I’m halfway through having the GT filmed with x-Pel. I’m a big ceramic coating fan but everyone says putting ceramic on first makes it too slippery to apply the x Pel . But, is it really worth it to put ceramic over film?
Anal detailers —thoughts
- Thread starter GTdrummer
- Start date
Beach-GT
GT Owner
Sinovac
GT Owner
Xcentric
GT Owner
Literally painstaking to get the hemorrhoids detailed.
Nano-ceramic coating is a hydrophobic/oleophobic top coating. In other words, shit don't stick. Putting ppf over it makes no sense. Some guys put it over the ppf.
I'd suggest you try the xpel for a while and see how you like it. If it's not dirt phobic enough, you can do the coating any time.
For those who are deciding what ppf to get, you might check out Stek Dynoshield. It has a nano-ceramic top coat built in. It's my ppf guy's current favorite. I have it on my Alfa. Great stuff. Easy wash with no rubbing.
You clearly won't feel the need to add additional shine to the ppf.
Nano-ceramic coating is a hydrophobic/oleophobic top coating. In other words, shit don't stick. Putting ppf over it makes no sense. Some guys put it over the ppf.
I'd suggest you try the xpel for a while and see how you like it. If it's not dirt phobic enough, you can do the coating any time.
For those who are deciding what ppf to get, you might check out Stek Dynoshield. It has a nano-ceramic top coat built in. It's my ppf guy's current favorite. I have it on my Alfa. Great stuff. Easy wash with no rubbing.
You clearly won't feel the need to add additional shine to the ppf.
Last edited:
maxemus
GT Owner
Last year I filmed my 05 and did NOT put ceramic coating on it thinking it was a waste of money. Last month I filmed my new raptor and splurged on ceramic coating. The difference in cleaning both is substantial. When I get my new GT I’m going to do everything to it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
STORMCAT
GT
I have a Xpel account and have access to their tech department and asked them both those questions. They do not recommend installing the film over a surface that has been recently ceramic coated. The adhesives will not adhere properly and when and if the coating underneath breaks down the PPF will more than likely come up.
On top of PPF the film is a matter of choice . They said it won't hurt it but not required. There are so many different coating results many vary widely.
Last edited:
06fordgt
GT
My GT was ppf'd with 3M pro series. I have used XPel, opticoat and C quartz. I always coat the PPF once installed on the car. It's well worth it in my mind.
timcantwell
Le Mans 2010 Sponsor * Moderator
I am currently having my NGT covered this week with Xpel. I have debated, researched and discussed this subject with numerous detailing and auto finishing experts. First, DON'T ceramic coat the car first prior to film installation. It is tough to bond the film to the paint, plus why add a protective coating to something that will have a thick protective film coating? You can, as FIKSE GT did put ceramic coating on top of the Xpel. However, as far as I am concerned many detailing experts have advised me against this as the thickness of the ceramic coating is such that it is a superb coating for your daily driver that is subject to rain, birds, multiple car washings, etc., etc. The detailers who know my exotic cars well have advised me not to waste my money on application over the Xpel. After much research, my plan is to use a product by GYEON - Gyon WetCoat from Autogeek. WetCoat is a highly hydrophobic (high water beading) product that is basically a spray/detailing mist. You spray it on and wipe it off with a clean microfiber towel. It repels all dirt, water, bird poop, etc. and can be re-applied after every wash (even though it lasts many washes). It is easy to use and you don't have to be like The Karate Kid (Wipe on Wipe off). Just spray the film for a nice shine and highly protective finish. Call me cheap, but I am trying this method first, as it works with my other cars very, very well.
THamonGT
GT
Be very careful on picking what ceramic product you use on your New GT. China products have flooded the market!! Ceramic Pro is a very good product we used after XPel on my GT one year ago last month. Within the last 60 days Ceramic Pro has introduced an even better product for use over wraps that my Tintworld, Webster, Texas is using and loves it. Wraps will not adhere to a ceramic coated car and the ceramic product has to be buffed off before wrapping the vehicle. My Man has experienced everything in his business having used vehicles brought to him for wrapping and not knowing they were ceramic coated by a used car dealer, be Aware!!!!
Attachments
pe2unia
GT
Gentlemen,
I wanted ceramic coating over my clear bra and my installer told me not to even though he would make money doing it. I'm not an expert here so I can only relay his info. The best X-Pel and SunTek films are self healing (both of my GT's are covered with SunTek Ultra film) and he did a demo for me. He used a brass bristle tooth brush and scratched the hell out of his truck fender, not all the way through the film but it was awful. After 15 minutes in the sun it looked like nothing had ever touched it, that area was perfect again. Amazing demo. He told me that the car would be easier to wash if he ceramic coated it BUT the self healing properties of the film would be impaired. Similar damage over the same film that had been ceramic coated would heal somewhat but still be visible. My installer Matt has owned a film and tint business for 15 years and has a ton of experience here so I took his word for it. My un-coated clear bra is 10 months old now and still shines like glass.
Chip
I wanted ceramic coating over my clear bra and my installer told me not to even though he would make money doing it. I'm not an expert here so I can only relay his info. The best X-Pel and SunTek films are self healing (both of my GT's are covered with SunTek Ultra film) and he did a demo for me. He used a brass bristle tooth brush and scratched the hell out of his truck fender, not all the way through the film but it was awful. After 15 minutes in the sun it looked like nothing had ever touched it, that area was perfect again. Amazing demo. He told me that the car would be easier to wash if he ceramic coated it BUT the self healing properties of the film would be impaired. Similar damage over the same film that had been ceramic coated would heal somewhat but still be visible. My installer Matt has owned a film and tint business for 15 years and has a ton of experience here so I took his word for it. My un-coated clear bra is 10 months old now and still shines like glass.
Chip
timcantwell
Le Mans 2010 Sponsor * Moderator
ByeEnzo
GT
Kingman
GT Owner
Austinj427
Well-known member
There are quite a few different ceramic coatings that work pretty well.
Are you doing it yourself? If it's professionally applied, they have access to harder/more robust coatings that are significantly more labor oriented.
From my point of view though, my cars that have been ceramic coated still got rock chips, although I believe less than I have on my un-coated car.
For something as expensive as a GT, it's probably worth it to have it wrapped.
Ok I started this nonsense , so I will provide the completely unscientific and unreliable conclusion I have reached. I WILL PLACE CERAMIC COATING OVER THE X-PEL .
This decision comes after posting on a variety of car sites; talking to a number of detailers; and asking my bartender. I would say 85-90% said do it.
I also looked at a large piece of wrap and just running my hand across it , it struck me as semi rough. Now I am sure I could spray it but it just seems to me as others have suggested that ceramic will do a better, long lasting job.
If this does not work I will revert back to a leather front bra which not only looks classy, but keeps the car cool as it retains water on the paint.
This decision comes after posting on a variety of car sites; talking to a number of detailers; and asking my bartender. I would say 85-90% said do it.
I also looked at a large piece of wrap and just running my hand across it , it struck me as semi rough. Now I am sure I could spray it but it just seems to me as others have suggested that ceramic will do a better, long lasting job.
If this does not work I will revert back to a leather front bra which not only looks classy, but keeps the car cool as it retains water on the paint.