Any downside to ceramic - other than cost?

[JerseySXP]

I was wondering if the ceramic coatings are much different in quality? I know the people applying it is the most important but wasn't sure if the products are that much different. I have been pricing it out and they are all pretty close in price. One does opticoat pro, one does feynlab ultra and the other offered jade Quartz or jade graphine. They all have the 5 year warranty.

Yes there is a huge amount of quality differences.

I've researched these a lot and have them on my vehicles.
Stick to:
IGL (quartz or Kenzo), or
CarPro CK Quartz 3.0 topped with CarPro Gliss

So those are top shelf right - both companies have websites where you can find detailers in your area that can apply those.

Push come to shove, Feynlab should work fine too.

 

[gman1868]

I was wondering if the ceramic coatings are much different in quality? I know the people applying it is the most important but wasn't sure if the products are that much different. I have been pricing it out and they are all pretty close in price. One does opticoat pro, one does feynlab ultra and the other offered jade Quartz or jade graphine. They all have the 5 year warranty.

Sounds like you're trying to be very careful which product you use and who you have put it on. That's great! Because, yes, they vary dramatically in quality and also vary by how well they are applied. The YouTube channel ScottH has a number of long-term coating tests. This one is the latest test with current products. You can look at the videos in his channel to see previous tests that have lasted up to four years.

 

[gman1868]

Another older test. Keep in mind these tests are the worst-case scenario of the hoods sitting out in the Texas weather.

 

[Wolf27]

Yes there is a huge amount of quality differences.

I've researched these a lot and have them on my vehicles.
Stick to:
IGL (quartz or Kenzo), or
CarPro CK Quartz 3.0 topped with CarPro Gliss

So those are top shelf right - both companies have websites where you can find detailers in your area that can apply those.

Push come to shove, Feynlab should work fine too.

After doing my own research since the shop I used uses Feynlab, I’d arguably put them on the top step too. They aren’t as well known because they are a chemistry and chemical company first and foremost, and aren’t out marketing big time like CeramicPro and some others.

CarPro is top notch 100% along with IGL and even Gtechniq. My own personal feedback on the telluride will help me figure out if Feynlab is as good as everyone says. My hunch is yes.

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[Thebiga17]

Thanks @JerseySXP and @gman1868 for your help. Just got her back today!

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

Thanks @JerseySXP and @gman1868 for your help. Just got her back today!

Wow. Looks amazing

 

[PNWest]

After doing my own research since the shop I used uses Feynlab, I’d arguably put them on the top step too. They aren’t as well known because they are a chemistry and chemical company first and foremost, and aren’t out marketing big time like CeramicPro and some others.

CarPro is top notch 100% along with IGL and even Gtechniq. My own personal feedback on the telluride will help me figure out if Feynlab is as good as everyone says. My hunch is yes.

My shop also used Feynlab and so far I'm very happy with it. Detail shop owner only uses their product now. Water just beads and rolls right off. Granted its been 5 days but I'm looking forward to the first wash. It needs it after our weekend trip to the mountain!

 

[qwerty123]

I'm not really a "car person" and I only heard about this ceramic thing on this forum. I've always had a fairly practical relationship with my cars (pretty much all Hondas) until getting my Telluride. Now, I find myself wanting to have a more sparkly vehicle. Plus, on a daily basis I drive country roads and my car gets pretty dirty pretty fast. I would love for that dirt to adhere a bit less stickily to my car. I'll likely keep using a touchless car wash every few fill ups.

I know this isn't a Telluride question per se. But this is the only car forum I have joined. Without getting super technical, is ceramic a good option? Is it worth the cost? Is there a better alternative? Note: I won't ever get into a schedule of home washings and polishing myself. Just not that person.

Hey OP,

By reading your post, I am in your exact location regarding cleaning and washing. What did you end up with?

Did you go for ceramic coating? Is it really essential?

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[gman1868]

Hey OP,

By reading your post, I am in your exact location regarding cleaning and washing. What did you end up with?

Did you go for ceramic coating? Is it really essential?

Ceramic coating is the latest evolution in paint protection making older technologies are made obsolete.

That being said, if you're not interested in hand washing it yourself, a professional coating becomes prohibitively expensive because the harsh chemicals used in automated washes will strip the coating off very prematurely.

The best comprimise is to use one of the top three spray on coatings. After you've used the automated car wash and see the hydrophobic properties have deteriorated, then apply a fresh coating. Your local car cash/detailing shop should also be able to perform the same task.

In any case, if anyone uses an automated car wash, the paint will degrade faster than if the car is hand washed with a pH neutral car wash soap and decent quality microfiber stuff.

 

[vinylhaircut]

Ceramic coating is the latest evolution in paint protection making older technologies are made obsolete.

That being said, if you're not interested in hand washing it yourself, a professional coating becomes prohibitively expensive because the harsh chemicals used in automated washes will strip the coating off very prematurely.

The best comprimise is to use one of the top three spray on coatings. After you've used the automated car wash and see the hydrophobic properties have deteriorated, then apply a fresh coating. Your local car cash/detailing shop should also be able to perform the same task.

In any case, if anyone uses an automated car wash, the paint will degrade faster than if the car is hand washed with a pH neutral car wash soap and decent quality microfiber stuff.

Handwashing is best, no doubt. For those that want ceramic but can't always handwash, a touchless carwash is WAY better than one with rollers, pads, brushes, etc. If you do go through a touchless wash, select an option with only soap and water, no other waxes or coatings. This also saves money -- the touchless wash I use has such an option for just 10 bucks. I've done that with my XPEL ceramic coating and it's worked just great.