Ceramic over Stealth/Matte/Satin - Good idea or not?

[bimrin]

So have seen mixed responses both online and from actual installers on doing Ceramic over the stealth wrap. Some say it gives you the double protection plus the ease of cleaning, while others say it has a tendency to come out very streaky.

What do people think should I get it done when I get a stealth wrap or best to just avoid?

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[Chewy734]

Yes, good idea imo, if you want to clean your car easily. Most of the time I don’t even use soap… quick pressure wash and towel to dry, and done.

 

[bimrin]

Yes, good idea imo, if you want to clean your car easily. Most of the time I don’t even use soap… quick pressure wash and towel to dry, and done.

And you had no issues with the installation looking streaky over matte?

 

[Chewy734]

And you had no issues with the installation looking streaky over matte?

I have satin on mine (Xpel stealth PPF is more like satin than matte, imo). Nope, no issues with streaks. With ceramic, it’s almost like RainX on your windshield.

 

[Schroederhc]

Its the best option stealth ppf fully ceramic coated

 

[shrink]

I have ceramic over stealth. It makes it SO EASY to clean.

My only complaint is that I think the ceramic makes the matte wrap look more satin. I have since seen ceramic coatings specifically for matte wraps. I recommend discussing that option with your installer or detailer. They'd be more knowledgeable than I.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Ceramic makes cleaning easier. I don't know about Stealth but my gloss XPEL PPF wrap on my R1T was XPEL Fusion PPF which includes a ceramic layer. So all I do is use ceramic based spray quick detailer to maintain.

The factory Rivian full front PPF I don't believe that has it. My wife's R1S I did a full ceramic coating with CSL including the PPF. It looks great!

 

[jb0063]

Its the best option stealth ppf fully ceramic coated

Looks great!

 

[epowermarine]

I did the xPel stealth wrap and ceramic on top back in Sept 22. I didn't go in for the 'annual refresh' at 12 months and went in at 18months. The ceramic did not last, the guy wants to charge me $2k to redo it, I very am unimpressed. I never felt like it was super easy to clean. Still love the wrap!

 

[reindeer]

So have seen mixed responses both online and from actual installers on doing Ceramic over the stealth wrap. Some say it gives you the double protection plus the ease of cleaning, while others say it has a tendency to come out very streaky.

What do people think should I get it done when I get a stealth wrap or best to just avoid?

Ceramic can hardly be considered a layer of protection. Sure it adds something to the surface but it’s intended use and the reason for getting it is for liquids, water, rain, wet mud etc to become hydrophobic and slip/fall/slide and bead off the surface layer. If it does anything else, consider it a bonus.

The most common application for it, is on top of a wrap, be it regular vinyl or PPF. I’ve owned multiple cars with it on full exterior (with vinyl, with PPF, and without. Brake calipers, barrels, etc), full interior
(synthetic leather did better), even on my shower door, bathroom mirror, Apple Watch etc.

The higher quality ceramic the longer it’ll last. I average 3-4 years before needing to reapply. The lower the quality, the more often you need to apply. Shops that require annual application are shops selling you a weak product.

 

[SwampNut]

Ceramic everything. Top to bottom; glass, wheels, lights, all of it. There are benefits everywhere. I've been using Avalon King for many years with great results. I'm starting to use it on non-auto things, for example I'm going to strip/polish and ceramic the granite counters in the kitchen. And I've done my cast iron table saw.

 

[Ratty Poopdeck]

Simple answer is get the ceramic coat too. Have it on my R1S with gloss Xpel PPF and it makes washing the car a breeze!!

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