Ceramic coatings

[knk]

Are these worth while?
Have a grey 2021 ipace with what looks to me immaculate paint. Would it be sensible to get it ceramic coated? I declined at the dealer as the prices seemed ridiculous, but then I have no idea what a sensible price from a local detailer would be!

[LRDefender]

I had a brand new car ceramic coated after a paint correction and whilst it looked good I’m not sure whether that was down to the paint correction or the ceramic coating. It made washing the car easier but that was about it. The costs aren’t worth it imho.

If you like cleaning your car I’d say that you can get good results if you use good cleaning & wax products and DIY.

I would rather go the full PPF route rather than the ceramic coating option.

[Let off some steam Bennett]

Depending on the machine polish work needed and the area you live in, could be anything from £500

[C5_Steve]

knk said:

Are these worth while?
Have a grey 2021 ipace with what looks to me immaculate paint. Would it be sensible to get it ceramic coated? I declined at the dealer as the prices seemed ridiculous, but then I have no idea what a sensible price from a local detailer would be!

Depending on the work involved I'd say you're looking at between £200-£300 for a detailer to do on an ipace. That would include them prepping it before hand to some level. I'd be inclined to go to a specialist rather than a dealer if I were getting it done.

Is it worth it? Well, it'll make the car a lot easier to wash for a few years so it'll certainly save you some time over that period.

[knk]

£300 would pay to have it washed 10-20 times, which is about what I would have done over 2 years.
Will probably not go for it.

[somouk]

Ceramic to be done properly does need some good prep.

If your car is clean then look at something like Infinity Wax boost or similar spray on ceramics that can be done at home.

[mdb55]

As already stated, if you like to look after your car and have it sparkle then I would recommend it. Expect to pay £500-£700 for a single stage correction followed by a good quality ceramic coat (such as Gtechnique). It adds some level of protection but nowhere near that for a PPF. I now find washing a car that's been ceramic coated to be a pleasesure not a chore.

Don't go for the dealer options such as Safeguard or Diamondbrite: stupidly over priced and will last aboit a month at best.

Edited by mdb55 on Wednesday 1st November 21:04

[Belle427]

Buy some Fusso coat wax and use that, its very durable and easy to apply.
If you want to go cheaper and easier Turtle wax seal and shine can be sprayed on wiped off.
If your very lazy Autoglym polar seal with a pressure washer lance.
They wont stop swirling etc but give very good easy to clean protection.

Edited by Belle427 on Thursday 2nd November 07:42

[RiccardoG]

I've been considering it on my same age 3 series. Mainly as I don't have easy access to wash the car and have read that it will be much easier to wash it if ceramic coated as the dirt doesn't cling on as much. The idea of jet washing to a nearly perfect clean appeals, but is it achievable?

Other issue for me is pricing. In SE I've not found anyone that will do this for less than £1k - which I just find too high. At £500 I'd be in.

[gt40steve]

mdb55 said:

As already stated, if you like to look after your car and have it sparkle then I would recommend it. Expect to pay £500-£700 for a single stage correction followed by a good quality ceramic coat (such as Gtechnique). It adds some level of protection but nowhere near that for a PPF. I now find washing a car that's been ceramic coated to be a pleasesure not a chore.

Don't go for the dealer options such as Safeguard or Diamondbrite: stupidly over priced and will last aboit a month at best.

Edited by mdb55 on Wednesday 1st November 21:04

I second these comments but in my area I think nearer a grand rather than a few hundred.

Having wheels & calipers ceramic coated is very worthwhile too.

Especially agree with the advice to avoid anything a dealer offers. Indeed free dealer washes are best avoided too.

[LittleBigPlanet]

gt40steve said:

mdb55 said:

As already stated, if you like to look after your car and have it sparkle then I would recommend it. Expect to pay £500-£700 for a single stage correction followed by a good quality ceramic coat (such as Gtechnique). It adds some level of protection but nowhere near that for a PPF. I now find washing a car that's been ceramic coated to be a pleasesure not a chore.

Don't go for the dealer options such as Safeguard or Diamondbrite: stupidly over priced and will last aboit a month at best.

Edited by mdb55 on Wednesday 1st November 21:04

I second these comments but in my area I think nearer a grand rather than a few hundred.

Having wheels & calipers ceramic coated is very worthwhile too.

Especially agree with the advice to avoid anything a dealer offers. Indeed free dealer washes are best avoided too.

I had my RS6 machine polished and ceramic coated (including wheels), plus PPF to front-facing surfaces, and while expensive, it's certainly saved lots of time and potential damage (scratches) upon cleaning. The ceramic coat really comes into its own in this weather-- I just spray with a pre-cleaner to help lift the dirt and it all just washes off. Well worth it in my view, more so if you intend to keep hold of the car.