Ceramic coating - safe for the unpainted fender flares?

[quadna71]

I have a Carbon Force kit from Chemical Brothers that I will be applying to my TRDORP. On their website, they list the applications as paintwork, glass, metal, aluminum, and stainless steel...but not plastic. Has anyone experimented with using this specific coating on plastic? I'm hoping to net a little UV protection on the darker plastics to keep them from fading to a splotchy light gray over the years like every piece normally does.

Sponsored

 

[MStarmer]

Chemical Guys you mean? Got a different google result for brothers, lol. Just about all ceramic coatings are good for just about any part of the vehicle, I'm not familiar with theirs but Adam's graphine, Cerakote ceramic etc is just fine on the plastics. Keep in mind almost all the coatings or waxes have very minimal (if any) UV protection when actually tested. You could always try a non visible portion of the flare on the lip or something, but honestly I don't think you have anything to worry about. Call or email them if you're worried about it.

 

[quadna71]

Thanks, yes - Chemical Guys. Bummer about the lack of UV protection as it is one of the facets most companies tout with their ceramic coatings.

 

[MStarmer]

This guy has some great tests and reviews of a bunch of products. Well worth the watch.

 

[Crose1695]

Yes. Mine are ceramic coated. Shine Supply makes a great product specific for plastic ceramic coating.

 

[127.0.0.1]

these coatings are not super magic

The primary component of "ceramic" coatings is silicone oil,
usually polydimethylsiloxane, aka, lube.

'project farm' did a bunch of tests and shows some brands which blow the
others away, it may make sense to view one of his test rounds before you
drop money on ceramic coatings, to see how much the may vary in performance

 

[quadna71]

these coatings are not super magic

The primary component of "ceramic" coatings is silicone oil,
usually polydimethylsiloxane, aka, lube.

'project farm' did a bunch of tests and shows some brands which blow the
others away, it may make sense to view one of his test rounds before you
drop money on ceramic coatings, to see how much the may vary in performance

Watched it when it came out - his grid layout when testing was pretty intense!

 

[127.0.0.1]

the term ceramic for these coatings is a big stretch... as that term means hardened by high heat, these ain't that, though it is more complex than simple 'silicone oil'. there is a hardening of the coating making it a lot more robust than a wax job...and mileage varies by product for sure. some outright are worse than wax, and others that are fairly moderate cost blow away the expensive ones. with anything.. pre-clean and prep is the key

 

[MStarmer]

I used to be in a lot of detailing forums / groups and it seems that most of the manufacturers try to get you locked in on the latest and greatest. Then once you get set up, the next one hits and you still have a supply of that would probably last you a lifetime. Eventually you end up with a garage full of half used bottles, but you have to get the latest so you buy in again. Honestly most people would be best off with a decent AIO (all in one) like 3D Speed (formally HD Speed) or even Meguiars or Mothers off the shelf at Walmart. These are usually easy to use by hand or machine and give great results, especially on lighter colored vehicles. After that even off the shelf spray sealants can provide some decent protection for under $20 (thinking Turtle Was Seal-N-Shine), or as Project Farm tested the Griots 3 in 1. These coatings that are measured in years of protection still need maintenance and decon, plus occasional touch up. There are definitely some good coatings out there and good installers, but thinking you're going to get 5+ years out of a coating without ever doing anything to it is a little misleading. I've had friends that have fallen for this thinking the car is literally going to wash itself when it rains and nothing is ever going to stick to it....

 

[quadna71]

While I appreciate everyone's take on whether ceramic coatings work or not...I still am curious if anyone has used the one by Chemical Guys? And I focused on that one because I already have it and am planning on it using it. Basically, wanted to know if I should be taping off the fender flares before application or am I good to apply it and hope for any protection?

 

[Nodak]

from what i remember professionals dismiss chemical guys as gimmicky and not based on professional chemistry

i think way back they had some lawsuits against them about something. it was fleeting reviews and posts about them.

i personally dont get into details about ppf and what not as i really dont care anymore. i just drive it and live with the outcome. i mean i did 12 yrs of carwashes on my 14 4R limited and they were not the brushless type and i also didnt do 1 coat of wax either.

it still held up well for its age and that was good enough for me.

and i have already taken my 25 4R thru the same car washes and nothing has changed since i get it from the factory. and i wont put extra effort or money into it.

Sponsored