[Slap_You7]

I'm thinking about getting my 3 series ceramic coated. There are a few paint chips on the bonnet and the roof, from rocks etc. Not massive but my question is. Do I just get it done or would you recommend respraying the bonnet and roof first?

[ooshnoo]

It's up to you, as it's your car.

[Slap_You7]

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

It's up to you, as it's your car.

I get that, but what would Jesus do?

[Desertnate]

You don't HAVE to fix in the chips before getting the car coated.

You could simply fix the chips with something like a Dr ColorChip kit if there aren't too many and it would save you from a re-spray.

I do all my ceramic coatings myself and I have not fixed the chips on my vehicles. Rock chips are never ending and so far our vehicles are not too bad.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Fix the paint chips first...depending on size and scope. I'm assuming relatively minor and if so, Dr Colorchip is a great option. But I think needs like 30 days to cure before you would want to apply a ceramic coating.

If your going to spend the money on coating, take the extra time to make sure your are coating something as close to perfection as possible...otherwise it's a waste of money imo.

[Slap_You7]

Originally Posted by Desertnate

You don't HAVE to fix in the chips before getting the car coated.

You could simply fix the chips with something like a Dr ColorChip kit if there aren't too many and it would save you from a re-spray.

I do all my ceramic coatings myself and I have not fixed the chips on my vehicles. Rock chips are never ending and so far our vehicles are not too bad.

Nice one thanks, I would have to find the colour match as its individual Grigio telesto paint whatever that means and try to fix it myself.

[AllaVodka]

Originally Posted by Slap_You7

I get that, but what would Jesus do?

Lets defer this question to Ja Rule

[BimR]

Originally Posted by Slap_You7

Nice one thanks, I would have to find the colour match as its individual Grigio telesto paint whatever that means and try to fix it myself.

If the chips aren't big/deep, touch them up and then get the car wet sanded. That's a fraction of the cost to respray and wet sanding will blend it all in. Then wait a month or so before ceramic.

[chowser51]

fix the little stuff, do some paint correction, then ceramic coat the car.
finally doing it on a car. i hated the swirls in the black paint. whoever had this car first took it through way too many car washes.

i didn't do it to my f33 because it had some dents and multiple scratches. i just filled in the scratches and was done. my f39 is great other than the swirls.

[f32ns800]

Originally Posted by Slap_You7

I'm thinking about getting my 3 series ceramic coated. There are a few paint chips on the bonnet and the roof, from rocks etc. Not massive but my question is. Do I just get it done or would you recommend respraying the bonnet and roof first?

I took my car in to have it looked by the company who will do the ceramic coating. I've only had it 2 years but neglected it for 2 years. He said I should get a stage 3 paint correction and then the ceramic coating. The paint correction will make a significant difference in the appearance of my car. It's going to cost me £850 but having seen how good it looks on other cars, I'm prepared to pay up

[ErkanTR16]

If you are planning on doing something. It's best to do it correctly from start to finish. I would suggest fixing the paint chips.

If you are planning to do it yourself i suggest you check out Matt Moreman YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/MattMoreman/featured I did it myself after watching bunch of his videos.

Start from here BMW F10 M5 Detail Series:

[smrtypants44]

I had my car paint corrected but left the chips, its not like ceramic coating is going to keep them from happening again unless you put PPF on top.

[Tjalsma]

How long does a DIY ceramic job with just like Turtle Wax Ceramic last? How long until I'd be able to do some touch up paint for instance?

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by Tjalsma

How long does a DIY ceramic job with just like Turtle Wax Ceramic last? How long until I'd be able to do some touch up paint for instance?

Turtle Wax Ceramic, from what I can see, is just a spray-on sealant. Has NOTHING to do with a proper ceramic coating. (Cheap marketing). It will last for a couple of weeks.

You do touch-ups BEFORE any type of sealant, not on top of! You need a perfectly clean and de-greased surface.

[chowser51]

Here: 2 year neglected paint





After 15 hrs of paint correction then ceramic coating





It looks great! I’d never do it myself but my g/f paid for it so I’m not complaining

[Tjalsma]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

Turtle Wax Ceramic, from what I can see, is just a spray-on sealant. Has NOTHING to do with a proper ceramic coating. (Cheap marketing). It will last for a couple of weeks.

You do touch-ups BEFORE any type of sealant, not on top of! You need a perfectly clean and de-greased surface.

Thank you for your help!

So after a month or so I should be okay?

I did some touch up and thought I got everything. After using the Turtle Wax Hybrid stuff I noticed there were a few I missed so I wanted to finish them up but didn't want to apply it on any type of sealant.

[Skyhigh]

Tar-removal / aggressive shampoo + IPA will get rid of any sealant or wax (not necessarily real ceramic coating).
You must do that prep irrespective of "when". Can do it already tomorrow, locally, in the area where you need touch-up.

And my advise - use proper wax or sealant/coating in the future.