Ceramic coat on my 2024 Tacoma (+ other detailing)

[Liquidassets]

Ontel car wash cannon
Chemical guys honeydew soap
Gentechniq iron remover
Griots random orbital
3dONE compound (1 pass/ 1 stage)
Isopropyl alcohol wipe down
Cquartz uk 3.0 (2 coats 1 hour apart)
Cquartz reload (1 coat 1 hour after cquartz)
303 aerospace protectant for the black trim
Sprayway glass cleaner and the rag company diamond weave glass towel
Endurance tire dressing

The whole thing took about 5 hours but I was rushing. If I didn't spend the time to correct the paint, I'd be more inclined to use a spray on ceramic hybrid like turtle wax ceramic hybrid. The turtle wax will last 6-12 months. I'm hoping to get at least 2-3 years out of this. If you are looking to show off the paint, I'd recommend a boat wax such as collinite 845 or 476. It's what I used to use on my Porsche and corvettes.

This is a truck and I intend to use it that way. I, personally, wouldn't pay a professional thousands of dollars to ceramic coat truck that will get scratched on the job site or off-road. If it's purely a grocery getter than it may be worth it. You'd also have to avoid car washes and lightly pressure wash you car any time you wanted it clean. I'm happy to answer any detailing questions. I'm self taught and have never detailed for money. I'm not an expert, but may be able to save you some time.

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[24Canuck]

What's that take you time wise?

 

[Liquidassets]

Around 5 hours, but I was rushing as it was getting dark outside. I did a one stage correction after washing and claying the paint (1 pass with the orbital using a white pad and 3d one compound). I then did 2 layers of cquartz and 1 layer of reload. You have to wait 1 hour between coats which is about how long it takes to apply a coat.

I'll post more photos this weekend of my set up and truck. I detailed it a few days ago and now there are a bunch of bugs on the front. I was too embarrassed to post it without wiping it down first.

 

[cuechairo]

I honestly know nothing about this paint protection stuff. I'm curious where you leaned about it what's good and how to apply it. Any recommendations for where to learn more about? Maybe a YouTube channel?

 

[Kielly]

I plan to get this done professionally but worry what they might try and charge me lol.

Has anyone ever gotten ceramic coating over the 3m protective tape? Wondering if I should opt out of that or not

 

[Gear_yyc]

Has anyone ever gotten ceramic coating over the 3m protective tape? Wondering if I should opt out of that or not

It's commonly done. Just makes it easier to wash. Not sure it would save you a lot to skip that, though?

 

[Liquidassets]

I honestly know nothing about this paint protection stuff. I'm curious where you leaned about it what's good and how to apply it. Any recommendations for where to learn more about? Maybe a YouTube channel?

Reddit.com/r/autodetailing

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/
- how to section and techniques

https://youtube.com/@meguiars?si=Lb-hzDjkjmeWXiAs
- a wealth of techniques on how to polish / correct paint

Then I looked up some cquartz videos on YouTube. I've used other ceramic coats in the past.

 

[beninbeta]

I honestly know nothing about this paint protection stuff. I'm curious where you leaned about it what's good and how to apply it. Any recommendations for where to learn more about? Maybe a YouTube channel?

I plan on sharing a video on prepping and applying a Graphene coating I'm going to apply to my Taco, once it's off QC hold. But here are a couple of great channels to learn about detailing:

https://www.youtube.com/@PanTheOrganizer
https://www.youtube.com/@imjoshv

 

[univurshul]

what do you guys recommend to protect the paint for a taco that'll live outside for a few years? UV/Sun degradation at my altitude is the main threat. Bugs only in the spring & wetter summers.

I prioritized lighter colors on my allocation.

Cheers

 

[Planoman]

I plan to get this done professionally but worry what they might try and charge me lol.

Has anyone ever gotten ceramic coating over the 3m protective tape? Wondering if I should opt out of that or not

Do you mean ceramic coating on top of your Paint protective film? I have done car in Ceramic pro and another in Matte PPF on the front hood, bumper, lights, A pillars & side mirrors. The ceramic pro was great for bug and bird poop. PPF was great for that plus rock chips etc. If I did PPF on my Taco it would be the front only again.

 

[iResQ]

what do you guys recommend to protect the paint for a taco that'll live outside for a few years? UV/Sun degradation at my altitude is the main threat. Bugs only in the spring & wetter summers.

I prioritized lighter colors on my allocation.

Cheers

A couple of easy to use products that are highly regarded are Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer and Turtlewax's Hybrid Solutions Spray Coating. Spray on, wipe off. Reapply annually. $20.

Like the OP, my taco will get treated to a proper wash, decon, correction, and Gyeon MoHS. I've already instructed the dealership to NOT wash/detail the truck.

 

[Liquidassets]

what do you guys recommend to protect the paint for a taco that'll live outside for a few years? UV/Sun degradation at my altitude is the main threat. Bugs only in the spring & wetter summers.

I prioritized lighter colors on my allocation.

Cheers

I don't think you can go wrong with a ceramic coat. I prefer ceramic coats as it's less maintenance in the long run. I'm hoping to be able to use a light pressure washer to remove grime and bugs for the next few years. If I drove a sports car and had more time, i might be inclined to use a durable wax like boat wax (collinite 845 or 476). It's glossier and really makes the paint stand out.

I've also used the hybrid ceramics mentioned above with good results. It's all about personal preference and longevity.

 

[Liquidassets]

Updated with photos

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