Is a paint correction/ceramic coating worth it?

[AndreiC]

I have been thinking about hiring a professional to do a two-stage paint correction (i.e., buffing) and ceramic coating of my plane, a 1970 M20E. My plane was last painted some time in the 1990's, and while the paint is all there and not chipping away, it is not exactly shining either.

However, after talking yesterday to a guy recommended by @Sabremech, I was a bit taken aback by the price. They said to do the whole plane is going to be 5 AMU, and the ceramic coat will last about 2 years, after which one would need to reapply it (but no need for buffing again) at a cost of about 2.5 AMU. I had thought the cost should be closer to 3 AMU for the whole job, and maybe 1 AMU every two years.

I was hoping to get some opinions from people here who have done it, and whether they thought it was worth it. With a paint job costing north of 25 AMU these days, I don't see re painting my plane any time soon. 

Also, another question. Can I perhaps ask them to only do the visible parts of the plane (i.e., no belly or underside of the wings), since I never look at how shiny the plane is underneath? That would be only about half the work, right?

[exM20K]

I paid somewhat less than that, and I am glad to have done it.

Painting a plane is not only expensive, it involves significant downtime, so putting that off for several years with a touch-up worked very well for me.

my paint was generally in good shape, but it was coming off some rivets and edges. If the shop says your paint can be restored, I’d do it.

-dan

[Marc_B]

Most paint shops I spoke with recommend it.  At a minimum it makes it easier to clean bugs off and less likely to scratch and swirl .  From my understanding, prep is just as important as application.  I think that cost is one of the only downsides...you can do it yourself, but it's usually an inferior grade ceramic compound and your prep might not be as good as a professional.  If you're paying the money, do it all.  The belly gets the better share of grime and soot anyways...ceramic coat would make that much easier to clean.

https://www.coatmyplane.com/

A few years ago Aviana was on MS.  Don't think he's been back lately.  Perhaps reach out to him to get a cost comparison?

[Pinecone]

IIRC, mine was done for around 2AMU, but the paint was in very good shape  IIRC, it is expected to last at least 5 years.

 

[MikeOH]

CB opinion here:  Save your money and polish/buff/wax yourself.  My plane was painted with Imron back in the mid '90s and still shines nicely after buffing and waxing.  Does it have the 'mirror look' of @exM20K's?  NO.

But, I'm only out 0.2 AMU (including the cost of the Home Depot buffer).

[EricJ]

1 hour ago, MikeOH said:

CB opinion here:  Save your money and polish/buff/wax yourself.  My plane was painted with Imron back in the mid '90s and still shines nicely after buffing and waxing.  Does it have the 'mirror look' of @exM20K's?  NO.

But, I'm only out 0.2 AMU (including the cost of the Home Depot buffer).

And for the folks who are suited to do some polishing/buffing/prep themselves, applying the ceramic (or whatever) is the easy part.   If you can do a decent polish or correction job yourself, you're 80% there.    I did a significant repolish/refinish job on my airplane about a year after I got it, then did ceramic on it, and it's held up nicely for the last six years.   It's not a showpiece, and it's nearly always hangared,  so that helps.   It is kinda getting due for another pass at it, though, so I've got that in my future somewhere along the way.

The step-kid and I have been experimenting with various coatings on our cars and trucks, etc., and the available coatings just get cheaper and better and easier to use with time.    The modern stuff is pretty amazing and pretty easy to use.   It's only as good as your prepwork and patience, though.   They're not hard to apply, but you need to take your time, and they won't cover up any flaws underneath.   The paint on my airplane is garbage compared to the cars, but it still responds nicely to decent treatment.   It makes it practical to sustain a very good 30 ft appearance.

[AndreiC]

I am happy to put as much elbow grease into polishing/buffing the plane as I can, but every time I tried to do it the results have been disappointing. I don't know if it is my technique, the materials I use, or the fact that maybe my paint is shot. One option of course will be to just go to the guys that quoted me 5 AMU and let them do a small patch, observe what they do and how they do it, and see if I can do it myself (or if not, have them do it). One thing I was trying to gauge on the list here is if the 5 AMU price was within the normal range (given that someone said 2 AMU it seems to have gone up a lot, or that this place is really pricey), and what people thought, if 5 AMU was worth it or not.

[MikeOH]

2 hours ago, AndreiC said:

I am happy to put as much elbow grease into polishing/buffing the plane as I can, but every time I tried to do it the results have been disappointing. I don't know if it is my technique, the materials I use, or the fact that maybe my paint is shot. One option of course will be to just go to the guys that quoted me 5 AMU and let them do a small patch, observe what they do and how they do it, and see if I can do it myself (or if not, have them do it). One thing I was trying to gauge on the list here is if the 5 AMU price was within the normal range (given that someone said 2 AMU it seems to have gone up a lot, or that this place is really pricey), and what people thought, if 5 AMU was worth it or not.

IMHO, if the paint is still 'stuck' to the plane you can get decent results with enough work.  If it's highly oxidized you are going to be at it a good long while as you'll need to start with a coarse rubbing compound and work your way down to polish; could take three, or more, steps!  I've done that in my younger years with ONE car...NEVER again!  Certainly not on the surface area of an airplane  But, it can be done.

IOW, you probably didn't have the right rubbing compound.

[Pinecone]

I think 5AMU is a steep price. Mine was done in August for around 2AMU.

If you do it yourself, be careful.  You can buff right through the paint on metal edges and rivets

[NewMoon]

9 hours ago, exM20K said:

I paid somewhat less than that, and I am glad to have done it.

Painting a plane is not only expensive, it involves significant downtime, so putting that off for several years with a touch-up worked very well for me.

my paint was generally in good shape, but it was coming off some rivets and edges. If the shop says your paint can be restored, I’d do it.

-dan

Looks great

[FlyingDude]

5 hours ago, EricJ said:

then did ceramic on it,

How much weight did it add?

[PT20J]

Prices are going to vary according to paint condition and products used, so comparisons are probably difficult. Same with painting. I got a quote for a basic paint job for $32K, but what I want is probably going to be more like $40K. 

I might just have someone buff out the visible parts and see how it looks. If the underlying paint won't buff to a gloss then it's not worth spending a lot on ceramic.

The two advantages of ceramic coatings are longevity and extreme water repellency. Wax sits on top of the paint and doesn't last long, but it is easy to apply. "Ceramic" bonds to the paint and lasts longer. The cheap stuff you apply yourself maybe twice as long as wax. The expensive stuff professionals use lasts maybe a couple of years. But, it's expensive: Like 100 bucks a month expensive. So, you have to decide if it's worth it to you. I just spray my airplane with some Turtlewax and buff it with a microfiber towel every month or so. It only takes half an hour and it's cheap. But different people have different standards. I used to live in an apartment and there was a young couple that spent every Sunday detailing their car.

[EricJ]

1 hour ago, FlyingDude said:

How much weight did it add?

Probably less than the dirt and dead paint that came off, so maybe a net improvement! 

[icurnmedic]

No way I can afford $5k for that.

‘I did my Bonanza myself, took about 6 hrs, probably not a “professional “ job but still looks great. 
‘I used this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CNMTF8M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1   
 

Be aware though, a little goes a long way.

FWIW does help with bug removal and I clean after every flight with

 

: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Hybrid-Ceramic-Detailer-Contaminants/dp/B085751KTJ/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2IDWYJ1PFJNYR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m54Auii6uiWK_KHCL1H-xL2N6BQaN4g2-3RelEaXVJtsi8g0zORi8lBp75AvPueTHxJ148MdRaRWXJNYMtfbWAnVT7mp5OeIsd1jx1_jBlahdCDU9PqGCj7vO58qAzn-xeroV3lKBrFLz87Khv3Knamz0MDH-9pBKV593w-d9TLsoTgDGX9V43OXumX-ug4ExPJiyQ0mViOl8ATLuuY6VKn47-iPFdNHBxqyODSuQ6g3V7_T-HLYDukmyX3YGX325cRSy2Qod-_S-qF8WRt6OQwRQvnNa4Vhmg8S6y4fDX4.J8MzcfT0kIiEzq35paH4nJbCnpami_vSecVpne9ht3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=mcguire+ceramic&qid=1733379798&sprefix=mcguire+cer%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-9

Edited December 5, 2024 by icurnmedic

[Z W]

I found some internet research that said Turtle Wax's ceramic coating is pretty much the same as all the stuff they want hundreds of dollars to buy and thousands of dollars to wipe on the plane.

Put it on about 3 months ago.  It shined the plane up just like all the photos I've seen (paint is 10+ years old but in pretty good condition).  Bugs do wipe off easier.  We'll see how long it holds up.  I'm $36 in.  Bought two bottles but it only took one, so I have a spare to do it again.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-53409-Solutions-Coating-16/dp/B07XYPS3PS?crid=2753FKS6ZD6W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ah3Z4GmyR7Hm2cI8DzZSvtEbPZ-9vlcac2b_laMXPFUlW76Z831BiItp4BdBfu0BeUmsOIBNVxF3rg5T8v2_vqQ10BHtmMz0eXRFiJIvG_zWTCZAL1prkOVDK9c-GRJsaEPJS5zVL4Gh5W9oUfKkKLNomKxaYvFQ9Qg40oD4wxk5MOKdH1JDR6BcjKMNlwSCptLWLZp4OO7Ce2el_tYlZSPNPkvIWPtXPjvd6MD6b8o.y6ItRgyGePNCDgwTOpahtmptjXjpk-sFvnVBMwjylvM&dib_tag=se&keywords=turtle%2Bwax%2Bceramic%2Bspray%2Bcoating&qid=1733398971&sprefix=turtle%2Bwax%2Bceram%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-3&th=1

[affricate]

45 minutes ago, Z W said:

I found some internet research that said Turtle Wax's ceramic coating is pretty much the same as all the stuff they want hundreds of dollars to buy and thousands of dollars to wipe on the plane.

Put it on about 3 months ago.  It shined the plane up just like all the photos I've seen (paint is 10+ years old but in pretty good condition).  Bugs do wipe off easier.  We'll see how long it holds up.  I'm $36 in.  Bought two bottles but it only took one, so I have a spare to do it again.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-53409-Solutions-Coating-16/dp/B07XYPS3PS?crid=2753FKS6ZD6W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ah3Z4GmyR7Hm2cI8DzZSvtEbPZ-9vlcac2b_laMXPFUlW76Z831BiItp4BdBfu0BeUmsOIBNVxF3rg5T8v2_vqQ10BHtmMz0eXRFiJIvG_zWTCZAL1prkOVDK9c-GRJsaEPJS5zVL4Gh5W9oUfKkKLNomKxaYvFQ9Qg40oD4wxk5MOKdH1JDR6BcjKMNlwSCptLWLZp4OO7Ce2el_tYlZSPNPkvIWPtXPjvd6MD6b8o.y6ItRgyGePNCDgwTOpahtmptjXjpk-sFvnVBMwjylvM&dib_tag=se&keywords=turtle%2Bwax%2Bceramic%2Bspray%2Bcoating&qid=1733398971&sprefix=turtle%2Bwax%2Bceram%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-3&th=1

I love that turtle wax product, and have used it for years BUT I found this product about year ago and its a cheaper alternative and I reuse the turtle wax bottle:

 

https://a.co/d/1UEbC63

 

 

[wombat]

Project Farm did a comparison test of several ceramic coatings: 

 

[00-Negative]

I did mine myself as well. Ceramic coats do not last very long at all on airplanes that fly often. Planes are subjected to harsh elements/UV damage every time we fly. Much more so than automobiles. I've done it all including 3 stage paint correction, ceramic, polish, glaze, wax, etc... I've used several commercial grade ceramic coatings available only to professional detailers.  I basically wipe down my plane after nearly every trip with Aerocosmetics waterless wash. Takes me less than 10 minutes. I use Maxl triphene spray every couple of months on the entire plane. I don't mess with ceramic coatings anymore. My plane stays so slick, no one can put tools or parts on the wing. Everything slips off. The business structure of professional detailing has evolved to exactly what the OP described: $5k initially, $2.5k every 2 years. You will eventually need paint correction after 4-6 years or so. Doing the math, you'll pay around $25k in 12 years for a shiny airplane that will still pick up chips, nicks, scratches, and other flaws. Ceramic coating on airplanes should be measured in hours instead of time. It will last a very long time in a hangar. But I estimate the ceramic coats I've seen last around 100-120 hours flown. That's less than a year for me. Check out Maxl. https://maxl.com/products/maxeasy

 

- David

[GeeBee]

9 hours ago, icurnmedic said:

No way I can afford $5k for that.

‘I did my Bonanza myself, took about 6 hrs, probably not a “professional “ job but still looks great. 
‘I used this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CNMTF8M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1   
 

Be aware though, a little goes a long way.

FWIW does help with bug removal and I clean after every flight with

 

: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Hybrid-Ceramic-Detailer-Contaminants/dp/B085751KTJ/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2IDWYJ1PFJNYR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m54Auii6uiWK_KHCL1H-xL2N6BQaN4g2-3RelEaXVJtsi8g0zORi8lBp75AvPueTHxJ148MdRaRWXJNYMtfbWAnVT7mp5OeIsd1jx1_jBlahdCDU9PqGCj7vO58qAzn-xeroV3lKBrFLz87Khv3Knamz0MDH-9pBKV593w-d9TLsoTgDGX9V43OXumX-ug4ExPJiyQ0mViOl8ATLuuY6VKn47-iPFdNHBxqyODSuQ6g3V7_T-HLYDukmyX3YGX325cRSy2Qod-_S-qF8WRt6OQwRQvnNa4Vhmg8S6y4fDX4.J8MzcfT0kIiEzq35paH4nJbCnpami_vSecVpne9ht3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=mcguire+ceramic&qid=1733379798&sprefix=mcguire+cer%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-9

I used the same stuff. Works great.

[bigmo]

This got me inspired to protect my paint. My F is a ‘10 meter beauty’. A local guy that specializes in higher end car ceramics is going to do it for $1200. That’s 2x his normal car price and feels fair that it’s twice the job. I’ve got one area that some birds pooped on that needs some correction…the rest of the paint looks decent.

If $1200 every couple of years buys me 7-10 more years without a paint job, it’s money well spent.

On my last plane I did a DIY and it came out great. The ceramic lasted a full year of frequent flying (250ish hours). I picked up 3+ knots…closer to 4 but for sure 3. The best thing was the summer bugs just fall off.

[EricJ]

13 minutes ago, bigmo said:

This got me inspired to protect my paint. My F is a ‘10 meter beauty’. A local guy that specializes in higher end car ceramics is going to do it for $1200. That’s 2x his normal car price and feels fair that it’s twice the job. I’ve got one area that some birds pooped on that needs some correction…the rest of the paint looks decent.

If $1200 every couple of years buys me 7-10 more years without a paint job, it’s money well spent.

On my last plane I did a DIY and it came out great. The ceramic lasted a full year of frequent flying (250ish hours). I picked up 3+ knots…closer to 4 but for sure 3. The best thing was the summer bugs just fall off.

Let us know when he's done whether he thinks $1200 was enough. 
 

[Pinecone]

I think I saw somewhere that a plane is about the same surface area as 2 SUVs. 

And, for cars/SUVs, you don't have to crawl under and work the underside.

[bigmo]

1 hour ago, Pinecone said:

I think I saw somewhere that a plane is about the same surface area as 2 SUVs. 

And, for cars/SUVs, you don't have to crawl under and work the underside.

Yep, the guy said he checked with some contacts (assume they have a network) and that's exactly what they said - 2x a small SUV. That's where he got his $1200 estimate from. If we're both happy with the price, seems like a win.

I fly a decent amount (about 250-300 hours a year), so it'll be interesting to see how long a pro applied ceramic holds up. My a/c is hangared full time.

[ziggysanchez]

We ceramic coat lots of airplanes...in fact that's all we do...no cars...just airplanes. We use a very hard 5 year coating that is a true "no maintenance" 5 year ceramic coating. Best stuff I have ever used. Very scratch resistant. Applied it to my Mooney 2 years ago and it still performs the same as when it was first applied and I fly a lot. I purposefully left bugs on the leading edge this summer for a couple weeks to see how this coating would handle it... I had no trouble removing them and there was no etching. Super hard...very hydrophobic...super glossy. We also offer a 2-3 year coating but I always recommend the 5 year.

Our starting price for a full exterior detail with a one step paint enhancement for a Mooney is $2900 for a 2-3 year coating and $3200 for the 5 year coating. If more paint correction is required than just a one step the price will increase. This is for the entire airplane including the entire underside. We also charge for expenses if we have to travel to your location.

We've been applying these coatings since 2010. The money spent is worth the time saved in cleaning...the bump up in ramp appeal is significant as well. I've never had anyone regret the decision to do a paint correction and ceramic coating on their aircraft. 

We just finished doing these two beauties this week in Claremore, OK. If you guys have any questions you can private message me. You can also check us out on FB.

https://www.facebook.com/superioraircraftdetail

[231MJ]

I have not tried a ceramic coating on my cars or the airplane but I'm always trying new stuff that is easy to use and not too expensive.  A few weeks ago I applied Chemical Guys High Gloss Sealant to the Mooney.  It was easy to apply and brought out a nice shine.  I'm sure it's not as good as a full ceramic treatment but it went on fast and not a lot of bucks ($20 on Amazon).