Is it applied in a clean environment like a paint booth since it will trap anything under it like dust?
I know for myself, my washing techniques are subpar to say the least. My mitt is like 5 years old and probably has some dirt in it from me dropping it on the driveway while I wash. Will this stuff get swirl marks in it? Obviously I could scratch through it with a stone, but say the wash mitt isn’t perfect what’s stopping this from not getting swirls like factory clear?
You can put swirls in this. It is hard coating but can still be swirled but not as easy as the factory clear coat. Along with any automotive finish, A good washing with the proper way is key. I do go over this with all my clients. I will show you the proper way to wash and dry to reduce the chances of swirling or wshed induced marring. on any multistep correction i do give my clients a high quality sheepskin mitt.
Alot of test have been done, using solvents, acid and some very harsh cleaners being put on the coating to show how durable it is. One of the test a guy too a lighter and scratched a panel with the coating on it, and a section of the panel uncoated. The coated part was unscratched and the plastic tranfre wiped of with his finger. The uncoated section, the platic tranfer was dificult to remove and did leave a scratch.
The key to this is it is a permanent extra layer of protection. That if it does get some swirls or light scratches is will be in the coating and not into the paint. If you ever needed a sectio redone you only would do the panel that is damaged.
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It is alway recomended to be done in a clean environment. The product does flash very quickly and can be done out side if need be. The key is work very clean. If it is windy or dust blowing around anything out i would not do it at all. It is applied sections at a time, is put on very thin. i Have not heard of any problems with it getting dust dried into it. But i will say that if not done with care and clean it might happen. I have not had it happen to me. If i ever did i would remove it and redo that panel as i stand behind my work 100%
Did a little reading on this and it’s not really permanent. It’s still going to get scratches but not as frequently.
It’s the same claim that Crystal Guard made years ago. They said it would increase the hardness of the surface up to a “9” which is the same claim as this product.
This is what Optimum’s site says:
“As far as the durability, it is similar to urethane clear coats. It will not wash away or break down, however, you can polish it over time ! The hardness starts at 6-7 but will increase over time to 9H as it is exposed to heat.”
http://www.optimumcarcare.com.au/
For those unaware of the Mohs Hardness Scale, see the image below:
A “9” is quite high. Even a “7” is high when we’re talking about a paint or clear coat. It’s very possible they’re making this claim based on their own or a modified hardness scale.
From personal experience, Crystal Guard looked great when it was applied and lasted a good amount of time, but the time & preparation involved in the application made it less appealing to me than the ease of use of your off-the-shelf NXT wax.
So IMO this stuff will probably work well and last longer than a typical wax. But will you “never have to wax again?” I’m skeptical :tif: