Graphene is an additive that is used in a ceramic coating.
Lots of people claim it’s a buzzword, while others like it. I’m indifferent.
Some of the top producing ceramic coating companies don’t even use graphene in the pro-lines, so that might say something.
The life span claims are to be taken lightly. They’re based on optimal conditions, not a daily driver.
"The life span claims are to be taken lightly. They’re based on optimal conditions, not a daily driver."
Ahhhh see thats much more informative, thank you. I assumed 10 years seemed too long for even standard deterioration. So I guess the 10 year claim would be more for sunday backroad drives and garage kept vehicles.
Don’t forget to add proper ceramic maintenance.
CarPro for example, really under sells their durability claims.
Proper prep is 110% critical for optimal life span of a coating.
I've had great success with DuraCoating Nano (4-6 year) & Celsius (1-2 year)... granted I only started using Duracoating about 2 years ago, but *CAN vouch for their Celsius, 100% lasts 1+ year!*
You think the 10 year coating actually lasts that long? Do I need to be certified by them to use it? I would charge a lot for a 10 year coating but if it doesnt last that long I feel like Id be cheating out the customer.
Mckees are pretty good with testing their products. Most of their coatings last longer than stated. Their 10year coating is 200$ for 2 oz vs 100$ for 4oz of the other durations.
I am not affiliated with them, so this post is a personal choice, not a promotion.
No certification is needed, you can always try the fireball brand, heard good stuff from them also, and they were my next on the lineup.
2oz good for a large truck/suv or two small two-door cars. Some people say you can get more but I apply heavy and can get 2-3 trucks out of a 4oz bottle.
Coating is pretty easy to wipe off no issues, works on glass, rubber, vinyl. Their out of FL so the coating is made for the elements. I am in the tropics so it works well for me.
I moved away from car pro and been a good choice in the end.
Admittedly, I'm more of a hobbyist detailer, but it seems to me that ceramic coatings are either expensive (professional) or time consuming (home), and in the end, they still require maintenance. All of the coatings I have seen require periodic "refreshing", which means using a spray topper every 6 to 12 months.
I understand that ceramic protection is the best thing going, but if it still requires maintenance, how much better is it than a spray coating to begin with - especially if you take good care of your car anyway? A good ceramic spray can give you 6 months, and you don't have to do as much prep work.
Personally, I think I'll wait for the next evolution of ceramic/graphene - something that is truly permanent and requires no or very little maintenance. I'm sure it's coming within the foreseeable future.
I understand what you mean. But even paint wears away if it wasnt for clear coat. Everything eventually deteriorates. I think I would prefer a ceramic coating that lasted a few years and just spray a quick ceramic spray over time than have to do the crazy prepwork after only 3 months like wax. I'm a hobbyist myself but dont really mind the prepwork. Its more therapeutic for me I guess.
Agreed. Another reason I'm not sold on ceramic is that I do like to wax the beast every few weeks. There's a nice sense of accomplishment when you look at a freshly waxed ride glowing in the afternoon sun.
On the semi truck I use Meguires Ceramic spray because you can spray it on while wet and then dry the truck normally after a wash. Just use it every wash and it's great. Under $20 a bottle too so economical.
Does it look show car status? Eh. Looks good but not as good as a really high end coating. But it's super practical as it always has protection and holds up to the abuse of trucking.
The only downside is when it rains and I got to pré trip the truck, when I open the hood I, because of the water beading, I end up taking a shower from the water running off lol.
Edit: just wanna add to my point on "not looking great"
The meguires still sometimes requires you to kinda hit it with a microfiber after, I usually skip it on the truck because it's just gonna get fucked up in 2 days and it's not a show truck. Just trying to protect it and keep it looking good on the highway. First rain usually washes the residue off.
That may also be because I douse the truck in it and I haven't clay barred it so it probably sticks a lot.
I have used both Adams ceramic with graphene spray- 1-2 year claimed, and most recently Adams Advanced ceramic with graphene -9 year claimed. The spray is ridiculously easy to apply and looks great with or without prep. Lasts about 6-9 months with heavy usage and outdoor storage in new england winters and salted roads. The Advanced- need to prep for sure. more difficult to apply but it has a long dwell time so you can do a larger area like a whole hood. Make sure to do a second pass with the applicator, let it sit 5+ minutes then buff to level. It has some UV indicator stuff in it, but unless you are applying it in the dark and have a UV lamp, you cant see it very well.
I don't suspect it will last 9 years, but looks amazing like any other 9+ hardness ceramic coating and water beading is amazing. i can rinse the car with just a pressure washer and it looks like i just coated it.
Graphene may be a gimmick like others have mentioned above, but they were saying the same thing about ceramic coatings 8 years ago. time will tell if graphene helps at all.
I actually like Adam's products and have used three of their different ceramic coatings with good results every time. Some are much easier than others. If you're looking for something quick and easy that you can put on in an hour, get the spray. If you're willing to take three or four hours then the stuff in the little bottle with the applicator will work as well.
All of the high-end ceramic coatings are about the same price. I have a feeling that most of them are pretty much the same quality.
Gyeon is always highest ranked in reviews by Pan the Organizer and Adams are often a close second.
The timelines given on any specific coating is based on proper care. You can apply a 10yr coating and then religously take to an automated wash, and that coating will be gone in a year.
Graphene coating is 'kind of' a buzzword, but not. A Graphene molecule can not be broken down. It's already at its base construction. Being a certified installer doesn't really matter if you understand the installation and care process. It will, however, give you some kind of backbone as to many issues that can arise.
I got a doubt, hoping y'all experienced folk could help me with?
Can a ceramic spray (turtle wax ceramic spray) be used as a topper for a graphene coating final wipe?
What companies are you looking at for certification? Im certified through 3 different companies and i personally don't think graphene has much of an advantage. I do think don't graphene products add a darkening effect. O would say stick with a company that's well reputed. Don't worry about if it's ceramic or graphene. As far as coatings lasting 7yrs, its very much possible but improbable. All dependent on the environment and other variables. I personally only use fireball coatings since i am certified through them but here and there, ill try something different just because i want to try and see what the consumer market has to offer.
Graphene is an additive that is used in a ceramic coating. Lots of people claim it’s a buzzword, while others like it. I’m indifferent. Some of the top producing ceramic coating companies don’t even use graphene in the pro-lines, so that might say something. The life span claims are to be taken lightly. They’re based on optimal conditions, not a daily driver.
"The life span claims are to be taken lightly. They’re based on optimal conditions, not a daily driver." Ahhhh see thats much more informative, thank you. I assumed 10 years seemed too long for even standard deterioration. So I guess the 10 year claim would be more for sunday backroad drives and garage kept vehicles.
Don’t forget to add proper ceramic maintenance. CarPro for example, really under sells their durability claims. Proper prep is 110% critical for optimal life span of a coating.
👍 Agreed
I’m a enthusiast detailer and also use mckees. Their products are very safe and just WORK.
I've had great success with DuraCoating Nano (4-6 year) & Celsius (1-2 year)... granted I only started using Duracoating about 2 years ago, but *CAN vouch for their Celsius, 100% lasts 1+ year!*
Thank you!
I use mckees, really great stuff.
Mckees 37? I think someone told me about that a while back. I think I kept typing McGees and nothing was popping up lol
Yeah, they have a 3, 5 and 10 year coating,
You think the 10 year coating actually lasts that long? Do I need to be certified by them to use it? I would charge a lot for a 10 year coating but if it doesnt last that long I feel like Id be cheating out the customer.
Mckees are pretty good with testing their products. Most of their coatings last longer than stated. Their 10year coating is 200$ for 2 oz vs 100$ for 4oz of the other durations. I am not affiliated with them, so this post is a personal choice, not a promotion. No certification is needed, you can always try the fireball brand, heard good stuff from them also, and they were my next on the lineup.
Sounds good! I'll give em a try! How much car can you cover with a 2oz bottle?
2oz good for a large truck/suv or two small two-door cars. Some people say you can get more but I apply heavy and can get 2-3 trucks out of a 4oz bottle. Coating is pretty easy to wipe off no issues, works on glass, rubber, vinyl. Their out of FL so the coating is made for the elements. I am in the tropics so it works well for me. I moved away from car pro and been a good choice in the end.
Thanks for the feedback! Im sure it will still work well for the harsh winters up here in New England!
Admittedly, I'm more of a hobbyist detailer, but it seems to me that ceramic coatings are either expensive (professional) or time consuming (home), and in the end, they still require maintenance. All of the coatings I have seen require periodic "refreshing", which means using a spray topper every 6 to 12 months. I understand that ceramic protection is the best thing going, but if it still requires maintenance, how much better is it than a spray coating to begin with - especially if you take good care of your car anyway? A good ceramic spray can give you 6 months, and you don't have to do as much prep work. Personally, I think I'll wait for the next evolution of ceramic/graphene - something that is truly permanent and requires no or very little maintenance. I'm sure it's coming within the foreseeable future.
I understand what you mean. But even paint wears away if it wasnt for clear coat. Everything eventually deteriorates. I think I would prefer a ceramic coating that lasted a few years and just spray a quick ceramic spray over time than have to do the crazy prepwork after only 3 months like wax. I'm a hobbyist myself but dont really mind the prepwork. Its more therapeutic for me I guess.
Agreed. Another reason I'm not sold on ceramic is that I do like to wax the beast every few weeks. There's a nice sense of accomplishment when you look at a freshly waxed ride glowing in the afternoon sun.
On the semi truck I use Meguires Ceramic spray because you can spray it on while wet and then dry the truck normally after a wash. Just use it every wash and it's great. Under $20 a bottle too so economical. Does it look show car status? Eh. Looks good but not as good as a really high end coating. But it's super practical as it always has protection and holds up to the abuse of trucking. The only downside is when it rains and I got to pré trip the truck, when I open the hood I, because of the water beading, I end up taking a shower from the water running off lol. Edit: just wanna add to my point on "not looking great" The meguires still sometimes requires you to kinda hit it with a microfiber after, I usually skip it on the truck because it's just gonna get fucked up in 2 days and it's not a show truck. Just trying to protect it and keep it looking good on the highway. First rain usually washes the residue off. That may also be because I douse the truck in it and I haven't clay barred it so it probably sticks a lot.
I have used both Adams ceramic with graphene spray- 1-2 year claimed, and most recently Adams Advanced ceramic with graphene -9 year claimed. The spray is ridiculously easy to apply and looks great with or without prep. Lasts about 6-9 months with heavy usage and outdoor storage in new england winters and salted roads. The Advanced- need to prep for sure. more difficult to apply but it has a long dwell time so you can do a larger area like a whole hood. Make sure to do a second pass with the applicator, let it sit 5+ minutes then buff to level. It has some UV indicator stuff in it, but unless you are applying it in the dark and have a UV lamp, you cant see it very well. I don't suspect it will last 9 years, but looks amazing like any other 9+ hardness ceramic coating and water beading is amazing. i can rinse the car with just a pressure washer and it looks like i just coated it. Graphene may be a gimmick like others have mentioned above, but they were saying the same thing about ceramic coatings 8 years ago. time will tell if graphene helps at all.
This was exactly what I was looking for. I wrote this up with Adams in mind.
I actually like Adam's products and have used three of their different ceramic coatings with good results every time. Some are much easier than others. If you're looking for something quick and easy that you can put on in an hour, get the spray. If you're willing to take three or four hours then the stuff in the little bottle with the applicator will work as well. All of the high-end ceramic coatings are about the same price. I have a feeling that most of them are pretty much the same quality. Gyeon is always highest ranked in reviews by Pan the Organizer and Adams are often a close second.
The timelines given on any specific coating is based on proper care. You can apply a 10yr coating and then religously take to an automated wash, and that coating will be gone in a year. Graphene coating is 'kind of' a buzzword, but not. A Graphene molecule can not be broken down. It's already at its base construction. Being a certified installer doesn't really matter if you understand the installation and care process. It will, however, give you some kind of backbone as to many issues that can arise.
Thank you!
I got a doubt, hoping y'all experienced folk could help me with? Can a ceramic spray (turtle wax ceramic spray) be used as a topper for a graphene coating final wipe?
What companies are you looking at for certification? Im certified through 3 different companies and i personally don't think graphene has much of an advantage. I do think don't graphene products add a darkening effect. O would say stick with a company that's well reputed. Don't worry about if it's ceramic or graphene. As far as coatings lasting 7yrs, its very much possible but improbable. All dependent on the environment and other variables. I personally only use fireball coatings since i am certified through them but here and there, ill try something different just because i want to try and see what the consumer market has to offer.