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Paint Protection Input

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by esavi87, Apr 13, 2021.

  1. Apr 13, 2021 at 1:32 PM
    #1
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Hello All!
    I picked up my new baby last week, my (fingers crossed) forever truck. 3rd T4R is a charm, eh?
    She's a '17 TRD ORP in Silver with 5k miles. It is in nearly brand new condition, with only 1 minor paint blemish that I've seen.

    I'd like to ensure that I do everything possible from the start to protect the exterior paint/body. I know that things happen, and taking it out inherently will damage/scratch/ding it, and I am ok with that. (this also comes with apartment living territory as well) I just want to do what I can up front to mitigate and protect as much as possible.

    This said, I don't enjoy washing/detailing my own vehicle (Thanks endless HS Cheer fundraisers), nor am I even able to as I live in apartments.

    I'm considering a ceramic coat. I have a detailer that I've used a few times that offers this service, with exceptional reviews. It runs about 350-500 or so I believe. I do not know anyone who has had this done, so I'd love some feedback! I would love to have the whole thing wrapped, but....:spending::spending:wishful thinking haha!

    Next question, would it serve any purpose and accomplish the same thing as ceramic if I just had the detailer apply a high end wax every 6 months or so?

    Any input is totally appreciated, especially if it fits within about 1k or less/year budget to maintain.
     
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  2. Apr 13, 2021 at 4:39 PM
    #2
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    I would think wax is no comparison to ceramic. I have new pro now too, 2021 new. I really think the first think I want to do is a ceramic coat. I’ve been following some of that info here and elsewhere. I’ve learned of this one called “The Last Coat” that I’m watching videos on. I wonder if I’m safe to do my own application. I will make that decision. But yeah I think ceramic coat it a pretty good idea for us.
    https://thelastcoat.com/?msclkid=a6b09a33df76171a242afa45f4b729df
     
    esavi87[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 13, 2021 at 4:46 PM
    #3
    Alloutdrs1

    Alloutdrs1 New Member

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    Biggest thing with ceramic is you have to do all your paint correction before application, that's what is the time consuming part.
     
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  4. Apr 13, 2021 at 4:47 PM
    #4
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    Yeah that why I want to do it immediately, while the paint is brand new and flawless.
     
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  5. Apr 13, 2021 at 5:18 PM
    #5
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Thank you for the feedback and the information. I am going to check this specific one out. I have been heavily leaning towards ceramic, I just don't have any firsthand knowledge since detailing isn't my jam. Congrats on your 2021 Pro!!

    Same here. I want to do it ASAP since the paint is in such perfect condition to establish the best baseline possible as early as possible. Do you know how often if requires maintenance/reapplication?
     
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  6. Apr 13, 2021 at 5:26 PM
    #6
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    Ceramic is good if you want ease of keeping things clean. If you can get a quality treatment done at that price, it’s definitely worth it, but in my experience, it’s 800-1500 for them to do the job properly. A lot of prep goes into it.
     
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  7. Apr 13, 2021 at 5:29 PM
    #7
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    I don’t have the knowledge we both require either. I am in same boat and don’t know much at all. Last Coat has many vids. Other peeps have lots vids.
     
    esavi87[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Apr 13, 2021 at 6:16 PM
    #8
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    I have X-pel on my front bumper, half the hood and half the renders. Then the vehicle is ceramicly coated with 2 layers of ceramic pro 9h. I purchased a package at a local place, I got those two mentioned and all my windows tinted for a price.

    the xpel is worth it IMO. As I had rock chips in the first month on my previous 4runner and have zero on this one.

    the ceramic coating makes it easier to wash and you don’t have to wax the vehicle for 10 years. (The package I bought. Different manufactures and packages vary on time)
     
  9. Apr 14, 2021 at 7:25 AM
    #9
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Thank you for the input! My guy offers both ceramic and xpel, so I'm going to get pricing options on both. I'd love to use xpel, but I fear it's out of my price range at the moment. I do like the idea of a hybrid-type protection, as you have. I appreciate your response! :)
     
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  10. Apr 14, 2021 at 7:27 AM
    #10
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Thank you! I had him quote it on my last one about 2 years ago, so I'm sure the price has adjusted at this point. The new one has barely been touched, so I am hoping getting it done now while it's in such good condition will help in the amount of prep. :)
     
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  11. Apr 14, 2021 at 7:33 AM
    #11
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    No problem. My cost was north of 3k. I’m sure it varies by area. That included window tint as well though.
     
  12. Apr 14, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #12
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    Paint on my 2005 4runner is still perfect ATWA. No fade. No scratches.

    good luck with ceramic. How much does it cost? Want to tell us?
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2021
  13. Apr 14, 2021 at 9:40 AM
    #13
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Nice! That is awesome! Did you do any treatment for protection when you purchased? Also, I am unfamiliar with ATWA?
    I was quoted about 350-500 2 years back on my '15. The guy I use has it listed as starting at $650 now, but that may reduce since I (and my work) use him on a semi-regular basis. Even at $650, that is less than the seemingly average cost.

    I'll absolutely provide an update on what I end up going with, total cost, and thoughts afterwards. :)
     
  14. Apr 14, 2021 at 11:52 AM
    #14
    GrayGhost

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    New paint is not flawless. It can have rail dust etc depending how long it sat.
    For years I thought I was keeping my rides flawless as I have a very bright garage. Few months back I learned of CRI lighting and ouch. Been waxing/ coating right over the scratches!
    Scangrip makes a good cri light and not one light fits all. Mine are variable. They come warm white to cool white and depending on car color and other factors won’t show all. I ended up with 3 lights, 2 at ceiling height and one on the floor. It’s unreal how much we didn’t see but after finishing with ceramic etc you can definitely see a difference. All the unseen scratches magnify and dull the coated paint.
    Edit. One of the biggest mistakes on any new car is to let the dealer prep the paint. That alone does more damage than rail dust and acid rain(it can be clayed away). They use cheap towels and even auto car wash brushes and that’s where most scratches come from on new cars
     
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  15. Apr 14, 2021 at 3:46 PM
    #15
    Alloutdrs1

    Alloutdrs1 New Member

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    Which scangrip light are you using? I also agree with you on the dealerships messing paint up, for the most part they are not actual detail guys. They are there to make a car look clean, slap on some tire shine and go. This works for most as many are not as discerning as an enthusiast is about there vehicle.
     
  16. Apr 14, 2021 at 4:01 PM
    #16
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    Thank you!! Yes I’ve been watching many many videos all day today about prep before coating and about coatings. I am investigating “the last coat” and so far all the reviewers are quite impressed and ease of use is very good. I learned of their latest coating called “Black Ice”. Looks good and super simple.
    So I’m going to do a decontaminate process on the paint as I’ve learned about that. I agree with you completely everything you said about dealer washes and details. I will do my own inspection for flaws but don’t expect to see much badness. And the paint is white.
     
  17. Apr 14, 2021 at 4:37 PM
    #17
    BeavertonCommuter

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    Ive been a weekend garage detailer for several years. I also looked at the Last Coat product and read the reviews. Most of the reviews do not include a long-term durability component, ie., how long is this really lasting and that, to me, is what's most important in these types of products. Reading reviews of it at forums, such as Autogeek, the users there (professional detailers and hardcore hobbyists) arent impressed with products like Last Coat. Most of these spray on wipe off products have a comparable short-term result, eg., theyre glossy, theyre slick, etc., but last somewhere in the 6 month range with only a few almost boutique-like products getting out to a year. I've been using Meguiars Fast Finish for about 2 years and recognize that after about 6 months (washing 3-5 times per month) the product the product starts breaking down, ie., not as glossy, rain not sliding off an quickly, etc.

    Keep in mind that products like ceramic coating are just that, a coating that is merely a sacrificial barrier to the outdoor elements. Only the most expensive and high quality ceramic products will provide some, albeit light duty, scratch and swirl protection that, imo, does not justify their cost. Absent those few products, the coating you'll likely select to apply yourself will not be significantly better or different than using a paint sealant or wax. An important attribute of ceramic is its self-cleaning ability and that does separate it from your ordinary waxes.

    If one wants true paint protection then you have to install some type of physical barrier on the paint, like 3m or xpel or other.

    I prefer to hand wash my car and use a clay bar and Iron-x to clean the paint and then use a DA polisher to do any type of correction before applying a wax or sealant. This is my 2 cents.
     
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  18. Apr 14, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #18
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    I watched many vids, as I said. Some have made it to a 6 month or longer review of how its holding up and how water is performing on the surfaces. When they wash and rinse it sheets off nicely for most of these guys and then leaves nice tall beads. They go threw the whole “last coat” recommended procedures and they always come out most impressed. Except one guy was kind of a snot. but any way I’ve made my decision and actually just got done ordering from The Last Coat their “Barely Street Legal” bundle, got extra micro fiber towels too. Discount code PAPASMURF
     
  19. Apr 14, 2021 at 5:30 PM
    #19
    LakeEffect

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    Exactly this. It’s $1000-1400 where I’m at. If the price is half of that, I’d be skeptical of the quality of the prep work/paint correction.
     
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  20. Apr 14, 2021 at 5:34 PM
    #20
    BeavertonCommuter

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    Glad to hear it...I hope it works out for you and please share your results!!
     
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  21. Apr 14, 2021 at 5:46 PM
    #21
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    Oh yes I promise that I will, with pics. I know I want to get it done ASAP.
     
  22. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:48 PM
    #22
    GrayGhost

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    I picked up a 3000lm and (2) 8000lm and a handheld multigrip. I bought one at first and realized to (see all) you need light at least 2 different angles. The tripods help as well giving different angles for various needs.

    The reality is I went 40 years without these and was perfectly happy with the finishes. The pandemic put too much time on my hand and started learning of the lights and was shocked at how much it exposes.. they are great for streak and smudge free windows. I used to park looking into the sun, now the lights do the trick
     
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  23. Apr 15, 2021 at 11:36 AM
    #23
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    I'd be interested in any experience you have with
    Cquartz UK Ceramic Protection
    That's what he uses. I've been doing research, but as I'm not very familiar, it's been a learning curve.

    i believe the 650 is starting price for sedans, so I would likely be within that higher price once it's all said and done. This guy has been around for a long time, has done paint correction and multiple levels of detail services for my bosses luxury (think lexus LS500H that he spent 6 figures on), as well as others for myself and coworkers. I wouldn't consider letting anyone else do this without previous personal experience with them. :)
     
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  24. Apr 30, 2021 at 4:22 PM
    #24
    esavi87

    esavi87 [OP] .

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    Update, I've got my appt booked for the ceramic. Looking at about 1k, give or take depending on how much correction is required. I'll post a final update after it's done. Thanks guys for all the input!
     
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  25. May 1, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #25
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    I’m cheap but I enjoy taking care of my own vehicles. I used to use a product called ZAINO Show Car Polish on my custom sports cars when I had those. ZAINO is a polymer and amazing. Then all this ceramic coat craze happened but I never looked into that. Until now. I have now acquired that product called “The Last Coat” after watching many videos of it being used and torture tests, among other brands. TLC’s Black Ice is their straight up ceramic coat product. I’ve done it on the Cadillac after the prep work and it is easy peasy to use. I’ve been waiting to use on the T4R but I became ill and I can’t do a thing for awhile, pneumonia, yup. And that been my hold up for some weeks now. Doc says I’m not going back to work for several weeks. All I can do is next to nothing during this time. I have so many T4R projects I’m chomping at the bit to do. During my downtime all I do is watch YouTube and learn about stuff. I’m a Last Coat expert now. I’m now an expert on how to design & build a drawer/sleep platform system for the cargo deck, I have designed it and I’m not using any plywood like everyone else. I got the brilliant idea to use aluminum extrusion to frame the thing, I use it all the time and I’m an expert on that too, so what the heck? Mine will be much lighter than any plywood solution.
    Why is this post so long? LoL I’ve been cooped up for so long already I don’t know what to with myself anymore. This sucks. Fkg Corona left me with pneumonia. That’s why.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2021
  26. May 1, 2021 at 9:11 AM
    #26
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    The paint is virtually indestructible.

    What you have to worry about these is frame rust.

    If you live in New England or the Maritimes or Michigan it will rust to hell regardless what you do.
     
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  27. May 1, 2021 at 8:09 PM
    #27
    Run4it

    Run4it New Member

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    That looks good. Thx
     
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