.5 seems to be more bug/tar resistant and a gives much nicer lustre... two coats last about 4/5 months.

Other stuff I like for the prep:

Auto Glym Intensive Tar Remover
Bilt Hamber Auto Clay Bar (only needs water for lube)
Meguair`s Ultimate Compound
CarPro Eraser

[A6S]

Forgot to add carpro trix is great stuff. It's a tar and iron remover all in one and works great. It's not as good as using ironx and Tarx but saves a lot of time using 1 product. This will remove almost any protection on the paint work. I found using this stuff almost eliminates the need for claying. Great for decontamination stage. Brilliant wheel cleaner as well.
Only problem is It stinks!

Minor swirls I use autoglym radiant wax. It's a trade product and comes in 5l. It's like super resin on steroids with a waxy finish and a lot less dust. Done 3 cars and barely used 700ml of this stuff so if anyone needing some come around with a bottle and some beer 😄

[Deanoc]

I have done gtechniq crystal serum and exo on my last 2 audis. The previous one was still swirl free and sheeting water after 12 months. I just find it makes it so much easier to wash and dry which makes me do it more.

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[JayNana]

Detailing world is a good forum to refer. Here’s what I do:

0. Wash and dry first of course.
1. Claybar the whole car to get rid of tar and buldup.
2. Poorboy blackhole to fill up those swirl marks and any minor scratches.
3. Coat of wax to seal the shine.

Never compound/polish unless scratched as that essentially removes a thin layer off the surface.


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[Deanoc]

I did my C7 a few weekends ago and documented the job: http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/index.php?threads/335177

[artheb]

Nice one ! I may try that first


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[Tripletrouble]

This afternoon I polished my car with Chemical Guys Vintage Series Butter Wax and then sealed it with Jetseal 109. Just in time for it to flipping rain FFS! Still, the water is beading off the car an absolute treat!

[Gazwould]

Isn't it sealant first then wax ?

[Tripletrouble]

It was late, I was tired LOL. Please reverse my statement above!!

[Tripletrouble]

I forgot to add, when doing it I noticed some of the paint felt rough. 2 weeks ago, the local Audi garage repaired my rear bumper which was damaged in transit.
It feels like a lot of either spray or lacquer dust has settled on the paint. I paid them a visit today and they are going to mop my car. Ah well, that's all the work wasted but at least I should get a great base to start again LOL.

[A6S]

I forgot to add, when doing it I noticed some of the paint felt rough. 2 weeks ago, the local Audi garage repaired my rear bumper which was damaged in transit.
It feels like a lot of either spray or lacquer dust has settled on the paint. I paid them a visit today and they are going to mop my car. Ah well, that's all the work wasted but at least I should get a great base to start again LOL.

I would be a bit worried letting the dealer mop the car as a lot of them aren't gentle on the paintwork. Some cars I've seen in dealers forecourt have very bad marring marks clearly from a mop and an inexperienced valet. You don't want them to leave the paint too thin.
If it's some crap stuck to paint then a good clay should remove it.

[Tripletrouble]

I have a clay bar here, I may well try a little sample tomorrow, good idea I hadn't thought of that.

[A6S]

I have a clay bar here, I may well try a little sample tomorrow, good idea I hadn't thought of that.

Just remember to Get it well lubed up and you won't scratch the paint.

[Tripletrouble]

With something like a detailing spray or washing up liquid and water?

[A6S]

Use a detailing spray. Washing up liquid works if you are ready to polish/seal/wax afterwards as it will strip all forms of protection from the paint.

[Gazwould]

WASHING UP LIQUID .

NOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo .

[pxr5]

Detailing spray or strong shampoo mix. Or - Use Bilt Hamber clay, which only uses water. Another option is a clay mit, much quicker and safer than a piece of clay. Halfords sell the G3 one - 'tis very good.

[Tripletrouble]

Use a detailing spray. Washing up liquid works if you are ready to polish/seal/wax afterwards as it will strip all forms of protection from the paint.
I'm quite happy to do that to be honest.

[A6S]

I'm quite happy to do that to be honest.

If you are just testing if the overspray/crap will come out then use a detailing spray cause if it doesn't then it's the dealers problem.

[artheb]

I finally decided to use a "standard method". I washed the car and used following:

1. Bilt Hamber Auto Clay Soft (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002OHTN8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
2. Auto Glym Super Resin Polish, 1 Litre (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009LHHHZE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
3. Collinite 845 Insulator Wax, 473 ml (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000JK2D06/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Very happy with the results. It is very shiny and water beads off car quickly. I must say it was good fun to do all of that. I finally had a chance to use a wax applicator machine which I bought in Aldi or Lidl 10 years ago!

Question: how often should I apply wax?

Thanks for all the tips.

[Whippy53]

Usual advise is when it stops beading, I do mine four or five times a year.

[Tripletrouble]

Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered a CarPro Cquartz kit including 50ml of Cquartz, applicators, reload spray and all the other stuff needed.
I've wiped the whole car down with panel cleaner, washed it, glazed in, sealed it and am going to wax it today in preparation for the Cquartz arriving Tuesday.

[artheb]

Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered a CarPro Cquartz kit including 50ml of Cquartz, applicators, reload spray and all the other stuff needed.
I've wiped the whole car down with panel cleaner, washed it, glazed in, sealed it and am going to wax it today in preparation for the Cquartz arriving Tuesday.

I don't believe you need a wax if you are going to put a cquartz. They pretty much serve the same purpose except cquartz will last few years.


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[Deanoc]

Yea you want to apply that to bare degreased paint. Sealants and waxes are different. Wax just sits on the top attracting dirt and a good sealant will physically bond to the paint so can't have stuff between

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[Tripletrouble]

That's handy. Saves me waxing it today. I'll read the instructions and follow them to the letter.