Can I do a ceramic coating if the paint already has a Luxcare coating on it?

[Westside Guy]

When I picked up my Z4 the dealer had already done a Luxcare treatment on the paint and the interior. I was planning on doing a ceramic coating but I had no choice but accept the car with Luxcare because of the shortage of inventory and I didn’t want to wait for a new build from Austria.

I understand that Luxcare is all hype and one of those dealer finishes that is not worth doing. However they state on the Luxcare website:

“LuxcareXT penetrates the vehicle’s clear coat to protect against weather-induced fading caused by road salt, UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and other grime. It also helps prevent brake dust staining on aluminum alloy wheels, the dulling of headlight lenses and small windshield cracks.”

If Luxcare interacts with the clear coat can I also add a ceramic coating?

Can they strip the Luxcare from the paint without damaging the clear coat?

Do I have to simply have to live with the Luxcare which I believe is an inferior product?

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

When I picked up my Z4 the dealer had already done a Luxcare treatment on the paint and the interior. I was planning on doing a ceramic coating but I had no choice but accept the car with Luxcare because of the shortage of inventory and I didn’t want to wait for a new build from Austria.

I understand that Luxcare is all hype and one of those dealer finishes that is not worth doing. However they state on the Luxcare website:

“LuxcareXT penetrates the vehicle’s clear coat to protect against weather-induced fading caused by road salt, UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and other grime. It also helps prevent brake dust staining on aluminum alloy wheels, the dulling of headlight lenses and small windshield cracks.”

If Luxcare interacts with the clear coat can I also add a ceramic coating?

Can they strip the Luxcare from the paint without damaging the clear coat?

Do I have to simply have to live with the Luxcare which I believe is an inferior product?

I advise talking to a ceramic coating shop or two to get another opinion.

[carseatsm5]

Reads to me like a sealant. Here’s the spec sheet: http://msds.ctpc.com/files/luxcare-ingredients.pdf

I’m guessing a good detailer would tell you that the typical prep they do before a ceramic coating (strip wash, clay, stage 1 polish) removes this stuff and you’d be good to apply the ceramic. But that’s my guess.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

I advise talking to a ceramic coating shop or two to get another opinion.

Thanks, I will check out the Google reviews for my local shops.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by carseatsm5

Reads to me like a sealant. Here’s the spec sheet: http://msds.ctpc.com/files/luxcare-ingredients.pdf

I’m guessing a good detailer would tell you that the typical prep they do before a ceramic coating (strip wash, clay, stage 1 polish) removes this stuff and you’d be good to apply the ceramic. But that’s my guess.

I hope that they can remove the Luxcare finish this easily.

[Westside Guy]

There is a detailing shop near me that offers Xpel products. How good are they?

[Foggins]

XPEL products are definitely good quality, can’t go wrong as long as the detailer knows what he/she is doing.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Foggins

XPEL products are definitely good quality, can’t go wrong as long as the detailer knows what he/she is doing.

Thanks, it seems that each detailing shop offers only one brand. What are the other top products besides Xpel?

[Westside Guy]

I just went to a local shop that uses Xpel products and he quoted me $4300 for PPF allover plus 2 coats of ceramic for my Z4. Does that number seem high?

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I just went to a local shop that uses Xpel products and he quoted me $4300 for PPF allover plus 2 coats of ceramic for my Z4. Does that number seem high?

Sounds a little high to me but the ceramic I got was about 1400 and was quoted 2200 for about 70% ppf on surface area.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Sounds a little high to me but the ceramic I got was about 1400 and was quoted 2200 for about 70% ppf on surface area.

He said he would place 2 coats of ceramic on top of the PPF. If I did allover PPF without the ceramic he would charge $3700.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

He said he would place 2 coats of ceramic on top of the PPF. If I did allover PPF without the ceramic he would charge $3700.

Worth noting, if you don't mind spending a day with your car, you can easily do the ceramic coating yourself at home for a fraction of the cost. Just need some time, attention to detail, and you'll be fine.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by pz619

Worth noting, if you don't mind spending a day with your car, you can easily do the ceramic coating yourself at home for a fraction of the cost. Just need some time, attention to detail, and you'll be fine.

Unfortunately i park outdoors at a condo and do not have the luxury of a garage to work in.

[carseatsm5]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I just went to a local shop that uses Xpel products and he quoted me $4300 for PPF allover plus 2 coats of ceramic for my Z4. Does that number seem high?

I don’t think so but could be regional differences in pricing. Here in LA I think I paid $4K for ceramic then PPF just on primary impact areas.

If you want to save some money I’d say skip the ceramic. Once car is PPFed it’s pretty much bulletproof and you can get the shine/slickness with good topper sealant you apply yourself every six months.

[Westside Guy]

By the way, the detailer I went to said that if I just applied PPF to the front of the car and then did ceramic allover I could see a shade difference on the paint where the PPF ends.

I park outdoors in the extremely strong South Florida sun and the car faces Southwest and is being exposed to the sun all afternoon. Should I be worried about seeing a difference in the paint if I try this approach?

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

By the way, the detailer I went to said that if I just applied PPF to the front of the car and then did ceramic allover I could see a shade difference on the paint where the PPF ends.

I park outdoors in the extremely strong South Florida sun and the car faces Southwest and is being exposed to the sun all afternoon. Should I be worried about seeing a difference in the paint if I try this approach?

Depends on what you will notice. When they did a sample PPF on my Frozen Grey, it did change the shade and created a sheen. I just went ceramic and haven't looked back.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Depends on what you will notice. When they did a sample PPF on my Frozen Grey, it did change the shade and created a sheen. I just went ceramic and haven't looked back.

I can definitely understand why you made that selection with the Frozen Grey color.

I have 2 questions

I am trying to decide between allover PPF or allover ceramic. I am leaning towards the ceramic because I park outdoors and the car faces Southwest and it is bombarded with the killer south Florida sun all afternoon and also it has absolutely no protection from the heavy rain we can receive. What are the pros and cons of each based on my parking environment?

Also I can’t wash the car myself as my condo association doesn’t allow it so I have to go to a commercial car wash. Lately I have been taking advantage of my dealer’s free wash at their service center because I am always in the neighborhood. Will a machine wash like that cause any issues with either PPF or ceramic?

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I can definitely understand why you made that selection with the Frozen Grey color.

I have 2 questions

I am trying to decide between allover PPF or allover ceramic. I am leaning towards the ceramic because I park outdoors and the car faces Southwest and it is bombarded with the killer south Florida sun all afternoon and also it has absolutely no protection from the heavy rain we can receive. What are the pros and cons of each based on my parking environment?

Also I can’t wash the car myself as my condo association doesn’t allow it so I have to go to a commercial car wash. Lately I have been taking advantage of my dealer’s free wash at their service center because I am always in the neighborhood. Will a machine wash like that cause any issues with either PPF or ceramic?

From what I know, auto carwash means it may void the ceramic coating warranty. I do know the ceramic, I even did the rims, makes washing a breeze and really quick. Bird doo slides right off. I'm sure the PPF is the same, but it adds rock chip protection to protect the paint.

[Ytrewq]

I'm in a very similar situation to yourself so keen to understand what you have/will decide? Thanks

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I can definitely understand why you made that selection with the Frozen Grey color.

I have 2 questions

I am trying to decide between allover PPF or allover ceramic. I am leaning towards the ceramic because I park outdoors and the car faces Southwest and it is bombarded with the killer south Florida sun all afternoon and also it has absolutely no protection from the heavy rain we can receive. What are the pros and cons of each based on my parking environment?

Also I can’t wash the car myself as my condo association doesn’t allow it so I have to go to a commercial car wash. Lately I have been taking advantage of my dealer’s free wash at their service center because I am always in the neighborhood. Will a machine wash like that cause any issues with either PPF or ceramic?

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Ytrewq

I'm in a very similar situation to yourself so keen to understand what you have/will decide? Thanks

My salesman at BMW suggested I visit a Tint World store nearby and I asked the same questions.

The Tint World manager recommended that I apply the PPF just to the front of the car or the front and the hood (also the side mirror covers) and then apply the ceramic coating on top of the PPF and the rest of the car. They use Xpel PPF and their own brand of ceramic coating.

He also warned me to stay away from machine car washes and only go to a hand wash that uses a 0 PH, non alkaline soap and they air dry the car.

What he suggested made a great deal of sense.

You are in the UK and Tint World is a US chain but I am sure that are plenty of shops by you that can do the work.

[Vivek.]

If you want protection from rocks and shit flying in storms then PPF is the only thing that will make a difference.

Ceramic is good but really oversold IMO--I have CQuartz UK 3.0 on one car and Graphene 7 year on another--it makes a big difference but detailers talk about it as if it'll wipe your ass for you. Whatever standard prep the detailer does before applying the ceramic will definitely remove the sealant that's currently on there from the dealer.

FWIW 4.3k isn't bad for ceramic coated all over PPF. Especially if they're doing 100% of the painted surfaces, properly wrapping the edges etc.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Vivek.

If you want protection from rocks and shit flying in storms then PPF is the only thing that will make a difference.

Ceramic is good but really oversold IMO--I have CQuartz UK 3.0 on one car and Graphene 7 year on another--it makes a big difference but detailers talk about it as if it'll wipe your ass for you. Whatever standard prep the detailer does before applying the ceramic will definitely remove the sealant that's currently on there from the dealer.

Two shops told me not to worry about the dealer's sealant.

At this point I am planning to have them put Xpel PPF on the front and the hood of the car plus the side mirror caps. Then I will have them apply ceramic coating to everything.