Originally Posted by Char Baby
These are questions about ceramic coatings. You know, the ones that professionals change big money for(like $1000) but, for the DIYer.
In no particular order:
1) Can they be used on plastic headlight housings(assembly) to help prevent fogging/hazing/clouding?
2) Can they be used on the windscreen/windshield to bead up water(like Aquapel or Rain-X)?
3) Can a second coat be applied soon after the first coat?...beneficial? NOT beneficial?
4) Can these ceramic coatings be applied on black textured or flat black exterior trim(body molding/B pillars)?
This is all I have right now though I may think of other questions during this thread
Thanks,
CB
Will try to answer your questions since I have ceramic coated 2 of my past vehicles and find it a total waste of money.
Q #1. Yes you can, but on BOTH vehicles that I had it applied to it peeled and looked like the clear from the headlights was coming off. See pic below
Q #2. They do sell specific ceramic coatings just for glass.
Q #3. Yes, but usually 2 hrs or so some longer depending on brand between coats. Added benefit? Some say yes, some say no. I say Yes but I will never ceramic coat a car again.
Q #4. There are specific ceramic products for trim. The one for paint usually is not the same you can put on plastic or rubber trim. Some have done it, but I have seen issues.
To conclude. I think Ceramics are the total fad of the decade. They are HUGE money makers for detailers is why they love them. The prep work involved is ridiculous and very time consuming. Ceramic coatings WILL NOT prevent scratches, etching from bird bombs, or anything like that. After seeing BOTH of my professionally applied coatings fail after 1 yr people would say "oh they didn't apply it correctly" or what not. That is ALWAYS their excuse.
Then there is the look. Some like it, some don't. I didn't like the look. Ceramic coatings make the vehicle look too glossy, almost phony looking. I prefer the look of a good quality wax that gives more depth and though you have to apply more often, just looks better IMO. Especially on a dark color car. look at black truck below
What I use now is quite simple and not expensive at all. I use Duragloss 105/601 combo every 6 months. I do weekly washings and top the trim with 303 and top the paint with either P&S Bead Maker, or Flash Thunder Coat.
I have had much better success with this combo. PLUS I saved THOUSANDS since most pro applied coatings on average cost $1500 to apply per vehicle.
I am sure I will get a back lash especially on THIS site for what I am saying, but from my experience, ceramic coatings are just a pain in the A S S and still require maintenance like anything else. Lots of money going out and to me not much more of a return. I will put up DG 105/601 combo up against ANY ceramic coating any day of the week. Yes you have to apply DG more often, but as far as durability and protection? Especially from bird bombs?? DG all day long. And ITS CHEAP.