F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs > Ceramic coatings
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-17-2017, 12:27 PM   #1
classyfast
Banned
669
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Ceramic coatings

Hey guys, looking for a recommendation on an easy to apply, good quality ceramic coating for my 2014 BSM 335. Not sure if there are any available in big box retail auto stores but let me know.

Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2017, 12:59 PM   #2
PelotonToPodium
Private First Class
59
Rep
121
Posts

Drives: 335i M-Sport - GSM/Loaded
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (1)

Gyeon Quartz is amazing. I'd buy directly from them / authorized retailer as ceramic coatings have a "use by" date.
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2017, 01:59 PM   #3
flipnkraut
Private First Class
flipnkraut's Avatar
United_States
136
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: 2016 BSM M3
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Austin

iTrader: (0)

Carpro CQuartz is pretty heavily recommended in the auto detailing groups I'm in.

I just got my DA polisher and when Im done getting the swirls and scratches out will most likely be putting CQuartz on.
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2017, 02:21 PM   #4
Insane435
Major
Insane435's Avatar
United_States
477
Rep
1,467
Posts

Drives: 435ix M Sport EWG
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (1)

I used adams 7H. Its easy to apply and cures very quickly.

I also would recommend CQ UK.
__________________
2014 EBII 435ix - Stage 2+ Dragy: 0-60 3.61; 60-130 10.18
2020 MG M340ix - Dragy: 0-60 3.48
2018 LBB X4M40i - Stock Dragy: 0-60 4.85
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2017, 04:57 PM   #5
PanTheOrganizer
Banned
Canada
33
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: 2015 435i xDrive Gran Coupe M
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

I also went for CarPro CQuartz UK Edition on my BMW. I also like Gyeon Mohs, Kamikaze collection Miyabi and ISM coats, Opti-Coat, Pinnacle Black Series Diamond Surface Coating, GTechniq EXO v.3, etc.

I did a video on how to apply ceramic coatings (CQuartz UK Edition was used in the video, which you may have seen in the detailing forum):

Appreciate 6
      08-18-2017, 03:23 AM   #6
Soul_Glo
Major General
Soul_Glo's Avatar
United_States
13296
Rep
7,483
Posts

Drives: G20
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manhattan, NYC

iTrader: (1)

I have Gtechniq CSL on mine. It's been a year and doing well. CSL can make 5 years with proper maintenance and CS can hit 7 years. I am thinking of trying Sonax CC36 on our F30.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2017, 05:32 AM   #7
classyfast
Banned
669
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Wow guys thanks! Will lookup every one that you all just mentioned.

Anything from Chemical Guys worth looking at?
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2017, 06:34 AM   #8
mbanks21
Colonel
1266
Rep
2,945
Posts

Drives: 2015 335i MSport
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: High Bridge, NJ

iTrader: (8)

Another vote for cquartz. I've done 3 cars all with great results
Attached Images
  
__________________
2015 335i Msport/6 JB4/EWG/E30/VRSF DP/ER CP/ VRSF Race Exhaust/ Injen Intake/Verde Axis 19x8.5/9.5 245/35/275/30 Conti Extreme CS/ H&R Sports / Motorsport Hardware Stud Conversion
Appreciate 1
      08-18-2017, 10:35 AM   #9
X2 Monstah
Captain
X2 Monstah's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
718
Posts

Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (1)

Another vote for CQuartz. I used the UK edition on my Black Sapphire F30. The gloss and protection are amazing. Easy to apply too.
__________________
Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior
Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather
Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
Appreciate 1
      08-18-2017, 12:07 PM   #10
classyfast
Banned
669
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
Another vote for CQuartz. I used the UK edition on my Black Sapphire F30. The gloss and protection are amazing. Easy to apply too.
Would you mind sharing your prep steps?
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2017, 12:33 PM   #11
MaximusJ
Colonel
MaximusJ's Avatar
Canada
300
Rep
2,485
Posts

Drives: 340Xi MG 2017
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Quebec, Canada

iTrader: (21)

Garage List
Following
__________________
Mineral Grey '17 F30 340XI
[Garage] // [Build Journal]

Jet Black '06 E90 325I
[Garage]
Appreciate 1
      08-18-2017, 02:46 PM   #12
X2 Monstah
Captain
X2 Monstah's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
718
Posts

Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by classyfast View Post
Would you mind sharing your prep steps?
1. Washed the car; decontaminated the paint with IronX and then clayed.
2. Paint was in good shape, so I polished using CarPro Essence Extreme (great stuff) and a finishing pad. The Essence Extreme actually fills minor imperfections (almost like a glaze) and primes the paint for the CQuartz.
3. Followed the instruction on the CQuartz package, one panel at a time. I actually started by using 22PLE's coating applicator, but switched to the applicator pad and cloths that came with the Quartz package. Within one hour, I applied a second coat.
4. The next morning, I applied CarPro Reload (highly recommended to keep off water spots).

Be careful not to go too thick with the coating; makes it tougher to buff off.

Here's a pic that shows the gloss. I also have another post called "Hydrophobic" that shows a quick video of the rain rolling off - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1400521

Good luck!
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior
Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather
Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
Appreciate 4
Soul_Glo13296.00
MojoRider103.50
ErkanTR16596.50
      08-18-2017, 09:53 PM   #13
classyfast
Banned
669
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by classyfast View Post
Would you mind sharing your prep steps?
1. Washed the car; decontaminated the paint with IronX and then clayed.
2. Paint was in good shape, so I polished using CarPro Essence Extreme (great stuff) and a finishing pad. The Essence Extreme actually fills minor imperfections (almost like a glaze) and primes the paint for the CQuartz.
3. Followed the instruction on the CQuartz package, one panel at a time. I actually started by using 22PLE's coating applicator, but switched to the applicator pad and cloths that came with the Quartz package. Within one hour, I applied a second coat.
4. The next morning, I applied CarPro Reload (highly recommended to keep off water spots).

Be careful not to go too thick with the coating; makes it tougher to buff off.

Here's a pic that shows the gloss. I also have another post called "Hydrophobic" that shows a quick video of the rain rolling off - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1400521

Good luck!
Wow thanks man!! Another question....I don't have a buffer nor do I trust myself with one! Can you do everything you listed by hand?
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 12:35 AM   #14
Soul_Glo
Major General
Soul_Glo's Avatar
United_States
13296
Rep
7,483
Posts

Drives: G20
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manhattan, NYC

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by classyfast View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by classyfast View Post
Would you mind sharing your prep steps?
1. Washed the car; decontaminated the paint with IronX and then clayed.
2. Paint was in good shape, so I polished using CarPro Essence Extreme (great stuff) and a finishing pad. The Essence Extreme actually fills minor imperfections (almost like a glaze) and primes the paint for the CQuartz.
3. Followed the instruction on the CQuartz package, one panel at a time. I actually started by using 22PLE's coating applicator, but switched to the applicator pad and cloths that came with the Quartz package. Within one hour, I applied a second coat.
4. The next morning, I applied CarPro Reload (highly recommended to keep off water spots).

Be careful not to go too thick with the coating; makes it tougher to buff off.

Here's a pic that shows the gloss. I also have another post called "Hydrophobic" that shows a quick video of the rain rolling off - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1400521

Good luck!
Wow thanks man!! Another question....I don't have a buffer nor do I trust myself with one! Can you do everything you listed by hand?
You can but it will be a longggg process. Tired arms, possible tennis elbow... more physically demanding but can be done. Indoors is best.

Take your time. Take breaks. Use loads of new towels. Deep plush microfiber towels are good for removal and buffing. Once a towel starts to become slightly stiff fold it over. Use the four quarters method so you get four surfaces from one towel... fold, flip, unfold etc. Once you drop a towel then don't reuse it.

I could go on but you get the idea that preparation is key.
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 06:08 AM   #15
MaximusJ
Colonel
MaximusJ's Avatar
Canada
300
Rep
2,485
Posts

Drives: 340Xi MG 2017
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Quebec, Canada

iTrader: (21)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
1. Washed the car; decontaminated the paint with IronX and then clayed.
2. Paint was in good shape, so I polished using CarPro Essence Extreme (great stuff) and a finishing pad. The Essence Extreme actually fills minor imperfections (almost like a glaze) and primes the paint for the CQuartz.
3. Followed the instruction on the CQuartz package, one panel at a time. I actually started by using 22PLE's coating applicator, but switched to the applicator pad and cloths that came with the Quartz package. Within one hour, I applied a second coat.
4. The next morning, I applied CarPro Reload (highly recommended to keep off water spots).

Be careful not to go too thick with the coating; makes it tougher to buff off.

Here's a pic that shows the gloss. I also have another post called "Hydrophobic" that shows a quick video of the rain rolling off - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1400521

Good luck!
Thanks for sharing.

I currently do full 5 steps twice a year (washing, claying, polishing, sealing then glaze). Would you recommend doing the coating on top of the glaze for maximum shine or the coating have to be used AS a sealant then you would glaze on top of it after it cured?
__________________
Mineral Grey '17 F30 340XI
[Garage] // [Build Journal]

Jet Black '06 E90 325I
[Garage]
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 07:22 AM   #16
X2 Monstah
Captain
X2 Monstah's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
718
Posts

Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (1)

For best results, the coating should not be applied over a sealant. It won't bond to the paint. It is important to completely prep the paint by polishing and removing old wax and sealant. The Extreme Essence actually works as a primer, so it is good to put the coating on top of that. Also, if you are a bit nervous about applying a coating, you can use CarPro Essence Extreme and top it with Reload. The shine is amazing! You won't get the durability of a coating, but I think you'll be happy with the gloss and ability to repel water. As 37PSI posted, use a lot of quality microfiber towels so you don't mar the paint. Doing the job by hand is a lot of work, but can be done. Also, don't be afraid of a buffer. Use a dual action orbital buffer like a Porter Cable 7424 which will do a good job without damaging/burning the paint.
__________________
Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior
Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather
Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 07:38 AM   #17
MaximusJ
Colonel
MaximusJ's Avatar
Canada
300
Rep
2,485
Posts

Drives: 340Xi MG 2017
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Quebec, Canada

iTrader: (21)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
For best results, the coating should not be applied over a sealant. It won't bond to the paint. It is important to completely prep the paint by polishing and removing old wax and sealant. The Extreme Essence actually works as a primer, so it is good to put the coating on top of that. Also, if you are a bit nervous about applying a coating, you can use CarPro Essence Extreme and top it with Reload. The shine is amazing! You won't get the durability of a coating, but I think you'll be happy with the gloss and ability to repel water. As 37PSI posted, use a lot of quality microfiber towels so you don't mar the paint. Doing the job by hand is a lot of work, but can be done. Also, don't be afraid of a buffer. Use a dual action orbital buffer like a Porter Cable 7424 which will do a good job without damaging/burning the paint.
Not that i'm nervous or anything, its just that its gonna be a first for me. My '06 wasnt worth coating since the paint wasnt perfect but I will coat my '17 for sure. What you say makes perfect sense. I should have waited after my coffee before asking this one lol.

I have a 7424 and couldnt live without it ahah. I mainly use Menzerna products with a couple Silverwax ones.



With 2 young kids I dont have as much time for detailing my car as I used to; hopefully a coating will help me keep my ride shiny. The new one is mineral grey tho; a lot less work compared to black.

Cant wait to try it out.
__________________
Mineral Grey '17 F30 340XI
[Garage] // [Build Journal]

Jet Black '06 E90 325I
[Garage]
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 05:31 PM   #18
instalher
25cent millionaire
instalher's Avatar
Canada
251
Rep
1,217
Posts

Drives: 2020 m4 comp vert
Join Date: May 2011
Location: saskatoon

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 bmw  [0.00]
  [9.00]
  [0.00]
  [9.50]
2018 bmw 230i xdrive  [8.50]
cquarts uk, two coats and two weeks later u can start to use reload to keep the car spotless.. once I clean car with reload, I go over car with blackfire wet diamond finish, then wait 20 min, then apply a quick layer of blackfire midnight sun wax... its fabutastical!!!
Appreciate 0
      08-20-2017, 08:49 AM   #19
X2 Monstah
Captain
X2 Monstah's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
718
Posts

Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by instalher View Post
...once I clean car with reload, I go over car with blackfire wet diamond finish, then wait 20 min, then apply a quick layer of blackfire midnight sun wax... its fabutastical!!!
I used to use Blackfire Wet Diamond and it is great! I wondered about using it on top of CQuartz and Reload. I've been told it won't make much difference, as the sealant won't stick to the coating, but I'm not sure about that. It may not last as long as applying to paint without coating, but I imagine the gloss is awesome.
__________________
Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior
Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather
Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
Appreciate 0
      08-20-2017, 06:42 PM   #20
instalher
25cent millionaire
instalher's Avatar
Canada
251
Rep
1,217
Posts

Drives: 2020 m4 comp vert
Join Date: May 2011
Location: saskatoon

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 bmw  [0.00]
  [9.00]
  [0.00]
  [9.50]
2018 bmw 230i xdrive  [8.50]
my daily cleaning product is a blend of reload and ech2o, its perfect for the ceramic coat.... if I have a car show or photo shoot, or just want my car to POP for a sunday cruise, THEN I use the blackfire product as it wont last very long. If I get a week out of the wet look over fire iam shocked,, but as soon as I apply my elixir, the blackfire is gone and I would have to reapply both layers again for that WOW look,, its a lot of work but the results are soooo worth it..
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2017, 04:38 PM   #21
classyfast
Banned
669
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM F30 View Post
1. Washed the car; decontaminated the paint with IronX and then clayed.
2. Paint was in good shape, so I polished using CarPro Essence Extreme (great stuff) and a finishing pad. The Essence Extreme actually fills minor imperfections (almost like a glaze) and primes the paint for the CQuartz.
3. Followed the instruction on the CQuartz package, one panel at a time. I actually started by using 22PLE's coating applicator, but switched to the applicator pad and cloths that came with the Quartz package. Within one hour, I applied a second coat.
4. The next morning, I applied CarPro Reload (highly recommended to keep off water spots).

Be careful not to go too thick with the coating; makes it tougher to buff off.

Here's a pic that shows the gloss. I also have another post called "Hydrophobic" that shows a quick video of the rain rolling off - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1400521

Good luck!
I assume Autogeek is the best place to get everything from? I am thinking about doing exactly what you did in that order as my paint is in pretty good shape and I am BSM also.
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2017, 06:00 PM   #22
X2 Monstah
Captain
X2 Monstah's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
718
Posts

Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (1)

I like Detailed Image, but Auto Geek is probably a little cheaper. I've been using Detailed Image for years. Great service.
__________________
Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior
Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather
Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:00 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST