Paint Coatings

It seems to be the current trend with detailers pushing these coatings. I really don't see the point of adding extra coating to the Xpel already. If I were you I would do a full paint correction and then wrap the entire car in Xpel Ultimate, + Clearplex or Bray group on the windshield. That's what I did on my F12. The car is easier to wash and flies/bugs wipe off easier, + the peace of mind that you can drive quick while not worrying about stone chipping..

 

The reason for coating the film is it makes it easier to clean as dirt sticks to the film a lot easier than the clear coat. Some of these coatings have been developed specifically for the films and they can help. Its diminishing returns though on a value scale.

PS- Congratulations on the F12!!

 

A few months ago, I spoke with Xpel in their San Antonio HQ's; they did not recommend the ceramic coating on the clear film. They recommended to just treat it as paint, so regular waxing is fine. Personally, for me, these ceramic products don't have much of long term history. But do know, some high end detailers disagree with me, especially if a daily driver.

Very best with your F12!

 

What have you guys heard about glass coating like Modesta? My detailer is recommending the product. A couple friends have been pleased with the results.

 

I gave the coatings on my newer cars much thought, and my response is subjective; almost like what are the "best" tires, gasoline, and/or oil to use in our automobiles.

I decided not to do it for following reasons:

The paint needs to be prepped before the coating. Often this involves wet sanding and removing the very thin (thickness of onion skin) clear coat. Yes, know Ferraris have lots of orange peel, so may be a good thing. But I am not sure I want a fraction of my clear coat removed, especially along the edges that has least amount of clear.

My restoration shop call Glasurit and they did not endorse it. Who knows, they may have partnerships/marketing with a traditional wax manufactures.

If the ceramic gets lightly scratch, you probably need to redo the complete panel, as it cannot be spotted to smooth down the scratch, and blend into the ceramic finished panel.

I enjoy washing and waxing cars. Won many significant concours events with plain old wax. When attending many high end concours (like Amelia/Pebble) , I never seen any of the entrants use the ceramic coating. Same when they prep cars are Int'l auctions.
Even though, ceramic wax has been out a while, its still like beta software code to me.

That all said, if my car was a daily driver, did not wash and wax the car myself, it can be an alternative. Clearly, there a many serious detailers that swear by the ceramic waxes; maybe 'cause its finally getting recognition, and cars do look great after the treatment. Plus, finally, its a good money maker for them, and to me, some detailers do not get enough money for their professional efforts.

 

Thanks for response.

 

It is not the case the car needs to be wet sanded. Preparation involves removing wax only, not clear coat or paint. The prep is usually just detergent. If you have a poor paint job with orange peel it should be corrected anyway, whether you plan to wax or use a ceramic coating.

Also, the leading coatings are much harder than paint and do not scratch easily at all. In any case it is better to have a coating scratched than your paint. The whole point is to have a sacrificial layer that saves your paint. Wax cannot do this.

Ceramic coats are high value add in some peoples minds. They look great, an eliminate the need to wax, protect your paint from damage and last a long time.

They are threads in the detailing section on this.

 

Modesta is the only I would use. Heard great results from a detailer I trust.