So will a professional ever mess something up on your car doing this? I really don't trust others around my cars.
Its really scary when you see job ads for detailers in professional detail shops saying "No experience necessary", so you could be expecting a
top notch quality detail, and have some kid after school learning how to cut and buff on your pride and joy. But I guess if he leaves a few tenths of thousandth's of an inch on your new car of clear coat it will still shine until the next "professional detail" removes that.

 

You get what you pay for. Those $99 details are merely wash, dry and wax jobs by said teenagers. Go to a high end detail shops that are authorized to put on these coatings, and a detail job will run +$400. I felt pretty confident when I dropped my car off, and there was a Viper, lambo, and 911 on the garage getting work done.

 

When I dropped my car off there was a brand-new Ferrari ship there straight from the dealer sitting ready to get a coding. Automobilia has done everything from Lambos to Corvettes Mercedes BMW and everything in between. There were no trust issues with this place

 

Do your due diligence and find a reputable shop that has plenty of examples of their work available online as well as customer reviews to read.

In general, you get what you pay for with high end detailing, so don't think the guy charging $199 is actually doing the same work as the guy charging $1099.

If you would like me to recommend a reputable detailer in your area, I would be happy to try to help

-Zach

 

I went with Opti-Coat 2.0 on my E60 BMW and did the prep work and application myself. If you have the time, patience, and skills, the prep work is very DIY, but if you can afford to pay someone else to do it - why not?!

I ended up applying it to 2 older, lower-end cars I bought to "flip" (2001 Audi TTQ Roadster & '97 328ic) and both new owners couldn't get over how incredible the exteriors looked.

I'm doing a little research because Opti-Coat 2.0 has been replaced by opti-gloss and its not as permanent. I still have a LOT more research to do and I'm glad to see the market has new things to offer.

 

who makes Ceramic Pro? Did they apply two coats?

 

Ceramic Pro is the company... I'm sure they utilize a 3rd party chemical company to actually manufacture the product, but I don't think that is what you were asking.

Depending on the product & warranty package selected by the customer, they can apply many coats.

 

I just bought a black 2014 GX460 Luxury with 26k miles and an average amount of swirls in the paint. I was quoted $2250 to do paint correction and Silver package of Ceramic Pro 9H. Is this a normal price?

ETA - also got a verbal ballpark quote for Cquartz Finest from another shop and he said around $2300.

 

Pricing will vary depending on your location/market, exact services being performed, product used, etc... but that is a BIG vehicle, so it will be pricey if you want "the works".

Is this a multi-step correction process?

Also, based on your location, I assume you contacted Windows & Wheels Detailing regarding CQuartz Finest? If so, Wills and Daniella (owners) are 2 of the best in the country at what they do. I would highly recommend them!

-Zach

 

I just purchased some CQUK for my new GS. I used OptiCoat 2.0 on my IS and loved it. I'm very excited to get the GS looking its best!

 

CQUK is a great product... application can be a little tricky, so take your time! Start on a small panel (like the trunk lid) where you can perfect your technique before moving on to a larger area. You may need to break large panels like the hood and roof up into sections.

-Zach

 

Thanks for the advice. I read your article on the application process which I am sure will be very helpful. I'm a little nervous about it but sure it'll be fine. One question, though. Did you have any recommendations on what to use to wipe it off? I assume just a good quality microfiber?

 

Not sure how many steps they wanted to do for the correction. For the Cquartz quote, I called Distinct Detailing in Phoenix.

 

Ah, Scott is a great guy... he's also great at what he does! You can't go wrong with either of them in that area. You're sort of spoiled

 

Seems about right.