Wet Looking Topper Over CQUK+Reload?

[AJMartin0321]

Hey guys! I have been a member for years, just reading and learning from all of you. Now I have a question regarding my new car.

I recently leased a Velocity Red Mazda 3 Hatchback as a DD to get me through my medical residency. Upon inspection after taking the car home, I was pleasantly surprised at how few defects there were. I knew that I would be too busy to take care of it like I did my Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (still miss her), so I decided on a one step polish then a coating for protection.

I had trouble with Gtechniq EXO V2 leaving holograms, which apparently was my fault because I used CarPro Eraser for prep instead of Panel Wipe or just IPA. :dunno:

I polished that off of all shiny surfaces with Hyper Polish (left it on the plastic), and tried CQUK topped with Reload. I had better luck with only a few holograms. I contacted Avi at CarPro, and asked if a minimal cut polish/glaze like Prima Amigo using a non-cutting blue pad would remove the holograms, but leave a majority of the product. He said it should work fine, and leave plenty of product behind for protection. He even offered to replenish my CQUK if I needed to reapply and gave me tips for its use in the crazy hot/humid Florida summer. Thanks Avi!:dblthumb2: It worked great!

So, my base of protection is CQUK topped with a couple coats of Reload. The paint is as shiny and reflective as it can be!
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0197.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0199.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0200.jpg

Something's missing though. I am looking to achieve a more warm wet look to the finish.

After perusing my meager LSP collection, I realized that they all generally offer a more reflective shine (1000p, UPGP, Reload).

The best thing I have is Autoglym HD. I put a coat on it last weekend and I like the look, but I wouldn't call it wet. I agree with others who say that it produces a more "candy coat" appearance.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0244.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0245.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0253.jpg

I (like the rest of you) should be happy with the look and leave it alone, but I can't help but dabble during my precious little time off.

Actual Question:
What products, from your personal experience, will give me a nice "syrupy" wet look to the paint. Since it is already well protected, I'm not too worried about that aspect. It will however, be outdoors 24 hours/day, so something that beads well and keeps dust to a minimum would be nice.

I have read up about certain products, but won't steer the recommendations by listing them here.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations offered.

I'll add some beading pictures that I have captured so far just as a bonus.

With the EXO V2 before I polished it off:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0162.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0163.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0160.jpg

CQUK w/Reload:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0172.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0186.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0192.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0189.jpg

After I topped with Autoglym HD:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0259.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0281.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0261.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0267.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0280.jpg

[silverfox]

You want to be blown away .., put some EZ creme glaze over that especially on red if protection is not a priority.

[FUNX650]

Hey guys! I have been a member for years, just reading and learning from all of you. Now I have a question regarding my new car.

^^^Glad to see you finally posted!!^^^
__________________________________________________

I recently leased a Velocity Red Mazda 3 Hatchback as a DD

^^^You're one fine gentleman for taking such care with a leased vehicle!^^^
__________________________________________________

I had trouble with Gtechniq EXO V2 leaving holograms,
I polished that off of all shiny surfaces with Hyper Polish (left it on the plastic), and tried CQUK topped with Reload.
I had better luck with only a few holograms.

^^^I just can't see (pun intended) inducing holograms by applying an LSP...^^^ :dunno:
__________________________________________________

So, my base of protection is CQUK topped with a couple coats of Reload. The paint is as shiny and reflective as it can be!

^^^Personally I like the EXO V2 "beading-pattern" better than the dissimilar beads formation of CQ-UK.^^^

Question:
Wouldn't putting/applying another product atop a "Coating" defeat the Coating's inherent-characteristics?

:)

Bob

[AJMartin0321]

silverfox: I appreciate the suggestion and will definitely check it out.


^^^I just can't see (pun intended) inducing holograms by applying an LSP...^^^
I discussed the hologram issue with a representative at Gtechniq, and he said that the CarPro Eraser leaves a slight residue, which alters the bonding of the EXO. He said that the holograms that resulted was from the product bonding to the paint unevenly. Apparently this coating is very particular about having completely bare paint whereas other coatings are not as much.

Avi told me that the holograms (which were very mild, but I'm kind of a perfectionist) from the CQUK was due to the essentially immediate (and unlevel) flashing of the product since I was applying it in 95 degree weather and ~100% humidity. He recommended for future applications to apply and immediately wipe down to level it instead of waiting like the instructions state. A quick polish with the Prima Amigo leveled it out nicely though, and they haven't returned thank goodness.


Question:
Wouldn't putting/applying another product atop a "Coating" defeat the Coating's inherent-characteristics?
My understanding is that the coating is still offering the rock hard protective layer to combat anything that penetrates through the topper. The only property that the topper interferes with is how the coating interacts with the environment (beading/sheeting, dust repelling, and light reflecting characteristics). So, in my mind, when I top it with something else with any bit of protective quality, I am actually enhancing the protection. The bird poop or bug splatter has to eat through the wax/sealant topper before it even has a chance to attack the CQUK (which is apparently some tough stuff).


^^^Personally I like the EXO V2 "beading-pattern" better than the dissimilar beads formation of CQ-UK.^^^
I am fascinated by how water interacts with these products. The EXO really did produce some beautiful beads. I also really enjoy the tiny little beads that Reload produces from the dew in the morning. It looks like my car has been bedazzled with little gems. :laughing:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0168.jpg

[MarkD51]

With the products you have on the car already, and the durability they have, to me, it sounds like what you are looking for, is simply a great detailer spray!?

And that product, may I recommend, would be Pinnacle Crystal Mist. As Will Smith in MIB would say, this is "The best of the best of the best, with Honors Sir!" LOL

I gather that after a wash, you want the car looking mighty purty, without turning yourself inside out in the process. This is the product.

In 40 years, I've only ever used one other Spray Detailer that could compare-equal. In fact, it was better, but sadly, the man who made it went to the grave, and so did the formula.

This is as close as you're going to get, to give that car that extra "pop", an effortless product to work with, stunning results, and without a doubt, if you never used it, you will love it.
Mark

[silverfox]

I don't advocate putting a topper over a coating. There is no benefit from it and in fact can detract from it.

The only understandable reason is to change the look. Many don't like the look that a coating gives which is more like candy than deep and wet.

I honestly think that wax lovers should stay away from coatings. They will be tempted to waste the coatings advantages by putting a wax over it.

Hence if you want the pop that won't mess with the coating a glaze is a great solution. Just my two cents.

[swanicyouth]

Too bad there is no more Wet Glaze. It sounds like it would work good here.

[AJMartin0321]

I have always wondered if applying a product on top of a coating could be detrimental to the coating. The only way I can imagine that it could is if the topper had strong solvents that degrade the integrity of the coating. Then again, one of the strong points of these coatings is their solvent resistance. Opti-Coat (which I have on my fiance's Jetta) is supposedly impossible to remove with anything short of abrasion. CarPro touts that CQUK is extremely acid, salt, and scratch resistant.

Since quality LSP's are designed to be virtually free of anything that would degrade the original clear coat, I can't imagine any of them could harm a coating.

The CQUK kit for instance comes with Reload, and you are instructed to use it as a topper. Optimum states that you can use Opti-Seal, OCW, or OID as a topper for Opti-Coat.

With that in mind, the way that the coating interacts with the environment (especially the water and dust repelling attributes) may be superior to whatever you are applying over it as a topper. Therefore you are sacrificing those characteristics temporarily in an effort to gain something else (in my case a warm wet look) until the topper wears off exposing the coating again. It is that sacrifice that one must take into account when topping. Are the visual (or other) characteristics of the topper enough to your liking to make the above sacrifices for a little while?

I plan on using Reload every 4 months or so since it is the official topper for CQUK, but I would like to put something on it occasionally that makes it look dripping wet. :drool: The real detrimental effect I expect will be decreased durability of whatever I use to top with. I'm ok with that, because when it wears/falls off, my super protective CQUK should still be there doing its job.

All of the above, of course, is just my rambling stream of consciousness. :laughing: I am always looking to learn something (probably why I am about to finish my second doctoral program), so any information regarding the interaction between coatings and toppers is more than welcome.

[AJMartin0321]

With the products you have on the car already, and the durability they have, to me, it sounds like what you are looking for, is simply a great detailer spray!?

And that product, may I recommend, would be Pinnacle Crystal Mist.

I appreciate your advice. Do you think that stepping up to the Souveran Spray would be beneficial at all?

I don't mind investing in a quality product that I can continue to use on the next car or truck I get. I was even toying with the idea of a small tub of real Souveran. :drool: You know, just to see how good it can get. :bowdown:

[AJMartin0321]

Quick update for the few that offered assistance. Just when I was about to order some glaze and detailing spray, a friend let me try his p21s concours. After washing with ONR and claying with xmt speed clay, I applied 2 coats. Once I got the picture that it is best used as a WOWO product panel by panel, it was a breeze to use. Overall, I am impressed with the look and feel. From many angles it looks really rich and wet. :props:

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0321.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0308.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/ajmartin0321/IMG_0318.jpg

Time will tell how well it holds up on top of the CQUK. I may pick up some s100 if it continues to impress.

Now I better get back to reading something medical.

[lyodbraun]

Looks good, glad you found something you like and works..

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4

[FUNX650]

a friend let me try his p21s concours.

Time will tell how well it holds up on top of the CQUK.
I may pick up some s100 if it continues to impress.

Now I better get back to reading something medical.
Below please find listed some interesting reading.
Although it may not be "medical"...
It could be deemed to cause "psychological-affects" to those that layer/apply carnauba-waxes atop 'Coatings'. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/crazy.gif
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

-ASTM D3954-94-10: Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes

-ASTM D127-08: Standard Test Method for Drop Melting Point of Petroleum Wax, Including Petrolatum

-ASTM D156: Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products (Saybolt Chromometer Method)

-ASTM D1500-12: Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________


http://www.runemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/confetti.gif

Bob

[AJMartin0321]

Haha! Thanks Bob, that was brilliant!

I am fully aware of how silly it is to add an unnecessary layer of old school wax on top of a highly advanced and expensive coating. This became even more obvious to me when I applied a coat of Reload to my fiance's car in about 5 minutes, and I know it will be on there about 5x as long as that p21s will be on my car. :doh: Oh well. I guess that's too low maintenance for me right now, and I sure do enjoy tinkering with the look. Unfortunately, I will likely be singing a different tune during my internship year. :( The good thing is, I know my car will be protected regardless. :xyxthumbs:

I actually read as much as I could before they tried to charge me $40 to download the pdf. :wow:

It gave me a nice break from reading about the differential diagnoses for Guillain Barre Syndrome.

Coincidentally, I will be visiting Conshohocken, PA (the home of the ASTM) to take a board exam in November. Maybe I'll stop by and try to score the full texts. :laughing: