I tried Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant for the first time (quick review)

[joebruin77]

I am a big fan of ceramic spray sealants. Although they are not as durable as ceramic coatings, they are faster and easier to apply and they are more forgiving if you leave a high spot or two. In the past, I have tried and liked Griots Garage 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax and Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Sealant.

Today, I tried a new ceramic spray sealant called Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant. A professional detailer that I really respect recommended it, so I wanted to try it.

This is a great sealant. Compared to the other spray sealants I mentioned, the Armour Detail spray has a higher concentration of ceramic in it, so it is supposed to provide more gloss and longer lasting protection. I can't speak to durability yet since I just applied it today. But it definitely delivers on gloss and shine. And it is really easy to use. It is water based and has a really pleasant fruity-melon scent.

Because it has a higher concentration of ceramic, it is a bit more expensive. But I frequently see discounts offered by the manufacturer of 10-25% off. And they offer a gallon size. One thing I do not like about the Turtle Wax Hybrid line is that they do not offer a gallon size. So if you want to buy a gallon of the Turtle Wax spray, you have to buy 8 sixteen-ounce bottles.

I attached a pic of my MME with the Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant freshly applied as well as a pic of the bottle.

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[c max]

Good morning, I have a few questions if you don't mind......I have seen ads for several ceramic sprays on TV, etc.....I have never dealt w/ceramic "coatings" DIY or done by a pro.....being old, I find the idea of just spraying the car, rinsing, drying to be a nice idea....

My MME is a '23, picked up June '23 (never did ceramic coating on my '21 MME)......car has whatever wax, treatment the dealer put on....car is kept very clean by me.......nothing additional except for the washing....

I understand the steps to using most ceramic sprays are; wash the car, rinse, spray w/the ceramic spray, rinse again, dry as usual.....I understand there may be slight differences in the steps for different sprays.....

my big question is; is there any pre-treatment required before the washing for a first time use of the ceramic spray??......if you could list your steps (keep it simple, haha) that would be great......thanks for any help......

 

[RickMachE]

IMO, one can debate whether ceramic coating treatment, properly applied by a professional, is any better than other things.

But I think it's less debatable whether a liquid spray applied to a vehicle is really anywhere close to the same as the true ceramic coating products.

I wax my cars with Collinite 845. It provides a great shine and lasts for a very long time (i.e. water beading up). One bottle lasts forever, I've had mine since 2014 and it's just under 1/2 full.

When I wash the car, I wipe off the excess water and then apply a spray wax and dry product, this helps minimize spotting. Currently I'm using Turtle Wax 1 Step Wax and Dry.

 

[joebruin77]

Good morning, I have a few questions if you don't mind......I have seen ads for several ceramic sprays on TV, etc.....I have never dealt w/ceramic "coatings" DIY or done by a pro.....being old, I find the idea of just spraying the car, rinsing, drying to be a nice idea....

My MME is a '23, picked up June '23 (never did ceramic coating on my '21 MME)......car has whatever wax, treatment the dealer put on....car is kept very clean by me.......nothing additional except for the washing....

I understand the steps to using most ceramic sprays are; wash the car, rinse, spray w/the ceramic spray, rinse again, dry as usual.....I understand there may be slight differences in the steps for different sprays.....

my big question is; is there any pre-treatment required before the washing for a first time use of the ceramic spray??......if you could list your steps (keep it simple, haha) that would be great......thanks for any help......

I'd be happy to share a couple suggestions.

There are lots of articles online about how to apply a ceramic spray sealant. For example, here is an article from Turtle Wax:

https://www.turtlewax.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-prepare-apply-ceramic-wax-on-car-exteriors

You basically need to wash your car and get your paint as clean as possible, remove embedded contaminants using a clay bar and iron remover, polish the paint (if needed), and then apply your ceramic spray wax.

You can keep it simple and just wash your car and apply a spray sealant, skipping the clay bar, iron remover, and polishing. This will improve your car's appearance and provide some protection. But the sealant won't work as well and last as long if you skip these steps.

Keep in mind that whenever you use a clay bar, even if you use a lot of lubricant, you almost always end up marring the paint. So I would not use a clay bar unless you are prepared to follow up the clay bar with at least a light polishing.

In your question, I think you are describing a different product, a "spray and rinse" ceramic sealant, such as 303 Touchless Ceramic Sealant. I do not have any personal experience with these types of sealants. While they are quick and easier to apply, my guess is that they would not work as well as a ceramic spray sealant that you apply with a microfiber applicator and then buff off with a microfiber towel. On the other hand, using a spray and rinse sealant would certainly be better than no paint protection at all.

Hope that helps,
Joe

 

[joebruin77]

I wax my cars with Collinite 845. It provides a great shine and lasts for a very long time (i.e. water beading up). One bottle lasts forever, I've had mine since 2014 and it's just under 1/2 full.

I agree with you that Collinite makes some of the best carnauba car waxes on the market. I have used Collinite 845 and also Collinite 915. They give the paint a beautiful warm gloss. If you prefer using a carnauba wax to protect your paint, you can't go wrong with these.

There are a couple reasons why I started using ceramic spray waxes instead. The Collinite waxes are solvent based and contain petroleum distillates. I prefer to use water-based sealants. I have PPF on some of my cars and want to avoid using products that contain petroleum distillates on PPF. Also, Carnauba waxes may stain black trim. If you go to the Collinite website, they actually indicate you should avoid getting their waxes on black trim. The ceramic spray sealants can be used on all exterior surfaces, including black trim.

Also, even the best carnauba waxes degrade in really hot environments. Where I live, it is often over 100 degrees for several weeks during the summer. So I personally need a form of paint protection that is more resistant to really hot temperatures.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

When I wash the car, I wipe off the excess water and then apply a spray wax and dry product, this helps minimize spotting. Currently I'm using Turtle Wax 1 Step Wax and Dry.

+1 for turtle wax that Rick mentioned. It’s a great product that is effective and easy to apply.

 

[c max]

I'd be happy to share a couple suggestions.

There are lots of articles online about how to apply a ceramic spray sealant. For example, here is an article from Turtle Wax:

https://www.turtlewax.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-prepare-apply-ceramic-wax-on-car-exteriors

You basically need to wash your car and get your paint as clean as possible, remove embedded contaminants using a clay bar and iron remover, polish the paint (if needed), and then apply your ceramic spray wax.

You can keep it simple and just wash your car and apply a spray sealant, skipping the clay bar, iron remover, and polishing. This will improve your car's appearance and provide some protection. But the sealant won't work as well and last as long if you skip these steps.

Keep in mind that whenever you use a clay bar, even if you use a lot of lubricant, you almost always end up marring the paint. So I would not use a clay bar unless you are prepared to follow up the clay bar with at least a light polishing.

In your question, I think you are describing a different product, a "spray and rinse" ceramic sealant, such as 303 Touchless Ceramic Sealant. I do not have any personal experience with these types of sealants. While they are quick and easier to apply, my guess is that they would not work as well as a ceramic spray sealant that you apply with a microfiber applicator and then buff off with a microfiber towel. On the other hand, using a spray and rinse sealant would certainly be better than no paint protection at all.

Hope that helps,
Joe

Thanks for the info, don't think I'm up to the whole clay bar, etc....I'll have to come up with the best plan for the effort I'm willing to do....thanks again.....

 

[joebruin77]

Thanks for the info, don't think I'm up to the whole clay bar, etc....I'll have to come up with the best plan for the effort I'm willing to do....thanks again.....

Here is a simple and fast way to add some paint protection. Just wash your car as you normally would. Then get a ceramic spray sealant and use it as a drying aid. Right before you dry a panel on the clean and still wet car, just spray some of the sealant on there. As you dry, you will add some gloss and protection to the paint. Plus you are less likely to induce swirls or scratches as you dry if you use a drying aid.

The Armour DS Ceramic Sealant can be used this way. Another good one for this purpose is Technicians Choice Ceramic Detail Spray.

 

[c max]

Here is a simple and fast way to add some paint protection. Just wash your car as you normally would. Then get a ceramic spray sealant and use it as a drying aid. Right before you dry a panel on the clean and still wet car, just spray some of the sealant on there. As you dry, you will add some gloss and protection to the paint. Plus you are less likely to induce swirls or scratches as you dry if you use a drying aid.

The Armour DS Ceramic Sealant can be used this way. Another good one for this purpose is Technicians Choice Ceramic Detail Spray.

Thanks again....sounds more like what I am willing to do and within my abilities, haha......

 

[ReverendPete]

I have an Adam's Polishes Advanced Ceramic Coating on my MME, and I have some of their spray as upkeep for that. I recently applied just the spray version to my Highlander (after a wash and clay bar), and at 3 months in, it is holding up just as well as the full coating. The full advanced coating should last longer (especially when kept up with the spray), but I was really impressed with with how well the spray alone is doing.

Adam's puts a UV tracer in their ceramics, so that you can use a black light flashlight to check for coverage. And you can see the tracer in the spray pretty well, giving you an idea of how much ceramic is in the spray. The spray application is easier than the full coating, which you have to watch pretty carefully so that you're polishing it before it hardens too much and gives you a high spot. (It's not that hard, you just have to be paying attention). You have a lot more leeway with the spray version. If you're developing a high spot, you just spray it again, wait until you see the rainbow, and then wipe.

And if anyone is interested, they have a heck of a Black Friday sale going on this weekend, where the Advanced spray is discounted quite a bit from what I paid:

https://adamspolishes.com/collectio...ucts/graphene-ceramic-spray-coating™-advanced

 

[joebruin77]

Thanks again....sounds more like what I am willing to do and within my abilities, haha......

Here is one more option for you. I was just visiting the Griot's Garage website to check out their Black Friday deals and they sell a product called Griot's Garage Brilliant Finish Foam On Wax:

https://www.griotsgarage.com/brilliant-finish-foam-on-wax-64-ounces/

You wash your car like you normally would. Then once the car is clean but still wet, you then attach a foam gun to your hose and spray on the Brilliant Finish Foam On Wax. So this is not a foaming soap that you use to clean the car. You apply it after you have cleaned and washed the car while the car is still wet.

Here is a review of the product from a professional detailer on Youtube. As he says, I personally would not rely on this product as my main paint protection. I think it is best used to give your wax a boost between applications. But it is better than no protection at all and it is super easy to apply.

 

[joebruin77]

I have an Adam's Polishes Advanced Ceramic Coating on my MME, and I have some of their spray as upkeep for that. I recently applied just the spray version to my Highlander (after a wash and clay bar), and at 3 months in, it is holding up just as well as the full coating. The full advanced coating should last longer (especially when kept up with the spray), but I was really impressed with with how well the spray alone is doing.

Adam's puts a UV tracer in their ceramics, so that you can use a black light flashlight to check for coverage. And you can see the tracer in the spray pretty well, giving you an idea of how much ceramic is in the spray. The spray application is easier than the full coating, which you have to watch pretty carefully so that you're polishing it before it hardens too much and gives you a high spot. (It's not that hard, you just have to be paying attention). You have a lot more leeway with the spray version. If you're developing a high spot, you just spray it again, wait until you see the rainbow, and then wipe.

And if anyone is interested, they have a heck of a Black Friday sale going on this weekend, where the Advanced spray is discounted quite a bit from what I paid:

https://adamspolishes.com/collections/ceramics-graphene-graphene-ceramic-spray-coating™/products/graphene-ceramic-spray-coating™-advanced

I really like Adam's Polishes products and have heard good things about the ceramic coatings and sprays. Although I have not personally used the coatings, I do use the Adams Polishes Slick N Slide. This is a ceramic topper that you can apply to give your paint a boost of protection. Even though they say not to use it as a drying aid, that is how I use it and I love it.

 

[Ghost Ryder]

I've been really happy with turtle wax ceramic hybrid. Cheap, really easy to use. Apply once every 3 months. Doesn't take any longer than drying your car.

I then use turtle wax ceramic wet wax with all other washes. Essentially just spray on while car is still wet and then dry off your car like you normally do.

Works great, cheap, and fast. Great gloss and shine too.

 

[joebruin77]

I've been really happy with turtle wax ceramic hybrid. Cheap, really easy to use. Apply once every 3 months. Doesn't take any longer than drying your car.

I then use turtle wax ceramic wet wax with all other washes. Essentially just spray on while car is still wet and then dry off your car like you normally do.

Works great, cheap, and fast. Great gloss and shine too.

The Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions line of products, including their ceramic spray sealant and wet wax, are probably the best value on the market today and you can't go wrong with them.

For me personally, there are 3 reasons why I did not continue to use them. 1) There are some ceramic sprays on the market that have a bit more ceramic in them and therefore provide a bit more gloss (but they are also a bit more expensive) 2) I like to buy by the gallon and the TW ceramic sealant and wet wax do not come in a gallon size and 3) Although the TWHS products don't smell bad or chemically, I personally prefer the scent of some other products more. Although scent is not as important as gloss or paint protection, for me it is still is an important part of the overall experience.

One last point. Just because a product is more expensive does not mean it is better. For example, I recommend avoiding Topcoat F-11, Nextgen, and Torque Detail ceramic sprays. These all cost 2-5 times as much as a bottle of Turtle Wax HS Ceramic Spray and the Turtle Wax will easily outperform all of them. The original product I posted about, Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray, seems to be legit and actually does provide a bit more protection and gloss for the money.

 

[Auto Motive]

I am a big fan of ceramic spray sealants. Although they are not as durable as ceramic coatings, they are faster and easier to apply and they are more forgiving if you leave a high spot or two. In the past, I have tried and liked Griots Garage 3-in-1 Ceramic Wax and Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Sealant.

Today, I tried a new ceramic spray sealant called Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant. A professional detailer that I really respect recommended it, so I wanted to try it.

This is a great sealant. Compared to the other spray sealants I mentioned, the Armour Detail spray has a higher concentration of ceramic in it, so it is supposed to provide more gloss and longer lasting protection. I can't speak to durability yet since I just applied it today. But it definitely delivers on gloss and shine. And it is really easy to use. It is water based and has a really pleasant fruity-melon scent.

Because it has a higher concentration of ceramic, it is a bit more expensive. But I frequently see discounts offered by the manufacturer of 10-25% off. And they offer a gallon size. One thing I do not like about the Turtle Wax Hybrid line is that they do not offer a gallon size. So if you want to buy a gallon of the Turtle Wax spray, you have to buy 8 sixteen-ounce bottles.

I attached a pic of my MME with the Armour Detail Supply Ceramic Spray Sealant freshly applied as well as a pic of the bottle.

If a spray ceramic doesnt have a 24 hr cure its poor for durability. I found Lucas to be very durable and long lasting after several coats. Used it last three years on the GTPE
Dark matter gray and the metallic pops in the sun. Easy on and off 15 minutes does it. Then do a second coat the following day or week. Probably 2 coats every few in summer months, every month during winter. I have a heated garage which is nice.

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