Question for the Oppo car-cleaning people (updated):

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
10/28/2019 at 14:00 • Filed to: None

What’s the difference between the $199 ceramic coating and the $1500 ceramic coating?

Both offered by a local detail shop, and they refer to the $1500 one as “self-healing.” For a car parked outside a lot and not washed very often is there any universe where the $1500 is worth it?

UPDATE: The shop doesn’t even offer the $1500 any more because they said they used it on their own cars and didn’t like it.

DISCUSSION (23)

Tripper > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:04

How long does that $1500 last? If less than 3 years, I’m out.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:04

For that much, seems like you’d just go with full PPF.

Nick Has an Exocet > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:06

Frankly, I wouldn’t do a ceramic under about $3k. The reason being that they chemically bond and any defects with the detail will basically be sealed in. I have a lot of respect for the shops that are basically clean rooms that do ceramic for high end cars.

These might be helpful. The first compares what I would consider a cheapish product to a walmart product. The second video talks about the chemical makeup.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/28/2019 at 14:11

They apparently don’t even offer it any more. They just haven’t updated their website yet.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Tripper
10/28/2019 at 14:11

3 years, but they claim the inexpensive one is also 3 years. They don’t offer the expensive one any more.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Nick Has an Exocet
10/28/2019 at 14:14

Thanks for that.

Not a Sunburst Miata > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:16

I think it also depends on the brand of the ceramic coat. I had opti-coat pro on my BRZ that was applied the day after purchase. Cost $800 and after 2 years you could absolutely tell that it protected the paint from swirls and random crap

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:21

Good on them for not offering a high-priced something that they don’t think is worth it!

MrSnrub > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:27

My understanding was that they usually cost in the $1000 range, so I doubt a $200 job would be very good. Curious to see what others say though - I looked into it when I got my car last year and decided I’d rather spend the money on PPF. Now thinking about doing it because I’ve been too lazy to wax in the meantime

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/28/2019 at 14:28

That’s how they explained it, at least.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:29

If you’re charging $1500 for something that the customer can’t see, it’d better be good - ha!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > MrSnrub
10/28/2019 at 14:36

Any risk to the $200 one other than money wasted?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:44

I don’t have any strong opinions about cheap vs. expensive, but this is my data point from 3 years ago.

I had 22ple applied to my former F355 after a deep paint correction. The normal charge for this is around $2-3k, although I was able to sneak in under that range due to the guy having just moved to a new shop.

22ple is a very good hard solution, but I was told it’s very sensitive to application timing and technique due to its long curing time. Not too many detailers offer this product because of that. My car took a day and a half to get everything cured, and the whole package took just over 5 working days. With 2 normal detail/cleaning sessions in between, the coating held up perfectly over the subsequent 2 years I had with the car. FWIW, I had the 22ple Mistico Elemento which advertises a 5-year life span ( th e detailer does not believe it but probably depends on a variety of things ) .

CQuartz is also a good one but much easier on curing time. I suspect this is why most detailers like it. Seems like most people agree that both 22 and C work well once applied onto a car.

And another data point in progress: My detailer used Adam’s Polishes ceramic paste wax on my daily car after a single-stage paint correction. He wouldn’t make any claims about it lasting anywhere near as long as the above solutions, but it’s holding up well 5 months in. It’s a metallic paint, though, which hides shallow scratch marks a lot better than the Ferrari’s plain gloss red.

Svend > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:51

There are a wealth of ceramic coatings out there. Your best talking to a few detailers to see what they offer, but also check reviews and previous work.

Then the homework comes in, look at what’s on the market, look and get an idea of what you want from coating.

The best on the market right now is Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra (accredited detailer applied, similar but more durable and harder going than CSL, Crystal Serum Lite which can be applied by anyone with a little knowledge).

It comes with a nine year guarantee, 10h paint protection offering abrasion resistance and chemical resistance from pH2 to pH13.

Check out the G techniq for accredited detailers near you.

https://gtechniq.com/worldwide/

Alternatively as mentioned there is Gtechniq Crystal Serum Lite which is what Gtechniq class as 80% Crystal Serum Ultra. Up to five years durability. This can be applied by yourself or a professional detailer.

Nick Has an Exocet > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 14:59

No problem. You totally sent me down a youtube rathole!

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 15:11

The way the one I did worked out is that the higher the cost, the more layer of the ceramic coating, and the longer the warranty lasts.

2-3 coats vs 5-6 coats. I’ve never seen a $199 coating price out here, I don’t know what that entails, or if it’s even the same mechanism or application.

Mine was CeramicPro, I know there are a few other setups out there.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/28/2019 at 15:18

Thanks, I don’t have any experience with ceramic coatings.

MrSnrub > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 15:43

I would assume not. Just a coating that doesn’t last very long I guess?

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Svend
10/28/2019 at 16:23

Thanks. Looks like there’s an accredited dealer a couple minutes away.

Svend > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
10/28/2019 at 16:43

Cool. Have a word with them. Most detailers will be more than happy to talk about their work, any of your concerns, the right package for you, after care, etc...

Gtechniq trains all the accredited details themselves and they all have a passion for what they do, they will also advise on an aftercare package.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/28/2019 at 17:13

My concern with PPF is that any film will discolour over time, so unless your car is black, you would need to replace it which risks damaging the paint.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/28/2019 at 17:22

Good point. How long it a high quality ceramic coat supposed to last?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/28/2019 at 17:28

2-5 years depending on product, application and environment.