Ceramic Coating My Paint

[DK Custom Products]

I've never been big on "waxing" ... more into riding ... having said that, I'm into protecting the paint. I'll be watching this Kevin ... I don't mind doing the work if it lasts awhile. I liked the ease of f11, but, not that it went away after one rain.

+1 on the "Not big on waxing"... but I would love to have the shine and protection... I'm interested in how this works out for you Kevin.

I went out and looked at it in the shop yesterday...it was cold! Look pretty glassy. Later this week will get it out in the sunshine (if we have any lol) and get some pics.

Gonna takes months, actually years, to see if it does what it's supposed to.

Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Gonna takes months, actually years, to see if it does what it's supposed to.

Kevin

Okay, so just what is it supposed to do? I was thinking just protect the paint. I did a little looking on the net and from what I saw ... this stuff is hydrophobic or some such. Basically it repels water, a good thing. So I guess I'm curious what the end goal is. If I had to choose ... I'd hope for put a little work in the beginning, and have it look like glass and stay clean for years. (Yea I know, pipe dream).

So I guess my question is what is it supposed to do that takes months or years???? And ... is the result dependent on me doing lots of work for months or years???

[DK Custom Products]

Okay, so just what is it supposed to do? I was thinking just protect the paint. I did a little looking on the net and from what I saw ... this stuff is hydrophobic or some such. Basically it repels water, a good thing. So I guess I'm curious what the end goal is. If I had to choose ... I'd hope for put a little work in the beginning, and have it look like glass and stay clean for years. (Yea I know, pipe dream).

So I guess my question is what is it supposed to do that takes months or years???? And ... is the result dependent on me doing lots of work for months or years???

My goals for what it is supposed to do-

• Look better...glassy wet finish
  
• Protect paint
  
• Clean easier...rain washes most stuff off, and hosing down get almost everything else. A light wipe with a microfiber gets bugs, tar, etc. off. No more scrubbing to get rid of all the stuff that gets semi-permanently attached to the paint
  

It is supposed to last for 2 years or more...so it is going to take that long to see if really does last that long.

Kevin

[TWISTED1]

Thanks for sharing! First guy I've heard from that has done a ceramic coating on a bike. Good to hear your still happy with it 1.5 years in.

Two questions-

Did they do the chrome on the engine and exhaust also?

What coating did they do on the wheels?

Thanks,

Kevin

Yes they coated all the chrome including the exhaust. The heat doesn't seem to affect it.

They used OPTI-COAT on both the paint and the wheels. It seems they have 2 different grades of the stuff. I didn't want to put out a lot of cash for something I didn't much about so I figured go for the good stuff on the wheels to see how long it really lasts. I paid 25 bucks per wheel. Both coatings are holding up well. I actually took it to the shop so they could check it out and they said all is good.

[TWISTED1]

Okay, so just what is it supposed to do? I was thinking just protect the paint. I did a little looking on the net and from what I saw ... this stuff is hydrophobic or some such. Basically it repels water, a good thing. So I guess I'm curious what the end goal is. If I had to choose ... I'd hope for put a little work in the beginning, and have it look like glass and stay clean for years. (Yea I know, pipe dream).

So I guess my question is what is it supposed to do that takes months or years???? And ... is the result dependent on me doing lots of work for months or years???

It is supposed to protect the paint from UV light and keep the grime and bugs from sticking so bad. I guess all the crap is sitting on top of the nano coating. Now I will say if you leave the bugs for a few days in hot weather they will not come off by a quick spray. I took off to central Oregon last summer for a few days and never cleaned any thing off. When I got home I sprayed the bike down, let soak a few minutes then wiped it all off with a micro fiber rag. All done in just a few minutes. We will see how long it lasts. I am new to this stuff myself.

It does not protect from rock chips for that reason I had a clear bra applied.

Just as a note I took the bike in to the local HD dealership and they applied their pre-cut clear bra. The lop that put it on put it on upside down. The dealership made good on it though and the lop is not there anymore. The detail shop actually made a video on how not to apply the stuff and threw it on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/FinishingTo...type=2&theater

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Okay ... so after my knee replacement, I'll have to give this a try ... give something to do while I rehab.

Just thought of something ... since most of the painted stuff on the Wing is plastic, will this stuff work on painted plastic parts?

[TWISTED1]

Okay ... so after my knee replacement, I'll have to give this a try ... give something to do while I rehab.

Just thought of something ... since most of the painted stuff on the Wing is plastic, will this stuff work on painted plastic parts?

Yes according to the detail guy. It adheres to the painted surface and doesn't matter if it on plastic or metal. As far as my observations it works well on none painted plastic parts as well.

The reason I took it to a detail shop is after reading about this coating and all the preparation before applying clay bar etc I got lost and figured let the experts take a shot.

There are quite a few videos on YouTube about OPTI-COAT. There are many other coatings available this is just what these people use. They say they have tested many and like this one the best. That is their opinion and you know what they say on opinions, everyone has one. I am sure there are many that work just as good.

I will say it again Fuzzy I am very new to this stuff so I guess we are all learning together. I am just trying to pass on my observations so far for those that may want to give this stuff a try in the future.

Hey man good luck on the knee replacement.

[DK Custom Products]

Yes they coated all the chrome including the exhaust. The heat doesn't seem to affect it.

They used OPTI-COAT on both the paint and the wheels. It seems they have 2 different grades of the stuff. I didn't want to put out a lot of cash for something I didn't much about so I figured go for the good stuff on the wheels to see how long it really lasts. I paid 25 bucks per wheel. Both coatings are holding up well. I actually took it to the shop so they could check it out and they said all is good.

Thank you!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

I wanted to get the bike back together and outside this weekend.**

Yesterday morning was cloudy and windy...afternoon started pouring rain and getting cold, along with winds gusting up to 50 mph.

I spent some time in the shop putting it back together.* Got the tank console on, the seats, back rests, luggage rack and fender struts secured...



...this photo shows just a little of what it looks like in person.* The bottom of the fender looks like it is wet.* It is not.* That is the sheen that the coating gives.* Anyways...



...all I have left to do are the saddlebags and front fender.* I stopped because it was getting even colder, starting to snow (which is not that common in Mississippi) and I've decided to re-route my Run-Brake-Turn LED wires.* It is going to take a bit more time than I wanted to spend yesterday evening.



Today our high was 31* and it's dropping back down to 22* tonight.* Will get it done next week sometime.

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Yesterday was finally a day with sunshine that was not below freezing temps!

In fact, it was 65 and sunny yesterday. Finished putting everything together and went for a 3 hour putt.

Took a few photo's before leaving out...



...not too good with picture taking, was trying to capture the glassy look the paint has...



...there is no wax, just the paint, the clear and the ceramic coating. It is a very glassy look and it feels like slick glass when you touch it. Pretty happy with how it turned out.



These photos are after a couple hundred miles riding. Went thru dusty construction area, bugs that ended up splattered all over the windshield, but none stuck to the tins.





In this last photo you can see the glassy reflection in the tank still. Previously there would have been bugs stuck there.



Over time I will update this thread with pics and thoughts on how the coating is holding up, Got a few trips planned with it this year (besides daily riding), so it's going to see some miles.

Kevin

[ultrafxr]

Kevin based on your review and experience I went all in and purchased the ceramic coating and all the preliminary products to prep the paint. Washed it yesterday while you were out enjoying the beautiful sunny day! Gotta say washing and cleaning it was the hardest part of the process.

Today I double checked everything in the garage under portable flood lights so I could get off any bug residue that didn't wash off and is darned hard to see otherwise. Then I used the prep polish which cleans the paint of old wax and then put the ceramic coating on. It really was much easier than I thought it might be but then I didn't strip my Tri-Glide like you did your Softtail, lol.

Anyway it looks good and I hope my results are as spectacular as yours. I plan to do it to my SUV next but that will be a much bigger and more involved project just to get the paint prepped.

Thanks much for this thread or I might not otherwise have done this.

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin based on your review and experience I went all in and purchased the ceramic coating and all the preliminary products to prep the paint. Washed it yesterday while you were out enjoying the beautiful sunny day! Gotta say washing and cleaning it was the hardest part of the process.

Today I double checked everything in the garage under portable flood lights so I could get off any bug residue that didn't wash off and is darned hard to see otherwise. Then I used the prep polish which cleans the paint of old wax and then put the ceramic coating on. It really was much easier than I thought it might be but then I didn't strip my Tri-Glide like you did your Softtail, lol.

Anyway it looks good and I hope my results are as spectacular as yours. I plan to do it to my SUV next but that will be a much bigger and more involved project just to get the paint prepped.

Thanks much for this thread or I might not otherwise have done this.

Yes, it is all in the prep...better that is, better it turns out.

Can't wait to see your TG with the coating!

Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Yes, it is all in the prep...better that is, better it turns out.

Can't wait to see your TG with the coating!

Kevin

The prep is basically a one and done thing right? I'm guessing once it's sealed you just do "touch ups" or do you need to go to bare paint each time?

[ultrafxr]

The prep is basically a one and done thing right? I'm guessing once it's sealed you just do "touch ups" or do you need to go to bare paint each time?

From what I think I understand there really isn't any 'touch up' using the ceramic coating itself. I think you just maintain it properly and probably go back through the same prep when needing another application. Hopefully not for a couple years!

But I'm no expert. Good question for whichever company's product you use.

[DK Custom Products]

The prep is basically a one and done thing right? I'm guessing once it's sealed you just do "touch ups" or do you need to go to bare paint each time?

There are so many different coatings, and each one has their own protocols.

For the McKee's 37 that I used (and each different type of coating may be different), the procedure is:

Prep your paint to how you want it to look. Once you put the coating on, whatever it looks like, that's the way it is going to be (except for brighter).

After it is prepped, put your coating on. It is now sealed. There is nothing more to do for X number of years.

They give a 2 year guarantee. We'll see.

No touch ups, no more prep, no waxing, no polishing...nothing except rinsing it off, and optionally drying it with a microfiber towel. I guess the rinsing is optional too.

McKee's 37 does make a wash that has a high foamy suds value to encapsulate the dirt. It also has a small amount of the ceramic in it that is supposed to help the coating last longer.

Mary has rinsed her truck twice with just water since last August. Looked better than new each time.

A few weeks ago she used the McKee's 37 wash by simply applying it with a brush and then rinsing it off. Looks the same as when she just rinsed it off (better than new), but maybe it will make it last longer.

On the Softail I have not done anything yet. When I do wash it, I will use the same foamy wash.

The reasons I've done this is:

I don't like spending time cleaning, would rather be riding. It is a One & Done deal.

It looks better.

I am hoping that the thousands of bugs killed will not stick. So far that has been our experience with the truck, we will see with the bikes/trike.

Kevin

[MDO]

Kevin, do you have plans to do your TriGlide?

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I don't like spending time cleaning, would rather be riding. It is a One & Done deal.

Kevin

My daddy used to tell me, "If someone sells you a diamond for a dime, chances are, you get a diamond not worth a nickel."

Dad died in 97 .... back when when you waxed. So maybe that don't apply here.

I planned to start prepping Jessica when the knee calms done enough to sit for an hour or two at a time. Right now, I can be still for only like 10-15 minutes ... then I gotta move around some.

But this is definitely in the cards as an hour a day or so project when I get well. (Yea I know ... I'm never gonna be well .... but ... I was talking about the knee )

In any event ... maybe next week.

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, do you have plans to do your TriGlide?

Yes, gonna do the Sporty first, it'll be pretty easy. Then, when I feel really energetic (cause it's gonna be a big project) planning on doing the Tri Glide. Besides all the nooks and cranny's on the TG, I also have a bunch of 3M protectors on it that I am going to need to remove.

My daddy used to tell me, "If someone sells you a diamond for a dime, chances are, you get a diamond not worth a nickel."

Dad died in 97 .... back when when you waxed. So maybe that don't apply here.

I planned to start prepping Jessica when the knee calms done enough to sit for an hour or two at a time. Right now, I can be still for only like 10-15 minutes ... then I gotta move around some.

But this is definitely in the cards as an hour a day or so project when I get well. (Yea I know ... I'm never gonna be well .... but ... I was talking about the knee )

In any event ... maybe next week.

Get better man!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

From what I think I understand there really isn't any 'touch up' using the ceramic coating itself. I think you just maintain it properly and probably go back through the same prep when needing another application. Hopefully not for a couple years!

But I'm no expert. Good question for whichever company's product you use.

Jerry,

Did you remove your Tour Pak so you could get up under and around it better?

Kevin

[ultrafxr]

There are so many different coatings, and each one has their own protocols.

For the McKee's 37 that I used (and each different type of coating may be different), the procedure is:

Prep your paint to how you want it to look. Once you put the coating on, whatever it looks like, that's the way it is going to be (except for brighter).

After it is prepped, put your coating on. It is now sealed. There is nothing more to do for X number of years.

They give a 2 year guarantee. We'll see.

No touch ups, no more prep, no waxing, no polishing...nothing except rinsing it off, and optionally drying it with a microfiber towel. I guess the rinsing is optional too.

McKee's 37 does make a wash that has a high foamy suds value to encapsulate the dirt. It also has a small amount of the ceramic in it that is supposed to help the coating last longer.

Mary has rinsed her truck twice with just water since last August. Looked better than new each time.

A few weeks ago she used the McKee's 37 wash by simply applying it with a brush and then rinsing it off. Looks the same as when she just rinsed it off (better than new), but maybe it will make it last longer.

On the Softail I have not done anything yet. When I do wash it, I will use the same foamy wash.

The reasons I've done this is:

I don't like spending time cleaning, would rather be riding. It is a One & Done deal.

It looks better.

I am hoping that the thousands of bugs killed will not stick. So far that has been our experience with the truck, we will see with the bikes/trike.

Kevin

I too used the McKee's product(s) and queried them about 'touch ups.' They said yes you can do so if needed. Just apply the coating after the area has been cleaned and prepped.

I also purchased the 'special' wash to use after the coating applied. And their 'special' 'waterless wash' for when I'm traveling. For cleanups on the road I've been taking a bucket (well a waste can from the motel room actually, lol) filled with hot water, soaked a microfiber towel and used that to clean the trike. McKee's said water is not all that good a lubricant and it will cause small scratches / swirls over time. Their waterless wash does say it has high lubricity. Hopefully it'll get the job done while on the road. Hate having a grimy dirty trike!