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I'm thinking about getting a 2026 Platinum. It'll be mostly driven in the city. I'm cosidering PPF or Ceramic coating. Let's hear pros and cons.
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I got full front Xpel on the 4Runner which came with a free 3 month ceramic coat. I have 1/4 front Xpel on my Corvette which is great, but told myself I'd do more on my next car. Had a couple accidents on the Corvette and had to get new PPF each time. The one on there now is 2 years old and it's been great. It has a few nicks, but it's not that bad.
Ceramic is good, but it doesn't last long unless you're willing to spend the money for a thicker coating. I did the ceramic for the Corvette myself in the garage which only lasts 2 years. It was a lot of work and I'll never do it again. I think the Xpel is a better investment for real protection. Ceramic coating just keeps your car looking shiny and hydrophobic for however long you get it for. A little bit of protection too, but I like PPF more. Doing both is the best of course. I drive through a big city as well and it's definitely nice to have PPF if you care about how it looks.
Ceramic is good, but it doesn't last long unless you're willing to spend the money for a thicker coating. I did the ceramic for the Corvette myself in the garage which only lasts 2 years. It was a lot of work and I'll never do it again. I think the Xpel is a better investment for real protection. Ceramic coating just keeps your car looking shiny and hydrophobic for however long you get it for. A little bit of protection too, but I like PPF more. Doing both is the best of course. I drive through a big city as well and it's definitely nice to have PPF if you care about how it looks.
What’s your question? Those are for 2 different purposes…
- PPF: Adds protection (which I did mine)
- Ceramic Coating: No protection, but adds a nice hydrophobic layer, awesome shine, along with easier maintenance cleaning. (Which I also have on top off my PPF)
There is ceramic coatings that are easier to install. Can find them all over YT
- PPF: Adds protection (which I did mine)
- Ceramic Coating: No protection, but adds a nice hydrophobic layer, awesome shine, along with easier maintenance cleaning. (Which I also have on top off my PPF)
There is ceramic coatings that are easier to install. Can find them all over YT
I have a Platinum in Underground, and I do mostly city driving (Calgary). I got PPF and ceramic right off the bat, and I think it’s worth the investment if aesthetics are important to you. I didn’t go with the dealership, I am fortunate in having an auto protection specialist just up the road and they did a great job for me. They recommend a correction and maintenance coat each Spring to get rid of the winter accumulations, and when I got it back this time it looked superb.
As others have said, it makes cleaning far easier and it certainly gives a great lustre to the finish. Not a cheap undertaking, but I plan on having the vehicle for many years and I want to look after it, so it made sense for me.
As others have said, it makes cleaning far easier and it certainly gives a great lustre to the finish. Not a cheap undertaking, but I plan on having the vehicle for many years and I want to look after it, so it made sense for me.
this is the key, if you want protection its PPF. If you just want nice shine like you just waxed it then ceramic. There is no scratch or other impact protection at all with Ceramic.
So what you are wanting should tell you what you should pay for.
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For everyone saying ceramic coatings don't offer protection, that's simply not true. In addition to everything already mentioned, ceramic coatings offer excellent protection from the elements and minor scratch protection.
To answer the OP's question, do both.
I had full front PPF and the rear quarter panels along with the portion above the doors since it's attached to the rear quarters at a reputable shop in my area.
Then I did the ceramic coating myself using DIY Detail's 5 year coating.
With this combo, the PPF has additional protection from the elements and the truck is much easier to wash while looking great!
To answer the OP's question, do both.
I had full front PPF and the rear quarter panels along with the portion above the doors since it's attached to the rear quarters at a reputable shop in my area.
Then I did the ceramic coating myself using DIY Detail's 5 year coating.
With this combo, the PPF has additional protection from the elements and the truck is much easier to wash while looking great!
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I chose Icon Rockleer for the painted surfaces and ceramic on the plastic surfaces. Professionally applied +$2k. Thicker than ceramic and no maintenance application for longer period.
False. They do help against the elements (that’s very well known, hence easy maintenance) but it does not offer protection against scratching, chips and so on. Lol (not saying you went that far, I’m adding that) It helps protect against Micro Marring, that’s it. So when drying your car (as an example) it well help protect against that. And, I don’t even think there’s any real, raw evidence against UV protection…
Simply put, want paint protection. Go PPF. And the ceramic coating is the cherry on top. I agree with you there. DIY Detail has good products, nice choice.
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Protection against micro marring is more accurate. It definetly won't protect against rock chips, that's where PPF shines!
In my experience (former detailer who specialized in coatings) coatings do well to protect against UV damage, not the cheap spray stuff that many people mistake for a ceramic coating.
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Definitely agree with you on that. Yeah, I’ve always been skeptical on the UV protection, but a lot of detailers say it does. Then some say it’s just a marketing claim… Will say, there’s so many different ceramic coatings out there, it’s kind of crazy. Lol.
I wanted to get into detailing, but (as much as I hate saying this) my lower back hurts way too much! Lol. Getting older.
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The market is so saturated with coatings nowadays, it can be confusing for the general consumer. Quality coatings like DIY Detail, Cquartz (only lasts about 2 years), Gloss-It and Gtechniq are solid choices.
I do not recommend Gtechniq's plastic coating thought, I had issues with rinseless wash products leaving spots. Gloss-It's Evo plastic coating works very well and plays nicely with rinseless wash products in my experience.
I hear ya on the lower back pain, as I experience it myself. That's a big reason of why I stopped detailing professionally after only 2 years (in my 40s). Getting old definitely has it's challenges.
Thats funny you mention those 2 trim coatings. I was just talking about this with a local detail shop…. I personally don’t like the Gyeon Evo trim coating. I applied it to my 26 4Runner, and the durability doesn’t seem all that good. While on the other hand, I applied the Gtechniq C4 on my old 2019 Acura RDX, (and C5 on my wheels) and really like the application, worked very well. Just realized you said Gloss-it. Have never heard of it, but now curious.
Yeah, getting older does have its challenges indeed.
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This is the Gloss-It Coating I'm referring to.
Their the shop who did my PPF and very reputable. Founded in Las Vegas and they formulate their own coating.
Rich, the shop owner recommended that I apply 2 layers, which I did to the 4runner and my CX-50 with the same bottle and the results are excellent.
If you or anyone reading this chooses to go with this coating, make sure to use a microfiber applicator, otherwise you will struggle to get a uniform application. (I tried using a foam applicator and it looked like the coating was smeared all over the trim in sunlight).
Apply it to the section you're working on and buff off with a microfiber towel.
Apply, out of direct sunlight, the 1st layer around the entire vehicle, then you can apply the 2nd layer immediately after.
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