GTECHNIQ paint protection - is it worth doing ?
Discussion
I am wondering if getting my 981 Spyder detailed + coated with gtechiq crystal serum (ultra) is worth the money?
It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
I think the cost is way too high myself.
Auto Finesse do a one use ceramic protection wipe for £49.
https://shop.autofinesse.co.uk/caramics-paintwork-...
does the same thing as paying £1k to a detailer.
the downsides are it's still does not stop bird etchings and if you do scratch it you have to have it wet sanded off ! esp the Black Pro dealer fit ones.
Paint shops hate the stuff.
Auto Finesse do a one use ceramic protection wipe for £49.
https://shop.autofinesse.co.uk/caramics-paintwork-...
does the same thing as paying £1k to a detailer.
the downsides are it's still does not stop bird etchings and if you do scratch it you have to have it wet sanded off ! esp the Black Pro dealer fit ones.
Paint shops hate the stuff.
If you are having it done find a decent detailer who will prepare the paint, then apply the ceramic coating.
It's not a miracle cure but after 8 months mine still beads water away and is very easy to clean. No polishing or waxing required for a great shine, and it is meant to last up to five years.
It's not a miracle cure but after 8 months mine still beads water away and is very easy to clean. No polishing or waxing required for a great shine, and it is meant to last up to five years.
notsomadmick said:
I am wondering if getting my 981 Spyder detailed + coated with gtechiq crystal serum (ultra) is worth the money?
It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
As with any of the coatings there is no point really unless you polish to make the paintwork as defect free as possible. That takes time depending on the state of your paintwork. It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
The ceramics that are supposed to last 5 years are an interesting proposition. In my considerable experience, a car, if used, will need to corrected before the 5 years is up, meaning you have to remove the coating. As Porsche911R says any scratches or dings will need to corrected and in many cases the coating may indeed need to be wet sanded off.
I use ceramics. I do my own correction/ machine polishing and apply a coating like Gyeon Pure or CQUK V3.0 which will have a life span of about 12-18 months. You can buy the coating for about £50, but the application and more importantly the removal requires a bit of patience and very good lighting. The car then really needs to be under cover for 48 hours for the coat to 'cure'. I like ceramics for the longevity as I am the sort of OCD guy who will machine polish anyway, The scratch resistance really is stretching the truth a little as any 'self cleaning' claims are too.
My experience of Gtechniq coatings.
If you're someone who hates cleaning cars and rarely has the time to devote to a full detail, or just isnt into spending hours and hours on your paintwork then Gtechniq or any similar ceramic style coating would work very well for you.
Alternatively, if you love nothing more than polishing and waxing the a ceramic coating may not be for you, as i limits what you can and cannot do with the paintwork. Coatings such as Gtechniq will be clogged by normal waxes or any type of wash/wax shampoo, so be mindful of what you use on it. You can clean it back with some APC but this is a pain and avoidable if you're aware of the situation.
Use Carpro Reset shampoo and Gtechniq C2 to top up the sealant and you'll be fine and the car will maintain its gloss.
A coated car will provide a couple of microns of protection, however it will not prevent stone chips, scratches or anything like what PPF offers. You still need to remain vigilant and clean a car with 2 buckets and a wash mitt only. However it does make cleaning a car much much easier and grime is less likely to stick to the paintwork. If nothing else, having the wheels and glass coated is worth it alone for how the coating performs. Glass beads like crazy and brake dust wipes right off. Continued maintenece will need to be continued with Gtechniq products such as C2 and the hydrophobic properties will need topping up with EXO.
Ive always loved cleaning my car, and have adapted how i clean my car now that it is Gtechniq coated, its much easier and imo totally worth the money for what it offers me personally. Only issue is its highly likely pretty much all your waxes and products you previously used will be rendered redundant.
However all coatings are not created equal and theyre only as good as the person doing the prep and correction prior to application.
Hope that helps
If you're someone who hates cleaning cars and rarely has the time to devote to a full detail, or just isnt into spending hours and hours on your paintwork then Gtechniq or any similar ceramic style coating would work very well for you.
Alternatively, if you love nothing more than polishing and waxing the a ceramic coating may not be for you, as i limits what you can and cannot do with the paintwork. Coatings such as Gtechniq will be clogged by normal waxes or any type of wash/wax shampoo, so be mindful of what you use on it. You can clean it back with some APC but this is a pain and avoidable if you're aware of the situation.
Use Carpro Reset shampoo and Gtechniq C2 to top up the sealant and you'll be fine and the car will maintain its gloss.
A coated car will provide a couple of microns of protection, however it will not prevent stone chips, scratches or anything like what PPF offers. You still need to remain vigilant and clean a car with 2 buckets and a wash mitt only. However it does make cleaning a car much much easier and grime is less likely to stick to the paintwork. If nothing else, having the wheels and glass coated is worth it alone for how the coating performs. Glass beads like crazy and brake dust wipes right off. Continued maintenece will need to be continued with Gtechniq products such as C2 and the hydrophobic properties will need topping up with EXO.
Ive always loved cleaning my car, and have adapted how i clean my car now that it is Gtechniq coated, its much easier and imo totally worth the money for what it offers me personally. Only issue is its highly likely pretty much all your waxes and products you previously used will be rendered redundant.
However all coatings are not created equal and theyre only as good as the person doing the prep and correction prior to application.
Hope that helps
Edited by frayz on Wednesday 15th May 19:03
notsomadmick said:
For information, I was quoted £150 to prep the paintwork, plus £450 to coat the car inc. VAT.
sure it is crystal serum ultra fella.....................??? pricing indicates crystal serum light........................
ultra applied only by approved shops......................... guide prices for all to see..............................https://gtechniq.com/service/
I bought a used 991.1 from OPC and the deal included the treatment. At the time I wouldn't have had it done if its was an extra charge. However now it's on the car I'm sold. I'm pedantic about my cars mechanical maintenance and its interior is always spotless...but as my car lives on the drive I dont worry too much about its outward cleanliness. I'd normally wash my car every month/six weeks or so..but since the treatment it's been washed twice in 7 months. I'm not being negligent it's just that dirt n muck doesn't stick to the bodywork so much due to the surface treatment and washing isn't needed. I would say if you like washing/polishing cars don't bother having it done..if you like an easier life it's a no brainier and definitely worth the cash. Good luck with your choice. Ian
Polome said:
I bought a used 991.1 from OPC and the deal included the treatment. At the time I wouldn't have had it done if its was an extra charge. However now it's on the car I'm sold. I'm pedantic about my cars mechanical maintenance and its interior is always spotless...but as my car lives on the drive I dont worry too much about its outward cleanliness. I'd normally wash my car every month/six weeks or so..but since the treatment it's been washed twice in 7 months. I'm not being negligent it's just that dirt n muck doesn't stick to the bodywork so much due to the surface treatment and washing isn't needed. I would say if you like washing/polishing cars don't bother having it done..if you like an easier life it's a no brainier and definitely worth the cash. Good luck with your choice. Ian
Yep I'd agree with that, Porsche chucked it in for me as part of the purchase, wasn't overly bothered either way, but I hate washing and polishing cars, just the driving part I enjoy.It's been on the car for 18 months now and It's definitely not as good as when first applied, but it's still easier than normal to wash.
It definitely doesn't stop chips or scratches and even the big chunks out of my PPF will attest to nothing being perfect, but it will stop basic road grime being an issue.
As folk have said if you can't be bothered with all the polishing go for it.
notsomadmick said:
I am wondering if getting my 981 Spyder detailed + coated with gtechiq crystal serum (ultra) is worth the money?
It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
had mine done by adam at revolution detailing last couple of years - did a fab job and looks great.It sounds like it would save polishing time, and maybe provide a small degree of protection from minor scratches.
Are there down sides beyond cost ? Any experiences welcome ? Thank you.
not sure it's bullet proof - and car does need washing and polishing though maybe a little less often
but great finish and lasting very well
avaF1 said:
sure it is crystal serum ultra fella.....................???
pricing indicates crystal serum light........................
ultra applied only by approved shops......................... guide prices for all to see..............................https://gtechniq.com/service/
Yes it is the ultra.pricing indicates crystal serum light........................
ultra applied only by approved shops......................... guide prices for all to see..............................https://gtechniq.com/service/
And is an approved workshop.
frozen-in-wiltshire said:
had mine done by adam at revolution detailing last couple of years - did a fab job and looks great.
not sure it's bullet proof - and car does need washing and polishing though maybe a little less often
but great finish and lasting very well
Adam is superb, very professional and genuine too. Highly recommend.not sure it's bullet proof - and car does need washing and polishing though maybe a little less often
but great finish and lasting very well
I had mine done from new and it's been over a year. I was impressed with the consistency of the gloss and it has stayed like that. When it is washed the level of shine is as new without too much effort. The OPC provided me with a Gtechniq detail kit, I wash using a mitt, the Gtechniq wash and dry with a micro-fibre towel. I may use some of their detailing products, but they are rarely needed - the marketing obviously worked as I've topped up with the same Gtechniq products!
I also had the glass, wheels and interior done - it was part of a package. I don't know whether the interior is worth paying for, especially if it is all leather. The coating on the wheels is fantastic, contamination rinses off with a jet wash and they clean up like new. And when a car has been cleaned, it's the finishing touches which make it look extra special.
I would have it done again. And as I know it won't protect against stone chips - I wish I'd has the front bumper PPF'ed.
I also had the glass, wheels and interior done - it was part of a package. I don't know whether the interior is worth paying for, especially if it is all leather. The coating on the wheels is fantastic, contamination rinses off with a jet wash and they clean up like new. And when a car has been cleaned, it's the finishing touches which make it look extra special.
I would have it done again. And as I know it won't protect against stone chips - I wish I'd has the front bumper PPF'ed.
here is my car after a 40p spay product and my car lives outside + all winter.
This is a 1 bucket wash and dry after 2 months of s
t on it.
modern products and cleaning are so good, people imo are being ripped off with detailing PPF and coatings.
you can ceramic coat your own car for £49, or you can spay wax your car with some magic st for 40p.
Its very easy looking after cars today.
the spray coat lasts 2 months and then after a few washes when it stops beading I'll spray it again.
wheels took a few minutes to clean every thing just falls off.
people are paying daft money for a clean car !!
NO ppf, NO deatailing, NO coatings and the car gets used and lives out side, what's up with every one !
thank me later but for glass I use :
Dodo Juice Clearly Menthol Glass Cleaner, that is a tenner but even the other half cleans the whole house with it, it lasted a year.
best glass product I have ever used.
I used to spend a day on my cars every few months, was this, machine polish that etc etc , now it's an hour once a month !
best thing I ever did was fit a water softener in the house, clean sink, showers and glasses, and also nice water to clear your car with.
This is a 1 bucket wash and dry after 2 months of s
t on it.modern products and cleaning are so good, people imo are being ripped off with detailing PPF and coatings.
you can ceramic coat your own car for £49, or you can spay wax your car with some magic s
t for 40p.Its very easy looking after cars today.
the spray coat lasts 2 months and then after a few washes when it stops beading I'll spray it again.
wheels took a few minutes to clean every thing just falls off.
people are paying daft money for a clean car !!
NO ppf, NO deatailing, NO coatings and the car gets used and lives out side, what's up with every one !
thank me later but for glass I use :
Dodo Juice Clearly Menthol Glass Cleaner, that is a tenner but even the other half cleans the whole house with it, it lasted a year.
best glass product I have ever used.
I used to spend a day on my cars every few months, was this, machine polish that etc etc , now it's an hour once a month !
best thing I ever did was fit a water softener in the house, clean sink, showers and glasses, and also nice water to clear your car with.
Edited by Porsche911R on Thursday 16th May 08:28
I've machine polished and coated 5 or 6 cars now. I can thoroughly recommend ceramic coatings. As others have already explained, they have their limitations, but they can also make routine car cleaning much easier and leave you with a much nicer finish. Flies don't stick half as badly is one advantage.
What I would suggest though is looking at other coatings. Gtechniq stuff has a good name but in my opinion the Gyeon Mohs range of coatings is a lot better. I did my Cayman R in Gyeon Mohs and a mate had his F-Type done with Gtechniq by a pro detailer. We then did the same 1200 mile road trip in all sorts of conditions and got the cars in a right mess. On returning to mine we power hosed both cars - my Cayman was a lot cleaner after just a hose down. We then washed them by snow foaming, rinsing and then a 2 bucket wash and again the Gyeon coated car cleaned much more easily, especially the flies.
Worth noting is that most coatings come with a "top up" product. Some of these are misted on to the car dry, some wet and some it doesn't matter. This is worth doing as it tend to maintain and increase the hydrophobic properties of the coating.
It's now 4 years since I coated my Cayman and it could do with being done again (mainly the front end that gets peppered with flies etc but the stuff has been great. Drying the car takes seconds vs a non coated car.
What I would suggest though is looking at other coatings. Gtechniq stuff has a good name but in my opinion the Gyeon Mohs range of coatings is a lot better. I did my Cayman R in Gyeon Mohs and a mate had his F-Type done with Gtechniq by a pro detailer. We then did the same 1200 mile road trip in all sorts of conditions and got the cars in a right mess. On returning to mine we power hosed both cars - my Cayman was a lot cleaner after just a hose down. We then washed them by snow foaming, rinsing and then a 2 bucket wash and again the Gyeon coated car cleaned much more easily, especially the flies.
Worth noting is that most coatings come with a "top up" product. Some of these are misted on to the car dry, some wet and some it doesn't matter. This is worth doing as it tend to maintain and increase the hydrophobic properties of the coating.
It's now 4 years since I coated my Cayman and it could do with being done again (mainly the front end that gets peppered with flies etc but the stuff has been great. Drying the car takes seconds vs a non coated car.
PaulD86 said:
I've machine polished and coated 5 or 6 cars now. I can thoroughly recommend ceramic coatings. As others have already explained, they have their limitations, but they can also make routine car cleaning much easier and leave you with a much nicer finish. Flies don't stick half as badly is one advantage.
What I would suggest though is looking at other coatings. Gtechniq stuff has a good name but in my opinion the Gyeon Mohs range of coatings is a lot better. I did my Cayman R in Gyeon Mohs and a mate had his F-Type done with Gtechniq by a pro detailer. We then did the same 1200 mile road trip in all sorts of conditions and got the cars in a right mess. On returning to mine we power hosed both cars - my Cayman was a lot cleaner after just a hose down. We then washed them by snow foaming, rinsing and then a 2 bucket wash and again the Gyeon coated car cleaned much more easily, especially the flies.
Worth noting is that most coatings come with a "top up" product. Some of these are misted on to the car dry, some wet and some it doesn't matter. This is worth doing as it tend to maintain and increase the hydrophobic properties of the coating.
It's now 4 years since I coated my Cayman and it could do with being done again (mainly the front end that gets peppered with flies etc but the stuff has been great. Drying the car takes seconds vs a non coated car.
the issue is you still get fall out on ceramic coating so to keep them smooth and easy to wash you have to wax them or top them up with A si02 spay, other wise they feel rough. Also bird sWhat I would suggest though is looking at other coatings. Gtechniq stuff has a good name but in my opinion the Gyeon Mohs range of coatings is a lot better. I did my Cayman R in Gyeon Mohs and a mate had his F-Type done with Gtechniq by a pro detailer. We then did the same 1200 mile road trip in all sorts of conditions and got the cars in a right mess. On returning to mine we power hosed both cars - my Cayman was a lot cleaner after just a hose down. We then washed them by snow foaming, rinsing and then a 2 bucket wash and again the Gyeon coated car cleaned much more easily, especially the flies.
Worth noting is that most coatings come with a "top up" product. Some of these are misted on to the car dry, some wet and some it doesn't matter. This is worth doing as it tend to maintain and increase the hydrophobic properties of the coating.
It's now 4 years since I coated my Cayman and it could do with being done again (mainly the front end that gets peppered with flies etc but the stuff has been great. Drying the car takes seconds vs a non coated car.
t still etches ceramic coats !!a modern spray keeps your car sealed 100% of the time, every thing falls off easier than on a ceramic coat. (unless you wax/treat the ceramic coating)
also no need to snow foam or 2 bucket wash !!! another snake oil is snow foam !!! it does NOTHING bar look cool for the neighbours and make a mess on your drive/road ! for detailers it makes it look like the £1k detail is doing something !!
rain washes my car it's so slippy !
The main 2 issues with ceramic coats are,
1: it needs the upmost perfect prep as any swirl mark is sealed !! (that's where the cost is, s
t detail st ceramic coat finish)2: if you get a stone chip or worse a small scratch, you will have to wet sand the coat off.
wax always will win the concours look and imo offers the best smoothing and best finish but is hassle.
modern Si02 spays seem to be the new king and what I tend to use, offers 2/3 months full beading and takes 10 seconds to do, YES 10 seconds !
SiO2 Liquid Glass is a coating of pure, safe, quartz glass or silicon dioxide (Si02).
http://www.sio2.ca/
in fact I think people with ceramic coats have to also top up with a Si02 coat wash to keep it working right and offer the beading and wash protection.
Some form of SiO2 Liquid Glass is king of washing imo today.
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