Protecting the paint

[sarcasm]

Care to share what products you used and your process?

Originally I used "Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Coating" and that lasted 2-3 years and and was enough to cover the Wrangler twice and my Miata once. I can attest to the long term impact on that product. But...it is expensive.

I used "Armor Shield IX" (AvalonKing) this time around. No long term experience with it but it went on the same way. Took about 1 1/2 bottles to cover the Gladiator and Wrangler.

There are lots of videos on how to apply but the key is to get it very clean with no wax or contaminants on the paint. Make sure you get a wash without a built in wax or coating. I would claybar the whole thing and then rinse and wipe it down with alcohol. (They also sell Ceramic prep products but you probably need to get them online but I don't think they are needed.) I have put it on the Windshield as well and it makes it a lot easier to clean and acts a lot like RainX.

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[HoosierGuy]

Sort of reminds me of the plastic couch covers our parents used to put on the furniture

 

[BajaDrifter]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M7S368L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this stuff and peel it off after I am back on the black top. Its 5mil thick and does the job. Heck of a lot cheaper. Yeah, it doesn't look as pretty as the expensive professional jobs, but it works and when the dust is flying everything is covered in dirt anyway.

 

[Cliff89]

I use the 2 bucket method when washing and I have applied ceramic coating. it is easy to clean and I use ph neutral car shampoo on a foam cannon. washing is a breeze.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Today I washed, clay barred, and applied the Griots 3-in-1 Ceramic wax. I'm hoping it'll last through winter, we'll see. I like my stuff to look nice but I don't like maintaining it all the time.

 

[Alexander]

I saw this film on a neighbor's car. I decided to follow his example, and took my new car to the car-detailing center to have it coated in polyurethane protection film from the Netherlands by the F-performance brand. Now I go out of town, knowing quiet well that F-Performance film will allow the car’s surface to be damaged by rocks and branches, so I am calm.

 

[KX L]

Has anyone had a professional shop put on a ceramic coating and then had a different [or maybe the same] shop install a performance film? Is it even feasible? Does a ceramic coating prevent the proper application of the film?

 

[PapaChop83]

Has anyone had a professional shop put on a ceramic coating and then had a different [or maybe the same] shop install a performance film? Is it even feasible? Does a ceramic coating prevent the proper application of the film?

Professional detailer here (Revitalize Auto Spa). I've never tried putting PPF on over a coating, because there's no advantage to it. Now, there ARE definite advantages to putting a ceramic coating OVER the PPF (easier to clean, water runs off easier, helps reduce UV fade).

 

[KX L]

Professional detailer here (Revitalize Auto Spa). I've never tried putting PPF on over a coating, because there's no advantage to it. Now, there ARE definite advantages to putting a ceramic coating OVER the PPF (easier to clean, water runs off easier, helps reduce UV fade).

Duh. Makes perfect sense. Thanks much for the info. Have you done it?

 

[PapaChop83]

Duh. Makes perfect sense. Thanks much for the info. Have you done it?

Yes, I've applied Gtechniq Halo over PPF before.

 

[Student12]

Ended up with IGL Kenzo ceramic coat. Came out nice! Checkout the reveal on YouTube

Looking to get the ceramic coat, is it still worth it ?

 

[Bbannongmu]

Looking to get the ceramic coat, is it still worth it ?

It’s worth it. I probably have trashed it now with mud, trees, rocks but it definitely helps keep light scratches away and make it easier to clean. Need to keep it up with maintenance - I haven’t done anything.

 

[aqcjeepGlad]

Have you looked at the Mekmagnet trail armor? It is pretty thick and is removable, but sticks really well. I have thought about it for my Jeep as I try and keep the pin striping down. I was hesitant to spend $700, but after seeing the product installed and playing with it at Jeep Week in Daytona this year I am pretty impressed and looking to pull the trigger and buy it. I have tried Trackarmor in the past but it was too expensive and time consuming to install. So far I have been very lucky buffing out even pretty major scratches using the ScratchX kit from Maguire's or 3M I think. It comes with the paste and the buffing pad for your drill. I was very apprehensive about it but go slow and it actually works quite well, is easy and works great. But I would still feel better with more protection. Thus, the Mekmagnet and the clear tape another poster linked to on amazon is probably the best and most economical. The whole vehicle covered in PPF is intriguing but will it need to be replaced down the road from damage, yellow, damage the paint after 5 years of installation, etc. The Mekmagnet is sticky and can be reused over 200 times, it is not the old magnetic armor. Good Luck!
https://www.mekmagnet.com/collections/mek-magnet-pet-armor/products/mek-magnet-armor-jt

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