Ceramic coating.

[JamesThor]

Hello, new to the community but not to jeep. Been a jeep owner all my life. First jeep and first car was a 76 CJ5 candy apple red, 90 Wrangler 4 banger (avoid those), 2005 Unlimited, 13 wrangler sport 2 door and now a OD Green Willys Gladiator. Enough of the reminiscing, down to business. I have used ceramic coating before. I put a full double layer on a 2020 50 anniversary Dodge Challenger From reputable, nationwide vendor. however, I have never been able to, other than the paperwork, prove that there was ceramic coating on a vehicle. I seen a bunch of people that claimed to have ceramic coating on their vehicle even when trying to sell their vehicles. So, my question here is this, how do you prove that you have ceramic coating on a vehicle without the paperwork showing that you had ceramic coating put on the vehicle? Do you believe in ceramic? pros?cons? I’m thinking of putting a layer or two on my gladiator. What is everybody’s thoughts on this? Is it a true must have for the life of your vehicle and paint? Or is it a marketing gimmick?

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[Escape.idiocracy]

Hello, new to the community but not to jeep. Been a jeep owner all my life. First jeep and first car was a 76 CJ5 candy apple red, 90 Wrangler 4 banger (avoid those), 2005 Unlimited, 13 wrangler sport 2 door and now a OD Green Willys Gladiator. Enough of the reminiscing, down to business. I have used ceramic coating before. I put a full double layer on a 2020 50 anniversary Dodge Challenger From reputable, nationwide vendor. however, I have never been able to, other than the paperwork, prove that there was ceramic coating on a vehicle. I seen a bunch of people that claimed to have ceramic coating on their vehicle even when trying to sell their vehicles. So, my question here is this, how do you prove that you have ceramic coating on a vehicle without the paperwork showing that you had ceramic coating put on the vehicle? Do you believe in ceramic? pros?cons? I’m thinking of putting a layer or two on my gladiator. What is everybody’s thoughts on this? Is it a true must have for the life of your vehicle and paint? Or is it a marketing gimmick?

Turtle wax seal n shine- anyone can knock it all day long… it’s cheap and it works….

There are several other sealants out there that are better than the seal n shine, however they are professional sale only.

personally I enjoy cleaning our vehicles. ??‍ so, while some of the professional products are much better, I am ok with it.

As far as knowing what has been put on, or “if” a professional product has been used- no there is no way of knowing with certainty. Paint thickness gauges etc… they measure paint- not product applied.

 

[ErylFlynn]

I can tell mine has a serious coating by the way water acts on it. Mind you that just means a hydrophobic coating is on. Could be a short term coating of course. I would not consider it in purchasing a vehicle though so if you wanted 1k more because of the coating you are out of luck.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

I can tell mine has a serious coating by the way water acts on it. Mind you that just means a hydrophobic coating is on. Could be a short term coating of course. I would not consider it in purchasing a vehicle though so if you wanted 1k more because of the coating you are out of luck.

Ive ceramic coated two vehicles and can tell the difference when washing these cars. Bug splatter and bird poop come off very easily compared to my cars that dont have ceramic coating. That said, a nice wax job will have nearly the same effect, so you wont know the difference unless you’ve been driving the car for a while and gone through multiple basic car washes. Also, keep in mind the ceramic coating wears down over time.

 

[pchappy2.0]

Like others have said, you mainly tell that there is some sort of hydrophobic coating by the way water and dirt/grime act when washing the vehicle. Whether that hyrdrophobic is a full ceramic or a 'lighter' coating is another story, and there isn't a surefire way to know that to my knowledge. If I get a used vehicle, I typically do a decontamination wash, clay bar, and polish the paint. Then apply a ceramic coating myself so that I know it was fully done and I can also track the longevity from that point.

That said, do I believe in it, absolutely 100%. Let me be clear, I do not believe in the longevity claims out there of 5/7/10 years unless the vehicle is a garage queen that is rarely driven and regularly maintained. But I used Adam's Graphene Ceramic on my old Power Wagon and beat the crap out of that truck, didn't regularly maintain the coating, and it still lasted 2+ years being out in the elements most days. We coated my wife's 2017 Corvette in another version of Adams and that coating was still going strong after 3 1/2 years because it was garaged and maintained. Brand aside, there are even better products out there too. But hands down, I will ceramic every vehicle I own until something better comes along because the ease that it makes routine cleaning alone is worth every penny and hour spent.

I also don't feel like claying, polishing, and applying a sealant every month or two like traditional stuff. If you have that kind of time and enjoy that, then by all means go for it, nothing wrong with it. I just like freeing up my time for other ventures, and only want to hit the detailing heavy every once and a while, while knowing my paint is protected for the long term.

 

[MSgt4246]

Hello, new to the community but not to jeep. Been a jeep owner all my life. First jeep and first car was a 76 CJ5 candy apple red, 90 Wrangler 4 banger (avoid those), 2005 Unlimited, 13 wrangler sport 2 door and now a OD Green Willys Gladiator. Enough of the reminiscing, down to business. I have used ceramic coating before. I put a full double layer on a 2020 50 anniversary Dodge Challenger From reputable, nationwide vendor. however, I have never been able to, other than the paperwork, prove that there was ceramic coating on a vehicle. I seen a bunch of people that claimed to have ceramic coating on their vehicle even when trying to sell their vehicles. So, my question here is this, how do you prove that you have ceramic coating on a vehicle without the paperwork showing that you had ceramic coating put on the vehicle? Do you believe in ceramic? pros?cons? I’m thinking of putting a layer or two on my gladiator. What is everybody’s thoughts on this? Is it a true must have for the life of your vehicle and paint? Or is it a marketing gimmick?

First thing I did when I got my brand new JT was take it to my detail guy to do a full blown ceramic coat job. Nothing looks nicer than a car fully coated and gleaming in the sun. Over a year later, my car washes are super easy and dirt and grime literally just slide off with a little soap and water thus reducing the amount of time and energy I have to exert to get it back to a showroom look. Is it expensive? Yes. Are there a host of other DIY options out there? Yes. That being said, I have over $60K invested in my Gladiator. Seriously doubt a little extra expenditure to keep the paint looking its best for as long as possible is going to break me. Just my two cents. Oh and if you do get it done definitely keep your receipts. It might not be the reason your vehicle sells if you ultimately go that route but it sure as heck won't hurt. Peace

 

[BigRed2020]

Hello, new to the community but not to jeep. Been a jeep owner all my life. First jeep and first car was a 76 CJ5 candy apple red, 90 Wrangler 4 banger (avoid those), 2005 Unlimited, 13 wrangler sport 2 door and now a OD Green Willys Gladiator. Enough of the reminiscing, down to business. I have used ceramic coating before. I put a full double layer on a 2020 50 anniversary Dodge Challenger From reputable, nationwide vendor. however, I have never been able to, other than the paperwork, prove that there was ceramic coating on a vehicle. I seen a bunch of people that claimed to have ceramic coating on their vehicle even when trying to sell their vehicles. So, my question here is this, how do you prove that you have ceramic coating on a vehicle without the paperwork showing that you had ceramic coating put on the vehicle? Do you believe in ceramic? pros?cons? I’m thinking of putting a layer or two on my gladiator. What is everybody’s thoughts on this? Is it a true must have for the life of your vehicle and paint? Or is it a marketing gimmick?

I use and swear by Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray. This can be used on everything on the outside of the truck so it’s a one and do everything! The hydrophobic properties are absolutely incredible, it’s not as hard or obviously long lasting as an actual “ceramic” coating but for $15 a bottle that last almost all summer it can’t be beat!
I use it do it’s simplicity and easy on/off application, I’ve tried others but Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions are the way to go!!

 

[Lunentucker]

I've only had experience with what I have applied myself.

I am sticking with my once a year treatment using Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions.
The vehicle is garaged, and it is not a daily driver, so I understand how all of that plays into it, but this is still BY FAR the best and easiest to apply solution I've used in my life. Being able to apply it to the all of the trim rubber and plastics is a giant bonus.

Here's the video that led me to the product.
Oh. It also makes the garage smell great!



This photo was after rinsing the truck off and drying it with a quick road outing and an electric blower. No wash. Just a rinse to get some dirt and mud splatter off.

 

[MSgt4246]

I've only had experience with what I have applied myself.

I am sticking with my once a year treatment using Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions.
The vehicle is garaged, and it is not a daily driver, so I understand how all of that plays into it, but this is still BY FAR the best and easiest to apply solution I've used in my life. Being able to apply it to the all of the trim rubber and plastics is a giant bonus.

Here's the video that led me to the product.
Oh. It also makes the garage smell great!



This photo was after rinsing the truck off and drying it with a quick road outing and an electric blower. No wash. Just a rinse to get some dirt and mud splatter off.

Bro! When can I come drop my JT off for detail? LOL. Not too many things sexier than a fully detailed Gladiator shining like a new penny. Very nice.

 

[Lunentucker]

Bro! When can I come drop my JT off for detail? LOL. Not too many things sexier than a fully detailed Gladiator shining like a new penny. Very nice.

I spent a week on it last year. I don't want to hurt your feelings.

 

[Minty JL]

I paid to have my new Volvo XC90 coated at the dealer when purchased........I'm going to have them redo it. They didn't do the proper paint correction before applying

 

[JamesThor]

Thanks all. Good info

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