Will the new ceramic coatings work here?

[Sunroof]

My 1973.5 911T had a bare metal repaint many years ago and the paint was the original acrylic enamel (Sepia Brown) with NO CLEAR COAT. The previous owner was so concerned about maintaining originality during the restoration of this car that he opted for the original paint and felt that the old wax (Blue Coral, Simoniz, Turtle Wax, etc) used in the early 70's would suffice in providing excellent rain protection.

Well, he might have had a great idea, but as it turns out, when the car is exposed to any rain event and not immediately wiped down, deep acid rain will penetrate and deep white blotches will show up. To remove these, you have to used various grades of rubbing compound.

This problem has only occurred a few times in the twenty years I have owned this car when I got caught in the rain! Restoring the paint was a timely and laborious experience............

So enter the world of ceramic coatings.

Do we have any paint or coatings experts onboard here?

Can a ceramic coating adhere and seal an acrylic enamel paint without damaging the paint?

Before I experiment with one small section of the car as suggested by a few, I thought I would seek expert advise first.

Thanks
Bob

[911pcars]

It seems the term, "Ceramic Coating" is the new "Turbo" when it comes to product labeling.

Just an observation - nothing negative about the products about to be mentioned.

Sherwood

[donporfi]

There are paint experts here
Paint, Bodywork & Detailing Forum - Pelican Parts Forums

[Jonny042]

I've used a grand total of one ceramic coating and would consider them to be more or less a fancy wax. Seems to work and last but I found it to be really "grippy" and hard to keep clean.

I prefer a really good synthetic sealer, myself.

[Jonny042]

PS - If you aren't happy with the Ceramic "coating" you can just take it off with isopropyl alchohol.

[Oldbrowntarga]

Have a original paint, mocha brown, 81sc that has had the same problem since new but is more problematic now than it used to be.
Tried so many products over 40 years and few if any stopped the spotting if left in the sun when wet.
Have tried 3 different ceramic coatings in the last 2 years and while l like the ease of application and gloss, it still gets water spots.

[fizeus]

Originally Posted by Sunroof

My 1973.5 911T had a bare metal repaint many years ago and the paint was the original acrylic enamel (Sepia Brown) with NO CLEAR COAT. The previous owner was so concerned about maintaining originality during the restoration of this car that he opted for the original paint and felt that the old wax (Blue Coral, Simoniz, Turtle Wax, etc) used in the early 70's would suffice in providing excellent rain protection.

Well, he might have had a great idea, but as it turns out, when the car is exposed to any rain event and not immediately wiped down, deep acid rain will penetrate and deep white blotches will show up. To remove these, you have to used various grades of rubbing compound.

This problem has only occurred a few times in the twenty years I have owned this car when I got caught in the rain! Restoring the paint was a timely and laborious experience............

So enter the world of ceramic coatings.

Do we have any paint or coatings experts onboard here?

Can a ceramic coating adhere and seal an acrylic enamel paint without damaging the paint?

Before I experiment with one small section of the car as suggested by a few, I thought I would seek expert advise first.

Thanks
Bob

Hi Bob, ceramic coating is a good way if you want to keep your paint correction gloss and shine.
Appling a ceramic coat its not easy and absolutely require professional skills and a lot of time.
Plus if you made a mistake you cant simply buff out but a new polishing process is mandatory to correct the defects.
you, probably already know that ceramic coat is basically a Silicum Oxide layer (SiO2) applied on top of the paint, no matter if enamel or clear coat (it will adhere perfectly if applied correctly) and it will last moore than a simple natural wax.
so basically you will not have any problem applying ceramic coats on enamel based paints.
but.... there is a big but you have to know....
ceramic coats is NOT immune to rain blotches rather is way more sensible because once acid or non rain will dry in it the coat will results more badly blotched....
so, concluding.... if you have corrected your paint you can apply ceramic coat but remember to not let rain or car wash water dry on it.
you could instead consider applying graphene based coat that seems to be less prone to this problem but i do not have experience to speek about it.
a tird way... an probably... a better and more secure way is to use clearbra (an adesive plastic sheet applied directly to the paint) this will preserve the paintwork from waterspots and from rock chips on the hood.

Filippo

[Sunroof]

Thanks all.
Great feedback and the bottom line is that I just have to stay out of the rain!!!

I had my engine rebuilt recently and literally made an announcement in the shop to the techs, admin and managers and owners to, "not let this car stay out in the rain unless you wipe it down immediately".

What do ya know, one of the tech's moved it outside and it poured and the acid rained blotched the paint. As a result, they paid $500 to a local detailer to correct the problem. Their loss but my gain!

I will keep up with my Blue Coral wax treatments for now given what I have learned here
about ceramic applications.

Bob

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Try the German made Klasse polish and sealant. These are made specifically for single stage paint. See the autogeek and autopia forums for many great reviews and tips.

You might also reconsider the old blue coral polish and try the more modern polishes from Adam’s, Griots, 3M/Meguires, etc. You can create paint protection that will last longer and be easier to maintain while also being better for your paint over the long term.

[FloydPink]

Just my 2 cents…

I feel like ceramic coatings are advertised as some sort of impenetrable jacket around your paint, not sure they really live up to that level of hype. If water spots are the problem, maybe look for a super hydrophobic product that will sheet the water off rather than an “elixir” that will prevent water spot etching. I’m testing Ammo Reflex on my daily (a 96 Subaru with clear coat) and so far it seems to be pretty good.

[GH85Carrera]

I have the ceramic coating on both my 85 911 and my daily driver 86 El Camino. Both are single stage paint. The El Camino paint really loves it. The large flat hood with the hot engine under it was always a challenge to keep it looking nice, and not get oxidized. After almost two years the rain really beads off, and it is shiny.



This is my 85 911. The paint has always looked nice, as I kept it waxed all the time. The ceramic coating made it even shiner, and bugs and road grime wash off really easily.

So put me down as a lover of the ceramic coatings for single stage paint. We put it on my wife's 2017 Macan as well. It makes it pop, and easier to wash.

[creaturecat]

water spots?
never wash car and let it dry in the sun.
if you are not using a leaf blower - you are doing it wrong.