Ceramic Coating options

[JamesR27]

Hi,

Been looking at changing my car and the mk7 and 7.5 I have previously had coated with Siramik coatings which have been great but the detailer I used has given up.

Therefore just thought I would ask what products people are having on their new cars? And what people would recommend.

The closest detailer to me is Gtechniq approved which I am tempted to try.

[Nino]

Out of interest, is there a particular reason that you go with coatings over sealants/waxes?

I use the latter and honestly prefer it.

[SRGTD]

Out of interest, is there a particular reason that you go with coatings over sealants/waxes?

I use the latter and honestly prefer it.

I’m with you @Nino - it’s waxes and sealants for me.

I can understand that some people might be ‘time poor’ and / or not have off road space to clean / detail their car, so they choose to use the services of a professional detailer with purpose-built premises and get their car ceramic coated. Ceramic coatings are reputed to have better longevity and superior durability to a sealant or wax, so in theory should reduce the time (and frequency?) needed for subsequent car washing activities. Downsides of professionally applied ceramic coatings for me would be the initial cost, the need to get the car periodically inspected and the coating reapplied / topped up if necessary (presumably at additional cost) to maintain the coating’s warranty, and some of the questionable warranties provided with these products.

I did initially ceramic coat (Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour) the alloys on my current car when I got it; I followed the instructions to the letter in terms of pre-application prep, application of the product and curing time. In all honesty, I was quite disappointed with the results - durability wasn’t great and IMHO no better than some dedicated wheel sealants that I’ve used in the past. I’ve subsequently gone back to using a wheel sealant.

For the past 10 years or so years, my ‘go-to’ wax / sealants have been either Collinite 845 Insulator Wax or Fusso Coat 12 Month’s Wax (actually a synthetic sealant). I’ve found both of those products give very good durability and are good value price wise too. I’m not sure of Fusso’s 12 month claim though as I usually wax or seal my car’s paintwork every 6 months. I don’t find waxing or sealing my car twice a year to be a hardship as it’s something I enjoy doing .

[JamesR27]

Hi, It started with my mk7 when I had some marks on the door I noticed after buying the car from dealer prep so took it to a detailer as was not brave enough to do heavy polishing and what I was trying had not removed them. At the time they were trialing their own ceramic coating brand and just found it so easy to clean and maintain after that.

For the R I went back and got the accrediated version applied and it’s so easy to look after. Just a quick top up every 6 months with their sealant and it’s still beeding 7 years later. For me it’s definitely been worth the money I paid. I guess it’s personal preference.