vid1900 or any others, have you experimented with automotive ceramic coatings vs wax on a playfield yet? I recently jumped back into the automotive detailing game and holy smokes there are some cool products on the market these days. One of these products are the new ceramic coatings that are out. They leave an intense shine, are very hard, and last for a long long time. Seems like it would be a superior alternative to wax. They can be expensive (there are cheap versions out there but I'm not sure how much I trust them) but might be worth it. I've just started experimenting with them on cars but I'm very tempted to try on a pin. Anyone tried it yet?

Its basically a clear liquid containing ceramic elements or more specifically a compound called SIO-2 (silicon dioxide). When applied on automotive paint, it essentially acts as a super high performance wax that lasts months or even years. Super water repellency, high gloss, super slick surface, and also some paint protection properties as well since the coating itself is very hard. Harder than the clear coat even sometimes. A coated car, will clean off like a breeze. Even hardcore things like brake dust on wheels comes right off with essentially a hose sprayer.

The downsides of the coating are- expense and the prep necessary to apply, as you wouldn't want to lock in scratches or dirt under the ceramic.

They do make cheap versions from china that I have been playing with on my beater car with good results, and I'm just about ready to try a quality one on my Ford Raptor.

It seems like it would have a lot of properties that would make it nice for pinball machines, both old style and new ones that have actual 2 part clear on them. But perhaps theres something I'm missing, which is why I am asking. When winter hits and I'm down working on my machines more often I might be the guinea pig if nobody else has tried it.

The best form is the actual ceramic liquid, but theres other styles of it as well including sprays and even a handful of paste waxes infused with it, such as Enigma by AngelWax. I just picked up some Enigma, and I'm excited to try it out on some cars and that might make it onto some of my games at some point as well.

These are questions I have as well, but it is a removable coating. Theres no troubles touching up/repainting cars if need be after a ceramic job, but obviously this is not a complete apples to apples comparison.

Worth noting that many (most) QD sprays are silicone based.

Its been a while since I checked in here, but since I've been hardcore into the automotive detailing scene again, I can't believe how many awesome products that are on the market now. Carnuba based waxes are very old school nowadays (but still have a place). I want to ask vid1900 again if he's experimented with SiO2 based ceramic coatings on pinball machines yet and if he had anything to report. Theres also several other products I am interested in such as liquid sealants, which are much more durable than carnuba, easier to apply and WAY easier to remove than carnuba, and last a lot longer while still delivering amazing gloss and protection. There's even some sprays such as turtle wax seal n shine that have me wondering if theres a better way than the old way. Just wondering if you've had a chance to experiment with any of the exciting products that have made their way to the auto market the past couple years. If you'd like some specific recommendations let me know. I realize good for automotive doesn't necessarily translate to good for pinball, but there should be some overlap.

You bring up a good point, however I'd argue that the wax will do nothing to really stop the fine grindings into the playfield, as its just too soft. The benefit, to your point, is that it cleans up easily, so any metal deposits in the wax can be wiped away.

All that said, renewing ceramic is pretty easy with various topper products and applying it is very easy as well with the right products. I think the most difficult part would be ensuring the playfield was clean enough from any previous products in order to properly apply the coating. I'm tempted to give it a try on a playfield I don't care about too much. Wax is not designed to have a hard ball rolling against it either and comparing wax or ceramic to mylar is kind of apples to oranges. Even comparing them to the polycarbonate overlays that are available is a bit different, but closer, and those hold up pretty well to ball marks and whatnot. Like I said, I like your points, definitely some things I haven't considered, but I'm still curious.