Wanted to know what are our thoughts on Ceramic Coating. I have read a lot on Ceramic vs PPF and am convinced that PPF is not the way to go for me due to the application process, cost, yellowish tinge in long term, chances of chipping etc.
I have for long been a wax it yourself person but no longer have the time and space to do it now. Still have half a bottle of Mothers Marine Synthetic wax lying around, which if I remember correctly was recommended by
@SunnyBoi back when I had got the Verna in 2017.
So I figure Ceramic looks like the best compromise of all worlds. Hopefully not as expensive as a PPF and not too time consuming as waxing the car myself every other month.
Please suggest whether I should go with ceramic coating and which type/brand. From what I have gleamed from my cursory research, graphene is being talked up a lot but should also be the most expensive.
I am an Car Detailing enthusiast so will try to answer your question based upon my experience:-
When to do PPF(Pros and Cons):-
1. Usually on High end cars its worth because their paint repair bills are very high as compared to smaller segment cars so that high investment on PPF is justified.
2.You want to keep the vehicle for longer duration 10 years or so.You drive the vehicle on daily basis which increases the chances of scratches and all.
3.You park or operate in an area or city where due to traffic and other factors dings and scratches are day to day occurrences.
4.On Dark Colored vehicles PPF is worth as maintaining them is usually an expensive affair.
5.In an event of an accident if a panel is getting replaced the whole PPF on that panel has to be reapplied which is again an additional expense.
6. If you are not good in maintaining the vehicle as in cleaning it regularly the PPF gives you peace of mind. Just a wet cloth swipe and its clean.
7.Most important factor is how skilled is the PPF installer.A good installer can ruin a expensive PPF and other way around.Its purely a skill based job.
8. PPF gives you peace of mind from day to day scratches and dings as they never reach the paint itself.
9. PPF cost depends on the size of the vehicle and usally is double or even higher as compared to a Ceramic coating.
10. Brands and their availability depends city to city . Price will wary as well PPF to PPF. Metro cities will hve more options . Tier 2 cities will have lesser options so chose wisely.Negotiate hard
When to do ceramic Coating(Pros and Cons):-
1.Coating protects the paints and reduces the duration of washes as the dust doesn't stick to the surface that easily.
2. IT REQUIRES MAINTENANCE. Your regular car wash guy will screw it in 1 wash. SO DONT get it coated if you are not going to take care of the vehicle.
3.Coating is less expensive and for non luxury vehicles its worth the investment.
4. IT WILL NOT protect the car from scratches and dents so dont get fooled if someone says it will.
5.For lighter cars its one of the best option and with a few Dos and Donts you can maintain it for atleast 2-3 years.
6. In case of an accident only that panel needs coating which is less expensive.
7. Most important factor is how skilled is the installer.A good installer can ruin a expensive coating and other way around.Its purely a skill based job.
8.Brands and their availability depends city to city . Price will wary as well PPF to PPF. Metro cities will hve more options . Tier 2 cities will have lesser options so chose wisely.Negotiate hard as the majority of the expense is for the installer. The product itself is hardly 30percent of the cost.
Below is my review on the coating i got done in Dec2022 and with regular maintenance its sill holding up.
Getting Artyom shielded again with IGL Kenzo (Graphene infused ceramic coating)
www.team-bhp.com