09-15-2019, 10:18 AM | #1 |
Lieutenant General
5849
Rep 10,229
Posts |
Ceramic coating vs clear wrap
Did anyone consider ceramic coating and instead elected to proceed with a clear wrap?
|
09-15-2019, 11:52 AM | #2 |
Lieutenant General
8170
Rep 15,964
Posts |
I don't use either, I use Jescar Power Lock for paint protection and water shedding. That said, if I was looking to add something to give maximum protection it wouldn't be a liquid that might be a ten-thousandth of an inch thick when cured, it would be 8 mils or thicker vinyl.
|
Appreciate
1
rjd5981769.50 |
09-20-2019, 04:00 AM | #3 |
Second Lieutenant
123
Rep 202
Posts |
|
Appreciate
2
Ari-msport13.00 LiquidBlue_F3020.50 |
09-27-2019, 10:04 AM | #4 |
NewFinishColumbia/detailer
604
Rep 2,096
Posts |
PPF and then Ceramic over that. It's done every day and not a new thing. Make sure and find a reputable installer for both that can perfect the paint surface before install. It would be convenient if the installers were the same shop obviously.
__________________
328 F31 xDrive/OSM/Venetian Luxury Line/Cold Weather/Premium/Driving Assist/Nav/Tech "Golden Goose"
78' Honda CB400A project http://www.instagram.com/steve_inf31 |
Appreciate
1
LiquidBlue_F3020.50 |
10-04-2019, 02:49 PM | #5 | |
Banned
1770
Rep 6,696
Posts
Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2019, 10:45 AM | #6 |
Captain
552
Rep 906
Posts |
PPF and ceramic coatings dont compare. PPF protects against impact damage from road debris. Ceramic coatings protect against chemical damage from the elements as well as overall durability. Rocks and debris will chew through the ceramic layer like nothing.
If you want the best balance of price and protection, get a partial front clear bra and ceramic coat the rest. The only downside is the unsightly line of the PPF halfway up your hood. If price is not an issue, clear bra all the things!
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
10-07-2019, 11:10 AM | #7 | |
Lieutenant General
5849
Rep 10,229
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-14-2019, 03:26 AM | #8 |
Brigadier General
1871
Rep 3,832
Posts |
Levels of protection (in that order):
- None - Spray-on Wax - Proper Wax - Ceramic coating - Wrap - PPF I use a combination of PPF and Proper Wax. For some reason I find wax much more rewarding than ceramic coating. P.s. do not mix PPF with wrap. Not the same thing.
__________________
"Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-19-2019, 10:30 AM | #9 |
Captain
552
Rep 906
Posts |
Unless OP wants to do XPEL Stealth.
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
Appreciate
0
|
07-11-2020, 04:04 PM | #10 |
Enlisted Member
21
Rep 34
Posts
Drives: BMW 320i XDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: United States
|
I have the entire front end of my F30 wrapped in 3M Pro Series PPF and coated with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra. The PPF protects the paint and the ceramic coating helps to protect the PPF while adding gloss and hydrophobic properties. I did this after having the front end repainted right before winter started in New England. It provided superb protection from road salt and dirt. For a five year old car that is daily driven it still looks brand new.
__________________
2015 320i xDrive 8AT 3M Pro Series PPF | Suntek Window Film | Mishimoto Oil Catch Can Kit | M Performance Gloss Black Grille Last edited by LiquidBlue_F30; 07-11-2020 at 04:12 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-11-2020, 08:54 PM | #11 |
Private First Class
74
Rep 113
Posts |
I personally have expel ppf then ceramic coat on top of that. I feel like for road debris on a white car it is a must, whole front end and hood wrapped. I guess it comes down to what your comfortable to live with. I know I made the right decision as seeing my bosses 5 series chipped to hell on the front end best money I spent.
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2021, 01:05 PM | #13 |
Captain
416
Rep 923
Posts |
So this thread convinced me not to bother much with ceramic coating. I'll stick with keeping it clean...and will look into this stuff Bill suggested instead of wax...and since I bought my car with scratches already installed, I don't worry about nicks...I think they make my car look tough.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2021, 02:45 PM | #14 |
Mini Cooper, Present F15 Owner
27
Rep 90
Posts |
I would certainly love it if my car looked factory fresh (or in the case of the examples of truly detailed cars) even better than factory fresh. But it's a driver and doesn't live in a bubble.
I can't wait until it warms up again so I can spend quality time coaxing maximum beauty out of it. But it's going to snow and I'm likely to drive it through some slush. Thanks to all of you who keep your cars pristine and silky smooth. I love to look at your cars! But even though I'll work to keep mine clean and shiny, I bought it so I could smile while I drive! |
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2021, 05:52 PM | #15 |
Brigadier General
1871
Rep 3,832
Posts |
It is not an "either, or". Just the opposite. I love driving a detailed car so much more.
Besides that, detailing should not be misinterpreted. It is not a synonym of "spotless clean all the time". Sometimes even the opposite - real enthusiasts would rather NOT wash their cars as often in the cold winter in order to prevent damage to the top-coat.
__________________
"Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
|
Appreciate
1
Desertnate390.50 |
01-14-2021, 12:41 PM | #16 | |
Captain
391
Rep 849
Posts
Drives: BMW 435i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Swansea, IL
|
Quote:
In the winter, my car is never totally clean. I'll run it through a touchless car wash to get the majority of the salt off, but those things are never as good as quality handwash. It's too cold to break out the buckets and hose. Even in the spring I'll occasionally let me car get a little dirty when we're in the midst of our "pollen blizzards" which turn my car yellow. I probably could wipe it down every day with a quick detailer or waterless wash, but the risk is higher (to me) than a bucket wash. I'll wait until I have the time to do a proper wash which has the lowest risk to my clear coat.
__________________
Stop by and check out my blog: The Car Geek
|
|
Appreciate
1
Skyhigh1870.50 |
01-14-2021, 12:50 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
1871
Rep 3,832
Posts |
Precisely. I do exactly the same.
People not familiar with what detailing is about often assume it is about having a clean car all the time..... That's not the primary goal at all! It's all about car CARE.
__________________
"Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
|
Appreciate
1
Desertnate390.50 |
01-27-2021, 10:47 AM | #18 |
Major
936
Rep 1,180
Posts |
a combo of both is really your best bet. Expel on the front end and then OptiCoat Pro on top. I had my CF lip Expel wrapped too. Front end looks like new with no chips and paint overall looks great with just a simple wash.
__________________
2018 X5 35i M-Sport
Dinan Stage 1 Tuner M-Perf Exhaust and lip Wheels: Winter - 469m; Summer - Vossen CV7 22s 2018 X1 28i M-Sport |
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2021, 09:38 AM | #19 |
Registered
0
Rep 4
Posts |
Hello. I am considering doing the same. Did you do the headlights and mirrors? Have you noticed any yellowing?
Last edited by Yuppie Poser; 02-24-2021 at 10:17 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|