Any of you opt for the ceramic coating? I've heard it's good to have but I'm skeptical..
Sorry I guess this should have gone in the auto detailing thread.. I tried to delete or move the post but don't think I can after posting..

 

There are lots of threads discussing this. do a search. Welcome to the forum.

 

I did not buy the Lexus one, I did it myself.

I loved Gtechniq, but the durability didn't stand up to their claims. I just did a Cerakote one and it is my favorite by far. The hydrophobic properties are excellent. Only downside is you must maintain with pH neutral soap, so no automated car washes. But that is with all ceramics no matter what they claim. I learned that one the hard way.

The cerakote is one sale right now too. $30 a bottle and it'll do the whole car. My Gtechniq was a 2 layer coat for like $170.

 

i can say after having a ceramic coating done twice now, it is 100% worth it. not only does your paint pop and have a glossy almost wet look, but the protection it comes with is great as well! washing becomes a super easy process where if you have a leaf blower it is super easy to dry as well. of course it is pricey, but for my ‘17 IS with 67k miles the paint almost looks like it just left the show room floor. i’m not sure what color your IS500 is, but the ceramic coatings make colors like USB, infrared, atomic silver, cloudburst grey and caviar look fantastic. i used gyeons ev2 🙂

 

I’d never touch wax again. Huge fan of Optimum gloss coat. I’ve put it on all my cars. Lots of comments that they always look wet - makes me washing very easy. Put a ceramic on top of ppf and the bugs wipe right off or don’t stick.

 

Ceramic coating is the way to go. Don’t go through the dealership; do it yourself. There’s prep involved but it’s not bad for a new car (assuming the dealer hasn’t scratched up the paint with a “free” car wash).

Stick with the reputable ceramic coating brands like Gyeon, CQuartz, Gtechniq and you really can’t go wrong. Your local pro detailers may have access to pro-level coatings but those require certification to obtain and install (and a lot more $$$$ on your part).

Personally, I went with Gyeon Pure Evo and I am very happy with it.

 

This is what was appealing about the Cerakote. It is a professional level ceramic available to the public. It was just as easy to apply as any other consumer ceramic I've used. I've used Cquartz, Adam's, Gtechniq, Cerakote, and one other that escapes me right now. Cerakote makes the ceramic for many companies who dilute it and resell it.

With a new car you don't really NEED paint correction, you can ceramic it yourself by just making sure it's super clean. It will "lock in" scratches and stuff, but ceramics aren't permanent. Hell, my Gtechniq that claimed 18-24 month top coat and 5 year base coat was gone in under a year (from harsher soap I'm guessing). So if you do decide to polish out scratches later the ceramic can be polished off with the scratches.

 

Not sure how much different/better professsional application is, but I do it myself with 303 Graphene nano coat. It's pretty easy to apply, wipe on wipe/buff off, which I apply to the bodywork, wheels and glasss and find once a year is fine.

 

Avoid the dealer one at all costs. I've done it and regretted getting it. Ended up re-doing all the work with a professional detailer.

I got the ceramic coat for all the cars I've owned for the past 10 years now. Makes a huge difference. The best thing is it's very easy to clean and wipe down when you have a ceramic coat.

At least get the PPF on the front. The ceramic coating doesn't do anything when it comes to rock chips on the front bumper especially when you are driving daily.

 

>>> this! definitely go for PPF on the front end/hood and fenders. that is something i will regret since the day i got my IS! now my front end is rock chip galore same with right behind the rear tires and the side skirts, any summer performance tire will kick rocks and destroy the paint.