[Daedalus0101101]

So just curious as to what other people are doing to protect the paint/surface of the vehicle they have. Out of the three most popular options ( that I have heard of), between PPF, Wax, and Ceramic I am curious if the value is there for the option. I am starting to see some slight scratches, swirls in my paint and while I know that I myself can never get it perfect again ( inexperience) I would like to keep it looking as good as long as possible. I live in a mid-rise apartment complex so my options are to take it and have it hand washed. While hand washing is better than automatic machines, I know that they are a business and looking to turn around on as many cars as possible with minor to no issues. That being said, I know that they wouldn't hand wash a car as I would because they don't own it.

Out of the three, I am considering doing some minor scratch/swirl removal, polish the car and then possibly ceramic coat it, but if regular wax/polishing keeps the scratches and swirls away then its not a bad trade off and costs less.

[John in VA]

A ceramic coating is harder/more protective from scratches/swirls than a sacrificial coating of wax or newer synthetic sealants. A wax or sealant offers water beading and gloss, but not much protection from "abusive washing." There are many detailers that offer hand washes & do it properly (at least where I live!).

PPF offers protection from rock chips, road debris & scratches/swirls from poor wash techniques. The paint is normally prepped to perfection before the film is applied. What you choose depends on your driving/storing habits & budget.

[NervoS]

Talked to my local shop about ceramic and/or ppf. They warned me that ceramic coating is not panacea, it requires care and maintenance ("boosting"). I actually need to learn more about the ceramic before deciding whether I am doing it or just ppf.

[Daedalus0101101]

Maybe I'll start with the least expensive route ( paint/swirl removal) and see how long it takes me to do that and how long it lasts. Irritated, but also have some door dings because of careless neighbors. I know thats going to happen and that PPF probably could have prevented that. One of the downfalls of living in a mid-rise with shared garage.

[TboneS54]

Originally Posted by John in VA

A ceramic coating is harder/more protective from scratches/swirls than a sacrificial coating of wax or newer synthetic sealants.

That's not really correct. It has better chemical resistance, but it doesn't protect the car from physical marring. That's only PPF.

[Yuille36]

If you have light swirls and scratches in the paint, depending how deep then a 1 or 2 stage paint correction is the way to go. My M3 is at the shop getting this done as we speak. After they looked at my paint, they said an enhancement polish is all that is needed before they apply the ceramic coating.

[VK335M]

Ceramic coating does not really protect from swirls or scratches. It’s mainly to help during maintenance washes where it helps remove contaminants easier. If you have a pressure washer, it’s so much easier to clean/wash the car with ceramic coating.

PPF is designed to prevent scratches and rock chips. Newer films are self healing where very small scratches heal automatically in the sun or with applied heat.

[Yuille36]

Did I not just make a statement about paint correction removes light swirls and scratches followed by ceramic coating. I thought that I was very clear. I pick up my M3 tomorrow after going thru this procedure.