Ceramic Coating?

[CADreamin]

Just watched a LoLoHoneymoon video on Arches NP and, at the end, they made a pitch for ceramic coating on an aluminum or fiberglass trailer. I've never heard of such a thing. Has anyone else?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voRqVN6ymtw

(go to 15:25m on the video).

[Centex]

Ceramic (aka "nano") coatings are not particularly new in the aviation and automotive world, google ceramic coating and scroll past the ads for lots of info resources.

As with many things there's pros and cons, it's often over-hyped in terms of longevity and degree / type of care required to maintain and maximize the return on the investment. It can be challenging to sort the reputable 'players' from those less reputable seeking to capitalize on the popularity with inferior products (good luck).

Most seem to agree that while high-quality professionally-applied products offer reduced maintenance and better finish protection for a longer time than other 'non-nano' products, those returns may be significantly less with more economical DIY "nano" products. IMO this may well be an situation where, to a great extent, you do indeed 'get what you pay for'. They'll all invariably 'look fantastic' upon application and for a while thereafter .... but it's the long-term that matters in terms of payback.

Even 'nano' coatings eventually wear-off and they can be damaged / their longevity significantly reduced by improper maintenance.

Only you can decide if the rewards are worth the not-unsubstantial cost of professionally applied systems which likely offer the best performance and perhaps the best 'value' over time.

[CADreamin]

Thanks for your insight and information Alan. Figured there had to be a down-side to this.

[GregandTeresa]

At one time we considered getting that done for ours, and "assumed" that the large upfront cost would eventually be paid for by not having to pay to wax it. However, what we found out was that monthly maintenance would be required to keep up the warranty and that was going to be around $50 per month. So we just bought a nice metal carport to keep it under instead. A one time cost, and have not had to wax since then.

[CADreamin]

Wow!! Talk about a 'hidden cost' .... Yes, a carport will accomplish the same thing.

[John in Santa Cruz]

there's also polymer sealants, which are more durable than conventional waxes, but not as durable as ceramic. AND they are a fair bit easier to apply and cheaper too.

any of these requires you first bring the surface to a high polish