Is paint coating worth it?

If you wash the coated vehicles often. Eventually you will introduced wash induce marks that has to be polish out. Then removing the paint coating.

Are long term paint coating worth it? Even though it may not look good months down the road.

 

If you like to keep the vehicle clean then yes, they are worth it. Personally I'm not interested in a coating meant to last over 2 years as mine lives outside. If you like to keep clean then that means you are likely washing regularly and the coating just makes that easier during wash and in between. Bird shit, bugs and other stuff does really self clean easier. No matter what you're using as a protection you still need to wash as safely as possible. Polishing frequently intended to fix swirls on any of these new thin clear coats isn't a good plan.

Coating "lite" products offer a good middle ground of between liquid or spray on sealants and full on multi year coatings. Cquartz Lite or Gyeon Can Coat are good options and either comes with multiple applications.

 

Absolutely worth it. The vehicle is easier to keep clean and will usually require less washing. If introducing substantial swirls then probably need to focus on your washing technique and process.

 

I have a detail shop apply a paint sealer every year for protection. They also are able to remove all scratches from mostly forest and desert brush (I acquire a lot).

 

Are there any sealant offers good longevity like a "coating lite" products? I have Powerlock, Wolfgang sealants, and getting 6 months from them.

I was washing the Toyota, notice some UV damage on the paint. Especially the roof, plus it's black paint. I need something with UV protection.

 

Are "coating lite" products easy to use? The only coating I used was Gtechniq G1/G2.

Do you know what's the durability is like with a "coating lite" products?

Does "coating lite" products offer any UV protection?

 

For washing I use the 2 bucket method with Grit Guards. If really dirty I'll pre rinse using a pressure washer.

I tried using lambswool, microfiber noodle mitts, and Microfiber Madness wash mitt. All does slight marring. I find adding ounce Optimum No Rinse helps quite a bit with the marring.

I find the clear coat to be sensitive to what I use when washing. Drying I find a waffle weave leaves less marring. I also use the Metro sidekick to blow out the cracks and other areas.

 

I think pretty much all the wax/sealant/coating products offer UV protection though not sure anybody can quantify how much. If its based of thickness of what is applied to surface than coatings will be the best, but again I don't think anybody has any data on it or if thickness in this regard matters.

Ease of application is going to be Gyeon Can Coat, it should be easier than the traditional liquid sealants you mentioned in that it's just mist on, buff off with two towels. You know it's legit with the amount of actual solids compared to these newer sprays because they give you multiple spray nozzles. Think you need to immediately rinse them (all purpose cleaner) because I believe they give you enough for more applications than nozzles.

Cquartz Lite is likely to last longer by a I'd say it's only a little more involved to apply than Wolfgang. It's a little bit more meticulous than the sealant but easier than a multi year coating. What is easy about it over the more durable coating like Cquartz UK is you don't have to wait for it to flash. You apply it to a small section and immediately buff off with two towels.

 

What's the durability is like with the paint sealant the detail shop uses?

 

Another thing is if the testing are done in a control environment or real world testing.

I know Optimum Car Wax was tested on the roof of Optimum office, lab, warehouse in Tennessee. Wash once a week if schedule allows.

Is Gyeon Can Coat a wipe on, wipe off, with no waiting, no flashing? Kind of like using a spray wax.

Is Cquartz Lite the same as Gyeon Can Coat wipe on, wipe off?

Is weather, temperature effect the application of the "coating lite"

Is the prep the same for "coating lite" using a panel wipe or isopropyl alcohol?

 

Look like I got the multi quote right.

 

Optimum Gloss Coat was the first coating I started using. I was getting at least 18 months out of it. At the time it was advertised as a 2 year coating.

 

pretty much:

A little more involved, apply it like a regular coating with cross hatch pattern but you're able to immediately remove it.

That is the easy part as long as temp is 40-100 you're ok. You'd just want to avoid getting wet for the first few hours, but that isn't different from the sealants you mentioned earlier. Yes on the IPA, better yet use a panel prep product if possible. All the detailing brands sell them or get one from an auto parts store in the paint section.

Video showing application:

 

I don't have a good way to measure. It was their recommendation to reapply once a year- good clean, clay bar, sealer. My truck runs through a lot of brush and wild areas, coming home with a lot of scratches. When they redo the yearly sealer and buff out the scratches it looks pristine.

 

How was it to apply, any difficulties?

 

Thanks for posting the videos!

Is the cross hatch pattern for even coverage?

Does the vehicle body temperature has to be between 40-100 degrees or outside temperature? I had wax starting smoking on contact with the vehicle body.

Which body prep do you think is better, a detailing brand wipe or a autobody grade panel wipe? Which brand do you use, if any?

I purchased Gtechniq Panel Wipe about 4 years ago. Do you think it's still good or should I replace it?

 

Do you notice any beading or sheeting right before the yearly detail?

 

Easy for the most part. Just follow the directions. Once you understand the coating needs to flash then, in my opinion, it’s easier to apply than a wax or sealant.

 

Yes, can apply however you like that method just makes it easier to keep track of where you've been.

With the Gyeon product, no need to do all that. Spritz in towel and start wiping.

Outside temp, obviously sun shining directly on panel on a +90 degree day would be a bit much.

I'm sure the panel wipe is fine. I only suggest it as alcohol wipe is grabby and doesn't clean and wipe as well as a dedicated product. Mentioned auto parts store because it's something you can pickup locally. Probably even at HD or Lowes.

 

What do you think about spraying a foam core microfiber applicator and applying it like a wax in a cross hatch pattern? Then removing the product.

I read online about the microfiber applicator. I don't know how well it will work.

Do I have to lightly polish any high spots?

I have 3 auto body supply store in the city that may have something. I tried ordering wipe online before but got denied. They couldn't ship to Massachusetts.

What do you think about Klean-Strip Prep All Wax & Grease Remover?