Paint protection

[calicatchers]

Having recently taken delivery of our new Beach(so happy btw) we are wondering about paint protection, wax, ceramic etc. Is ceramic just a gimmic or does it work, is it worth it? Our van is going to our everyday 'car' for afamily with 2 kids in Devon (high hedges, sea gulls, salt water etc etc).

Any advice or suggestions? Recmnedations in the Exeter area gratefully received.

 

[T6 CFO]

Having recently taken delivery of our new Beach(so happy btw) we are wondering about paint protection, wax, ceramic etc. Is ceramic just a gimmic or does it work, is it worth it? Our van is going to our everyday 'car' for afamily with 2 kids in Devon (high hedges, sea gulls, salt water etc etc).

Any advice or suggestions? Recmnedations in the Exeter area gratefully received.

I believe it is. With the better ones you get 7 years+ protection.
I had mine done from New by Matt at System Clenz in Weston-Super-Mare.

Below is a previous thread on the subject.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/professional-detailing-and-ceramic-coating.18028/page-3

Mike


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Moakesy]

I'm just looking at this for my new Ocean.....guarantee is for 9 years!!

As a guide to cost, for the full works inside and out for my Cali, it is £895 and they need the vehicle for three days. That is ceramic protection on the exterior, similar for wheels and callipers, and doing interior leather. £575 / 2 days excluding ceramic coating.

This is in Hertfordshire though, so too far out for you. Thought I'd post so you knew the rough price point.

 

[ArunAlec]

When these coatings are"guaranteed", exactly what are they guaranteeing? And do you have to agree to a regular top up/service/check?

 

[T6 CFO]

When these coatings are"guaranteed", exactly what are they guaranteeing? And do you have to agree to a regular top up/service/check?

From memory it did require an annual check. I didn’t bother and it was not an issue for me. I was quite happy guy I went to would do anything required. I’m not a great believer in guarantees and insurance unless something you must have.

Bugged creasing I went for it is it makes cleaning the Cali a simple process and no polishing/waxing.

Mike

 

[Moakesy]

When these coatings are"guaranteed", exactly what are they guaranteeing? And do you have to agree to a regular top up/service/check?

Popped into the detailing place on the way home from a meeting.

The guarantee is against swirling and marking on the body work. Once they do the prep, then a high gloss goes on and this ceramic coating is then 'locked in'. On top of that goes two coats of hydrophobic solution giving superb beading. Obviously, it won't stop stone chips, but will prevent it losing it's shine.

For the wheels, it's a similar thing, but also prevents brake dust getting onto your alloys and eating into them. It's about that protective coating, creating a barrier to your paint work.

They recommend an annual health check to ensure things are topped up, but T6 CFO says, you don't have to take it in.

Interior treatment helps protect interior from spillage, but if you spill paint / coffee on the there it will help, but no guarantees just how much will come off.

I've also asked if they can do anything with the roof canvas to add to it's waterproof quality, which he will investigate.

Booked it in for next week

 

[Martin]

Don't put any protection on the roof canvas what ever you do, it does not need it and could cause damage.

 

[Moakesy]

Don't put any protection on the roof canvas what ever you do, it does not need it and could cause damage.

OK. What sort of damage you thinking may occur? I assumed it was similar to tent material, where you can get sprays to top-up / improve waterproofing.

He was going to speak to the Gtechniq guy about it, but thought maybe their Smart Fabric product.

https://gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/i1-smart-fabric

Obviously I wouldn't want to damage anything....so would be good to understand what I may be risking.

 

[Martin]

I have always been told this by Volkswagen, I am sure it's in the manual as well

 

[Moakesy]

Ok, cheers for the heads up. Will check the manual as well.

 

[Ady77]

I have always been told this by Volkswagen, I am sure it's in the manual as well

Page 70 of California supplement

 

[T6 CFO]

[QUOTE

They recommend an annual health check to ensure things are topped up, but T6 CFO says, you don't have to take it in.[/QUOTE]

Just to be clear though, guarantee would be void if you didn’t.

Mike

 

[Moakesy]

Sorry @calicatchers, didn't mean to highjack your thread....but thanks to others for feedback on roof.

Either way, I'd heartedly recommend popping in to see a detailer anyway. Two brand new Mclaren's in there, along with a Ferrari mid-polish and a Porsche and Mercedes awaiting collection!!

 

[Borris]

Having recently taken delivery of our new Beach(so happy btw) we are wondering about paint protection, wax, ceramic etc. Is ceramic just a gimmic or does it work, is it worth it? Our van is going to our everyday 'car' for afamily with 2 kids in Devon (high hedges, sea gulls, salt water etc etc).

Any advice or suggestions? Recmnedations in the Exeter area gratefully received.

The trouble is, the only way of knowing for sure if these coatings are worth doing/having, would be to buy two identical Beaches then have one done and not the other. Then after a period of time, having used and cleaned them both in exactly the same way, you could come to a conclusion. However, I suspect you'll not be going down that avenue.
Many owners say that these expensive after market coatings give wonderful results and who am I to say that they are wrong. However, I had both of my Cali's treated with Autoglym Lifeshine but I could't honestly tell you if it was worth the expense. It must add some protection but as to how much and for how long, I couldn't say and for that matter I doubt if any other impartial party could either.

 

[motacyclist]

I don’t mind doing a bit of polishing from time to time, neighbours and dog walkers pass by and have a chat so it can be quite enjoyable! I usually use MER but have just ordered some Collinite 845 + £19.95 to try after watching this video.

 

[T6 CFO]

The trouble is, the only way of knowing for sure if these coatings are worth doing/having, would be to buy two identical Beaches then have one done and not the other. Then after a period of time, having used and cleaned them both in exactly the same way, you could come to a conclusion. However, I suspect you'll not be going down that avenue.
Many owners say that these expensive after market coatings give wonderful results and who am I to say that they are wrong. I had both of my Cali's treated with Autoglym Lifeshine and I could't honestly tell you if it was worth the expense. It must add some protection but as to how much and for how long, I couldn't say and for that matter I doubt if any other impartial party could either.

Trust me @Borris. A proper detailing of a vehicle with the right products is a million miles away from a slap and tickle by some guy in VW with a bottle of Autoglym.

Mike


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[aileron346]

Obviously I wouldn't want to damage anything....so would be good to understand what I may be risking.

I’m no expert but have done a lot of tent camping in my days and I wonder if this is the reason....

Natural and synthetic tent materials waterproof in very different ways. Synthetic repels water and hence can be enhanced by water repellent products or products that physically block the micro holes.

On the other hand, I think natural cotton-based products rely on some water absorption to cause swelling if the fibres and blocking if the micro holes that way. So, I think these either have no treatment or very specialist treatments.

I think the Cali roof is cotton based so I’d always go along with the manual advice.

Feel free to correct this anyone...

 

[BikerGran]

I have a VERY old cotton canvas frame tent (about 45 years old) which I reproofed with brush-on Fabsil and it's fantastic now - the rain literally bounces off. If I have problems with the Cali roof canvas I won't hesitate to use fabsil on it - but of course my Cali is long out of warranty.

 

[PeteS]

As with all products they have to be applied correctly in the first place. There is a YouTube video about a guy applying dealer paint protection system to a new car. He sprays some stuff on the car and wipes it off and sprays a different spray on the interior 10 minutes and it's all done. With life shine you do get a box of autoglym products as part if the deal. The dealers will generally be able to discount life shine. I am not sure how effective the guarantee would be and what it might cover.
My advice would be not to bother. I use a sealant to protect the paint. The one I am using at the moment is Car Pro Hydrolite 2. It is very easy to apply. Just do a very good wash and the spray on the Hydrolite 2, jet wash it off and the dry it. My top tip would be to make sure you dry it completely and don't leave any drips. After I have packed up the cleaning equipment I walk round to dry up the last drip or two

 

[KiwiCali]

I have looked into Paint Protection options for my new Cali... and I have come to the conclusion that the best option for me is to get the full front of the Cali done in 3M clear wrap - which will protect from stone chips etc. Most of the visible paint chips came on the front of my old Cali. So my intention is to do the nose, including the full bonnet, as well as the top of the rear bumper. Then if I want to make it easier to wash, simply apply myself a product like Car Pro Hydrolite to make it easier to clean. The dealers charge a fortune for applying 'Paint Protection' - and I am sure they do work for a while. But my Cali will be garaged when not in use, so that will help in protecting paint to sun exposure. I'm interested to hear if anyone else had considered wrapping parts of their Cali or any other Car in a clear 3M type tape? Experiences?

 

[sapto]

I have looked into Paint Protection options for my new Cali... and I have come to the conclusion that the best option for me is to get the full front of the Cali done in 3M clear wrap - which will protect from stone chips etc. Most of the visible paint chips came on the front of my old Cali. So my intention is to do the nose, including the full bonnet, as well as the top of the rear bumper. Then if I want to make it easier to wash, simply apply myself a product like Car Pro Hydrolite to make it easier to clean. The dealers charge a fortune for applying 'Paint Protection' - and I am sure they do work for a while. But my Cali will be garaged when not in use, so that will help in protecting paint to sun exposure. I'm interested to hear if anyone else had considered wrapping parts of their Cali or any other Car in a clear 3M type tape? Experiences?

I bought something from 3M (like in the vid) but never used it. It does look simple and good however I would - like you - rather have it wrapped.

 

[Volkywagen]

I have looked into Paint Protection options for my new Cali... and I have come to the conclusion that the best option for me is to get the full front of the Cali done in 3M clear wrap - which will protect from stone chips etc. Most of the visible paint chips came on the front of my old Cali. So my intention is to do the nose, including the full bonnet, as well as the top of the rear bumper. Then if I want to make it easier to wash, simply apply myself a product like Car Pro Hydrolite to make it easier to clean. The dealers charge a fortune for applying 'Paint Protection' - and I am sure they do work for a while. But my Cali will be garaged when not in use, so that will help in protecting paint to sun exposure. I'm interested to hear if anyone else had considered wrapping parts of their Cali or any other Car in a clear 3M type tape? Experiences?

Funny you should mention this. I have received a quote back today from a local company to 3M clear wrap ventureshield the front of mine. £500 +vat if you were wondering

 

[Loz]

Funny you should mention this. I have received a quote back today from a local company to 3M clear wrap ventureshield the front of mine. £500 +vat if you were wondering

You won’t regret it.
Here was mine after it was fitted.

And it is still perfect 2 years later.

 

[KiwiCali]

You won’t regret it.
Here was mine after it was fitted.
View attachment 39015
And it is still perfect 2 years later.

Great photo thanks ... so the whole bonnet was done? It looks great. Makes me think about getting the sides done ... as I don't have mud flaps ... though would be blooming expensive though! Will ask the guy when I take it in ....