Part 1
In March, we began putting together a bucket-list of detailing products that would cover pretty much any household car owner’s requirements.
The first was a multi-purpose paintwork polish.
In this article, we’ll take a look at last step product options.
The main objective of this product would be to provide a durable finish to weather our local climate and environmental contaminants.
When a car is detailed correctly, with swirls, scratches and other imperfections removed, the resulting finish should achieve a generally improved level of gloss.
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While that is a positive step forward and perhaps one that requires the most work, the equally important element is to maintain that finish.
Traditional wax, regardless of carnauba content variations, are organic in nature which means that it is extremely susceptible to our local tropical heat.
Most waxes last between one and three weeks on the applied surface of a car in our country. Weekend-use cars stored in a cool, covered location might possibly extend that timeline but marginally so.
On the upside, waxes are generally cheap and for some consumers, a monthly wax routine is something to be enjoyed.
Meguiar’s, Sonax, 3M and many other car care manufacturers have a range of waxes available as do cheaper alternatives from generic over-the counter companies like Turtle-Wax, CarPlan and others.
For a more durable finish, certain consumers regard synthetic sealants or popularly known as polymer sealants as an upgrade.
In terms of durability, they can last typically twice as long as waxes, at the very least.
High quality synthetic sealants are easier to apply than waxes as they do not streak as easily.
The product is applied onto the paintwork surface and buffed off gently with much ease.
Japanese manufacturers, like Soft 99, Ion Coat and Carmate on the other hand, have been marketing their version of fluorine-based synthetic sealants for years.
Coating systems, on the other hand, are the rage now with a confusing array of newly introduced brands and product marketing variations.
These coating systems are generally accepted as superior to that of traditional waxes or synthetic sealants.
They are designed for professional use, as the different coatings have specific application techniques and curing options via ultraviolet or infrared lamps.
Over at AutoDetailer Studio, we’ve been spearheading the local detailing industry with the evolution of coating systems over the years.
Having conducted an array of performance tests on weather exposed paintwork panels for up to 12-month periods at a time, we have accumulated in-depth technical data as to the behavioural characteristics of the hydrophobic or hydrophilic (and in recent years, the hybrid) coating systems.
While some coating systems which we have tested like Sonax’s TÜV-approved NanoPro Profiline works extremely well in our local weather conditions, many others have documented issues with high reoccurrence of watermark etchings.
A coating system is, after all, just that: a sacrificial layer protecting your paintwork.
It isn’t a miracle product, just science at work.
The alleged marketing-buzz potential for coatings from certain manufacturers to prevent stone-chips are an illusion at best.
Coatings are designed to protect your car’s paintwork for general usage against environmentally-caused degradation, not for heavy abuse.
A weekly wash goes a long way towards ensuring that your coating system of choice lasts effectively.
Optimal performance-measure of coating systems in general is based on the imperishability of its hydrophobic or hydrophilic capabilities over time, resistance against oxidation and water- marks, including variances in specular reflection, would typically yield a one-year product durability life-cycle, after which it will need to be reapplied or revitalised.
Particularly in our harsh local climate, the on-paper claims of some coating systems that can extend to multiple years remain, well, on paper.
In the next feature, we will discuss maintenance products that can recharge your “last step product” of choice, allowing you to enjoy your detailing efforts for just a little longer!
> For more information, check out www.autodetailer.co or visit their Facebook page at AutoDetailer Studio!
