[Sportstick]

For reasons and explanations from ceramic coating users above, my answer to your thread question is.....never. OptiCoat Pro + Adams H20 Spray Sealant after every few handwashings while still wet. Stopped using wax long ago...I'm only automotively "old fashioned" in my choice of transmissions!

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

For reasons and explanations from ceramic coating users above, my answer to your thread question is.....never. OptiCoat Pro + Adams H20 Spray Sealant after every few handwashings while still wet. Stopped using wax long ago...I'm only automotively "old fashioned" in my choice of transmissions!

Opticoat Pro+ is a really great product but like has been said, prep is everything. Sportstick did you do the install yourself? And if you did, how did you get access to Pro+ if you aren't an authorized installer?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

Opticoat Pro+ is a really great product but like has been said, prep is everything. Sportstick did you do the install yourself? And if you did, how did you get access to Pro+ if you aren't an authorized installer?

"A good man always knows his limitations"
Dirty Harry

There is no way I would attempt this. I used this company, owned/operated by one gentleman who is a vet. He first did the paint analysis, thickness, correction, and actually said the paint from Leipzig was better than on many other more expensive vehicles he has analyzed...at least when mine was painted! He showed me the good and consistent thickness numbers, although I don't remember the actual values. Our Audi A6, treated at the same time, wasn't produced with the same quality of finish.

http://www.autolavish.com/Welcome.html

[Zanity]

Originally Posted by mbanks21

They're not charging $1500 for ceramic coating, they're charging $1500 for a possible 10+ hour job of decontamination, claybar, washing, buffing/scratch removal, polishing, wheels, glass, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, along with ceramic coating.

And you're telling me you should ceramic coat your car without doing prep work first? It's part of the process. You don't eat raw at restaurants, cooking is part of the expected service.

[floridaorange]

All of this is covered in great "detail" in the section on "detailing."

[Billfitz]

I agree with 'never'. Wax is a 20th century relic. Use a sealant. You'll get almost as many recommendations as you do replies. I use Jescar Power Lock myself, but no one has a magic formula that's clearly superior.

[Gen13 F36]

Wow... people do use clay bar everytime they wax.... that's crazy.

If you start early on maintaining the paint on your car it is not necessary to keep starting over. You just going to keep cutting layers of clearcoat paint and paint will look dull faster.

[mbanks21]

Originally Posted by Zanity

And you're telling me you should ceramic coat your car without doing prep work first? It's part of the process. You don't eat raw at restaurants, cooking is part of the expected service.

No but you're acting like it costs $1500 to ceramic coat a vehicle, I'm telling you it's not. You can buy CQuartz for $60. You're paying the detailer for the full detail and time and materials and knowledge.

[mbanks21]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Wow... people do use clay bar everytime they wax.... that's crazy.

If you start early on maintaining the paint on your car it is not necessary to keep starting over. You just going to keep cutting layers of clearcoat paint and paint will look dull faster.

I don't recall anyone saying you clay bar everytime you wax. Clay should be maybe twice a year or as needed.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by mbanks21

I don't recall anyone saying you clay bar everytime you wax. Clay should be maybe twice a year or as needed.

Someone did in numbered list 1 to 6.

[SteveInfante]

Yeah don't clay every time. You protect so nothing sticks and you can remove contamination with simple washing.

[MachinesWithSouls]

Before I start, you should really watch Larry Kosilla's training videos at ammonyc.com. He's fanatical but also easy to understand and breaks things down nicely.

When you say "wax", I assume you mean typical carnuba wax, which you absolutely can use, but only to enhance the color and gloss of your car. And it only lasts a week or 2 at most.

Claying is only needed if your paint feels rough to the touch. If you park outside, drive through difficult conditions, or live in a particularly dusty location, you may need to clay more. But there is no set time when you need to clay the car. Could be once a year. Could be every 3 or 4. Use your judgement.

Everyone uses what they like, but some sort of sealant is key, and will help repel contaminants from harming the paint. I personally use the AMMO regiment and it's excellent. But using any product will work as long as you follow the steps Larry lays out. See pics of my 335 and M3 with AMMO, all detailed in my garage.

[bimmer456]

I use turtle wash and wax all in one, hand wash myself in my drive way with microfiber sponge and drying cloths. My swirl marks are about the same as the show cars at bimmerfest. Everything I brought at auto zone for dirt cheap. You should wash it when it gets dirty even if it's going to rain. It will still be cleaner than before you washed it. You should dry and apply wax in the shade, helps if you have a garage to park it in for drying, that's how the pros do it and it minimizes water spots.

[Derek Mc]

I switched from waxing to sealants to the latest generation SiO2 sealants they last an insane length of time and make cleaning a formality as the dirt just rolls off as you drive, has great beading, and good depth of shine.

[outofphase]

Originally Posted by mbanks21

They're not charging $1500 for ceramic coating, they're charging $1500 for a possible 10+ hour job of decontamination, claybar, washing, buffing/scratch removal, polishing, wheels, glass, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, along with ceramic coating.

True. I recently got a quote to get mine done at a very reputable place and it was ~$1700 IIRC, BUT they do all of the above and in addition do some minor body work, repairing minor dents, wet sanding and re-clearing trouble spots, etc. AND do a full interior detail (granted my interior is already borderline flawless).

But it's really a very involved job. I got to watch them working on another customers car for a little while and I was super impressed -- these guys were OBSESSED with detail.

Being that I don't have a garage at the moment I decided to wait but in July I'm moving to a place with a garage and will totally go get it done.