Ceramic Detailing???

Sorry if I missed it, but I would like to hear from those who have used a "ceramic" product on their Challenger. Not professionally done, but products and results from those who have experience with the actually using a ceramic detailing product; pro and con. Thanks in advance.

 

I'll follow this one.

Though ... most ceramic-coated cars that I've seen have more "shine" than "glow/depth."

 

I used Adam's Ceramic Kit on my Mustang and it was easy but I didn't find it was any better than the Chemicals Guys Hybrid spray wax.

The ceramic goes on easy and lasts but I wasn't impressed with the shine since I did a lot of car shows and I had to use carnuba to make it shine. It's sturdy but not glossy so I'm back to wax.

 

I won't even try the ceramic. Maybe one day if enough people rave about it but not now. Too many gimmick products are constantly being touted as the best just to boost sales. Synthetic, nanowax, crystal, the names go on forever. One PLUS for many new waxes however is the durability. Instead of applying frequently with traditional waxes, these new ones claim the need to apply only once per year or even longer. That is important to folks that can't do it themselves.

I'm totally happy with the 100% carnauba waxes for deep shine/gloss. My cars win many trophies (large shows too) and they look just fine against the 'Best of Show' winners when it comes to appearance. Mothers 100% and especially Griot's, although a bit pricey at $25 the last time I bought it.

 

This is too funny. This has to be the greatest job in the world to sit on some advertsing board somewhere thinking up names for your 'new' products.
I just saw an ad in one of my car magazines about a new product that is beyond ceramic, called graphene. It's by 303. They make fine products but I guess ceramic is now passe too.

 

I think ceramics are good especially for daily drivers. I only use Collinite #845 Insulator wax (conventional) on my 69 Camaro but have tried and use ceramic wax/sealants on my daily drivers - including my 2015 Challenger with good results. The ceramics last a good 3-6 months depending on your expectations of shine and water repellency. The biggest pro for me is how clean my cars stay especially after being driven in the rain. My wife drove her the other day in the rain. The next day I was going to run it through a carwash and had to ask her if she already did... there weren't any water marks or dirt on the sides or even the tailgate. That ceramic coating help wash off the dust, dirt and pollen. Same with winter road salt and dirt.
Everyone's expectations on results are subjective so I won't suggest products. I've had success with one that was a "wipe on, walk away" product and one that was a "wipe and buff" product. The "spray on, rinse with water" product I tried just didn't seem to last long. There's several You Tube comparisons to help you decide which ceramic you would want to try.

 

I've had four vehicles with ceramic coatings, and my new daily driver Scat Pack will be the 5th one. Like almost everything else in life, there are compromises to be made, and only you will know which way is best for you. My opinion is, for a daily driven car that you are going to wash every week or at least a few times a month like I do, it's tough to beat a good ceramic coating for ease of cleaning, high gloss, and UV protection. A good ceramic coating can last for several years or more, and during that time all you need to do is wash and dry the car. Water sheets right off a ceramic coating, and requires way less drying time or detailing after the wash. It's super shiny, and very easy to clean. Nothing sticks to the ceramic coating, so pollen, tree sap, bugs and whatnot wash right off. Here in Arizona, the sun beats hell out of our paint. Ceramic coatings provide greater UV protection than most waxes, and will prevent clear coat damage. I can wash and dry a ceramic coated car in less than an hour.

But, if your car is more of a weekend toy, or you enter it in car shows and the like, and you don't mind spending a little more time and effort maintaining it, a good polish and wax will have deeper gloss and look better than a ceramic coated car. But, it's more maintenance, requires more care, and more effort to maintain. I enjoy polishing and waxing my cars and bikes, but this method always takes at least 2 or 3 hours, so if you're washing a daily driver every week, the time adds up quickly.

So, both systems are excellent, but for different reasons. Which one is better for you depends on how you use the car, and how much time and effort you care to invest in maintaining it.