After paint care?

[MaxVmo]

Now that I have a car with a truly special paint job, what do all you pros recommend for keeping it that way?

[egchewy79]

I did a ceramic coating, but you'll want to wait at least 90d to let the solvents gas off.
Some others will use PPF on the nose and rear fenders.
I drove mine home from the painter's (about 150mi) and got a huge rock chip right on the nose of the car. My detailer was able to buff it out after I filled it in w/ some touch up paint, but that was a bitter pill. At least I got it out of the way quickly.

[MikeHolt]

I did a ceramic coating, but you'll want to wait at least 90d to let the solvents gas off.
Some others will use PPF on the nose and rear fenders.
I drove mine home from the painter's (about 150mi) and got a huge rock chip right on the nose of the car. My detailer was able to buff it out after I filled it in w/ some touch up paint, but that was a bitter pill. At least I got it out of the way quickly.

Same thing happened to me! I swear that rock looked the size of a softball headed for the fender. I drove straight back to the painter. He said “You gonna drive it or leave it in the garage?” :D:D. Zero empathy! That chip is still there….keeps me grounded!

[David Williamson]

After 21 years and lots of driving mine is covered in paint chips, I call it patina. I like to drive mine and enjoy it, not a trailer queen.
David W

[BrewCityCobra]

I did a ceramic coating, but you'll want to wait at least 90d to let the solvents gas off.
Some others will use PPF on the nose and rear fenders.
I drove mine home from the painter's (about 150mi) and got a huge rock chip right on the nose of the car. My detailer was able to buff it out after I filled it in w/ some touch up paint, but that was a bitter pill. At least I got it out of the way quickly.

A quick follow-up on the Ceramic Coating vs. PPF, how much protection does the ceramic coating actually provide? I have no experience with either product but I'm just trying to gauge how much more robust my paint would be with ceramic coating than untreated - like will it absorb a few rock chips or is it more akin to not scratching as easily if somebody rubbed up against it? From what I've heard, the PPF will actually protect the paint from some rock impacts but I have to think it is a good deal more expensive.

[FLPBFoot]

I did both. Ceramic all over the car and the PPF on the nose, front of rear fenders, top of doors, and behind back wheels on fenders. Ceramic is a tough but more brittle coating. The ppf will take the rocks and greatly reduce any chipping of the paint. 3M ppf is good but XPEL will actually heal itself when a rock hits it. Ive had several spots that took some hits and the next day I cant find them. The XPEL flows and heals itself to hide the rock hit. I was doubtful when the installer told me about it but it's amazing stuff.

[Avalanche325]

Ceramic is basically a replacement for wax. Not really for impact protection.
I did 3m PPF on the rear hips. From the headlights down on the front wouldn't be a bad idea.