Community Forums

JimLuk · 08-03-2021, 11:03 AM

We are considering getting a CERAMIC COATING on our new 21 Allegro Bus 40IP. We have seen this done on a coach while we were in Red Bay back in June... The initial results from what we saw were really nice... Are there any issues we should be aware of regarding care/maintenance such as special washing products or water or other maintenance issues?

GW4607 · 08-03-2021, 01:41 PM

Wait 6 months before it’s applied.

**Lt Dan** · 08-03-2021, 02:19 PM

Unless they guarantee it to last 5-10 years it's not worth the expense. There are self applied ceramic products that work great.

jfmurr · 08-04-2021, 08:59 AM

I used F11 TopCoat on my 2016 Open Road 36LA and it looked great. I put the first coat on back in May and it has held up nicely. I really need to put on another coat, but it's just too hot right now. BTW it took 1 full bottle to do my rig.

jkorn · 08-04-2021, 10:59 PM

After much research and multiple tv shows. Ceramic creates a great shine and high protection but kind of like wax only lasts 6-12 months. It’s not a permanent solution. But could provide better protection. Jk

Sonic · 08-05-2021, 12:34 AM

Which ceramic coating product, and who will be applying it?

Professional application of a professional grade product can provide years of protection. The coating I had applied to my BMW was still beading and sheeting water at the five year mark.
Comments about it not lasting are for inexpensive consumer grade “ceramic” spray coatings that have lower levels of SIO2. That’s an entirely different product.
Some of the stuff done at car dealerships is of questionable quality as well.
You can apply the higher end coatings yourself, but skill and patience is involved in order to eliminate high spots that cause ghosting.
As far as aftercare, follow the manufacturers instructions but typically there are no special washing requirements.

I’d ask what steps they’re going to take to prep for the coating - typically a decontamination, then polish, then ceramic coating.

SamKVA · 08-05-2021, 06:18 AM

Agree with Sonic Bill.

I had Ceramic Pro coating put on my spots car (Caddy ATS-V) when new and it's awesome. The process is pretty intense, including "paint correction" and it wasn't cheap for a small coupe. I can't imagine what it would cost for a big motorhome.

Sam

JimLuk · 08-06-2021, 10:56 PM

Thanks to all! We have a lot to evaluate, and appreciate all great comments and advice.

GUS2000 · 08-07-2021, 05:33 AM

For what its worth, we have been using the Ceramic Washes that Armor All and Turtle Wax use and they really do great at water beading and sheeting and cost ALOT less than paying someone to coat your coach. we usually hand wash the coach 2x/month so that keeps a good coat on it!

jkorn · 08-08-2021, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUS2000

For what its worth, we have been using the Ceramic Washes that Armor All and Turtle Wax use and they really do great at water beading and sheeting and cost ALOT less than paying someone to coat your coach. we usually hand wash the coach 2x/month so that keeps a good coat on it!

I wonder if results are be of product or almost new paint?

Twice a month? You’re the man. Jk

GUS2000 · 08-09-2021, 02:06 PM

LOL!!! thank goodness for a foam cannon and the chemical guys mops!!!

jluff · 08-10-2021, 05:19 PM

We have ceramic coatings on all our cars, including our toad, and have never had to wax again. Consumer applied products are quite different from commercial products. We have it on our Phaeton, and while it’s not bad, it was done in a few hours. Our Tesla M3 took two full days. I don’t expect the same results, but are so far pleased with the results.

Bags4266 · 08-10-2021, 05:46 PM

After a wash I used Lucas detailer which did a great job. I just switched to meguires ceramic detailer. I must say I did notice a luster difference, water beading last as long as till I do it again. Easy on easy off

BlueRidgeTim · 08-10-2021, 08:25 PM

Had professional ceramic coating done on my Subaru STI when it was 3yrs old. This included paint decontamination and correction prior to applying the ceramic. Cost was not quite $1K, but the paint looked like a mirror and far better than new and beaded water like glass. I would bet the cost to do a MH would be upwards of $5K because of the labor involved even if the coach is brand new.
After ceramic coating you should never wash the vehicle with a brush or microfiber mitt or cloth because it will leave microswirls & scratches defeating the purpose of ceramic coating. Also, ceramic will not prevent squashed bugs, tar or paint from sticking to the paint - they’re just a litttle easier to get off.
Personally - I’d rather pay someone $500-$1000 to clay bar and wax the rig once or twice a year. A car is a different story.
JMHO/YMMV