Ceramic Coating - Need Opinions

[eltaco]

I did my 2020 Black Ram myself. I think I had around $375 into everything, including the polisher. That said, I was a complete novice and learned everything from forums and YouTube. The process sucked and probably took me 12hrs total by the time I was satisfied with the results. I’m sure someone who knows what they’re doing can do it in less than half the time.

I still have to say, my results were way better than what you have pictured. My truck didn’t do that even after 5yrs, so I’m sure they didn’t complete the job. I’m sure they’ll make it right.

I don’t think I’ll ever do mine again… haha! This is why I bought white this time around!

 

[MattH89]

I did my 2020 Black Ram myself. I think I had around $375 into everything, including the polisher. That said, I was a complete novice and learned everything from forums and YouTube. The process sucked and probably took me 12hrs total by the time I was satisfied with the results. I’m sure someone who knows what they’re doing can do it in less than half the time.

I still have to say, my results were way better than what you have pictured. My truck didn’t do that even after 5yrs, so I’m sure they didn’t complete the job. I’m sure they’ll make it right.

I don’t think I’ll ever do mine again… haha! This is why I bought white this time around!

12 hours is about how long it takes to do it correctly - easily on a truck this big. That's why it's so expensive.

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

That's insane. California?

Nope, South Dakota. There were only a couple reputable shops that would do it (and many questionable ones) in my area, so maybe that played into it (lack of competition).

 

[MattH89]

Nope, South Dakota. There were only a couple reputable shops that would do it (and many questionable ones) in my area, so maybe that played into it (lack of competition).

Still...

 

[jmill012]

Had the doors and fenders completely recoated today. The company stood by their work and took care of it. The issue may have been the ceramic coating was not properly cured before the truck saw rain causing the ceramic coating to become clogged. Looking at the pictures the areas that weren't beading up were in the splash zone from the tires throwing water. Side note: mud flaps are on order Either way they polished it down and recoated it for me!

 

[RADA]

12 hours is about how long it takes to do it correctly - easily on a truck this big. That's why it's so expensive.

Matt is 100% spot on.

The place that did my ceramic (graphene) coating took my truck the night before and had it all day on Saturday.
I found out that two of the guys did all the prep work and buffing on Friday night and completed the last clean and application on Saturday.

The place I got my windows tinted wanted the truck for four full days to coat it.

 

[Rhino381]

Yeah some of those prices are outrageous! I got mine for $875 and it came out amazing. They did all painted areas, windows, and all plastics. Wanted another $200 for the wheels but I skipped that.

 

[RADA]

Yeah some of those prices are outrageous! I got mine for $875 and it came out amazing. They did all painted areas, windows, and all plastics. Wanted another $200 for the wheels but I skipped that.

I paid $1200 (my tint shop wanted $1900), but I live in Southern Expensitaxafornia...

 

[Attakracer]

$1,300 and that didn’t include wheels or glass. They have fantastic reviews. Been around forever. I’m wondering if I just got a new guy at the shop? I plan to send them the photos Monday. But by everything I’m reading it looks like both sides will need to be completely redone. Thoughts?

They had my truck for 3 full days and the truck was two weeks old when I dropped it off. So, I’m kind of surprised by the outcome.

3 Days ??? Holy shit !! How many miles did they put on it joyriding ???

 

[jmill012]

3 Days ??? Holy shit !! How many miles did they put on it joyriding ???

Zero. I was checking the app religiously

 

[Attakracer]

Zero. I was checking the app religiously

... still, in 3 days they could have re-painted the fuckin thing !!!

 

[408cuda]

... still, in 3 days they could have re-painted the fuckin thing !!!

Some ceramic requires 48 hour cure time with no exposure to water, maybe they included the cure time .

 

[jmill012]

Some ceramic requires 48 hour cure time with no exposure to water, maybe they included the cure time .

Yes, it was raining so they kept it inside to cure. Which as you all know from my previous post wasn't long enough because as soon as it saw rain and the splash from the tires cause it to clog right up.

 

[408cuda]

Yes, it was raining so they kept it inside to cure. Which as you all know from my previous post wasn't long enough because as soon as it saw rain and the splash from the tires cause it to clog right up.

If the ceramic doesn’t have a completely decontaminated clean surface to bond to no amount of cure time will make it stick. Glad they made it right.

 

[jmill012]

If the ceramic doesn’t have a completely decontaminated clean surface to bond to no amount of cure time will make it stick. Glad they made it right.

First wash today. Came out great and so easy to clean.

 

[408cuda]

Looks amazing and anything that makes black easier to clean is an absolute must.

 

[408cuda]

Ceramic coated mine yesterday with 8 + 3 stack from DIY detail. Can’t wait to wash it in 7 days.

 

[jmill012]

Ceramic coated mine yesterday with 8 + 3 stack from DIY detail. Can’t wait to wash it in 7 days.

Curious how it turned out. Definitely don’t have the time or patience to do it myself lol

 

[408cuda]

Curious how it turned out. Definitely don’t have the time or patience to do it myself lol

Poor light by the time I finished but came out great. Super slick.

 

[jmill012]

View attachment 13795View attachment 13796View attachment 13797View attachment 13798View attachment 13799Poor light by the time I finished but came out great. Super slick.

Looks awesome. Well done!