Ceramic Coating

[jan55255]

Hello,


We're still waiting for our AS Classic to be built, Covid delays...


I'm doing research while we're waiting and saw a thread on things people have done. Are there any thoughts or recommendations on using ceramic coatings on an AS? Is it superior to the Walbernize wax or do people combine them? It's an investment and I want to keep it in the best possible condition.


Thank you

[SeaLevel]

If my AS was new, and I had the money, I would certainly consider doing a ceramic coating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgrNABBE6gE&t=1s

[turk123]

I will be having the ceramic process done to my Classic on the first of June. The research I've done (and this only applies to the process that Brian came up with at Vinnie's Airstream) has led me to want to have the process done to my trailer. This is not the same ceramic that is applied to cars. Brian thoroughly cleans and buffs the entire vehicle. Yes, I said buffs. He is able to remove any scratches that are not all the way through the plastic coat.

Brian has to clean the entire surfaces that will be coated as it will seal any dirt or grime under the ceramic coats. I say "coats" because he and his team spray 3 coats of ceramic on the trailer. The results are stunning!

You will not have to wax or Wabanize ever again. Water (and dirt) just rolls off the surface. The coating lasts as long as the trailer and in fact, will preserve the trailer. Filiform is an Airstream worst enemy. The ceramic coating will be absorbed by the rivet holes and the cut edges of the sheets of aluminum are also sealed.

This all sounds like the perfect coating, so what are the drawbacks? Well, the cost is somewhat expensive. My trailer (Classic 30) is going to run $3800. I probably would not do this if it were not for my visit to see my son and his family and the cost of campgrounds near him. $550/week is pretty steep until you get to leave your trailer at Brians for two weeks! That's like an $1100 savings that I can put toward the ceramic coating bring that cost to $2700. We have nowhere to park at my son's house so we rent a campground space. The storage options are available, but you park outside in a large lot with a spacing of one foot between vehicles. Lots are full of box trucks used every day by their owners and returned to the lot at night. Do you want to put your Airstream at risk?

The second problem I see is what if you get into an accident that requires the replacement of panels? Do you have to drive back to California to have the ceramic process done to the panels? Maybe you can use the auto ceramic in a pinch. I will find out from Brian.

I hope this helps you make that decision and I hope that Brian and Vinnie can distribute their process to others to perform this somewhat exclusive process.

[jan55255]

I'm interested in doing this, i just need to find a dealership in my area that does it that's affordable. Considering the cost of cleaning products and the time to clean it, it's an easy decision, understanding that it still needs washing. driving across several states to have this done isn't in the schedule.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jan55255

Hello,


We're still waiting for our AS Classic to be built, Covid delays...


I'm doing research while we're waiting and saw a thread on things people have done. Are there any thoughts or recommendations on using ceramic coatings on an AS? Is it superior to the Walbernize wax or do people combine them? It's an investment and I want to keep it in the best possible condition.


Thank you

I used this for the first time this Season...works well and easy to apply.
It won't last as long as a professional Ceramic 9h will, but it's a LOT cheaper.

I did have both the Burb and DW's MB professionally done last year, could not be more pleased.

Bob
🇺🇸

'06 Burb

[SuperTrouper]

Vinnie is opening a Ceramics application shop in Florida this fall. Stay tuned!

Brad

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jan55255

I'm interested in doing this, i just need to find a dealership in my area that does it that's affordable. Considering the cost of cleaning products and the time to clean it, it's an easy decision, understanding that it still needs washing. driving across several states to have this done isn't in the schedule.

Be advised that all the Pro applications I researched,(including ours), require, as part of the 5yr(Burb) and lifetime(MB) warrantee, a yearly $100 inspection & top coat.
I consider it worth it for our two vehicles, not so much for the AS.

Do the research.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[DCPAS]

I explored this, but while it's described as permanent, it seems it needs inspection / reapplication. Good stuff I'm sure, but not actually permanent.

[gblackburn]

Do you know where in Florida? I am in central FL but travel all over the state.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by DCPAS

I explored this, but while it's described as permanent, it seems it needs inspection / reapplication. Good stuff I'm sure, but not actually permanent.

Correct it is NOT permanent, same as the Alcoa clear coat.
It is a very thin nano coat, the surface it's coating must be very clean and blemish free for the best results.
Is your AS blemish free?
Our's was NOT described as permanent.
Again do the research, an honest disclosure is important.

POI...washing both vehicles is a breeze now, spray on wash foam microfiber softly and rinse, very little sticks to the surface and spray ceramic is great for the glass.

Bob
🇺🇸

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by gblackburn

Do you know where in Florida? I am in central FL but travel all over the state.

Tallahassee: http://www.vinniesairstream.com/contact-1

LOLOHO video about same:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkEEwZYqZ88f

Brad

[Fungus]

What does Vinnie do that magical? I’m asking about the process.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Fungus

What does Vinnie do that magical? I’m asking about the process.

I guess he sprays it on...it works just as well with hand application but would take a lot longer with a larger unit.

This is how Titan Motorworks did our vehicles with Ceramic Pro 9h...It's also the way I wash, with a foam canon from Chemical Guys & Griot's Concentrate Car Wash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeBrbA9SSCs

Bob
🇺🇸

[turk123]

Pro tip: When you spend $3800 for that sprayed-on (three coats of varying formulas!) ceramic coating on your Airstream, use the two bucket method to wash it. One bucket of soapy water and one bucket of clear cool water to rinse the dirt, oil, and what Bryan describes as "sand", off the brush you use.

It's amazing how much dirt comes off the brush that you would normally be putting back on the surface if you only use only one bucket.

Tools needed: https://www.amazon.com/anngrowy-Micr...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Buy two wooly mammoth towels! These towels are amazing!

[Mollysdad]

With my luck I'd pull out of Vinnie's shop into a baseball sized hail storm!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Two buckets not needed with the foam cannon!!👍
A hose & water pressure will suffice.

Bob
🇺🇸

[WellSaid11]

Any updates from anyone on recent applications, prices, effectiveness or longevity?


Thanks!

[Hans627]

I had it done several months ago in Tallahassee. So no report on longevity. But I can say the AS never looked better and it seems to stay cleaner longer (as in dirt doesn't stick to it).

[WellSaid11]

TY Hans!

What size is your AS and do
you mind me asking how much it was total or by the foot, etc?

You can PM me if you want as well.

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by Hans627

I had it done several months ago in Tallahassee. So no report on longevity. But I can say the AS never looked better and it seems to stay cleaner longer (as in dirt doesn't stick to it).

Beautiful. Just spent 2 days washing and waxing mine. I generally wax it twice a year. Good way to find missing rivets