Ceramic Coating

SierraStorm · Jun 15, 2026

VolklRunner said:
Update: I pulled the trigger, went and had it did it done, because I just couldn’t get that bird poop off. It was etched in. When there were hundreds of dots mainly on the windshield and the hood, but also on the roof.
It was $2000 out the door. That included all prep work, paint, corrections, etc., etc., which there was none to be corrected except for the nightmare of tiny yellow Songbird crap.
I’m very happy with it, but I sure hope it’s not gonna be a constant hassle to make sure it looks and stays nice.
I went with “Ceramic Pro”, it’s a seven year guarantee, except one little disclaimer; I have to pay $350 a year to have the once a year maintenance. Does it ever end? Not sure if I’ll pay that 350 or not.

For $350, think of it as a once a year detail to keep it looking sharp

HLR925 · Jun 15, 2026

VolklRunner said:
Update: I pulled the trigger, went and had it did it done, because I just couldn’t get that bird poop off. It was etched in. When there were hundreds of dots mainly on the windshield and the hood, but also on the roof.
It was $2000 out the door. That included all prep work, paint, corrections, etc., etc., which there was none to be corrected except for the nightmare of tiny yellow Songbird crap.
I’m very happy with it, but I sure hope it’s not gonna be a constant hassle to make sure it looks and stays nice.
I went with “Ceramic Pro”, it’s a seven year guarantee, except one little disclaimer; I have to pay $350 a year to have the once a year maintenance. Does it ever end? Not sure if I’ll pay that 350 or not.

Although I am biased because I got my truck coated, I think it is totally worth it. If you think it looks nicer than it was new and will stay that way with some yearly maintenance cost, which a detail alone would cost you $350, then I would have no complaints. I had to battle a snow storm in Tahoe to get back home and when I returned the truck still looked relatively clean considering the blizzard I went through. Cleaning it fully took no time at all and the paint still sparkles like never before. The upfront cost does suck, no way to get around that with anything that protects your car and makes it look better. Your truck looks great!!

VolklRunner · Jun 15, 2026

SierraStorm said:
For $350, think of it as a once a year detail to keep it looking sharp

I like your idea. I’m anal retentive OCD keep my stuff immaculate, always have, but I’m tired of scrubbing so 350 sounds like a steel. Lol

pinebaron · Jun 15, 2026

I detail my vehicles myself and they always sparkle better than new; for the matter even my old Mercedes E320 Bluetec (diesel) I ordered/purchased new in 2007, even that looks amazing for its age and still sparkles like new. Admittedly detailing oneself is a laborius task and can take significant time and effort, done right it often need to be done over two days; I love the excercise. I have all the tools, polishes, paint sealants, waxes, wax sealants etc. etc. I usually give each of my two black vehicles, the full works, about twice a year; other times its just dust off and cleaning with a detailing spray. Synthetic or Caranuba waxes I use, don't wash off in any weather.

HLR925 · Jun 17, 2026

pinebaron said:
I detail my vehicles myself and they always sparkle better than new; for the matter even my old Mercedes E320 Bluetec (diesel) I ordered/purchased new in 2007, even that looks amazing for its age and still sparkles like new. Admittedly detailing oneself is a laborius task and can take significant time and effort, done right it often need to be done over two days; I love the excercise. I have all the tools, polishes, paint sealants, waxes, wax sealants etc. etc. I usually give each of my two black vehicles, the full works, about twice a year; other times its just dust off and cleaning with a detailing spray. Synthetic or Caranuba waxes I use, don't wash off in any weather.

Imagine spending money on polishes, polishers(which a good one cost hundreds) and the time you spend over several days and let sanity be your guide

pinebaron · Jun 17, 2026

HLR925 said:
Imagine spending money on polishes, polishers(which a good one cost hundreds) and the time you spend over several days and let sanity be your guide

To me its not about cost; its the pleasure I get out of it.

Ranger Rick · Jun 17, 2026

I would look at that $350 as maintenance cost ($29) a month as an investment! For me it's all about pride in ownership! I like my things to look good and my truck holds a very special place in my heart!

VolklRunner · Jun 20, 2026

I agree with many of you. I've always takeen care of all of my vehicles; pride of ownership. It's nice to travel/drive in a clean detailed car. I've got a few friends that throw fast food wrappers and garbage on the floor and leave it there, and maybe vacuum once a year. No Thanks.

Erik Z · Jun 22, 2026

VolklRunner said:
Update: I pulled the trigger, went and had it did it done, because I just couldn’t get that bird poop off. It was etched in. When there were hundreds of dots mainly on the windshield and the hood, but also on the roof.
It was $2000 out the door. That included all prep work, paint, corrections, etc., etc., which there was none to be corrected except for the nightmare of tiny yellow Songbird crap.
I’m very happy with it, but I sure hope it’s not gonna be a constant hassle to make sure it looks and stays nice.
I went with “Ceramic Pro”, it’s a seven year guarantee, except one little disclaimer; I have to pay $350 a year to have the once a year maintenance. Does it ever end? Not sure if I’ll pay that 350 or not.

I doubt you will be disappointed. I do recommend the once a year maintenance to keep the coating in good condition and the warranty up-to-date.
I actually did the maintenance coat on mine this weekend, in the AZ heat...but only because I did the coating myself as well.

Fergal · Jun 23, 2026

HLR925 said:
Imagine spending money on polishes, polishers(which a good one cost hundreds) and the time you spend over several days and let sanity be your guide

That's why I had mine coated. I used to enjoy doing the detailing work but on a big truck, with a cap, screw that. Plus, I have some neck issues and that sort of work can cause me issues.

Cost wise, it's probably the same but the truck is coated once and all i have to do is wash it every few weeks and once a year bring it back in for a touch up. That vs me getting out the polisher, doing multipled steps to get it 'right', usually in hot weather - screw that.

pinebaron · Jun 23, 2026

Fergal said:
That's why I had mine coated. I used to enjoy doing the detailing work but on a big truck, with a cap, screw that. Plus, I have some neck issues and that sort of work can cause me issues.

Cost wise, it's probably the same but the truck is coated once and all i have to do is wash it every few weeks and once a year bring it back in for a touch up. That vs me getting out the polisher, doing multipled steps to get it 'right', usually in hot weather - screw that.

Not against ceramic coating guys, but I like to be in full control of my vehicle paint prep and surfaces, especially owning two black vehicles, both of which look stunning most of the time. The older Benz has swirl marks however one needs to look closely to discern them. Apparently, there are too many things one can't do to ceramic coated vehicles, from what I know and may not know it all.

Azgasser · Jun 25, 2026

My 2021 is coated with Adams graphene products and highly recommend. I prefer Adams products as some were developed and tested in the AZ heat and sun. Mine goes through car washes at least once a week if not more. Is my paint perfect, no, but I’m on gravel roads weekly and off road it 2-3x/year. Makes cleaning definitely easier and maybe slows down some of the fine scratches. There is no “best” out there. If there was the other products would go away. A little TLC to the exterior goes a long way but unless your truck is a garage queen/mall crawler, paint wear is inevitable. PPF helps but if you’re in an area that has lots of rocks on the roads, especially in country areas it will take a beating and need replacing. Even my wrapped show car has had its front end film replaced twice in 7y and it only gets about 3k miles a year.

john151ama · Jun 25, 2026

pinebaron said:
Not against ceramic coating guys, but I like to be in full control of my vehicle paint prep and surfaces, especially owning two black vehicles, both of which look stunning most of the time. The older Benz has swirl marks however one needs to look closely to discern them. Apparently, there are too many things one can't do to ceramic coated vehicles, from what I know and may not know it all.

It’s not any different from traditional paint correction, polish, sealer, and wax. You do all the same paint correction, move up in compounds as needed then I do a sealer. Only difference is rather than a final coat of wax you are putting on the ceramic coat. You can do touch up or reapply ceramic as needed. But about every 3 years I buff it off and do paint correction just like you would if it was wax. Just gives you a harder final outer coat that holds up longer than any wax does. I have Onyx black truck as well and the ceramic does not make it any harder for me to keep the black looking as deep and sharp as possible, just saves me work.

Sapphireho · Jun 25, 2026

A $30 can of carnauba and some elbow grease will last longer and not take off your clear coat.

Spending thousands is just stupid. And it will not last more than a few months regardless of how much you pay.

7 years, dream on...

pinebaron · Jun 26, 2026

Sapphireho said:
A $30 can of carnauba and some elbow grease will last longer and not take off your clear coat.

Spending thousands is just stupid. And it will not last more than a few months regardless of how much you pay.

7 years, dream on...

I agree. I used some elbow grease yesterday and am not done yet.