I will give you all my 2 cents..for what it is worth.
Ceramic coatings/nano coatings/titanium coatings..have all taken off as of recently.
The premise being the hard coating protection that these coatings give to the exterior of your vehicle. Several things that must be noted.
The PREP work for layering a ceramic clear (regardless of nano technology) is where the labor lies. Much like a paint job the blocking sanding primer body work, welding (if appropriate) and /or rust removal is KEY to a proper paint job not just the paint quality or the paint craftsmanship.
Im a detailer and I think nano coatings and ceramic coatings are the most OVERPRICED out there. There are astronomical claims that these coatings are scratch proof, wont degrade (as in lifetime) or anything like that.
Some are clearly better than others, yes...however, I say the method in which you maintain your car over the months of inclement weather, how you wash it, and how you dry it (this is an overlooked premise, Colorado where I live has some of the most mineralized HARD water ever, if you even as much as let it air dry for a bit, you WILL get hard water spots)...one way to alleviate this is spending on a true water softening system to remove these impurities however that will run you 4500 plus for a good one....is WAY more important than trying to ceramic coat or nano coat any paint.
Think of it that every single little wash and things you do or do not do (use brushes, use crappy soap, use beach towels to dry..etc) is way more important as the damage ADDS up quickly...for the record ceramic clears are scratch RESISTANT ( a lot of them) but definitely NOT scratch proof.
Anyway I digress, where I am going with this is really ascertain WHAT you want to accomplish with the layering and protection to your clear coat. I opt to use Adams Polishes Ceramic coatings, they are affordable, great quality, easy to apply and very DIY friendly. I do professional detailing and DO offer some Modesta or ceramic pro but only because of client preference.
I personally think paying over 700 for any coating is just astronomical.....even the bc titanium coating.....it is superior but just not worth it.
I am a firm believer in every year, stripping, claying and repolishing and reapplying ANY layering and protection, be it ceramic, traditional carnuba, or any other sealer.
I have had great experience with a product called Collinite 845 it is an insulation wax with a touch of carnuba. Easy to apply, it provides great protection on the paint for mag or salt or any other contaminant pretty much. It is an insulation wax that was formulated for high temp protection of painted surfaces around electrical or heat producting sources....and adapted to an automotive and marine application.
If you guys have any questions feel free to hit me up.
Im just saying remember there is HYPE and then there is actual PRACTICALLY to each application....again don't forget that prep (polishing swirl removal and clay constitutes 95% of the whole process to ceramic coating...) it is imperative that the paint be as clean and defect free as possible so you can ensure the best possible
OPTICAL CLARITY!
I am in Colorado, but do mobile work in Texas and New Mexico also.
Take care all!
Happy ceramic coating to all hahahaha
