Paint Protection

[Bolted]

Had my car detailed and Paint Protection applied - Ceramic Coat 9H by detailGuys in Thomastown, Victoria. Super happy with result and price was close to recent group buy offer. Dealer actually did a pretty good job and I was happy with it, but the ceramic coat enhanced it just that little bit extra. Hopefully it does what it promises and helps protect that shine.

Darren at detailGUYS was easy to deal with, super helpful and even installed my Lakin brakets and plates.

Some photos below.

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[Erez]

Good looking Stang! I've never done coating before, do you know the difference between Ceramic to Opti-coat? Does it really last a "lifetime"? How long does it take? (when I enquired about Opti-Coat I was told the car should stay there for 2 days, is it really such a long process? I can't see myself parting with it for a whole two days just after getting it...)

 

[mwizz]

Good looking Stang! I've never done coating before, do you know the difference between Ceramic to Opti-coat? Does it really last a "lifetime"? How long does it take? (when I enquired about Opti-Coat I was told the car should stay there for 2 days, is it really such a long process? I can't see myself parting with it for a whole two days just after getting it...)

It normally takes two days as some detailers like to do the job thoroughly without rushing it, starting with a complete clean and clay bar. Some will remove each of the wheels and opti-coat individually front and back. The optic-coat itself also takes time to cure.

 

[Bolted]

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
I'm no expert on the various paint protection options, I just wanted a product that was low maintenance. Some guys enjoy a yearly cut and polish, unfortunately I just don't have the time, i'd rather be behind the wheel cruising down a highway, but each to their own. I am sure all the paint protection variants are similar or same. I saw a few of the US guys use ceramic coat so I thought I would give it a shot.
It is a long process, my paint work was pretty good, no swirl marks or surface scratches, but it still took them over a day to get to a point where they were happy to apply the Ceramic Coat. It then needs time to 'cure' and adhere to the paint work.
I also had the interior coated and my wheels done. The two front wheels were ok but the rear were covered in brown gunk and it took them 3 hours per rim to get them clean. All in all it took 2.5 days to complete by 2 guys.
It was hard to let the car go for so long, kept looking at the empty space in the garage, but the guys at the detail shop were really good and took care of my car the way I would. A lot of their customers have show quality cars, so I was pretty comfortable leaving them my baby.

 

[Frostee]

My car is currently at the detailer having G Techniq Crystal Serum applied.

http://www.gtechniq.com.au/

I've done a lot of research and spoken to many people in the trade, and I landed on this product. I did consider Opticoat, but my assessment was that it didn't meet one of my key requirements being that the protective coating enhance the gloss appearance of the paintwork, whilst also providing resistance to scratching and staining.

The car is required typically for two days. Day one is paint correction. OMG I was shocked at what I saw on my week old car when it was put under the lights. Then the coating is applied and allowed to cure on day two. This stuff would be dangerous in the hands of the untrained - once on it literally needs to be sanded off.

A word of warning to those thinking about paint protection from you Dealer. Make sure yu know what product they're applying and the preparation process they'll be using. There's a lot of products out there that are described as nano paint protection - they work but they have a limited life. Paint protection has a huge markup by many dealers and is a big money make for them. Satisfy yourself that you're getting what you're paying for, before parting with your hard earned cash.

 

[Aus-MustangGT]

My car is currently at the detailer having G Techniq Crystal Serum applied.

http://www.gtechniq.com.au/

I've done a lot of research and spoken to many people in the trade, and I landed on this product. I did consider Opticoat, but my assessment was that it didn't meet one of my key requirements being that the protective coating enhance the gloss appearance of the paintwork, whilst also providing resistance to scratching and staining.

The car is required typically for two days. Day one is paint correction. OMG I was shocked at what I saw on my week old car when it was put under the lights. Then the coating is applied and allowed to cure on day two. This stuff would be dangerous in the hands of the untrained - once on it literally needs to be sanded off.

A word of warning to those thinking about paint protection from you Dealer. Make sure yu know what product they're applying and the preparation process they'll be using. There's a lot of products out there that are described as nano paint protection - they work but they have a limited life. Paint protection has a huge markup by many dealers and is a big money make for them. Satisfy yourself that you're getting what you're paying for, before parting with your hard earned cash.

It also helps if you know the detailer and you know their work quality.

I find comfort when I go into a detailers and see two Huracan's and a 458 Spider all with Zagame paperwork. Zagame is a dealer that only uses the best

 

[Frostee]

It also helps if you know the detailer and you know their work quality.

I find comfort when I go into a detailers and see two Huracan's and a 458 Spider all with Zagame paperwork. Zagame is a dealer that only uses the best

Totally agree. I used Final Finish in Brunswick East and the Ferrari's and Lamborghini I saw on the floor sealed my confidence in them.

There are many very good Detailer's out there. The key point I wanted to make is to not get sucked into a product supplied by a Dealer without knowing what's behind what you're buying.

p.s. I'm driving a Huracan at Sandown on Friday ;) can't wait!!!!

 

[Aus-MustangGT]

Totally agree. I used Final Finish in Brunswick East and the Ferrari's and Lamborghini I saw on the floor sealed my confidence in them.

There are many very good Detailer's out there. The key point I wanted to make is to not get sucked into a product supplied by a Dealer without knowing what's behind what you're buying.

p.s. I'm driving a Huracan at Sandown on Friday ;) can't wait!!!!

Exactly the detailer I am referring to haha

Look familiar?

 

[Frostee]

Exactly the detailer I am referring to haha

Look familiar?

Very familiar ;)

They're a first class outfit!

 

[ryosaeba]

So what kind of pricing are people paying for these paint protection?

 

[PG68]

I have booked mine in for mid November and got the deal going on this forum for $1,100 from Dan in Ferntree Gully / Vic. Saw some of his work and have heard from others here that he is very good.

 

[Shevs550]

Anyone used Permaguard? Thoughts?

Apologies if there is plenty of information in other threads on that brand, I was unsuccessful in a search.

 

[Bolted]

So what kind of pricing are people paying for these paint protection?

Price will depend on the state of your paint work. Most of the work involves prepping the car, if not done correctly paint imperfections will be caught beneath the protector. I had interior, wheels and exterior done for $1,300 but that was due to paint work being pretty good. Shop around, there are a variety of products and a lot detailers doing this work. Visit their workshop and check other cars they are doing.

I was more than happy with the job done on my car.

 

[Coyoterunner]

If there is such a thing as a 5 star rating for a detailing paint protection service, I would without dought nominate the team at Affinesse in Clayton Victoria.
Having prepared a number of S550,they know these cars very well. A1 class service, and the results speak for them selves. Cannot be happier with these guys, here is a video of some of the process involved - amazing job.
[ame]

 

[Frostee]

http://imgur.com/AwxWL5i

http://imgur.com/83crkn7

http://imgur.com/8NfKd7b


Hi everyone,

I just thought I would provide some pictures about the paint protection that I had done by Final Finish in Brunswick East.

Per my earlier post, I decided upon G Techniq Crystal Serum, and I am super impressed at the depth of colour and gloss that the car has now.

Sam and the Team at Final Finish did an amazing job. They are perfectionists and it shows in their work. My car was a week old when I took it to them. I'd done about 100km in it, and it hadn't been in rain and was garaged. I thought it looked good, however I did notice a circular mark on the mid of the hood when put under certain light. Sam knew exactly what I was talking about and explained it occurs in the factory from the way they handle the components, and typically the factory and Dealers don't polish it out properly.

In the first day they did all the paint correction. Every bit of paintwork was scrutinised under bright lights. All marks and contaminants polished out, and the paintwork prepared for the clear coat Crystal Serum to be applied.

In addition to the colour correction and paint protection on the paintwork, the wheels were also fully coated. I also had treatment on the glass to help it repel water and avoid streaking. I also has all the carpets and leather treated in the interior.

The result achieved is nothing short of impressive. My jaw dropped when I saw the car.

Sam at Final Finish is such a lovely guy. He loves his cars and it's evident that his staff are enthusiasts. The collection of exotic cars under their care is impressive.

I wholeheartedly recommend Final Finish and the Crystal Serum product. If you're thinking about pain protection I strongly recommend that you take some time to talk to people who work with these products, and make up your own mind as to what the superior solution is.

I'll be popping into Final Finish for a car wash and a coffee from time to time - it's a place that I can see becoming a bit of a hang out for me to keep my Mustang in tip top condition and benefit from all the knowledge and expertise that the guys there are more than happy to share.

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