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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: buddfridge on 26 January 2019, 16:14

Title: Ceramic coating
Post by: buddfridge on 26 January 2019, 16:14
Is it worth buying some for application to a brand new car? I have always used diamond brite but things move on.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 26 January 2019, 16:17
Diamond Brite is rubbish compared to a ceramic coating. I've got gtechniq stuff on mine and it's excellent.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: kmpowell on 26 January 2019, 16:33
I had my brand new GTI detailed and ceramic coated a couple of weeks ago with Kamikaze products. Full details and pics here:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=284610.0

Ceramic coatings do vary, depending on a) how it's applied (and how many coatings etc) and b) the products used. You get what you pay for and IMO it's always worth getting a specialist to do it for you, unless you have the facilities/conditions at home to correct/apply properly.

IMO Kamikaze are the best, with Gtechniq second, but each person will have their own requirements, personal preference, and price point.

Ignore the rubbish the dealer will try and sell you (Diamondbrite, Supaguard etc), that will wash off pretty much straight away, is applied badly by a sponge monkey at the dealer, and for pretty much the same money (or a bit more) you can have it done properly.

:)
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: buddfridge on 26 January 2019, 16:43
I had already seen your thread and it does look amazing, I have stretched my budget to breaking point but managed to order a new gti pp, I am a keen amateur detailer so was hoping of giving it a good go myself, hence asking the question.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: AGB on 26 January 2019, 19:03
Is it worth buying some for application to a brand new car? I have always used diamond brite but things move on.

It depends how you're using your cars, what you want the coating to achieve for you and your budget. I'd always argue that PPF is better than CC for stone chip protection based on my experience.

Some of my cars have Xpel PPF and others have ceramic coating. I'd recommend a detailer accredited application versus picking up a consumer product. I don't think consumer products are as durable and with the professional grade products, they're so hard when cured, to remove them, you have to wet sand the whole car so it's not something that you want to get wrong which is why manufacturers insist on certification and strictly limit sales of the product to professionals only.

Preparation is key and having applied a consumer product once, you have to be so meticulous to avoid trapping any imperfections. Detailer studios generally have much better dust prevention and management than your own garage. 

I had the option of Kamikaze Enrei versus Gtechniq but elected Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra as the warranty was 9 years versus 5 and costs were not far apart. I rationalised that in the event that I sell the car, any time remaining on the warranty would be of greater appeal to a buyer.

With both, you get a registration plate and paperwork from an accredited detailer. I would check that the detailer is accredited to ensure you have protection before giving them the business.

Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: deltarikk on 27 January 2019, 11:08
Gtechniq vote here (link to Kamikaze looks v good as well) but also had front end ppf'd at same time, 18months in and still very pleased with work done  :cool:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=280782.0
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: maxie on 27 January 2019, 11:17
i paid £750 to have ceramic done and it took 3days to do, i'm not sure how long it will last but it looked good once done.. :)

Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 27 January 2019, 12:00
I'm over two years in with the ceramic gtechniq stuff and it's the same as when it was first applied. Still beads like day one.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 27 January 2019, 21:24
If you want to do it yourself without spending a fortune, get some of this with -  https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/polish-angel/master-sealant-the-original.aspx

Probably the easiest sealant to apply and buff off. Great on price. 50ml will do 3 or 4 cars at least.

Main thing with any sealant is prep.

Wash, fallout remover, tar remover, Clay. Then a polish. Hand or machine. Then panel wipe and sealant. 2 coats of the Master Sealant will be good for 12 months if you look after it.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: buddfridge on 28 January 2019, 07:27
Thanks, just ordered
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: kmpowell on 28 January 2019, 11:02
I had the option of Kamikaze Enrei versus Gtechniq but elected Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra as the warranty was 9 years versus 5 and costs were not far apart. I rationalised that in the event that I sell the car, any time remaining on the warranty would be of greater appeal to a buyer.
A slight word of caution about the Gtechniq warranty. For it to remain in tact you have to take your car back to a Gtechniq accredited detailer every year and pay to have it inspected and topped up.

With Kamikaze's latest products (Zipang and Miyabi), once it's on, it's on, no need to bother with top-ups or inspections etc. Also you get self-healing when used together.

I agree completely, the cost of outlay is nothing in comparison with how much it will make the car more desirable come the time to sell. But best of all is the protection, a quick wash and the car will literally look brand new again. I've seen cars that are 2-3 years old with ceramic coats that still look brand new.  :smiley:


Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 January 2019, 15:40
First I've heard of that about gtechniq and my detailer is an accredited applier too and he's never mentioned it. With the ceramic coating it doesn't need topped up and like kamikaze once it's on its on.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: jv on 28 January 2019, 16:14
Maybe he should have:
https://gtechniq.com/guarantee
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 28 January 2019, 16:23
Just checked and yes it needs to go back. Maybe he hasn't mentioned anything because I get it washed by him during the winter months. Either way it's no hardship to just call in for him to have a look.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Crockers on 28 January 2019, 18:55
Mine has a coating of IGL Kenso. Fantastic.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: AGB on 28 January 2019, 22:36
I had the option of Kamikaze Enrei versus Gtechniq but elected Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra as the warranty was 9 years versus 5 and costs were not far apart. I rationalised that in the event that I sell the car, any time remaining on the warranty would be of greater appeal to a buyer.
A slight word of caution about the Gtechniq warranty. For it to remain in tact you have to take your car back to a Gtechniq accredited detailer every year and pay to have it inspected and topped up.

With Kamikaze's latest products (Zipang and Miyabi), once it's on, it's on, no need to bother with top-ups or inspections etc. Also you get self-healing when used together.

I agree completely, the cost of outlay is nothing in comparison with how much it will make the car more desirable come the time to sell. But best of all is the protection, a quick wash and the car will literally look brand new again. I've seen cars that are 2-3 years old with ceramic coats that still look brand new.  :smiley:

Yeah, I'm aware of it and my detailer does an annual pre-winter hibernation prep for me and takes care of things like that then.

Actually, you prompted me to look at the warranty paperwork and I noticed this:

Please note guarantees are non-transferable and can only be redeemed by the original purchaser on the car initially registered.

What conceivable reason is there for not allowing transfer of the warranty if you've upheld the maintenance schedule and invested in their product. I don't recall seeing that before and I read the terms and conditions. No points for guessing the coating I won't be installing on future cars.

Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Snoopy on 29 January 2019, 07:08
First I've heard of that about gtechniq and my detailer is an accredited applier too and he's never mentioned it. With the ceramic coating it doesn't need topped up and like kamikaze once it's on its on.
Im thinking of getting one of my cars done. Could i enquire who you used as you seem happy with the result. Thanks Geoff.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Mikea on 29 January 2019, 18:13
First I've heard of that about gtechniq and my detailer is an accredited applier too and he's never mentioned it. With the ceramic coating it doesn't need topped up and like kamikaze once it's on its on.

you also have to register the coating with the serial number supplied by the detailer, which is only supplied by a accredited Gtechniq detailer.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 January 2019, 23:28
Yeah done all that 👍
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Mike J on 02 February 2019, 13:50
I had my car ceramic coated from new by one if the best companies in the business.
http://www.envycarcare.co.uk/envy-detailing/ceramic-coating/
That was over two years ago and its still perfect, the lifetime of the coating is an unknown but expected to be 5-8years.
Pics on here if your interested.

Im not a car cleaner and had Envy clean the car until mid summer last year when I invested in my own tools and began to learn how to make it snow!!! Only done it once so not posting a pic cuz it needs another go.

To acheive the best finish possible the VE dealer must not be allowed to touch the exterior surface car. Why because it is covered with minute steel particles accumulated during its rail transport to the port. Mine was washed five times before any surface work was undertaken.
Everything, paintwork, under wheel arches, leather seats and all interior and glass was cleaned and treated as part of the service and it didnt cost as much as some others have paid for just exterior treatment.



Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: kmpowell on 02 February 2019, 17:10
I had my car ceramic coated from new by one if the best companies in the business.
Looks like your guys use the same leather treatment as mine did, Dr Leather.

I've been VERY impressed with it, I had two coats of Dr Leather's dye block put on mine, and last week when I opened the roof I forgot it had been raining overnight so when I braked the rain that had collected on the roof came into the car...  :embarrassed: I was fearing the worst, but it sheeted off the seats perfectly!  :cool:
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Moro on 03 February 2019, 13:40
I had the dealer do the Williams Ceramic coating on the exterior of my 2015 C4 Cactus. It was part of a deal with RTI insurance, which I negotiated down to a price I was happy with.

The ceramic coating still beaded after 40 months of simply washing the car, after which it was sold on. So I would recommend this.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: DTX3 on 04 February 2019, 13:02
I had my car ceramic coated from new by one if the best companies in the business.
http://www.envycarcare.co.uk/envy-detailing/ceramic-coating/
That was over two years ago and its still perfect, the lifetime of the coating is an unknown but expected to be 5-8years.
Pics on here if your interested.

Im not a car cleaner and had Envy clean the car until mid summer last year when I invested in my own tools and began to learn how to make it snow!!! Only done it once so not posting a pic cuz it needs another go.

To acheive the best finish possible the VE dealer must not be allowed to touch the exterior surface car. Why because it is covered with minute steel particles accumulated during its rail transport to the port. Mine was washed five times before any surface work was undertaken.
Everything, paintwork, under wheel arches, leather seats and all interior and glass was cleaned and treated as part of the service and it didnt cost as much as some others have paid for just exterior treatment.

Curious to know how much you spent? I'm only after a clean (exterior) and a ceramic coating.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Gingernick on 11 February 2019, 10:07
I went for Gtechniq crystal serum lite, wheels off done and body done

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4865/47034377001_7c849dfde3_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7860/46310349114_a53ef547a1_b.jpg)

got it done about ten days ago and it just had its first wash....snowfoam basically took everything off, hardly a wipe required from the shampoo mit

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7878/46134639305_869fcc9774_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 11 February 2019, 11:36
Whereabouts did you get it done? I always go to DDB in North Shields.
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Gingernick on 11 February 2019, 11:41
Whereabouts did you get it done? I always go to DDB in North Shields.

Tdi in south shields - maxwell street

http://www.tdinternational.co.uk/

theres isnt many gtechniq sites up here...ddb is the next closest really
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 11 February 2019, 11:45
How much if you don't mind me asking?
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 11 February 2019, 11:54
I went for Gtechniq crystal serum lite, wheels off done and body done

got it done about ten days ago and it just had its first wash....snowfoam basically took everything off, hardly a wipe required from the shampoo mit

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7878/46134639305_869fcc9774_b.jpg)

Looks just like mine did - all by myself....  :smiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/zXPyYJbL/IMG-4179.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Vhk4Nxm)
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Gingernick on 11 February 2019, 11:59
How much if you don't mind me asking?

he uses Gtechniqs own pricing guide so not a lot of wiggle room

I went for crystal serum lite and rims removed and coated. fisnihed off in liquid crytsal ( i bought some to top up with as this will degrade and its easy enough to apply)

600 quid , required 2 full days without the car  ( my mrs gave me a budget which I couldnt get away from so I did get a slight discount compared to the online pricing)
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: mcmaddy on 11 February 2019, 12:00
👍👍
Title: Re: Ceramic coating
Post by: Gingernick on 11 February 2019, 12:01
I went for Gtechniq crystal serum lite, wheels off done and body done

got it done about ten days ago and it just had its first wash....snowfoam basically took everything off, hardly a wipe required from the shampoo mit

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7878/46134639305_869fcc9774_b.jpg)

Looks just like mine did - all by myself....  :smiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/zXPyYJbL/IMG-4179.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Vhk4Nxm)


it is a splendid colour...I would love to do the whole thing but I wouldnt trust myself!!  plus I am bone idle!!!

its just a nice and easy to wash now