Long term ceramic: Polish on top?

[keg97]

So I've got a black 2019 Q7 that was professionally ceramic coated the day after we bought it. It's always been garaged but we're 180K and 7 years into it.

What next? I know ceramic doesn't last forever and it still looks good, but...I'm sure it could look better. Can I put some coats of my ever loving Zaino to brighten it up a bit?

Since it's that old with that many miles, it's living on borrowed time in our garage. I love it, but I won't hesitate to put it out to pasture at the first sign of a medium/major issue. So I'm not having it professionally detailed but I don't mind spending a few hours in the garage with it on my own. Suggestions?

[s_ribs]

Polishing is how you remove a coating, so I wouldn't use anything abrasive (cleaner waxes have light abrasives) unless you are looking for a fresh base to re-apply a new coating. Frankly, at 7 years it's done and time for something new.

If you are looking to refresh looks and hydrophobics, and not interested in polishing, I would suggest a topper. You have a few options: short-term or "near" coating. There are far better options than Zaino these days. If you can apply Zaino, you can apply either of these yourself.


Example of a short(er) term topper would be: https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...eramic-sealant I have used this and can vouch for hydrophobics and looks - both are phenomenal. Expect to reapply it every other month though. It's dead simple so it's a minor inconvenience. Literally spray on and wipe off like a Quick Detailer (not at all like removing a paste wax).

Long term: https://armourdetailsupply.com/colle...-spray-coating This is a fantastic option to extend the life of a coating. It functions as "up to" 2 year coating on it's own.
Alternative long term options would be Gyeon Can Coat or CarPro Reset, neither last as long though or will look as good IMO.


Additional FWIW - Armour Detail Supply makes some of the best products. I buy most of their line by the gallon (best value).