Frequently Asked Questions

Paint Protection Film and ceramic coating do different jobs. PPF is a thermoplastic polyurethane film that sits on top of the paint as a physical barrier, absorbing impacts from stone chips and minor abrasions. Ceramic coating is a silicon dioxide based glass coating that bonds to the surface, making it hydrophobic, easier to clean, and resistant to oxidation. PPF gives physical protection. Ceramic coating gives chemical and surface protection. Most vehicles benefit from both together.

A properly applied glass coating such as Modesta BC-05 is built to outlast typical dealership claims of two to five years. A documented outdoor test on a Modesta BC-05 panel showed the coating fully intact after 10.5 years with no defects and maintained luster, while an unprotected section of the same panel oxidised and chalked in the same period. Longevity depends heavily on paint preparation, correct application by an accredited installer, and ongoing maintenance with pH neutral washing.

True graphene is a single atom thick layer of carbon that is not yet a viable technology for coating an entire car panel. What is sold as graphene coating in the detailing industry is typically a standard silicon dioxide glass coating with a small percentage of graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide added as an additive. The core molecular structure and protective performance comes from the SiO2 base, not the graphene additive. The honest question to ask any brand is what the main molecular structure of their coating actually is.

Yes, for most vehicles. PPF is an organic material that is vulnerable to UV, water and oxygen over time, and it accumulates surface contamination more easily than bare paint because the film surface is softer. An inorganic glass coating applied over PPF creates a barrier between the film and the environment, slows that deterioration, and makes the surface hydrophobic so dirt and contaminants do not bond as readily. The coating goes on after the film has been installed and settled, never before.

Ceramic coating pricing at Thomas Mayer Automotive Detailing starts from approximately $1,100 for Modesta BC-08, which is reserved for enthusiast and premium vehicles where the owner is committed to ongoing maintenance. The Undrdog HCC all-surfaces package, designed for daily drivers, starts from approximately $1,600 and covers all exterior surfaces. Final pricing depends on vehicle size, paint condition, and surface coverage required.

Yes. Thomas Mayer Automotive Detailing is Adelaide's only Modesta accredited installer, and is also a STEK DynoShield preferred installer for paint protection film. Modesta is an enthusiast and premium grade coating range that requires installer accreditation and an ongoing maintenance commitment from the vehicle owner.

Thomas Mayer Automotive Detailing operates from a fully insured commercial premise at 639 Magill Road, Magill, South Australia 5072. The business has been operating since 2018 and was built entirely through reinvestment, starting from a home garage before moving through three locations to its current site on a main road in Adelaide's eastern suburbs.

No. A new car can have paint protection film installed before its first drive, and doing so protects the factory paint from stone chips and contamination from day one rather than waiting until damage has already occurred. PPF is installed directly onto the factory clear coat and does not affect any new vehicle warranty when fitted by a qualified installer.