Professional ceramic coat... what brand(s) do you recommend?

[SubaruRaptor]

So your take is that PPF would be better for our application than ceramic? I thought PPF can scratch and etch pretty easily?

If you are going on the trails and stuff, PPF is better. If you live on a gravel field, also PPF. PPF is meant to stop physical abrasion where as ceramic coatings are to stop chemical abrasion. Doing both gives you both benefits. Various PPFs can self heal scratches and things. And if the PPF gets damaged, its much easier to replace then repainting and/or correcting the paint.

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[iBrad81]

I’ve used many different coatings over the past couple years

Did Armour Detail Supply this year with their Pro quartz, wheel and glass coating and they honestly are all pretty awesome so far, easy to apply, obviously longevity is to be determined

 

[pablo94sc]

If you are going on the trails and stuff, PPF is better. If you live on a gravel field, also PPF. PPF is meant to stop physical abrasion where as ceramic coatings are to stop chemical abrasion. Doing both gives you both benefits. Various PPFs can self heal scratches and things. And if the PPF gets damaged, its much easier to replace then repainting and/or correcting the paint.

Sounds like I'm way too far removed from modern protections and will need to do a deep dive on them. Ceramic still seems like what will be best for my needs, but I'll start asking the local classic car guys to see what/who they are using on their cars and other rides. Something to chat about at cars and coffee. Thanks for the help.

 

[Critical Habitat]

I had ceramic pro applied over PPF. 4 coats of 9H + on wheels and plastic. I was told two-bucket method with lower-pH foaming soap recommended by ceramic pro and avoid harsh auto car washes, if possible. Will bring it in for the maintenance they recommend, though many people could just do that themselves.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

I had ceramic pro applied over PPF. 4 coats of 9H + on wheels and plastic. I was told two-bucket method with lower-pH foaming soap recommended by ceramic pro and avoid harsh auto car washes, if possible. Will bring it in for the maintenance they recommend, though many people could just do that themselves.

Pretty much everyone has moved away from the two bucket wash these days just FYI. Its either rinseless wash, or a foam, powerwash, mechanical wash, powerwash.

For the rinseless, you are just using less product in general, and for the other, the pre wash foam and spray removes all major dirt, so the mechanical wash doesnt need 2 buckets.

 

[PTYSean]

Late reply but I had CeramicPro do mine. Turned out great. I got the ultimate armor package from one of the elite dealers.

 

[Stitsch1618]

Fun Fact: Just back from a 4x4 trip - our guide recommended to spray the whole car with WD40 (friend came with a brand new Bronco) - and it helped against trail rash, have to say

 

[NigelPeloquin]

I totally get the overwhelm—been there myself. Honestly, the brand matters less than the quality of prep and application. That said, I’ve seen great results from Gtechniq and Opti-Coat. If you’re based around car detailing Sydney, I’d suggest focusing on shops with solid reputations and detailed prep work. Windshield coating is definitely worth it, wheels not so much unless you’re super meticulous.

 

[dmac72]

I have CeramicPro on top of full vehicle PPF. The installer said that the one he uses is strong enough to avoid having to use special soap, etc. He was so confident about it that he said if it ever shows signs of wearing off (e.g. loss of shine, water doesn’t bead up anymore, etc) he’d reapply it for no cost. So far it has held up to all of the off-roading I’ve done, mud, sand, etc, and isn’t fazed by my pressure washer nor any kind of automotive soap I’ve hit it with (even non-ceramic-specific ones). Big fan, having never had any ceramic coatings before.

 

[JayTech]

As a detailer and PPF installer, I would recommend PPF at the very least and either a top coat, or full ceramic coating on top of the PPF. While ceramic coatings will help protect the paint, they are still susceptible to paint chips. A PPF wrap will keep the paint safe from any damage and options like Xpel are self healing so any rocks that hit it and put small dimples into the wrap will correct themselves. Adding a coating on top of the PPF will give it the vehicle a nice glossy finish and hydrophobic properties. If you go with the larger main brand coatings like Fenylab, Ceramic Pro or Xpel, they usually have warrantied coverage ranging from 1 year up to 10. Typically the more premium coatings are long lasting and only need the top coat reapplied annually. Most will recommend specific washing instructions and have annual inspections to check the condition of the coatings.

 

[Ianayasm]

I've had good experiences with brands like Gtechniq and CarPro, especially their CQuartz line. Both offer solid protection and longevity. As for what needs coating, definitely do the paint and windshield, since they’re exposed to the elements the most. Wheels can be a good choice if you're into easy cleaning, but not essential unless you're in a harsh environment.

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