Questions for those who had a ceramic coating applied to your Lincoln (dealer or non-dealer)?

[angore]

I have been reading up on ceramics and graphene infused coatings and sealants. There are many coatings on the market with varying claims of protection.

Since these are often expensive to apply, my question what is your expectation of the coatings? One characteristic is the hydrofobic aspects in how water jets off the paint and , beading, and slickness in addition to be along lastting sacrificial layer to protect your paint.


1. What would have to happen to say it failed or was compromised?

2. Have you ever tried to get your Lincoln repair/recoated due to some issue?

3. Have you been told you need certain products to maintain the coating (special wash, ceramic detail spray)?

 

[APL Rep]

Ceramics are tough. They always come with certain maintenance requirements. One of which is no automatic car washes. Most people use these?
They do seem to be pretty popular these days though.

 

[angore]

Yes but can be improperly applied so not getting all the benefits and certain chemicals can impact them dramatically.

 

[RedHoncho]

I did a lot of research on ceramic coatings. I have opted not to have my new Nautilus ceramic coated.

If you choose to have ceramic coating done you should always have a professional do the application. The over the counter products do not last primarily due to user application.

@Kolector7.62 makes a valid point about the automatic car washes. A ceramic coated vehicle is handwash only. I live in central Ohio and the winters here make that an impossible proposition with the cold and the salting of the roads.

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[angore]

I have not intention to doing the multi year coating and the durability is really a range that depends on factors like road salt, wash methods, etc. Most detailing reviews focus on hydrofobics and slickness. Many selling coatings also sell special washes, detail sprays, other boosters. I wanted to know who thinks their coating is not working and what the detailer. All coatings are not equal and neither are those that install them.

 

[angore]

I would amend my question if you have required annual inspections and other requirements?

 

[Jim O]

Ceramic coating seems to be the new "fad". I'm not knocking it but there are drawbacks. Its very expensive, it has to be done right and I suggest a professional rather than do it yourself and time will tell if it really lasts a lifetime. I've been maintaining my cars myself for a very long time and as an enthusiast I pride myself on maintaining condition and appearance. I wax my cars with regular car wax once a year, i try to wash myself but sometimes I do go to a carwash ( I try to use touchless) and several times during the nice weather season I use spray wax as a maintainer. My cars look just as good as those with ceramic coatings! In addition to my regular drivers I have a Mustang "show car". People say "that must be a ceramic coating"... no it is not. Now, I am not knocking ceramic coatings at all, it may be as great as they say , but I just don't think its necessary. I did look into it for our Corsair but I'm not going to spend $1200. ( that is me, wife calls me a cheapskate). My cars look just as good and my Lincoln and Explorer are parked outside ( Lincoln indoors over the winter when Mustang is stored elsewhere).

 

[angore]

Here is a well know brand GYEON.

Their Infinite Warranty
GYEON warrants that during 5 years and above depending on your chosen GYEON maintenance routine, a Q2 DuraFlex, Mohs+, Infinite Base Type 1/2 coated vehicle paintwork will not lose its gloss, will be protected against most elements, will retain its self-cleaning abilities, will allow easier removal of bird dropping, organic contamination, tar deposits, bugs and acid marks. The chosen coating will retain its beading/sheeting properties for at least 24 months once correct maintenance is followed and the vehicle is not exposed to extreme conditions.

The vehicle has not been washed with any detergents in the period of the first 14 days to allow the curing
process of the coating to happen.
– The car has not been washed in an automatic or commercial car wash.
– After the GYEON initial service, the vehicle has not been serviced by any other detailing company that is not approved by GYEON (including dealerships and workshops).
- Q2M CURE, Q2M WETCOAT or Q2M BATHE+ have been used at least once every 3 months for maintenance purposes
- The INFINITE Warranty is valid as long as the customer respects the periodical services routine with his selected GYEON Certified Detailer. If a service has not been done on time or skipped the INFINITE Warranty is void, but the customer may benefit from the regular 5 year warranty.

Maintenance rules
1. do not wash with harsh chemicals during first 14 days
2. Do not use automatic car washes
3. Do not let contamimnants like bird droppings remain on surface
4. Do not expose to acid, caustic chemicals. etc
5. Personal use - not commercial
6. Always wash and dry when cool and out of direct sunlight
7. Wash car every 650 miles or 2 weeks
8. Use GYEON products like Q2M Bathe, etc at least once per month
9. Visit installer every 24 motnhs / 15K miles (some plans charge for this).

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[ColonelColt]

I do my own detailing. I’m not about to knock ceramic coatings as I know little about them but have heard good things about them.

Put it this way…any quality coating is better than none at all…and the technology is always changing and improving. The best product on the market today will be an also-ran next year due to constant advances in such technology. Regular washing and reapplication as needed will cover the needs of most.

My own regimen is to use a quality polish applied with a good…not cheap knock-off…random orbital. I follow that with a coat of a quality sealant. I let the sealant cure for twenty-four hours then apply a carnauba wax.

Sealants are synthetic…they bond with the paint surface and provide long protection. Their downside is they have a plastic appearance. Wax is a sacrificial barrier that protects but doesn’t have the longevity of a sealant. Waxes do give that wet look that appears a foot deep.

There are beauty waxes and protective waxes…not necessarily the same thing. A beauty wax looks awesome but usually doesn’t have durability by comparison. They’re great for show cars.

My go-to brand for car care chemicals is usually but not exclusively Griot’s Garage. There are many awesome products on the market…I’ve certainly not tried them all but found Griot’s to be uniformly excellent and reasonably priced…especially when sales are run which is often.

 

[oktowncar]

Ceramic coatings have to be maintained like everything else. A lot of people think that once you get the vehicle ceramic coated it turns into an impervious tank.

Chemical Guys have some good products also to help maintain your vehicle regardless of what coatings you have