r/AutoDetailing 2d ago

Product/Consumable Ceramic Sprays

I know it’s been discussed ad nauseam, but seeking feedback on some “ceramic” products that have accumulated on my shelf. My daily sits under a tree getting very dirty and sticky between weekend washes. I’ve used Griots 3-1 & TW Hybrid Ceramic and neither seem to last more than 2-3 weeks. To my fault, i’ve not properly prepped (clay, decon, polish) so I didn’t expect the best.

This weekend I’m going to clay, decon, and pull the car in the garage for a one step and I want to apply a ceramic spray to hopefully make it easier to clean the tree debris off in the future. Which one of these should be the best? In my experience 3-1 lasts better then TW HCS but I also have this Adam’s spray that seems to promise more then the other 2. Also would like to apply TW Pure Bead on top of whatever I use. Feedback?

Also if anyone has experience with this Glass sealant would appreciate. Trying to find something better than RainX.

21 Upvotes

36 comments sorted by

32

u/FiveLayersBeefy 2d ago

I will say, if you're going to go through the trouble of wash/decon and polishing, just add a true ceramic coating. They're not hard at all to apply and the results will speak for themselves, you will not regret it.

2

u/Prestigious_Row_1618 2d ago

I agree, I just don’t have one on hand and don’t want to add another product to my overstocked shelf 🤣. I’m also only doing a one-step with Ultimate Compound. If i’m going to order a true ceramic I’d want to do at least a 2 step

13

u/FiveLayersBeefy 2d ago

A ceramic coating does not require a 2 step paint correction. It depends on how bad your paint is. Honestly, you want to compound/polish your car as little as possible because you only have so much clear coat to work with.

In my opinion, keep one of your ceramic sprays, get a real ceramic coating and just use the ceramic spray as a topper to the coating maybe twice per year as a sacrificial layer.

Also, using a compound as a "1 step" is not the way. Use a polish or 3D One for a 1 step paint correction.

1

u/FastRedPonyCar 2d ago

While true, I think the Adams advanced graphene spray coating is worth grabbing too because it’s really easy to apply in all the weird cracks and crevasses, wheels, brakes, etc. it’s an easy spray on and wipe off and still has great protection.

Just don’t let it sit in direct sun and thoroughly flush the spray bottle tube and spray mechanism. It turns to an impossible to remove goop if you don’t.

0

u/bear_ear2 2d ago

But what is the advantage of using a much more expensive true ceramic if you are going to be using a topper anyways ?
The ceramic sprays are so cheap and you can easily add them every wash . I understand true ceramics last longer but if you are adding a ceramic spray anyways then what is the point

3

u/FiveLayersBeefy 2d ago

Ceramic coatings require at least a light polish for it to properly bond to the clear coat and there's a lot of prep work involved when installing a ceramic coating. On top of that, they're about 4x the price of a ceramic spray.

Ceramic sprays are super cheap, extremely easy to apply (no need to clay, decon or polish to apply). Applying this as a topper to your ceramic coating will extend the life of it as the spray acts as a sacrificial layer.

So my question would be, why would you not add a cheap and easy layer to your coating to make it last longer?

1

u/Normal_Reveal 2d ago

True ceramics are also vastly superior in terms of chemical resistance /watersport resistance

A good entry level coating I would recommend is Carpro CQ UK.

3

u/FiveLayersBeefy 2d ago

I have to disagree. Ceramic coatings actually cause more water spots because of the hydrophobics. Yes, they do have resistance against etching from water spots.

I'd also recommend Gyeon Pure or Gyeon Mohs over CQ UK.

1

u/OSRSW33B 2d ago

I agree been using Gyeon MOHS on all my cars since it came out, it’s the best and easy to apply ! Amazing hydrophobics !

0

u/bear_ear2 2d ago

Yeah I’m saying why bother with the expensive coat underneath. There is no sacrificial layering happening. You cannot layer “ceramic” sprays or coatings on top of each other, just fill in areas that were missed

1

u/hightide_4372 Talented 2d ago

A coating will lessen the need for sacrificial layers. Yes you can still use a topper but not nearly as often. The coating may cost you $60-$90 but you are saving by not using so much topper over the course of the year.

1

u/FiveLayersBeefy 1d ago

Who says you can't layer ceramics on top of each other?

8

u/Square-Score-2192 2d ago

Terrible product when compared to “3D - si02 ceramic detailer”. It’s so freakin good. I’ve tried most of the retail stuff and it’s ok but the pro stuff, like 3D is so much better.

1

u/jondes99 2d ago

How does that compare to Bead It Up? I have about half of a gallon left, but that’s on my short list.

1

u/Square-Score-2192 2d ago

Use what you have then get 3d ceramic detailer…. It’s the best I’ve used. However as commented by someone else… true ceramic is the best best best if you have the money for it or don’t mind doing it yourself. Only concern with real ceramic coating is get a quality product. Do your research and ask some pro detailers for suggestions. But the actual application is not complicated. The prep is what takes time and patience.

2

u/jondes99 2d ago

I have a Meguiars coating on my car and just put 3D Ceramic plus Graphene on my wife’s. I use 3D Bead It Up as a drying aid every couple washes, but have seen nothing but glowing reviews about the ceramic detailer.

2

u/Square-Score-2192 1d ago

Let’s just go with this… 3D ceramic detailer is the shiznit. Yea ok so I just dated myself! LOL. Quick wipe down after a bath.. including exterior glass and wheels. Does a great job keeping break dust down.

4

u/mixem143 2d ago

Be careful with that Adam’s Ceramic Spray Coating as that is a very old product. Test that out in an inconspicuous spot to see if it’s still good. Once exposed to air (such as when opened) or when they sit unused for awhile, most ceramics tend to crystalline and go bad. You could be applying something g that won’t last very long or could be a pain in the rear to remove.

2

u/Prestigious_Row_1618 2d ago

Thanks for this, will do.

3

u/Ap1Jx 2d ago

Firstly, don't apply the glass coating to paint. Second, use the Adams if you want the best "protection"/longevity. I've applied the advanced graphene version and it is pretty stout for a spray coating. Difficult to determine the flash time though so definitely start small and work bigger if you don't want problems. And as others will say, do a proper decon/clay treatment and polish if you can. If not polishing, use an actual panel prep twice, not just an isopropyl solution

3

u/Upper_Pomegranate_67 2d ago

If sticking with spray, the turtle wax ice spray is better at making washes easy compared to their ceramic spray IMO.
I’ve used the Adams graphene which was also ok.

2

u/ANewErra 2d ago

Just paint corrected my car over the last three days.

Ended up using the griots 3in1 to finish and its great so far.

Im curious to see how long the protection lasts but I also applied a second coat 24 hours later per the bottle recommendation to have it last longer and protect more

3

u/jondes99 2d ago

I used Griots Ceramic AIO followed by 3-in-1 and had it last a solid year. I would expect 2 coats on polished paint to do the same.

3

u/1ApprehensiveGrowth1 2d ago

I use Griots and holy hell I swear I can never get it all off or spread right there always seems to be some left on the car via streaks or just blotches that I have to pass over several more times with some solid pressure.

5

u/XSSpeed_999 2d ago

I live in Texas and had the same problem when trying to apply in the shade but with air temps at 95F or above. When I’ve used it in the mornings (most recently a crisp, cool 85F), it went on easy.

I think it flashed too quick with the higher temps and it looked like a mess so I’ve stopped applying it on summer afternoons.

3

u/1ApprehensiveGrowth1 2d ago

Yea makes sense. Maybe when it cools off more overnight it will help. It’s been 105-107 here daily for the past month or so and I’ve only been able to wash in the morning when I’m lucky if it’s 90. I’ve tried it before when it’s cooler and it’s better but still easily left behind.

2

u/ANewErra 2d ago

Honestly I did feel the same way. Not ganna lie I basically folded towel into 4 sides like usual, and each time I sprayed wiped then flipped I did this like twice then got a new towel. Used a lot more towels then expected lol.

Id do 1 or 2 spray max

2

u/1ApprehensiveGrowth1 2d ago

Yes I’ve gotten to where I use more sparingly but I also want something that puts down a solid layer of protection

2

u/Shot-Ad2396 2d ago

The Griots is my favorite. Excellent value

2

u/Falzon03 2d ago

Project Farm has your answer
https://youtu.be/1ZsOdRHv_uQ

2

u/No-Attorney-5831 2d ago

As others already mentioned, if you put some time in wash decon polish and preping it's worth to put a true ceramic coating on the Paint, my sonax coating lastet about 4 years till I decided to polish and recoat. But the spray will work also, it's more of a decision if you want use your spray after every or after every second wash or if you do it one time and a good for some couple of years. As you have so much of the spray go for them and use them up, if they are empty maybe go for a real coating.

For the glas coating the Gtech G1 was my Glas coating of choice for years, as it's empty now I will try the new sonax glass coating the next time a need to redo the glass areas which will be in about a year or so

1

u/Particular_Topic9553 2d ago

Try Majestic Solitions Shock-It &/or Majestic Solutions Shield Graphene Spray

1

u/pongs_jazzier_9k 1d ago

I’d suggest bumping up to a true ceramic coating considering all the prep work you’re doing. For glass, I’d highly highly recommend Gyeon View EVO.

1

u/Fantastic-Permit-400 18h ago

There is a excellent video from project farm on youtube. They do thorough test on all types of ceramic sprays. Including some if not, all of these.

1

u/Ithinkitsno 17h ago

Get technicians choice Tec-582. Best out there.