Ceramic coating

[Anibal]

Morning folks.
I wanted to give my boat a ceramic coating when I lift her out on late spring to keep her looking at her best. Never done this, so I made a couple of enquiries. Unfortunately the cost to do this on a 29ft boat is prohibiting. I was counting maybe with £3K to £5K max but it turns out it is a lot more than that, therefore I will need to do it myself. I have watched a couple of videos from detailers and I can see that preparation is key, like anything else, but I can’t help thinking that most of these videos have certain levels of intimidation, maybe aimed at “don’t do it yourself, call a pro or you could end up fecking things up” Has anyone had a go at this that could provide some feedback please? Because these videos have put me off, I am thinking to start with Gtechniq fast coat spray kind of product followed by a monthly maintenance with rinse on ceramic and see how I get on, before deciding if next year I should apply a base and top coat, which is the less forgiving product.
TIA

 

[Neeves]

There were a couple of threads on the topics about a year ago. I don't recall the titles.

Bt try using the search function - that's what is for.

Jonathan

 

[Anibal]

Thank you Neeves. I found 3 last night but only a short one dedicated to ceramic coating and recommendations to one product in particular. I read the reviews on such product and it is a mixed bag. 50% claim success, however, the other 50% claims the product left white hulls and upper structures with a grey coloration due to one of the ingredients being graphite or similar. Will search again in case I missed something.

 

[mjcp]

£3k-£5k does seem excessive! Assume that's the prep and the treatment etc (cleaning off old coatings, polish and so forth), not just the treatment?

Koch chemie seems well regarded (name dropped by a few on other threads for polish etc) - I have had a positive experience with the polish too. They do a ceramic coating.

Ceramic Boat Hull

 

[Dino]

Check out Drakes Detailing on YouTube. He’s based in the US and a lot of the products he promotes are not available in the UK/Europe but he has some good videos about ceramic coating. The prep seems to be the biggest part.
Koch Chemie was mentioned above and they are doing a marine range now.
I see Angelwax from Scotland are doing a marine range now also and they are advertising a 2 year ceramic coating

 

[Anibal]

£3k-£5k does seem excessive! Assume that's the prep and the treatment etc (cleaning off old coatings, polish and so forth), not just the treatment?

Koch chemie seems well regarded (name dropped by a few on other threads for polish etc) - I have had a positive experience with the polish too. They do a ceramic coating.

Ceramic Boat Hull

You and me both but the quote was much higher than that for a 6 months old boat with no imperfections, chalk or anything, just a light coat of wax when delivered. Indeed it will need some prepping before the Ceramic is applied but still, that is a lot of coins to fork out no matter how I look at it.
I will have a look at Koch Chemie now. Thank you kindly for this, much appreciated.

 

[Anibal]

Check out Drakes Detailing on YouTube. He’s based in the US and a lot of the products he promotes are not available in the UK/Europe but he has some good videos about ceramic coating. The prep seems to be the biggest part.
Koch Chemie was mentioned above and they are doing a marine range now.
I see Angelwax from Scotland are doing a marine range now also and they are advertising a 2 year ceramic coating

Thanks a lot Dino, really appreciated it. That will be my evening sorted watching this channel (pizza, beer and boatie videos)

 

[Poecheng]

I have done ceramic on my last boat (29' sailing boat) and it is simplicity. I did a lot of cutting/polishing to get the surface perfect (which you will not have to do from what I have read, just get all the wax off) and got it to a mirror finish.
I used Gtecnik in small bottles (not a spray or any hybrid system) and applied with with their 'pads' which are no more than small circular make-up wipes.
It goes on like water and is simple - you just make small circular motions to ensure coverage. I also used their high quality microfibre cloths pre and post ceramic.
The ceramic bit is the easy bit and nothing to be wary of at all. It is the surface prep that is the harder bit.
Also you cannot mess it up. If you dont do it perfectly you dont damage your boat. If you pay to have it done, you can mess up your wallet !

I used

Gtechniq C1 Crystal Lacquer Paint Sealant 50ml Car Nano Ceramic Coating​

but see they now do a Marine product as well.

 

[Anibal]

I have done ceramic on my last boat (29' sailing boat) and it is simplicity. I did a lot of cutting/polishing to get the surface perfect (which you will not have to do from what I have read, just get all the wax off) and got it to a mirror finish.
I used Gtecnik in small bottles (not a spray or any hybrid system) and applied with with their 'pads' which are no more than small circular make-up wipes.
It goes on like water and is simple - you just make small circular motions to ensure coverage. I also used their high quality microfibre cloths pre and post ceramic.
The ceramic bit is the easy bit and nothing to be wary of at all. It is the surface prep that is the harder bit.
Also you cannot mess it up. If you dont do it perfectly you dont damage your boat. If you pay to have it done, you can mess up your wallet !

I used

Gtechniq C1 Crystal Lacquer Paint Sealant 50ml Car Nano Ceramic Coating​

but see they now do a Marine product as well.

Excellent, that is what I wanted to hear. That small bottle that you mentioned is their Base and Top Coat. I wasn’t aware of the other products suggested earlier and therefore was leaning towards Gtechniq but now I have options. Thank you for sharing your experience, I feel much more comfortable now.
All the best,
Anibal