Clear coat failure is definitely the deciding factor here. I wouldn’t polish either. Without it and we’d have more of a conversation. There’s a reason I have a paint thickness gauge.
Point me towards my first ceramic coating
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This is an easy to use ceramic coating that has lasted me for several years. If you don't think there's any wax on it you can use a strong solution of Dawn detergent to wash it before applying. Also use more product on your applicator than the directions say.
https://www.amazon.com/Technicians-Choice-Ceramic-Coating/dp/B07NBNJB4L/ref=sr_1_53?crid=12YF62B8JJ3U0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tO5Kk4G4wPPFBSz6DJF8tETVgdzDzKaOW2mviE326jiIqRJDskHZfGhvsj7VcdGaovowdc9FWu8zDd4WtNRBkSyGlMZyPnBPJzf9-dOkKZG4eWVBLEDR5adAUygOjvqGkplHcJ6PAPsMu514NzAxpZWgkIFyxM9QnE6-OF0EKxMb_cqb3MTdwDxkqUqO2umTEnwhY9qODL0vskIfoNKBx13W0w_2pshN87nutcdkThKEIT0H9JpwMuqkdQBGhcSww4Gn-nn98I0d93IAB8YIoOdLRlxu0CVHYaajung4z3E.tBZI9Xt8XWaT8P5Yo8Sbpi5POzMaRXg1EuobGMkiO3Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=tec+auto+coatings&qid=1755707319&sprefix=tec+auto+coatings,aps,99&sr=8-53
They also make a Quick Detailer that you can use after washing to preserve the ceramic coating.
https://www.amazon.com/Technicians-Choice-Ceramic-Coating/dp/B07NBNJB4L/ref=sr_1_53?crid=12YF62B8JJ3U0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tO5Kk4G4wPPFBSz6DJF8tETVgdzDzKaOW2mviE326jiIqRJDskHZfGhvsj7VcdGaovowdc9FWu8zDd4WtNRBkSyGlMZyPnBPJzf9-dOkKZG4eWVBLEDR5adAUygOjvqGkplHcJ6PAPsMu514NzAxpZWgkIFyxM9QnE6-OF0EKxMb_cqb3MTdwDxkqUqO2umTEnwhY9qODL0vskIfoNKBx13W0w_2pshN87nutcdkThKEIT0H9JpwMuqkdQBGhcSww4Gn-nn98I0d93IAB8YIoOdLRlxu0CVHYaajung4z3E.tBZI9Xt8XWaT8P5Yo8Sbpi5POzMaRXg1EuobGMkiO3Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=tec+auto+coatings&qid=1755707319&sprefix=tec+auto+coatings,aps,99&sr=8-53
They also make a Quick Detailer that you can use after washing to preserve the ceramic coating.
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Ordered Griotts surface prep cleanser and Griotts Ceramic 3 in 1, but Jeff Bezos says it might not be here until September 18th. Guess I will wait a bit and see, otherwise will need to get something else in the recommendations above a little sooner.
I will take a "Hack" (pun in intended) at it and let you know how it turns out - but probably not for a couple weeks.
I will take a "Hack" (pun in intended) at it and let you know how it turns out - but probably not for a couple weeks.
With all the miles and rock chips I have i just go through the club car wash MVP wash so I get all the extra soap and hot wax and stuff , but once a year I use a cheap clay bar and a mix of car wash soap and water in a spray bottle and do the entire car. I then use a leftover bottle of Turtle Wax scratch remover and just applied to the areas that look rough and then I top coat with the Maguire's hybrid ceramic.
Eventually I will have the front bumper and Hood either repaired or replaced but for right now I just do the best I can.
Eventually I will have the front bumper and Hood either repaired or replaced but for right now I just do the best I can.
I think this thread degraded a little. I think that there is an open question about how bad this paint it that means it can’t be clayed. Like most, I have lots of wax experience and a handful of claying experiences. My thought is that ceramic is much less forgiving than wax, and that ceramic amplifies imperfections. Ceramic lasts a lot longer, so these errors are with you. Wax is warmer, more forgiving, and makes the best of what you have. Both offer protection, but ceramic is hard as nails and therefore provides better protection.
I think that the OP would do well to consider wax. One other poster showed a picture of Meguiar’s Ceramic Wax liquid. I have used it on well worn black paint and it has held up great. (I did wash, decon, clay, compound, polish as though I was putting on real ceramic.
As far as ceramic products go, have used Nano Bond, which is easy to apply and with very good results. It is under $40 and would be a great choice. Also have used Ethos Max. Excellent results, far more expensive, and quite a bit more tricky to apply.
I did use Nano Bond on some very worn out, no clear, patina and fade paint one time. It did provide shine and protection. Best wishes.
I think that the OP would do well to consider wax. One other poster showed a picture of Meguiar’s Ceramic Wax liquid. I have used it on well worn black paint and it has held up great. (I did wash, decon, clay, compound, polish as though I was putting on real ceramic.
As far as ceramic products go, have used Nano Bond, which is easy to apply and with very good results. It is under $40 and would be a great choice. Also have used Ethos Max. Excellent results, far more expensive, and quite a bit more tricky to apply.
I did use Nano Bond on some very worn out, no clear, patina and fade paint one time. It did provide shine and protection. Best wishes.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I’m sure I bought them with the coating before that …
The brand belongs in the Vegas thread
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All this going on about chemical decon instead of abrasion and nobody mentions Iron-x or similar?
Given, the abraded surface will still be MUCH cleaner, but to stick with OP's request that his paint not get abraded,there are a number of products that could be used to clean up the paint without grinding it out.
Far from the lazy man's approach, a very gentle, many step process like the pros use on historically significant vehicles could be used as well.
So, my suggestion for the hard core lazymans approach,..... wash , iron-x, quick final wash, dry, Griots 3 in 1.
I'd hope for the clay mitt or clay bar, several Iron-X treatments and two coats of Griots for best life expectancy.
Anyways, an update here would be cool, LOL!
Given, the abraded surface will still be MUCH cleaner, but to stick with OP's request that his paint not get abraded,there are a number of products that could be used to clean up the paint without grinding it out.
Far from the lazy man's approach, a very gentle, many step process like the pros use on historically significant vehicles could be used as well.
So, my suggestion for the hard core lazymans approach,..... wash , iron-x, quick final wash, dry, Griots 3 in 1.
I'd hope for the clay mitt or clay bar, several Iron-X treatments and two coats of Griots for best life expectancy.
Anyways, an update here would be cool, LOL!
I like the griots 3-in-1. As @Cujet mentioned, 2 coats a day apart is great, but even just a single coat is quite good.
A deeper gloss can be had with a carnuba synthetic hybrid - it’s either mothers or mcguires in the garage now, it goes on smooth and thin, and is only marginally more effort than the spray, TBH, this was the first time I’ve tried the hybrid carnuba but it’s holding up extremely well.
A deeper gloss can be had with a carnuba synthetic hybrid - it’s either mothers or mcguires in the garage now, it goes on smooth and thin, and is only marginally more effort than the spray, TBH, this was the first time I’ve tried the hybrid carnuba but it’s holding up extremely well.
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@SC Maintenance how did the griots 3in1 work for you? I’ve been debating on ordering thus since I’m pretty satisfied with my turtle wax ceramic spray
Life happened and I haven't gotten to it yet. I was just thinking about it - hoping I will get to it over the holidays.
Not him but for me it didn’t work too well. Some people report several months, I was lucky to get two months at all. I’ve heard that batches can be inconsistent
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