kevincwelch
07-24-2016, 11:46 AM
I decided to create this thread to jump start some conversation about the merits of the different types of coatings, particularly how the varieties that you spray on compare to the varieties that you use a foam block/dropper only to put on your car.
Spray varieties would include:
1. McKee's
2. Pinnacle Black Label
3. Chemical Guys Second Skin 6 Hybrid
4. DG Nanoglass (looks like a spray bottle)
5. Others not mentioned
Drop & spread varieties would include:
1. Blackfire
2. Gtechniq C1, CSL and EXO
3. CarPro UK, Finest
4. Optimum
5. Wolfgang
6. Others not mentioned specifically
I believe many of us know that some brands are repackaged versions of other brands and even in a specific line, a version designed for, say wheels, is really the same substance designed for paint. Some brands (e.g., Wolfgang) state that their product can be used on all surfaces (paint, glass, trim, etc.).
The factors that make me reach for a coating as opposed to a sealant or wax include the following:
1. Durability
2. Hydrophobicity (beading & sheeting - I'd prefer sheeting over beading)
3. Gloss
4. UV protection
5. Physical protection.
I think it may go without saying that something like Modesta and even Finest, which have each a few microns of thickness, most of the consumer lines of coatings are pretty thin -- thicker than waxes and sealants, but still pretty thin.
Some of these products are easier to apply than others. McKee's and PBL (I've used PBL) are incredibly easy to apply and buff away. Applying Gtechniq C1 and EXO requires attention to temp, humidity, timing, etc. and people still get streaking. But if done properly, the C1/EXO combo offers great durability, hydrophobicity, gloss and protection.
Many of these claim 18m to 3 years of durability, comparable hydrophobicity and gloss, so my ultimate question is: why wouldn't you reach for a spray bottle version of a coating? I began to think this the other week when I was leveling a high spot with CarPro Essence and then reapplying a bottled/dropper coating. Now with the market beginning to sell things like Hydrofoam, HydrO2, Polish Angel Viking Spritz, Sonax Rim Shield and other varieties not sold through PBMC, I'm beginning to think the ease of application of many of these products -- and their abilities to be reapplied -- is starting to make sense over the more labor intensive coatings.
Thoughts?
Spray varieties would include:
1. McKee's
2. Pinnacle Black Label
3. Chemical Guys Second Skin 6 Hybrid
4. DG Nanoglass (looks like a spray bottle)
5. Others not mentioned
Drop & spread varieties would include:
1. Blackfire
2. Gtechniq C1, CSL and EXO
3. CarPro UK, Finest
4. Optimum
5. Wolfgang
6. Others not mentioned specifically
I believe many of us know that some brands are repackaged versions of other brands and even in a specific line, a version designed for, say wheels, is really the same substance designed for paint. Some brands (e.g., Wolfgang) state that their product can be used on all surfaces (paint, glass, trim, etc.).
The factors that make me reach for a coating as opposed to a sealant or wax include the following:
1. Durability
2. Hydrophobicity (beading & sheeting - I'd prefer sheeting over beading)
3. Gloss
4. UV protection
5. Physical protection.
I think it may go without saying that something like Modesta and even Finest, which have each a few microns of thickness, most of the consumer lines of coatings are pretty thin -- thicker than waxes and sealants, but still pretty thin.
Some of these products are easier to apply than others. McKee's and PBL (I've used PBL) are incredibly easy to apply and buff away. Applying Gtechniq C1 and EXO requires attention to temp, humidity, timing, etc. and people still get streaking. But if done properly, the C1/EXO combo offers great durability, hydrophobicity, gloss and protection.
Many of these claim 18m to 3 years of durability, comparable hydrophobicity and gloss, so my ultimate question is: why wouldn't you reach for a spray bottle version of a coating? I began to think this the other week when I was leveling a high spot with CarPro Essence and then reapplying a bottled/dropper coating. Now with the market beginning to sell things like Hydrofoam, HydrO2, Polish Angel Viking Spritz, Sonax Rim Shield and other varieties not sold through PBMC, I'm beginning to think the ease of application of many of these products -- and their abilities to be reapplied -- is starting to make sense over the more labor intensive coatings.
Thoughts?