Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

[Craig P.]

Two quesstions:
1. Does anyone have experience in DIY application of ceramic coatings (in lieu of wax)? A relatively new technology that seems pretty good...

2. For those more experienced in flight judging, do you know if application of a ceramic coating causes any sort of deduction in flight judging points??

[Frank D.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

The word "ceramic" is the most over-hyped word in the hobby right now. 3/4 of the products are crap and no, they don't make your paint bulletproof - you can still get scratches. They will repel water better but increase the "shine". I'll defer to the experienced judges here but anything that gives your paint that "Mop and Glow" look will cost you points.

[Edward J.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

Craig, If you already have this done to your car, just use some Dawn dish washing liquid to remove the mop and glow as Frank says.😀

[Craig P.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

Thanks for the replies! I have NOT applied the coating, thinking it could possibly have a negative affect to the flight score, which it sounds like it could. Glad I asked! I am hoping to be judged in June at a NW chapter meet, so I guess I will apply some elbow grease to the carnauba wax!

[Keith W.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

Thanks for the replies! I have NOT applied the coating, thinking it could possibly have a negative affect to the flight score, which it sounds like it could. Glad I asked! I am hoping to be judged in June at a NW chapter meet, so I guess I will apply some elbow grease to the carnauba wax!

[Duke W.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

The word "ceramic" is the most over-hyped word in the hobby right now.

...right up there with "synthetic".

Duke

[Frank D.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

I just picked up a ‘70 vert and followed this process.
1. Clay bar
2. 3 applications of meguiars #7
3. Swirl remover
4. Meguiars black wax if you have a dark colored car

I have a similar regimen on my single-stage paint...performed annually most of the time (but never more frequently than 6 months apart):
1. Dust and wash car thoroughly
2. Clay bar
3. Touch up paint LIGHTLY with Mequiar's Ultra-Glace and my Porter-Cable buffer
4. Apply Griot's "Best of Show" wax to the paint
5. Hit the hubcaps with "Never Dull" swatches.

A pleasant Saturday morning's work and the results are up there with 98% of the ceramic whiz-bang boutique products.

[Tim G.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

I just gave this Corvette what I think was its first wax in 50 years. I used Meguiar's Carnauba Wax with a soft rag. It was a very light polish so as to not disturb the original orange peel.

[John H.]

Re: Ceramic Coatings and Flight Judging

Craig,

As mentioned in our e-mail conversation I don't believe it would result in a deduction. Judging paint can be difficult, period. Many variables complicate it further, for example, will it be judged inside or outside? Florescent Light, Incandescent, LED and so on. You have a low mile original car. Can't imagine anyone giving a deduction for a well presented car. The NW Chapter has an excellent Judging Chairmen who also painted cars for the last half century. We did a class a couple of years ago with a 3,200 mile bowtie 72, a restored car I believe we used my 65 and my untouched 90 ZR1. Stewart educated us on what to look for as far as coverage, over spray, orange peel and other attributes. Wax and Shine never entered the conversation. Do what you want. If you get deducted I'd be surprised.