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This all sounds intriguing. I'm getting a new ride - 2020 Heritage, vivid black - and I want to protect that beautiful deep, black paint. By the same token, I don't want to put a lot of money or time into it. I have other interests and I like to do other stuff, like lazing around on the couch and watching You Tube. There's some hilarious stuff on there.
I'm hell on wheels in the morning, but I usually eat a huge lunch and get drowsy in the afternoons and that's when I tend to lay around watching the TV, maybe sip on a boilermaker or two, and just take it easy and enjoy life. If I have any energy left, I'll go for a ride.
So I guess my point is, is this something I can do with a minimum of effort and/or expertise in the cool of the Florida mornings? This might sound stupid, but I'm serious.
There is more to it then just apply the coating. Its not physically hard, but it takes time.
Just guessing here, you might be better of with a sealant. Easy to apply/remove. Takes way less time.
A can of excellent quality carnauba wax is fifteen to twenty bux, maybe less, and is the standard of the industry. Don't pay a bunch of money for snake oil.
Unless you have had ceramic coating applied properly by a professional, you shouldn't judge. Yes, It's a lot of money, but I know from experience, wax is not even on the same planet! I would, and did, spend the money on both my bike and my car.
I agree that paint coatings are NOT for everyone. First is price. Thats a lot of money to invest in protecting the paint. 2nd reason is that you have to take care of it with proper washing/drying techniques. If you don't you will have a $900 swirled up mess. Which is $700 more than a swirled up sealant job I would do.
Also, not all coatings cost that much. A lot of consumer grade coatings that are not "Permanent" like Pro, are a lot cheaper and do just a good of a job, just not as long
The reason I see the value in them is what we have to deal with living in Fl. First is the pollen like I mentioned. A waxed vehicle would be clean for maybe 5 min in the spring and summer. Coated vehicles, nothing sticks to the coating.
2nd reason is love bug season. They will etch paint if they are not removed in hours. When you are in your car/bike and drive thru them they splatter everywhere. A coated car, those bug guts can be hit by a hose and removed. No hard scrubbing or harsh chemicals.
You do have a very valid point that coatings are not for everyone, and I should have mentioned that.
I never have had a customer bring his coated vehicle back to me and say they didn't like it though. But I have had them bring it back swirled up because they didn't follow proper washing techniques
Eaglefan1 How is ceramic for protecting chrome from the salt air? I am in Miami less than a mile from the bay and even garaged, the sale air gets to the chrome.
I live close to the gulf so I understand. Engine chrome is tough because of the heat, hard to say how long it would last but its definitely worth a shot. If you have the time to do it yourself, it for sure would be worth it. Bottom line is it won't hurt at all
I live close to the gulf so I understand. Engine chrome is tough because of the heat, hard to say how long it would last but its definitely worth a shot. If you have the time to do it yourself, it for sure would be worth it. Bottom line is it won't hurt at all
Thanks for the fast response. I was thinking more the chrome front end, engine and bag guards.
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