[cfm56d7b]

Did anyone consider ceramic coating and instead elected to proceed with a clear wrap?

[Billfitz]

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.

[B1ue52]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Did anyone consider ceramic coating and instead elected to proceed with a clear wrap?

Consider both. Clear vinyl wrap with a specialised coating on top is absolutely optimal

[SteveInfante]

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.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

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.

great answer.

[capt_slow]

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!

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by capt_slow

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!

Thanks - good advice!

[Skyhigh]

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.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

P.s. do not mix PPF with wrap. Not the same thing.

Unless OP wants to do XPEL Stealth.

[LiquidBlue_F30]

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.

[ECTO1]

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.

[MarcusMcLaughlin]

I chose the F-Performance film, and everything is fine, I am satisfied with the quality of protection my car gets from the film.

[dmaxdmax]

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.

[Chukker]

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!

[Skyhigh]

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.

[Desertnate]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

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.

Spot on.

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.

[Skyhigh]

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.