Cobaltchat.com

WarEagle2003 wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2019 9:01 am I will weigh in with my experience thus far. I have Gtecnique Crystal Serum Black on all my vehicles (Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570) and the stuff is simply amazing! Cleaning is very simple, but machine washes (automatic car washes) are a big NO NO. After a simple bucket wash and dry the surface feels like glass! Water just beads off and dirt runs off with it. I have a new R5 that will also be coated. My biggest reason for this is the dark color of my R5 (Cobalt Blue) which shows swirls almost as easily as the black. The process of preparing for ceramic coating is VERY detailed when done correctly by a trained professional. The bulk of the cost is labor. Extensive surface prep happens before the product is even applied. Since Gelcoat is softer than traditional automotive paint, my hope is that the thin layer of extra protection will prevent minor scratches from routine use and make keeping that shine just a little easier going forward. Using a quality detailing spray like Shine Supply “Throttle” is super easy. Combine this with occasional use of a SiO2 product like Shine Supply’s “Clutch” and you have a wax free shine that’s much smoother in my opinion and takes a fraction of the time.

For some great videos explaining the ceramic process and detailing in general, check out my detail guy’s YouTube Channel, Chase really knows his stuff:
www.youtube.com/user/InsanePaintDetailing

JTinMO wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2019 8:31 amSynthetic polymer based sealants and waxes, and ceramics are taking over, and not going away.

mdadgar wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 10:27 pm

JTinMO wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2019 8:31 amSynthetic polymer based sealants and waxes, and ceramics are taking over, and not going away.

Largely because the margin on a $2000 ceramic coating job is OUTSTANDING.

- Mark

JTinMO wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:16 am Not that I disagree with this entirely, but on my new truck, I had about 14-16 hrs in the process. A boat is at least as big, if not larger to do it correctly. Also, say $200 minimum just for the ceramic product for a single coat. I don't do this on anything but my own, but if I was charging for it, it would be in the $1400 range or so, easy. This is fresh water midwest money, not saltwater or brackish water california money. For CA, it's prob 2K.

mdadgar wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:05 pm

JTinMO wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:16 am Not that I disagree with this entirely, but on my new truck, I had about 14-16 hrs in the process. A boat is at least as big, if not larger to do it correctly. Also, say $200 minimum just for the ceramic product for a single coat. I don't do this on anything but my own, but if I was charging for it, it would be in the $1400 range or so, easy. This is fresh water midwest money, not saltwater or brackish water california money. For CA, it's prob 2K.

Actually, I was thinking about a car when I wrote that. As you noted, it's stupid expensive here in CA.

I guess the sun doesn't pay itself to shine all the time.

- Mark

JTinMO wrote: Tue Apr 09, 2019 7:44 am Yep, I lived in CA for the better part of 5 years. Could not wait to get out of there.