[Peter]

I’ve had numerous previous cars ceramic or some nano-technology coated and always considered it a waste of money as a highly profitable upsell by the dealers on an expensive car that should have it as standard. Except it’s been wrapped up in the deal and significantly discounted so I’ve gone along. Current Porsche bought 13 months ago when 17 months old was g-techniked. Absolutely brilliant this time, water just runs off and shine is still great. I still had to use the ‘quick detailer’ solution for a few water marks. It is metallic black! But now I’ve even eliminated that by using a bucket of softened water to rinse after first hosing off the suds with hard water.

My question is, after a year. I figured it would soon need replenishing. I don’t believe the claim about years and years so-called guarantee. So, I bought the weaker liquid crystal for self-application as a recommended top up on the original crystal serum. Today I washed the car as above, rinsing with softened water, and it’s absolutely stunning. Should I bother applying the liquid crystal yet? Will it, in fact, remove the original superior coating and be self-defeating?

 

[JazzCatGab]

I'm interested in seeing the replies, but as a perspective, I had a detailer apply four coats (plus a top coat) Ceramic Pro on my car (with lifetime warranty) but to keep the warranty active, I am required to return every year for a wash, inspection and reapplication of the top coat if necessary. I would think what you are contemplating is an equivalent and should be fine. Let's see if anyone knows for sure.

 

[Peter]

I'm interested in seeing the replies, but as a perspective, I had a detailer apply four coats (plus a top coat) Ceramic Pro on my car (with lifetime warranty) but to keep the warranty active, I am required to return every year for a wash, inspection and reapplication of the top coat if necessary. I would think what you are contemplating is an equivalent and should be fine. Let's see if anyone knows for sure.

Update from advice on Porsche UK Owners facebook page on Gtechniq. The C2 Liqiuid Crystal is a really easy application, little more than their Quick Detailer, just a maintenance product, wipe on and wipe off or buff, no work really. The others, called Crystal Serum Light and Crystal Lacquer seem to be self applications for when you haven't had the original professional only application of Crystal Serum. The one to reapply for proper top up is called Exo, every year or two apparently, and is a magnificent gloss I'm told. Very confusing. Not sure about other ceramic coating products.

All I do know is that none of these are magic. They are just a different type of polish/wax. Won't eradicate chips or swirls, bird **** still damages lacquer coat, etc. But this Gtechniq stuff seems better than any previous for me as glossy and water beading or hydrophobic or whatever the word is.

 

[CupraLeon]

A professional ceramic coating has a high hardness,it can only be removed by cutting with a compound and some even need wetsanding. If you intend to coat the car yourself with a consumer grade coating, it will need to be polished, otherwise the coating will not adhere to your paint like it should.

 

[Nosmo]

A professional ceramic coating has a high hardness,it can only be removed by cutting with a compound and some even need wetsanding. If you intend to coat the car yourself with a consumer grade coating, it will need to be polished, otherwise the coating will not adhere to your paint like it should.

^^ as he says. A Gtechniq black coat will last 3+ years. The (EXO) maintenance application can be done every 2 years or so. I wouldn't want to do this myself, however good I believe I am as a weekend warrior with an application pad.

 

[Charles Brenner]

I have EXO on my wife’s IS350 for 10 months ( I do top it with BLACKFIRE SiO2 every 4 months after washing, it only takes 10 minutes for SiO2 application). The initial EXO application took 4hours of prep and application ( very easy to apply). It beads great, bird bombs do not stain it, overall like the appearance. I did take a 12 hour detailing class from Mike Phillips of AG which was hands on detailing n this really helped with detailing( I am just a weekend warrior)