30/01/2026 9:34 am
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Hey everyone! I recently picked up a 2023 Lincoln Navigator in Infinite Black, and man, that paint is absolutely gorgeous when it’s clean. However, I’m already starting to worry about those inevitable swirl marks and water spots ruining the deep finish. I’ve heard from a few detailing enthusiasts that Lincoln’s clear coat can sometimes be a bit softer than what you find on European luxury cars, so I really want to get some solid protection on there before any damage occurs.
I’ve been doing some digging into ceramic coatings, but the sheer number of brands out there is honestly getting a bit overwhelming. I'm currently torn between going with a professional-grade application like Ceramic Pro or Gtechniq, or trying one of the high-end DIY kits like AvalonKing or CarPro CQuartz. Since this is a bigger vehicle with a lot of surface area, I’m looking for something that offers top-tier hydrophobic properties to make my weekly washes easier, but most importantly, I want that deep, wet-look shine to last for at least 3 to 5 years.
Has anyone here applied a specific brand of ceramic coating to their Lincoln recently? I'd love to know which brands you think work best with the Lincoln paint chemistry and if you’d recommend a professional installer or a DIY approach for a first-timer.
8 Answers
20
30/01/2026 10:05 am
Sooo, I went through this last year with my own ride and totally get the stress. Infinite Black is literally a full-time job to keep looking right! I'm still kinda new to the detailing scene, but I decided to tackle a DIY project on my large SUV cuz I wanted to save some cash. Honestly, it was way more work than I thought... basically spent an entire weekend just prepping the paint. I ended up using some stuff from CarPro and it turned out decent, but man, my arms were dead after. It definitely makes washing easier now, but I still worry about the clear coat being so soft. If I had to do it again, I might just go with Adam's Polishes or maybe something from Gtechniq like the first person mentioned, but honestly, just get any ceramic from a solid brand like AvalonKing and you'll probably be happy with the shine. It's reallyyy all about that prep work tho! Do u have a garage to keep it in while the coating cures??
15
30/01/2026 10:05 am
Honestly, for a beast the size of a Navigator, I'd HIGHLY suggest a pro installer. I tried a DIY kit on my last truck and unfortunately, it was a total disaster—I ended up with high spots and streaks cuz the paint was sooo soft.
1. What's your budget looking like for this?
2. Do you have a temperature-controlled garage if you decide to go DIY?
Safety first, especially with black paint!! One wrong move and you're paying for a full paint correction anyway. tbh, it's safer to get a consultation first.
13
30/01/2026 10:10 am
Sooo, I went through this last year with my own ride and totally get the stress. Infinite Black is literally a full-time job to keep looking right! I'm still kinda new to the detailing scene, but I decided to tackle a DIY project on my large SUV cuz I wanted to save some cash. Honestly, it was way more work than I thought... basically spent an entire weekend just prepping the paint. I ended up using some stuff from CarPro and it turned out decent, but man, my arms were dead after. It definitely makes washing easier now, but I still worry about the clear coat being so soft. If I had to do it again, I might just go with Adam's Polishes or maybe something from Gtechniq like the first person mentioned, but honestly, just get any ceramic from a solid brand like AvalonKing and you'll probably be happy with the shine. It's reallyyy all about that prep work tho! Do u have a garage to keep it in while the coating cures??
11
30/01/2026 9:34 am
> I’m looking for something that offers top-tier hydrophobic properties to make my weekly washes easier, but most importantly, I want that deep, wet-look shine to last for at least 3 to 5 years.
In my experience, honestly, black Lincoln paint is stunning but seriously delicate. For a Navigator-sized beast, I highkey recommend going professional with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra. I had it on my last ride and the hydrophobic properties are basically magic for weekly washes. Since you want that 5-year durability, DIY kits like CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 50ml Kit are great, but the margin for error on that much surface area is huge... literally one high spot will haunt you lol. Plus, pros can do a proper paint correction first which is HUGE for Infinite Black. Better safe than sorry, right?
10
30/01/2026 10:15 am
Honestly, for a beast the size of a Navigator, I'd HIGHLY suggest a pro installer. I tried a DIY kit on my last truck and unfortunately, it was a total disaster—I ended up with high spots and streaks cuz the paint was sooo soft.
1. What's your budget looking like for this?
2. Do you have a temperature-controlled garage if you decide to go DIY?
Safety first, especially with black paint!! One wrong move and you're paying for a full paint correction anyway. tbh, it's safer to get a consultation first.
8
30/01/2026 10:10 am
Honestly, for a beast the size of a Navigator, I'd HIGHLY suggest a pro installer. I tried a DIY kit on my last truck and unfortunately, it was a total disaster—I ended up with high spots and streaks cuz the paint was sooo soft.
1. What's your budget looking like for this?
2. Do you have a temperature-controlled garage if you decide to go DIY?
Safety first, especially with black paint!! One wrong move and you're paying for a full paint correction anyway. tbh, it's safer to get a consultation first.
8
30/01/2026 10:35 am
Facts.
4
30/01/2026 10:15 am
Sooo, I went through this last year with my own ride and totally get the stress. Infinite Black is literally a full-time job to keep looking right! I'm still kinda new to the detailing scene, but I decided to tackle a DIY project on my large SUV cuz I wanted to save some cash. Honestly, it was way more work than I thought... basically spent an entire weekend just prepping the paint. I ended up using some stuff from CarPro and it turned out decent, but man, my arms were dead after. It definitely makes washing easier now, but I still worry about the clear coat being so soft. If I had to do it again, I might just go with Adam's Polishes or maybe something from Gtechniq like the first person mentioned, but honestly, just get any ceramic from a solid brand like AvalonKing and you'll probably be happy with the shine. It's reallyyy all about that prep work tho! Do u have a garage to keep it in while the coating cures??
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