TOGWT Detailing Wiki Articles - Coatings
09-27-2015, 10:27 AM
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Burning Brakes
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TOGWT Detailing Wiki Articles - Coatings
Probably the greatest impact has come from the use of Nanotechnology coatings, which have completely changed the landscape of the detailing industry. Products like Zaino, Collinite, and etc. used to be the best protection available but nanotechnology (AQuartz) or a reactive polymer resin coating (Opti-Coat™) and silica coating (Mondesta) that offer greatly extended durability, scratch resistance and protection from the elements that can be measured in seasons or years, as opposed to others
Probably the greatest impact has come from the use of micro technology coatings, which have completely changed the landscape of the detailing industry. Products like Zaino, Collinite, and etc. used to be the best protection available but micro technology products offer greatly extended durability, scratch resistance and protection from the elements that can be measured in seasons or years, as opposed to weeks or months.
The advantages of coatings
Paint surface coatings provide a far superior all -around protection compared to traditional waxes or sealants. The layer of protection that a coating provides is measurably thicker and has a much better chemical resistant. This would prove beneficial in the event that a vehicle is subjected to acidic attack from bird excrement, insect inners and carcasses, acid rain and etc. The thicker chemical resistant coating will make it more difficult for these types of contaminates to penetrate the protection and damage the paint matrix.
Aside from the protection benefits, a coating will also offer better durability, lasting gloss, and an unequalled resistance to dirt and grime, which can easily be rinsed away, making maintenance even easier.
A common element in a coating formula, Silicon dioxide (SiO2) also known as silica, is a chemical compound that is an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as quartz.
Often misnamed as a glass coating, however glass is an amorphous (non-crystalline) solid material which is often transparent. Of the many silica-based glasses that exist, ordinary glazing and container glass is formed from a specific type called soda-lime glass, composed of approximately 75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium oxide (Na2O) from sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), calcium oxide, (CaO), and several minor additives.
Do you know that 95% of the advice given on auto detailing forums comes from car care product vendors? This is especially worrying when you realise that very few have a background in Science or Chemistry. Commercialism brings with it concerns of honesty and true representation. In other words, it’s difficult to know what is true when someone is motivated by income, i.e. directly targeted at product sales, more so than an unbiased opinion.
I purchase all the products I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the box" and it suits my detailing goals. The products mentioned have been personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the manufacturer.
I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professionals alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...ut-author.html
1. Reference Resources used for Polymer Articles - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...r-polymer.html
2. Paint and Related Coating Standard Testing and Certification-- http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-standard.html
3. Paint Coating Safety Concerns - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-concerns.html
4. The Science behind Coatings – http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
If commercially unbiased, scientifically correct detailing answers like this have peaked your interest; take a look at TOGWT Detailing Wiki Q&A Facebook page
Probably the greatest impact has come from the use of micro technology coatings, which have completely changed the landscape of the detailing industry. Products like Zaino, Collinite, and etc. used to be the best protection available but micro technology products offer greatly extended durability, scratch resistance and protection from the elements that can be measured in seasons or years, as opposed to weeks or months.
The advantages of coatings
Paint surface coatings provide a far superior all -around protection compared to traditional waxes or sealants. The layer of protection that a coating provides is measurably thicker and has a much better chemical resistant. This would prove beneficial in the event that a vehicle is subjected to acidic attack from bird excrement, insect inners and carcasses, acid rain and etc. The thicker chemical resistant coating will make it more difficult for these types of contaminates to penetrate the protection and damage the paint matrix.
Aside from the protection benefits, a coating will also offer better durability, lasting gloss, and an unequalled resistance to dirt and grime, which can easily be rinsed away, making maintenance even easier.
A common element in a coating formula, Silicon dioxide (SiO2) also known as silica, is a chemical compound that is an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as quartz.
Often misnamed as a glass coating, however glass is an amorphous (non-crystalline) solid material which is often transparent. Of the many silica-based glasses that exist, ordinary glazing and container glass is formed from a specific type called soda-lime glass, composed of approximately 75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium oxide (Na2O) from sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), calcium oxide, (CaO), and several minor additives.
Do you know that 95% of the advice given on auto detailing forums comes from car care product vendors? This is especially worrying when you realise that very few have a background in Science or Chemistry. Commercialism brings with it concerns of honesty and true representation. In other words, it’s difficult to know what is true when someone is motivated by income, i.e. directly targeted at product sales, more so than an unbiased opinion.
I purchase all the products I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the box" and it suits my detailing goals. The products mentioned have been personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the manufacturer.
I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professionals alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...ut-author.html
1. Reference Resources used for Polymer Articles - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...r-polymer.html
2. Paint and Related Coating Standard Testing and Certification-- http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-standard.html
3. Paint Coating Safety Concerns - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-concerns.html
4. The Science behind Coatings – http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
If commercially unbiased, scientifically correct detailing answers like this have peaked your interest; take a look at TOGWT Detailing Wiki Q&A Facebook page
Last edited by TOGWT; 10-25-2015 at 09:17 AM.
09-27-2015, 05:58 PM
#2
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TOGWT,
I wandered into this forum today with a couple of questions and saw your post right on top. I've gone to your blog site and will return, although on first glance, at least some of the information is over my head, at least presently, and I have a couple of decisions to make in the near future that I would like some advice on
I recently decided to sell both my current Porsches: a garage-queen 1988 928 S4 and an mechanically-sound, great-handling, but cosmetically challenged 1989 944 daily driver, and just get a single car that I can enjoy as an all-rounder and can use the garage space the 928 occupied (944 has suffered in the driveway for about 5 years now).
928 is gone and new car has been purchased: 2007 Cayman base with 27K miles. Guards red and sand-beige interior in excellent shape.
As mentioned, the 944 is cosmetically challenged. Paint is also Guards Red (as was the 928!) and is very tired. When I moved to ABQ in 2010 I didn't have any detailing contacts and took the car to the local Porsche dealership--big mistake. They got the car looking presentable, but also burned through the paint to primer on some edges--really bad job. I wasn't TOO upset since, without a respray, the car will always be a 10-20 footer, with quite a few paint chips and other imperfections. Since that time I found a someone whom I consider a decent detailer here and he's done the 944 a couple of times during the past two years. I'm always impressed with how the car looks after he's done, but the shine never lasts. Within a couple of months the bloom is off the rose and within 4-6 months it's back to the faded orange-ish red which seems to be common to these single-stage paint older Porsches.
While pondering what to do with the 944 AND considering how to plan for the preservation of the Cayman, I asked some local PCA guys about local detailers and they referred me to someone who is touting some kind miracle product that he found about a year ago. He seems a nice guy, has a LOT of years in the detailing biz, and his personal car--a '70's 911 has an outstanding finish on it. I took the 944 to a Cars and Coffee that he attends and had him look at it. To cut to the chase, I'm considering investing about $500 in the 944 as a test. I'm frankly a little uncomfortable on the highly enthusiastic sales pitch along with not much detail (no pun intended) on the "product" involved. All I could really elicit was that it was for "aircraft" and cost $400/gallon! I told him that my previous detailer is able to get the 944 to a state about as presentable as I can imagine, but that it doesn't last. His only real response was that his product is guaranteed to last 5 years without further polishing--just careful washes and clean ups.
On the Cayman, I'm 95% decided to have the front covered by another local guy who does all the dealership's work and comes highly recommended by the Cayman's former owner--a very knowledgeable mechanic, racer and car collector. The Cayman is really in what I consider super condtion. A couple of small rock chips on the lower part of the hood, some very minor imperfections here and there. I'm thinking that the clear bra will keep the entire front end protected from any further rock chip damage.
After the front is covered (installer is recommending Sun-Tek, but is comfortable with Xpel--says he's currently thinking Sun-Tek is a little better choice), I'm pondering what to do with the rest of the Cayman. Previous owner just polished--no wax and no coatings, but the car was stored indoors and barely driven. IMHO, there are some really, really minor swirl marks in the finish, but I my standards might be unrealistic. But I'd like to put the car into the best state possible and then try to maintain it on a realistic level.
My present plan is let the "miracle" guy have at the 944 and see what it looks like. Then, depending on what I can learn MAYBE have him do the "rest of" the Cayman.
I don't think there's much risk on the 944, but I want to be sure what I'm dealing with before applying anything to the Cayman.
Hope this isn't entire TLDR!!! Hoping to gather enough knowledge/advice to avoid doing something ridiculous.
TIA for any pointers.
STP
P.S. Added some pix of the 944 right after polishing. If it would stay like this, I'd be a happy camper.
I wandered into this forum today with a couple of questions and saw your post right on top. I've gone to your blog site and will return, although on first glance, at least some of the information is over my head, at least presently, and I have a couple of decisions to make in the near future that I would like some advice on
I recently decided to sell both my current Porsches: a garage-queen 1988 928 S4 and an mechanically-sound, great-handling, but cosmetically challenged 1989 944 daily driver, and just get a single car that I can enjoy as an all-rounder and can use the garage space the 928 occupied (944 has suffered in the driveway for about 5 years now).
928 is gone and new car has been purchased: 2007 Cayman base with 27K miles. Guards red and sand-beige interior in excellent shape.
As mentioned, the 944 is cosmetically challenged. Paint is also Guards Red (as was the 928!) and is very tired. When I moved to ABQ in 2010 I didn't have any detailing contacts and took the car to the local Porsche dealership--big mistake. They got the car looking presentable, but also burned through the paint to primer on some edges--really bad job. I wasn't TOO upset since, without a respray, the car will always be a 10-20 footer, with quite a few paint chips and other imperfections. Since that time I found a someone whom I consider a decent detailer here and he's done the 944 a couple of times during the past two years. I'm always impressed with how the car looks after he's done, but the shine never lasts. Within a couple of months the bloom is off the rose and within 4-6 months it's back to the faded orange-ish red which seems to be common to these single-stage paint older Porsches.
While pondering what to do with the 944 AND considering how to plan for the preservation of the Cayman, I asked some local PCA guys about local detailers and they referred me to someone who is touting some kind miracle product that he found about a year ago. He seems a nice guy, has a LOT of years in the detailing biz, and his personal car--a '70's 911 has an outstanding finish on it. I took the 944 to a Cars and Coffee that he attends and had him look at it. To cut to the chase, I'm considering investing about $500 in the 944 as a test. I'm frankly a little uncomfortable on the highly enthusiastic sales pitch along with not much detail (no pun intended) on the "product" involved. All I could really elicit was that it was for "aircraft" and cost $400/gallon! I told him that my previous detailer is able to get the 944 to a state about as presentable as I can imagine, but that it doesn't last. His only real response was that his product is guaranteed to last 5 years without further polishing--just careful washes and clean ups.
On the Cayman, I'm 95% decided to have the front covered by another local guy who does all the dealership's work and comes highly recommended by the Cayman's former owner--a very knowledgeable mechanic, racer and car collector. The Cayman is really in what I consider super condtion. A couple of small rock chips on the lower part of the hood, some very minor imperfections here and there. I'm thinking that the clear bra will keep the entire front end protected from any further rock chip damage.
After the front is covered (installer is recommending Sun-Tek, but is comfortable with Xpel--says he's currently thinking Sun-Tek is a little better choice), I'm pondering what to do with the rest of the Cayman. Previous owner just polished--no wax and no coatings, but the car was stored indoors and barely driven. IMHO, there are some really, really minor swirl marks in the finish, but I my standards might be unrealistic. But I'd like to put the car into the best state possible and then try to maintain it on a realistic level.
My present plan is let the "miracle" guy have at the 944 and see what it looks like. Then, depending on what I can learn MAYBE have him do the "rest of" the Cayman.
I don't think there's much risk on the 944, but I want to be sure what I'm dealing with before applying anything to the Cayman.
Hope this isn't entire TLDR!!! Hoping to gather enough knowledge/advice to avoid doing something ridiculous.
TIA for any pointers.
STP
P.S. Added some pix of the 944 right after polishing. If it would stay like this, I'd be a happy camper.
Last edited by Stephen Porter; 09-28-2015 at 01:43 PM. Reason: Add photos
10-09-2015, 08:05 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Location: London,UK / Florida US State- Dazed & Confused
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My advice would to ask an authorised OPT Opti Coating detailer to apply an Opti-Coat Pro Silica Coating and then maintain the finish.
You can find a list of authorised detailers on their website
The Science behind Coatings - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
Foot Note:
I carried out extensive laboratory testing of coatings utilizing standard lab protocols, this entailed chemical analysis with a mass spectrometer, heat, acid and ultra violet radiation resistance, surface hardness and hydrophilic properties.
The mas spec analysis showed many similarities between some brands, which not surprisingly would suggest relabeled products.
The few, just let’s say unique, products although using completely different chemicals in their formulation exhibited outstanding results
Always be willing to learn; because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of your everyday process. It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle at the age of fourteen (1958) forty plus years later I started to write detailing articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...ut-author.html
This is not a product vendor’s catalogue, nor am I a vendor pretending to be an educator, as there are a lot of companies that are now sponsoring detailing forums, giving advice and preaching that only the product they sell or manufacture are suitable. In reality they are just advertisements, with the appearance of educators, mere salesman. Those who have something to sell can be very persuasive, often using marketing pseudo-science (i.e. blurring the distinction between science and fiction) to make a great case while completely ignoring meaningful facts, like their product adds nothing of real value.
I purchase all the products I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the box" and it suits my detailing goals. The products mentioned have been personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the manufacturer.
You can find a list of authorised detailers on their website
The Science behind Coatings - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
Foot Note:
I carried out extensive laboratory testing of coatings utilizing standard lab protocols, this entailed chemical analysis with a mass spectrometer, heat, acid and ultra violet radiation resistance, surface hardness and hydrophilic properties.
The mas spec analysis showed many similarities between some brands, which not surprisingly would suggest relabeled products.
The few, just let’s say unique, products although using completely different chemicals in their formulation exhibited outstanding results
Always be willing to learn; because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of your everyday process. It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle at the age of fourteen (1958) forty plus years later I started to write detailing articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...ut-author.html
This is not a product vendor’s catalogue, nor am I a vendor pretending to be an educator, as there are a lot of companies that are now sponsoring detailing forums, giving advice and preaching that only the product they sell or manufacture are suitable. In reality they are just advertisements, with the appearance of educators, mere salesman. Those who have something to sell can be very persuasive, often using marketing pseudo-science (i.e. blurring the distinction between science and fiction) to make a great case while completely ignoring meaningful facts, like their product adds nothing of real value.
I purchase all the products I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the box" and it suits my detailing goals. The products mentioned have been personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the manufacturer.
10-10-2015, 03:32 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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My advice would to ask an authorised OPT Opti Coating detailer to apply an Opti-Coat Pro Silica Coating and then maintain the finish.
You can find a list of authorised detailers on their website
The Science behind Coatings - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
Foot Note:
I carried out extensive laboratory testing of coatings utilizing standard lab protocols, this entailed chemical analysis with a mass spectrometer, heat, acid and ultra violet radiation resistance, surface hardness and hydrophilic properties.
The mas spec analysis showed many similarities between some brands, which not surprisingly would suggest relabeled products.
The few, just let’s say unique, products although using completely different chemicals in their formulation exhibited outstanding results
Always be willing to learn; [COLOR="Blue"]because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of your everyday process. It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle at the age of fourteen (1958) forty plus years later I started to write detailing articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
You can find a list of authorised detailers on their website
The Science behind Coatings - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015...-coatings.html
Foot Note:
I carried out extensive laboratory testing of coatings utilizing standard lab protocols, this entailed chemical analysis with a mass spectrometer, heat, acid and ultra violet radiation resistance, surface hardness and hydrophilic properties.
The mas spec analysis showed many similarities between some brands, which not surprisingly would suggest relabeled products.
The few, just let’s say unique, products although using completely different chemicals in their formulation exhibited outstanding results
Always be willing to learn; [COLOR="Blue"]because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of your everyday process. It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle at the age of fourteen (1958) forty plus years later I started to write detailing articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
STP
10-12-2015, 08:46 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
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Many detailers cite ‘trade secrets’ as a reason for not disclosing their methodology or products used. I find it hard to believe they would demean their skills and experience like this, surly they cannot believe someone who uses the same tools /products as they do will obtain the same results, without the detailers work experience
10-22-2015, 08:28 AM
#6
Instructor
Thanks for the response. I will use the link to your site to get myself better-educated about the science behind some of these products. I appreciate your efforts to share what you've learned! I wish the local guy would be more forthcoming about his "miracle" products, but perhaps he isn't really aware of what's what. I don't really want to try and do this work myself, but there really isn't any substitute for learning/understanding at least the basics.
STP
STP
Follow these two links below to certified installers for both CQuartz Finest and Modesta coatings. Each of these groups are the leaders in the industry and are not picked randomly based off a geographical population. They are great at what they do and you should be able to find either option where you are.
http://www.cqfinest.com/find-an-installer/
http://www.modesta.co/installers.html
HUMP