Ron, There are many many different coatings out there. Just because this guy says his coating doesn't protect against swirls doesn't mean SF doesn't. In fact I will be making videos about how Ceramic Coating do protect the paint from scratching and marring....

Also I believe Ceramic Coatings can last much longer then 5 years but in order to avoid dealing with trolls who say BS, 5 years is pretty standard now in the Ceramic Coating industry.

Also the link you provided: This person is using Opti Coat pro products. Any real detailer or chemical enthusiast realizes a REAL Ceramic Coating formula is not capable of being stored in a plastic vial. This is why REAL coatings are stored in Glass Vials. (Many companies dilute their coating so it is sustainable in plastic, again I have proof)

Lets see:
Ceramic Coating Kit $100 (Can be applied in your garage)
Clear Bra: $1,200+ (must have someone install)

Well so far i haven't clear bra ed the z but . im not out yet. Did a paint correction on a 98 240zx my son got ahold of that was setting idle in the elements 5 yrs so bummer on the mistreatment . Black metallic too under a tree as well , any way im on it . wash clay orange pad polish , couple more pads polished sides came out real well. top surfaces had most damage as u can expect ,but i got it back as good as to be expected. So the coming week im going to ceramic coat over the correction . and will post my thoughts on the process and my results. this will be my first time using ceramic coating ... Be advised this car is on its way to 500 plus hp turbo beast. justin is all about performance .,, im all about the finish lol . so the bring me back to life z makeover is just beginning . he has the motor the turbo ,just in stalled the bc coil overs new tires ,all new brake rotors . waiting on calibers are next install. currently a daily driver so it a fun build

oh one more thing ,does any one no what the military was using ceramic coatings for ? thx d

The issue I have is that MOST peddlers misinform the consumer. Users of any ceramic coating (out of plastic or glass bottle) are being led to believe that these coatings are......
A. lifetime protection for your paint
B. not susceptible to swirl marks or scratches
C. maintenance free products
all less than truthful statements. Its not a magic liquid. You still need to wash your car in the same manner you do without it...And still have to follow the same maintenance regimen for protecting the surface. As for applying it at home on the cheap, yes, it can be done, but a certain level of paint correction is required prior to use, even on a car right off the showroom floor. A level that not the average consumer possesses.
I cant speak to the statement about others diluting the product, but I guess if I were considering the product, I would look at msds sheets prior to purchase.
As for clear bra, Your $ may be ever so slightly exaggerated, but again, they require a certain skillset to install, even the pre-cut versions, that would sway most to seek a professionals help to install.
Personally, I could not walk past my car without looking at the line across the hood without cringing, but hey, that's just me.
I'm not an advocate for either product, personally. I know people who have both products, and both will say ones better than the other.
Bottom line for me is this. You're getting rock chips. I don't care what you put on your car. Deal with it.

:iagree:

When I purchased the ceramic coating from Honda, they totally sold it as some miracle cure that would prevent scratches. Of course, I knew better - I was really purchasing a 5 year paint protection package that covers all damage to the paint (yes, rock chips included - who needs a clear bra when I can just have the dealer repaint the panel). The protection package just happened to include this ceramic coating. Scratch free my a$$ - they tried to deliver it to me after initial application with scratches all over the hood and trunk deck lid. I had to reject delivery twice before the paint was acceptable :shakes head:

Yes they should ignore you because your "pricing vs protection" argument is ridiculous ..... 9H hardness isn't Kryptonite. So you're suggesting someone spend a few 100.00 on ceramic coating and just disregard the the $1000+ to repaint the panels after they get beat to **** from real world scenarios???? You keep schlepping this nonsense that multiple coats of ceramic coating is going to stop a rock chip which is COMPLETE BS. The functional hardness of applied ceramics is NOT exponential. Its quite possible that the surface tension of multiple coats of ceramic would make it more likely to crack or chip. MORE doesn't necessarily mean better......

The whole reason paint film DOES protect against rock chips and scratches is because its actually soft / flexible. It absorbs the energy so its not transferred to the paint.....If you're driving through a big enough war zone that you beat up the film, you just replace it. No need to repaint your baby.....

As for cost, if you can apply decals, you can apply PPF to some simple panels yourself......

Bottom line, if you're looking for the best protection for your paint, PPF wins hands down. If for some reason you can't afford PPF, ceramic will help, but it's not a replacement..... Its a 20th century wax.......

The only ceramics I'm aware of them using is high temp ceramic coatings for turbine / exhaust applications and some firearm coatings. I heard that they were also using a clear ceramic for something James-Bondish, but my rep wouldn't disclose anything else. These have nothing to do with paint sealant ceramics though.

The military also uses paint protection film on helicopter blades to protect them from damage...... I believe 3M developed this and was likely the infancy of PPF. Derivatives of this material are also used for bullet proofing glass.

Applying multi coats makes perfect sense. Your theory is rather odd. I guess Ill just add one coat of clear coat to my paint job. NO! you add layers of Clear Coat. Ceramic Coatings provide a harder barrier and is actually strong then clear coat.

Again: On average it cost $1,200+ for a clear bra.
Ceramic Coating Kit: $100

So technically I have $1,100 left over for a possible paint job.

Not sure why you aren't seeing the price difference here! The both do work. Which one is cheaper??

lmao, just as adding multiple coats of clear coat doesn't make the BASE COAT paint harder, nor does applying multiple coats of ceramic. +/- 9H is all you get. And you are correct, it is likely harder than a typical water based clear coat. That said, other than its cleaning benefits it does very little to protect your paint from typical road hazards.

The only argument you have is cost. It actually costs ZERO to do nothing. In that you don't have any concern for protecting the ORIGINAL paint job on a vehicle, why would you bother doing anything??? It seems very unlikely that anyone spending 50k-80k+ on their vehicle is going to flinch over a 300-1000 on protecting it from certain damage. They'll make up more than that in resale.

Further, regarding cost, you seem to be pulling those numbers out of your butt as well. I just checked xpels site and retail on a front bumper hood and mirror kit is about 250-300.00. Most people could do that themselves or find a local shop to put something similar on for that or less. Big deal.

So to conclude, I AM seeing the price difference and I couldn't care less because they do NOT do the same thing. Saying they do either makes you a liar or extremely slow on the uptake. As soon as you can show me a ceramic paint sealant that can take rock chips, keys scratches and swirls like the following PPF for 100.00, I'm all in...... Till then, you're wasting your time and ours....

70mph rock test.
https://youtu.be/OKg9akQyZNY

Brass brush torture test
https://youtu.be/Q75LcIdtVBY

Key scratch test
https://youtu.be/S5FH7pJ9JNU

I cant wait to start producing videos :rofl2:
Stay tuned bud!

We're on the edge of our seats.....

I'm interested in seeing the videos, too

A total of 5 post LOL..... I can't wait to prove you wrong! Or you could follow the channel for updates. :happydance:

OK readers i did a home ceramic coating process on a 98 nissan 240sx. this was after the paint correction process .This car sat 5 yrs under a tree . so top surfaces are as best they will get without a respray. the sides came up like glass very satisfied with the results . so far as for the ceramic process ,this was a learning on the job experience, and went very well . so for me my results were great and the learning on this ride before i do my 370z front end etc. Im now quite comfortable to do this and the results are great .

having the 3M clear bra for 4 years, no color change.