Ceramic Coating Experiences
07-01-2021 | 12:50 PM
#32
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From: Maryland
works great on good gel, if it has some type of acidic product used to clean it it will absorb product at a super fast rate. generally on gel it should be polished first, then degreased then coated. it will work on pourous gel, just wont last as long.
07-01-2021 | 01:08 PM
#33
Were doomed!
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Chicago, IL
I can see the benefit (maybe) for a boat to go ceramic coating since they don't get used much and most keep them covered one way or another out of the elements.......for my truck i cant justify it. $2k for the initial application plus $450/year for maint for it to last (potentially) 10yrs.....I dont see it lasting that long since my truck sits outside 24/7 in the elements. At the end of the 10yrs I've dumped @ $6k into it assuming i actually keep it that long. On the other hand since i'm probably more careful about my trucks maintenance than the average guy i can just get a pro detail for about $500 every other year and maintain it between times with my own weekly washing and waxing twice a year and at the end of the 10yrs im only out $2500 ....and $3500 left over for gas money into the boat! 
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-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
07-01-2021 | 01:21 PM
#34
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we noticed that the porous gel coat soaked in the ceramic…used a considerable amount of product. On the second coat, barely used any.
07-01-2021 | 01:39 PM
#35
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I had my 30 ceramic coated after the last paint job and probably wont do my 36 or 46. The problem I see with it is that if you do get a scuff and have to buff/polish a minor flaw, you have to re-ceramic coat the area or it shows. Imo, it's almost like having an expendable clear-coat, that you have to constantly reapply when any slight repairs are made. The original paint on my 30 looked great after 12 years (before I converted it/repainted it) without having ever been ceramic-coated, so I don't see why the fresh paint jobs on my 36 and 46 won't look great 10+ years from now without ceramic-coat. Even disregarding the cost, I am happier keeping my painted boats just regularly cared for with standard waxes/polishes like I have for decades in the past.
07-01-2021 | 03:07 PM
#36
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From: KY
The maintenance cost of 450yr causes me to say no-go
My 13yr old 08 I just sold had a good paint job and I only washed it twice a year. Probably been waxed a dozen times in its life, always in the garage and head light lenses clear
My 13yr old 08 I just sold had a good paint job and I only washed it twice a year. Probably been waxed a dozen times in its life, always in the garage and head light lenses clear
07-01-2021 | 04:03 PM
#37
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From: Maryland
that's recommended, not mandatory. it allows us to foresee potential problems before they arise, also help instruct on proper care methods. also ceramic aren't a super shield, they can get micro marred, this allows us to polish with a ceramic safe polish and top it.
07-01-2021 | 07:10 PM
#38
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From: Chicago
I had my vette done professionally and I did the boat myself. I don`t see a difference .
I did miss a spot and 2 years later there`s still a streak on the bow that I thought would fade but it hasn`t yet .
Try on on your seats, makes clean up super easy .
I did miss a spot and 2 years later there`s still a streak on the bow that I thought would fade but it hasn`t yet .
Try on on your seats, makes clean up super easy .
07-05-2021 | 11:31 AM
#39
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From: Bethel Island, CA
Wizard’s Ceramic Coat
i can explain it here but honestly there are so many YouTube videos showing how to use it.
car pro quartz seems to be one of the most popular / affordable ceramics on the market. Every Tom dick and Harry has made a video about it.
here is the jist of it for steps:
1. Wash the surface
2. depending on surface condition buff and polish to remove scratches.
3. Clay bar
4. prep with cleaner to remove wax, oils, etc
5. apply car pro quartz in cross hatched patterns working in small sections.
6. Allow for product to flash and wipe away with cloth.
there are many more details to get into but this is a high level summary.
car pro quartz seems to be one of the most popular / affordable ceramics on the market. Every Tom dick and Harry has made a video about it.
here is the jist of it for steps:
1. Wash the surface
2. depending on surface condition buff and polish to remove scratches.
3. Clay bar
4. prep with cleaner to remove wax, oils, etc
5. apply car pro quartz in cross hatched patterns working in small sections.
6. Allow for product to flash and wipe away with cloth.
there are many more details to get into but this is a high level summary.
It’s quite a bit of work but well worth it!
07-07-2021 | 01:10 PM
#40
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,374
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From: Smithfield, VA
My 2 cents...I had my boat professionally done with Ceramic Pro....while no doubt that it makes it easier to clean I have been disappointed by two things.....it still water spots pretty bad and I notice like a petroleum sheen where my fenders ( that have soft covers on) rub against the hull side....I don't regret at all doing it as it does keep the boat much cleaner and certainly has a brilliant shine
