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Diy ceramic coat after professional paint correction

Discussion in 'Model S' started by Joesage, Feb 16, 2021.

  1. Joesage

    Joesage Member

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    Title summarizes it. I just cannot justify spending $1,500+ on a ceramic coat and looking for more affordable options. I have definitely done my research and know that what I would not be able to do is the paint correction and polish. I know a reputable local shop that's willing to do a detail a 1 step paint correction (which is likely all I need) for about 300- 400 bucks. Has anyone ever had a professional prep the car, then do the ceramic coat yourself? What was your experience like
     
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  2. krsgio

    krsgio Member

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    Ceramic coating it yourself with something like cquartz uk 3 is a fairly easy process if you take out the entire paint correction process. I've done them myself several times with my own correction and paid someone to do the Tesla but honestly I can't see the different from a professional coating like ceramic pro vs the cquartz applications I've done myself. Also those '5 year' coatings they make you pay for annual visits so they can just spray coat it and your warranty is only good for those 5 years if you go in each time. For $150/yr for a spray ceramic boost you might as well just save the $ and get another coating in a few years lol. In the future I'd prob go the route you did if I wasn't going to do the paint correction myself.
     
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  3. ADEEL421

    ADEEL421 Member

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    I did mine myself. Checkout the video I made. So far loving it for the fraction of the price. It was easy prep as shown in video.

    Ceramic Coating on TESLA - Do it Yourself
     
  4. 2101Guy

    2101Guy Active Member

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    I corrected my own and use meguiars hybrid ceramic spray once a month. Takes 5 mins, glosses and beads well, cheap.
    Works for me
     
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  5. krsgio

    krsgio Member

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    Do yourself a favor and use a real ceramic coating like cquartz not the sprays that everyone is mentioning as 'ceramic coating' if you spend the money getting correction done. Use the sprays as a monthly/bi-monthly topper.
     
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  6. krsgio

    krsgio Member

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    watching your scrub you car with that brush made me cringe.
     
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  7. SoCal Buzz

    SoCal Buzz Supporting Member

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    Most of the work is color correction and prep. I’ve had a good experience with Feynlab. Perhaps you can get the detailer to apply something like Feynlab Lite at a reasonable cost, rather than the much more expensive V2 available only to certified specialists.
     
    • Like x 1
  8. Joesage

    Joesage Member

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    I do agree with this. While the spray coatings are a nice "topper," the real ceramic coatings is where it's at. My goal is to keep my maintence easier and conserve water with my ONR washes in my garage. Plus that extra shine is nice as well. I'm contemplating just buying a buffer/pad and doing the paint correction myself on my wife's car first for practice then doing like. I'm comfortable with the clay/iron remover already. I get the time commitment but a hobby I'd like to pick up.
     
  9. designrs

    designrs Member

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    I used these products on my black Model 3:

    Exterior DIY Ceramic:
    Gyeon Q2M Prep (from Esoteric Car Care, quick surface clean. No clay required for new car.)
    Torque Detail Ceramic (Spray on ceramic, pad, and microfiber buff. No hard labor. Very easy to work with... not unpleasant at all, but best to wear a mask.)

    Results: 6,000 miles, 9 months in Florida heat, garaged when not driving.
    Just wipe down with microfiber cloth after rain. Car looks new.
    Handwash with light automotive soap... very rarely.

    I might do a second application soon, before it gets hot out this Summer.

    INTERIOR: White Seats
    Gyeon Q2M Leather Cleaner Mild (also from Esoteric Car Care)
    Gyeon Q2 Leather Shield Interior Ceramic. (Soft. Easy. You don’t even feel it, but it protects very well.)

    Good Luck!
     
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  10. dmicah

    dmicah Internet Weasel

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    You may want to consider a graphene coating after paint correction. They're considerably easier to apply and require no curing. They're the latest rage:



    [Sorry: this Pan guy is a bit of a dork but very smart about detailing]
     
    • Like x 1
  11. krsgio

    krsgio Member

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    I've heard great things about the 303 graphene coating on several detailers videos for its chemical resistance and stuff. Price is pretty affordable too. I def want to try it out but I already have so many products to burn through currently so that will have to wait til these others are gone.
     
  12. designrs

    designrs Member

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    #12 designrs, Feb 17, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2021
    * Note: I used the exterior products outlined above on the glass too. Of course, there are coatings specIfically for glass but I didn’t want to purchase additional products and had good results.

    They say the coating life is dependent upon use and environmental conditions. I’m happy with once a year, easy application. Defiantly enough for two applications of the products on a Model 3.

    The mask comment is to avoid ceramic coating your lungs. Like I said, it’s not really caustic or anything, just a good safety precaution that I saw full-time detailers using.
     
  13. trm2

    trm2 Active Member

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    Adam’s makes a nice, easy to use graphene coating. One of the things that makes it quite easy is it has a UV tracer so using the light helps make sure you apply things completely.

    Graphene Ceramic Coating™ - Adam's Polishes

    No matter what one you go with, don’t forget to coat the wheels also, it makes a huge difference in cleaning.
     
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  14. beatle

    beatle Member

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    I did my car with CQuartz3.0 UK just over a year ago. The paint was already in very good condition with no swirls (PO must have taken care of it) so I just did a clay treatment, IPA wipedown, then two coats of ceramic.

    It was still a lengthy process, but the car looks great a year later. I haven't applied Reload or another topper. Maybe one day. I clean the car with Wash Wax All.

    I did not coat my wheels but don't regret it. They are still very easy to clean. I clean them about every 3 times I clean the paint.

    If doing it again, I'd look into graphene. CQuartz was not difficult but it was somewhat nerve wracking in its curing/wiping process. I felt like I was pretty fastidious about wiping everything off and not leaving high spots, but there are still a couple of places that I missed. I never notice them, but it would be nice if the product were easier to apply and more forgiving.
     
  15. ADEEL421

    ADEEL421 Member

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    why ? is it bad using a brush? i thought if you use 2 bucket method it is safe? whats a better way?
     
  16. Doanster1

    Doanster1 Member

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    A proper mitt? Looks like you used one dip of the brush into the soap and cleaned the entire hood with varying motions. A mitt you could actually turn over and have a fresh side to work with before washing it off.
    No biggie either way. Everyone has their own routine.
     
    • Like x 2
  17. ngng

    ngng Member

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    i'm over ceramic coatings. have had the ceramic pro on three of my vehicles...won't be doing it again. will stick with a PPF or a self application like cquartz that others have done.
     
    • Like x 1
  18. r1200gs4ok

    r1200gs4ok Active Member

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    what's a good price for c-quartz....
     
  19. beatle

    beatle Member

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  20. Hayseed_MS

    Hayseed_MS Member

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    How are the Tesla paints from the factory? If I do the 303 within a few weeks of delivery, will it still need claybarred and such or just a good washing?
     

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