Ceramic spray at the coin wash

[Patman]

I use one of those $3 do it yourself spray washes for my Corvette and I just noticed that my favorite one has a ceramic wax spray as a no cost option now. I obviously know that it’s not going to be anywhere near as good (or as durable) as a true ceramic coating but I’m going to start using it for a while to see if it does actually do anything.

Does anyone have experience using these types of spray on products at the do it yourself car wash? I can definitely see when I was using it that something different was coming out of the nozzle and it wasn’t just faking it.

Even if it helps the finish be a little bit more hydrophobic for a week or two I would be happy. (Although I do still have a few cans of Meguiars Ultimate Fast Finish and that stuff is quite hydrophobic and lasts a few months)

 

[dbias]

I don’t think that putting a sealant on a nonprepped paint surface would be very effective or desirable.
Making sure the surface is clean and clayed smooth will ensure the coating adheres properly and gives the best results.
Wash, iron remover and clay the car and put a coat of Griots 3 in 1 Ceramic wax is the easiest and most cost effective ways to get good results.
If the car is clean and already has a good quality ceramic coating on it just about any ceramic based topper will refresh the surface.

 

[Patman]

True, I do know that a prepped surface offers up the absolute best base for a product of any kind to work. But I don’t think that means that nothing at all would ever work on an unprepped surface either.

I just don’t really enjoy spending many hours doing that sort of prep anymore. I’m more interested in spending that time driving the car

And in reality most people wouldn’t see a difference between a fully prepped and coated car and my car (which always looks clean) that doesn’t get the full detailing procedures that a lot of Vette owners do

 

[Patman]

 

[CarbonToast]

I imagine it's not too much different than a Spray wax. "Wax as you dry" type product.

I use Meguairs Detailer Line Spray Wax on all my cars and travel trailer. Wash, Rinse, Spray while Drying off. It's so easy and gets a good result. A gallon probably lasts a year, I wash alot.
https://www.meguiars.com/profession...etic-x-press-spray-wax-d15601-1-gallon-liquid

+1 on starting with a decently prepped surface. Not full of swirl marks and contaminates. The results on a neglected finish won't be very good.

 

[silveravant]

I stopped going to my local do it yourself car wash when I figured out that I was washing the salt off with salt water. Recycled water left salt crystals all over the exterior and forced salt into under body gaps.

 

[CarbonToast]

True, I do know that a prepped surface offers up the absolute best base for a product of any kind to work. But I don’t think that means that nothing at all would ever work on an unprepped surface either.

I just don’t really enjoy spending many hours doing that sort of prep anymore. I’m more interested in spending that time driving the car

And in reality most people wouldn’t see a difference between a fully prepped and coated car and my car (which always looks clean) that doesn’t get the full detailing procedures that a lot of Vette owners do

I agree and I think that if you do a proper prep 1 time. Then regularly apply a maintenance coat of a spray on product, like what you got at the carwash. You don't need much more.

 

[zeroptzero]

I just brought home a Subaru BRZ, and I picked up one bottle of ceramic detailer and ceramic spray from Turtle Wax ( at Canadian Tire ). I'm not fooling myself into thinking it is as good as a true ceramic aftermarket treatment, but I want the hydrophobic effects to help keep the car cleaner. I used both of the products today. I took the car to carwash last night to get the salt residue off the car from the day I drove home from the Subaru dealer 3 weeks ago, and I sprayed down the car with both products today with some microfiber cloths. It looks and feels great and water will roll off so easily now, hopefully the dirt too. It didn't take me more than 10 minutes to apply and wipe down the car with the two products, that time savings is important to me too. I sprayed the car lightly on each panel and wiped dry with microfibre towels.

A full paint restoring and prep system is back breaking work, I did it a few years ago on my Honda S2000, it was no less than 8 hours start to finish. I just got through a bout of sciatica (first time in my life) , it was excruciating pain for a good 5 weeks. I never want to see that kind of pain again, and I will take an easier short-cut any day of the week if the car looks good and is easy to maintain.

Your Corvette looks great Patman. Very nice and clean.

 

[Patman]

Thank you @zeroptzero and enjoy your BRZ! It’s definitely great when you find products that give you the results you are happy with and don’t take too much time or money to use. I used to try all of the latest products, I really got caught up in the Zaino craze back in the 90s. But I love the fact that there are a lot of spray on and walk away products now that give excellent results with little effort

 

[zeroptzero]

Some crappy cel phone quality pics, but the car looks pretty clean after the Turtlewax ceramic detail sprays

 

[Dave Hess]

I love Turtle Wax products.

 

[doitmyself]

One has to wonder if that car wash is just cashing in on the current ceramic marketing trend and the product has a drop or two of ceramic to satisfy legalities.

 

[zeroptzero]

I love Turtle Wax products.

The new stuff they have been producing in recent years has been good quality for low cost and easy application, and easy to find for sure.

 

[zeroptzero]

One has to wonder if that car wash is just cashing in on the current ceramic marketing trend and the product has a drop or two of ceramic to satisfy legalities.

I believe it yes. I think you have products and services that do it that way for the most convenience. Then you have the over the counter sprays that I use with more concentration and a bit more effort needed. Then you have the top quality professional products which are the ultimate but involve more effort and cost.

 

[Patman]

One has to wonder if that car wash is just cashing in on the current ceramic marketing trend and the product has a drop or two of ceramic to satisfy legalities.

Of course it is possible but this is a fancy new place with a great reputation so I would be more inclined to trust that they are using a good amount compared to the other places in my town that often have broken equipment and rip me off (takes the coins and doesn’t work, and also only giving me $4 in coins when I put in a five dollar bill)

Like I mentioned, there was a noticeable difference when I switched to the ceramic wax setting and I could see that some type of chemical was going onto the paint.

I guess time will tell, the next time I get caught in the rain I will see if the paint stays a bit cleaner. It has been a while since I last applied Meguiars Fast Finish to it (September 5 ,2024) so the effects of that are probably worn off.