We performed a full paint correction and ceramic coating application on this Evo X over NINE months ago! (original writeup here: http://www.evoxforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40382) We have since used it as our test car to see the durability and how worthwhile ceramic coating truly is. Long story short, it's a no brainer.

This process is very tedious and involves a lot of experience both in paint correction and ceramic application. There are few paint correction specialists that are fully familiar with the ceramic coating processes to offer it as a service. The down time can take up to a full business week, but to protect soft paint for years it's worthwhile.

Over the course of the past 9 months the car has seen 4,000 more miles, and countless washes - some intentional improper washes to see how well the coating holds up. As you all know, Mitsubishi paint in general is far too soft and extremely subject to marring and swirling. This is a solution to your worries and keeping your paint perfect for years.

To keep the testing fair, we applied no more protectants to the vehicle since the coating was applied, and we mixed up the washes with proper and improper techniques to see how much resistance the ceramic coating offers. The pictures below are the results after the aforementioned testing - I will let them do the talking!

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/093.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/094-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/095-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/096-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/099.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/100-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/105.jpg

The gloss is still just as deep and vibrant as it was 9 months ago

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/107.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/109.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/114.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/116.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/123-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/128-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/133-1.jpg
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt90/oakesdetail/Evo/128-1.jpg

The pros and cons of this treatment are as follows:

Pros:
* Clear bra like protection without the appearance and lines of a clear bra
* Armor like protection against all elements including light rock damage
* Sheeting/beading water protection no matter how many washes
* Practically worry free paint maintenance for years

Cons:
* Cost the same as most full front end clear bra applications
* Fewer specialists with experience using Ceramic coating technology
* Down time of 3-5 days for the process

Any and all feedback welcome! Feel free to ask questions!

-Nick Oakes

Cost in US dollars?

That looks amazing :rock:. I just washed my car yesterday and cringed as all the scratches, swirls, and chips appeared :(

do you know anyone in the Alberta Canada area doing this I'd love to have it done, that looks amazing!!

I unfortunately do not know of anyone in Alberta area doing this, I can certainly let you know if I do come across any!

The cost is anywhere in the $1-2k + range depending on the vehicle and who you go to, because it requires full paint correction, preparation for Ceramic and application of Ceramic coating. However, factor that into it's 2-5 year lifespan and not needing a paint corrective detail anytime in between! The value is very high

hmmm, if only this kept the bails and track barriers from penetrating the car when an offtrack occurs... I would grab this in a heartbeat =)

Looks sexy

haha, unfortunately this does not protect against body damage/contact with track related structures

what does the correction process entail?

Correction process removes all swirls,scratches, rids, marring and any other defects from the paint to ensure its flawless before the ceramic coating is applied. There is a link for the correction work that was done on this vehicle in the original post if you'd like to see visually what it entails.

The cost is anywhere in the $1-2k + range depending on the vehicle and who you go to, because it requires full paint correction, preparation for Ceramic and application of Ceramic coating. However, factor that into it's 2-5 year lifespan and not needing a paint corrective detail anytime in between! The value is very high

Really? No, couldn't be. Really? :shades:

That looks Awesome!!
Do you know any body doing this in Tulsa, OK?!
Thanks

Really? No, couldn't be. Really? :shades:

Break down the whole process: Generally speaking, all varies on the detailer and condition

Full corrective detail: Average $50 an hour - usually around 10-14 hours for an Evo X with prep and correction.
Prep for the Ceramic coating - around 2 hours in specific temperatures
Ceramic coating process is an addition 3-5 hours on average in our examples. 12 hour curing process at specific temperatures.

Add it all up, for experienced work, and over the life of up to 5 years the cost really isn't too significant.

That looks Awesome!!
Do you know any body doing this in Tulsa, OK?!
Thanks

I recall a detailer in Texas that has been working with Ceramic coatings, not sure on OK though!

I'd urge anyone interested in this to go to Autopia.org, visit the applicable regional forum and ask for a referral. That's why those forums are these.

For example, here's the board that covers OK:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/midwest-usa/

I'd urge anyone interested in this to go to Autopia.org, visit the applicable regional forum and ask for a referral. That's why those forums are these.

For example, here's the board that covers OK:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/midwest-usa/

Yes! Thank you, not sure why I didnt post it up myself as I was searching on there for some referrals.

i was thinking about doing this to my car also, i have a random question tho- sealant and wax can be stripped using strong soap but is it possible to remove the ceramic coat easily? if so what would the process consist of

It requires strong solutions of alcohol even then more difficult to remove. Its resistant to standard and stronger wash solutions, making it much more durable.

oakes always does a great job!!! I still need to see you about gettin my car done!

Why isn't Oakes in Toronto!!!?!?!?! Sigh...

Looks great. Gotta get mine repainted some day. Maybe I can get this added to it. Good shit.

Why isn't Oakes in Toronto!!!?!?!?! Sigh...
haha sucka!!! i kid i kid.. i feel bad for you!

I would like something like this, but a new bumper is on the way.... Damn! lol

god damn, that evo looks better than my octance blue which only has 5000 miles on it!!! i might have to pay you a visit one of these days...

If you ever come to Canada, I would be all over this.

When you say its protects for 2-5years that's caused by driving the car or its because the product will only hold up for that amount of time ?

Let's say someone who doesn't drive the Evo in winter would this last 5+ years ?

The life is certainly dependent on the use and maintenance of the vehicle. A daily driven all season car wash ridden vehicle will see a shorter life. However, even for 2 years in those conditions will beat having to get it polished and waxed every 3-6 months

Very nice, I need to look into this.

Thanks yo!

I can't take this anymore. Folks, this isn't rocket science. The process isn't difficult, there's no magic wand. You can do this, yourself. Hire a qualified pro in your area to polish the car - I posted a link where such a service can be found - should cost you ~$200-$400, buy a syringe of Optimum Opti-Coat for $60, learn how to use it (plenty of tutorials) and the shit will last until you polish it off. Chemically, it's as if it creates another layer of clear. $1K-2K? Unbelievable.

Its only 60 bucks!? That good for the entire car?

Its only 60 bucks!? That good for the entire car?

Yes, that's what the product costs and it will cover an entire car. It will last until polished-off. The ceramic coating mentioned by Oakes costs ~$80 and will last for ~2 years. The paint needs to be prepped for either product.

when are you coming to LA area? :)

Yes, that's what the product costs and it will cover an entire car. It will last until polished-off. The ceramic coating mentioned by Oakes costs ~$80 and will last for ~2 years. The paint needs to be prepped for either product.

Thanks for the info, I'll add that to the list for my next detail run. :thumbup:

Does it work on rockets??

Does it work on Red Rockets?

^
This.

I can't take this anymore. Folks, this isn't rocket science. The process isn't difficult, there's no magic wand. You can do this, yourself. Hire a qualified pro in your area to polish the car - I posted a link where such a service can be found - should cost you ~$200-$400, buy a syringe of Optimum Opti-Coat for $60, learn how to use it (plenty of tutorials) and the shit will last until you polish it off. Chemically, it's as if it creates another layer of clear. $1K-2K? Unbelievable.


It seems as if a button was touched here?

Experienced paint correction specialists that are also experienced with ceramic coating technology aren't exactly abundant. Also their time is worth something, and the range of pricing was generalized all on the size, condition, layering of ceramic and the know how to do it correctly. If everyone knew how to do it right, there wouldnt be a need for trustworthy detailers among the hundreds of hackshops in every city. Nearly half the work I get in, is fixing what other shops did or clients attempted themselves...

Most of the cost is in the correction work and why would any professional charge specifically the prices it cost them and not make anything on the deal? Im certainly on the cheaper end of the spectrum too, not sure if youve researched the costs for similar work around the country but specialists like myself are charging thousands for correction work and restoration detailing WITHOUT ceramic coatings.

Its not rocket science, but its certainly something that can get messed up easier than it can be figured out.

Itll work on any rocket you put it on, I just dont advise anything that isnt metal or plastic.

damn. I see a thread lock in the near future.

Itll work on any rocket you put it on, I just dont advise anything that isnt metal or plastic.

Dammit! j/k :D

Guys, relax, please keep the discussion on topic to the work being done, not the cost or previous incident with a customer's car which sounds like is in the past and dealt with.

Oakes offers a service to those that aren't going to attempt to do it themselves. Kudos to them if they do. Anyone is free to pick up the product and try it themselves, or another product, and while they may not achieve perfect results they may come out very good. And if not, they know where to find detailers to fix their mistakes.

Let's move on from the back and forth please.

Dave you try this yet? I Deff want to give a try next round of detailing, any interest?

Dave you try this yet? I Deff want to give a try next round of detailing, any interest?

Sounds like a lot of work. :)

Also, I haven't polished this year yet so until I do this is a no-go for me. No way I'm sealing in uncorrected paint.

Not to mention I still have to get that scratch fixed. :(

hahaha polishing is a lot of work. I'm thinking closer to winter time to do a full polish then put the ceramic on.

Definitely when it's cooler out.

I prefer to polish in the spring. Typically, around April/May. The temps hinge in the mid-70s and the humidity is faily low. Right now it's in the mid-80s with reasonable humidity. I don't mind working in heat; the drops of sweat on the polish allow for longer working time. ;)

I don't mind working in heat; the drops of sweat on the polish allow for longer working time. ;)

hhahahah, i think i may do this to my car next time i do a FULL detail on my car.

interesting....

i just wanna get my car repainted now. after almost 3 years my paint is fucked IMO

interesting....

i just wanna get my car repainted now. after almost 3 years my paint is fucked IMO

u would be surprised at what some compound and a rotary buffer can do. id give that a shot before paying for a whole new paint job

u would be surprised at what some compound and a rotary buffer can do. id give that a shot before paying for a whole new paint job

Like giving painting advice to picasso..LOL

u would be surprised at what some compound and a rotary buffer can do. id give that a shot before paying for a whole new paint job

rocks always beat wax+ sealants. i learned to detail and polish my car after 2 years of having the car. so the damage had been done. i mainly just need to repaint the front end, hood, and passenger side the rest if flawless.

rocks always beat wax+ sealants. i learned to detail and polish my car after 2 years of having the car. so the damage had been done. i mainly just need to repaint the front end, hood, and passenger side the rest if flawless.

oh true... lol Rocks will definitely jack your paint up.