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I've been browsing the Lexus forums but never posted anything until now.
I just recently got a brand new Lexus ES 350 and I am thinking of getting Icon Rocklear coating on it.
Initially, I was thinking to get PPF on it. However, complete PPF coverage is too expensive. So, I figured that Icon Rocklear is the happy medium between PPF and traditional ceramic coating. I was also thinking to get partial coverage PPF.
So far, what has been your experience with Icon Rocklear coating?? Does it mar or scratch easily when drying with microfiber towel after a wash??
Does it always stay glossy and/or shiny looking? Were you able to get scratches removed easily??
I ask because it is hard to find reviews of Icon from actual customers.
Please let me know why you chose it over PPF or anything else and whether you are satisfied with it up to now.
Yes, the installer is in SE VA! I highly recommend this installer! PM me if you would like the details. It’s worth going to talk to them if you live in the area.
Hello Dee122,
I've been browsing the Lexus forums but never posted anything until now.
I just recently got a brand new Lexus ES 350 and I am thinking of getting Icon Rocklear coating on it.
Initially, I was thinking to get PPF on it. However, complete PPF coverage is too expensive. So, I figured that Icon Rocklear is the happy medium between PPF and traditional ceramic coating. I was also thinking to get partial coverage PPF.
So far, what has been your experience with Icon Rocklear coating?? Does it mar or scratch easily when drying with microfiber towel after a wash??
Does it always stay glossy and/or shiny looking? Were you able to get scratches removed easily??
I ask because it is hard to find reviews of Icon from actual customers.
Please let me know why you chose it over PPF or anything else and whether you are satisfied with it up to now.
I've been browsing the Lexus forums but never posted anything until now.
I just recently got a brand new Lexus ES 350 and I am thinking of getting Icon Rocklear coating on it.
Initially, I was thinking to get PPF on it. However, complete PPF coverage is too expensive. So, I figured that Icon Rocklear is the happy medium between PPF and traditional ceramic coating. I was also thinking to get partial coverage PPF.
So far, what has been your experience with Icon Rocklear coating?? Does it mar or scratch easily when drying with microfiber towel after a wash??
Does it always stay glossy and/or shiny looking? Were you able to get scratches removed easily??
I ask because it is hard to find reviews of Icon from actual customers.
Please let me know why you chose it over PPF or anything else and whether you are satisfied with it up to now.
The Icon Rocklear has been absolutely amazing! My car stays glossy & shiny at all times, more so after a wash, and Icon Rocklear is more protective than traditional ceramic coating IMO. I had one mar irregularity on my hood that self-repaired and is gone. I have not encountered any other scratches since having the car coated. A microfiber towel does not leave any scratches or marring when drying after a wash and dirt/debris, I.e. bird poop, easily wipe off with a wet microfiber towel. My car is so easy to clean with this coating, it was the best investment I made. I have no experience with PPF & did not really do much research on it before deciding on the Icon Rocklear. However, with the little I know about PPF, it is expensive for something that will peel off & eventually need to be replaced (more $$] and it is not as thick/protective as the Rocklear. I keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off so for me the Icon Rocklear was the way to go. The Rocklear has a 15 year warranty so I shouldn’t need to have it done again. If you are still hesitant about it (& I completely understand your situation), I highly recommend to find a local authorized installer and check it out for yourself. I have no regrets with having my car protected with Icon Rocklear.
The Icon Rocklear has been absolutely amazing! My car stays glossy & shiny at all times, more so after a wash, and Icon Rocklear is more protective than traditional ceramic coating IMO. I had one mar irregularity on my hood that self-repaired and is gone. I have not encountered any other scratches since having the car coated. A microfiber towel does not leave any scratches or marring when drying after a wash and dirt/debris, I.e. bird poop, easily wipe off with a wet microfiber towel. My car is so easy to clean with this coating, it was the best investment I made. I have no experience with PPF & did not really do much research on it before deciding on the Icon Rocklear. However, with the little I know about PPF, it is expensive for something that will peel off & eventually need to be replaced (more $$] and it is not as thick/protective as the Rocklear. I keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off so for me the Icon Rocklear was the way to go. The Rocklear has a 15 year warranty so I shouldn’t need to have it done again. If you are still hesitant about it (& I completely understand your situation), I highly recommend to find a local authorized installer and check it out for yourself. I have no regrets with having my car protected with Icon Rocklear.
Thanks for the feedback! It's nice to get feedback from an actual customer, as whenever I try to look online, I just see debates between those bashing Icon and those defending it. So, it's been hard to find good, unbiased reviews from actual customers. So thank you for that!
I did speak with 2 local installers separately. One did mention that he mainly recommends Icon Rocklear on more used vehicles (not new ones) to reapply and give a stronger Clearcoat like protective layer, because used vehicles tend to have a more diminished clear coat compared to new vehicles. From what he told me, Icon does not self-heal and it does not have extreme hydrophobic properties that traditional ceramic coating has. Also, minor defects in the paint could still show thru, and since Icon is permanent, whatever defects are present (and not polished away) will also be permanent as Icon is the more difficult coating to remove.
So, with Icon, I can apply a ceramic coating layer on top of Icon and this will give it the enhanced hydrophobicity that makes it easier to clean and shine. So not worried about that.
I've also seen the videos on YouTube showing how much more scratch resistant Icon is compared to having no Icon. So I am at least sold on its ability to physically protect against scratches and rock chips.
The main (negative) thing that I have heard about Icon is that it can get minor swirl marks and scratches easily that are more visible up close but not further away. What are your honest thoughts on that?
Lastly, one installer recommended an alternate coating (Feynlab Heal Plus) as being the better option over Icon Rocklear. Mainly because it is harder to know that you will get a defect free install of the Icon (according to what he said).
But yes, I am seriously considering it - I just wish that there was more good information on it, rather than just debates between those who support it and those who bash it.
Let me know if you have any further thoughts. I'd really appreciate insight from a genuinely happy customer!
I picked my vehicle up yesterday and could not be happier with the results! It looks great! I have not seen any issues (streaking, bubbles, holes, swirling, etc…) with the ICON on my car. The installer removed the 3M door edge guards & the clear protection strip on the top of my bumper because the ICON could not be placed over it. They said they could tape it off & go around them but I wanted the paint underneath them protect too. Luckily they were able to remove them without damaging the paint. I bought my car in April and I already have 3 extremely small rock chips on the side of the grill. The installer informed me that it is better to put the touch up paint on AFTER the ICON due to all the prep the car goes through prior to the application.I’m not sure how many rock chips you have or how large they are but after 30 days I will either apply the touch up paint myself or take it to the installer & have them apply it (free of charge). This installer also applied grapheme ceramic coating to the glass, rim faces, trim, plastics, lights & side mirrors. in addition, they gave a free courtesy interior “mini” detail. Everyone I encountered were professional, friendly and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this installer; they have gained a customer for life!! I attached some photos for your viewing pleasure :-)
Was your Lexus RX new or used when you had it coated?
Thanks for the feedback! It's nice to get feedback from an actual customer, as whenever I try to look online, I just see debates between those bashing Icon and those defending it. So, it's been hard to find good, unbiased reviews from actual customers. So thank you for that!
I did speak with 2 local installers separately. One did mention that he mainly recommends Icon Rocklear on more used vehicles (not new ones) to reapply and give a stronger Clearcoat like protective layer, because used vehicles tend to have a more diminished clear coat compared to new vehicles. From what he told me, Icon does not self-heal and it does not have extreme hydrophobic properties that traditional ceramic coating has. Also, minor defects in the paint could still show thru, and since Icon is permanent, whatever defects are present (and not polished away) will also be permanent as Icon is the more difficult coating to remove.
So, with Icon, I can apply a ceramic coating layer on top of Icon and this will give it the enhanced hydrophobicity that makes it easier to clean and shine. So not worried about that.
I've also seen the videos on YouTube showing how much more scratch resistant Icon is compared to having no Icon. So I am at least sold on its ability to physically protect against scratches and rock chips.
The main (negative) thing that I have heard about Icon is that it can get minor swirl marks and scratches easily that are more visible up close but not further away. What are your honest thoughts on that?
Lastly, one installer recommended an alternate coating (Feynlab Heal Plus) as being the better option over Icon Rocklear. Mainly because it is harder to know that you will get a defect free install of the Icon (according to what he said).
But yes, I am seriously considering it - I just wish that there was more good information on it, rather than just debates between those who support it and those who bash it.
Let me know if you have any further thoughts. I'd really appreciate insight from a genuinely happy customer!
You are welcome. I took a much closer look at my car today and MAYBE see a very small area of swirl marks but only when the light hits it just right. In my opinion, you will always find imperfections if you look hard enough. I am not sure I agree with the installer who stated they would put it on an old car versus a new one. Used vehicles may have a thinner clear coat but they also could have a lot more chips and dings that may need repair &/or repainting prior to the Icon Rocklear install; to each their own though.
My car was brand new (2024). I had it for 2 months before having the Icon Rocklear installed. Initially I was concerned about possible minor defects in the paint showing through; however, I reminded myself that not all vehicles are created equal. Lexus is a high quality vehicle, they use a multilayer painting process and use higher quality paint, therefore, I figured (& hoped) there wouldn’t be too many paint defects if any at all.
I have less than 40 miles on my 2024 GX550 OT+. It is Earth color. Same guy who put ceramic coating on our Range Rover, recommended the Rocklear. It wasn't significantly more cost than the ceramic and is supposed to last longer. I've been mostly happy with the ceramic. Going on 3 years with that and it is holding up well. I'll post pics when it's completed and give updates down the road. Before pic
