Paint corection then? Coatings or Wax/Polish?

Ok, just picked up a F430. Having the car machine polished, then considering a coating like Opti coat. I have not had a car coated yet, have always followed up paint correction with Polish (Zaino). Since these coatings seem to be the rage, I was considering Opti coat on my F430. Pros/Cons of each. Any downside to the coatings? Thanks.

 

Hi Rob,

I did 22PLE on my black 355 F1 GTS (3 years ago). From a protection stand point, very pleased. I'm not talking micro scratches, just sun, water beading etc. I did not find it to add gloss but I applied to a perfectly paint corrected surface.

My next coating to try is Gtechniq C1

 

I had ceramic pro applied to my black/ black 575 and other cars. I am very happy with the results and durability.

 

I for one am of the opinion the synthetic coatings are a gimmick. I did modesta on a few cars and its a big whatever. carnuba results in a much deeper color.

 

I had C-Quartz applied to mine. When I wash it, I use a small blower to dry it. The water flies off. No need for towels=no micro scratches.

 

Depends on your use case and willingness to maintain the finish. Coatings seem like an excellent choice if you use the car often and don't want to be bothered with a lot of maintenance. If you like spending time in the garage enjoying your favorite beverage and running your hands over your car then sealants/waxes offer more options and opportunities.

 

I agonized about doing this for a long time. Always enjoyed the deep wet look of a quality carnuba wax done correctly, and I enjoyed doing it. But we drive our 360 a lot and at some point it got to be a chore, so I decided to try the coating route.

I picked Kamikaze, as it was recommended and sold by Esoteric, which provided some very useful instruction. I did the paint correction myself, followed by an application of ISM coat followed by Overcoat. I bought a large spray bottle of Overcoat for maintenance.

On completion, the car looked beautiful. I would assess its appearance as equal to the best wax job I have ever done. Great so far, but how about longevity? It's now 15 months after application, and the car still looks like the day I did it. Maintenance is so simple, just a few spritzes of Overcoat on a microfiber towel after wash and dry. Maybe ten minutes of effort tops.

It's not totally bullet proof. Swirls and scratches still build over time and I will redo the car at about the 18 month point. Fine with me. That will have saved about a dozen or more waxes.
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Professional paint correction then a great carnuba wax for me I feel it gives a better finish.
I do use the synthetic Quartz finish for my regular cars but not on my Fcars etc...or any of my classics

 

I had modesta put on my FF, range rover and escalade. washing them is the same as when I had carnuba. maybe it's the modesta.

 

I guess if you out clear film over the entire car you never have to worry about detailing again. I'm gonna do that on my tdf

 

Guy, I did the wax on my Maserati GT. It just does not seem to last as long. But I also drive and wash it more.

 

Had the 488 inspected for any necessary paint correction, installed Expel clear bra and applied Ceramic Pro Plus. The results are fantastic. Washing the car and removing bug sap is so much easier.
Had used 22PLE on my 458 spider 3 years ago had it removed and replaced with above. Very big difference!!

 

you put the ceramic on top of the expel? you expeled the entire car or just front front bra?

 

I just took delivery of my White 488 Spider last Saturday and even on white there were many swirls on the entire car. Had the paint corrected then Suntek film put on the front end (bumper, entire hood, fenders and A pillars, rockers, mirrors). After the film had Ceramic Pro put on as well (goes right on top of the film too) and the wheels.

I have a 458 and Continental GT done exactly the same way and its been over a year and great results. I highly recommend it. Washing the cars is so simple.

 

how can one detail the film? isnt it a waste? im missing something. detailing is the art of treating the paint. with the film there is a barrier between the paint and the detailing process, no?

 

Expelled all front exposure, mirrors, rear fenders, and CF sill cover and side air splitter.
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Folks apply products such as wax or coatings over the film to gain the water beading and ease of cleaning advantages.

 

Another pic
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ok right, so you wld never clay or polish the film

 

That is a great question that's I don't have the answer to.

 

I started another thread - I'm pretty sure I'm right. I spent days and days agonizing over detailing process and products up until the synthetic chapter came about.