[Mr Wright]

What is the best way to protect paint? Ceramic coating? expel? wrap?

And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? i.e.. cost, longevity, durability etc.

[Mize442]

Lots of post will be coming. I just wash mine on occasion. I like to get most of the dust of my car at 74mph. I know im a rule breaker.

[trident]

My 2016 Mercedes S, 2017 Z06 and ZL1 are done with Xpel. I did the front only which includes the front grill area, headlights, mirrors, hood and front fenders. That is enough and I wouldn't do any more. Save your money, because it really doesn't make a difference when you trade it in. Having the front done is for your own satisfaction that the car always looks good to you. My 2012 Mercedes GL550 doesn't have anything and it has one small rock chip and I filled it in and I am the only one that ever notices it. All the cars are black except for the Corvette and it is grey and gets peppered with sand and small stuff since it is so close to the ground. That is my two cents.

[Larrio Andretti]

Any frontal area that may see impacts from stones and bugs.... XPEL. I also do the hood and the rocker panels and lower quarter panels behind the rear wheels. The rest get a ceramic coating.

[Michael52]

This is such a personal issue. If you really want this car to stay blemish free then you can spend a lot of money. I can't speak to Xpel, but I had the 3M clear bra on my S4 and the seam drove me nuts. If they can hide them, then Xpel seems to provide the best protection at the highest cost. I have the same car as you and for my money, I did a nice Ceramic coat at a very reasonable cost. It will help keep the car clean. Even though we love our cars so much, in the end they are still only cars.
Enjoy it, drive it, have fun and don't stress! And congrats by the way! , the car is stunning and very stealth in black!

[greaser2]

After having a C7 and seeing the chips on the front multiple I had to put Xpel on the front of my ZL1. I will polish and seal the rest of the car, that's my alone time with it.

[Magsz]

Originally Posted by Michael52

This is such a personal issue. If you really want this car to stay blemish free then you can spend a lot of money. I can't speak to Xpel, but I had the 3M clear bra on my S4 and the seam drove me nuts. If they can hide them, then Xpel seems to provide the best protection at the highest cost. I have the same car as you and for my money, I did a nice Ceramic coat at a very reasonable cost. It will help keep the car clean. Even though we love our cars so much, in the end they are still only cars.
Enjoy it, drive it, have fun and don't stress! And congrats by the way! , the car is stunning and very stealth in black!

Michael. Mind if I ask what you paid to have the vehicle ceramic coated? Also, what brand of coating did you go with? It seems like every day there is a new brand of 'wundercoat".

[nicktechla]

I did the Modesta ceramic coat. It looks amazing

[S.T.A.R.]

Originally Posted by Mr Wright

What is the best way to protect paint? Ceramic coating? expel? wrap?

And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? i.e.. cost, longevity, durability etc.

Mr. Wright, I'm going with a total wrap, Suntek.

[Supercup]

Xpel Ultimate if going to the track - front, hood, front fenders, behind front wheels in front of rear, rocker panel - door up to first shadow line - allowing installer to hide the end, behind rear wheels and mirrors is what I do.

Suntek - if not going to the track - a little clearer, but not quite as tough. probably if street only can cut out some of the coverage above, but I see no reason to - keeps the car so much nicer.

[Michael52]

Originally Posted by Magsz

Michael. Mind if I ask what you paid to have the vehicle ceramic coated? Also, what brand of coating did you go with? It seems like every day there is a new brand of 'wundercoat".

No problem. Product was Feynlab 3D high definition. Total 725 paint , glass and rims, but it is someone that I know well. Included Stage one paint correction. 5 year . If I still have the car at that time I will redo it then.

[Michael52]

Originally Posted by Magsz

Michael. Mind if I ask what you paid to have the vehicle ceramic coated? Also, what brand of coating did you go with? It seems like every day there is a new brand of 'wundercoat".

Here are a few pics. Not the best lighting as the sun was going down. Hope this helps.

[Mr Wright]

Man Michael, she sure shines up nice!! Thank you everyone for the info!

[STUNNAH]

Originally Posted by Mr Wright

Man Michael, she sure shines up nice!! Thank you everyone for the info!

+1...Looks really good...