Best coating for scratch resistance?

TTBear

TTBear

Allan F
Hi, all.

Thank you for your input. I have searched, but I am finding that most threads discuss longevity in terms of ability to bead, gloss, shine etc.

I am wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction towards a coating that provides the best SCRATCH resistance. My car (a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560) has the softest paint I have EVER seen. After detailing it perfectly, just running a microfibre over its surface, even when clean, can cause fine scratches. It breaks my heart! Thus far, I have been using a great sealant (most recently, Menzerna Power Lock - prior to this, Zaino Z2), but unfortunately, as you all know, these offer practically no protection against scratches, and after even a single road trip with its associated (VERY carefully performed) washes, I am ending up with swirls.

I have in my possession a new bottle of CQuartz UK, but I am wondering if there is another option that is more protective, purely in terms of scratching? Ease of use is not an issue, as I am comfortable applying most anything.

I would GREATLY appreciate your input. Thanks, everyone!!!
 
Polish Angels Cosmo coating video hinted it did well, but i think the test was poorly exitcuted, same with the camera work.
perhaps check out protect it unc v1/v2 combo also
optimum opti gloss is a great option too
 
Thanks guys for the SUPER fast replies!!! - I live in Canada, but the car only comes out in the summer time, which is gorgeous here.


I forgot to add - I would rather apply the coating myself. I have a few detailing threads in the "Click and Brag" section - I am pretty comfortable with taking on any detailing job (that Range Rover was a BEAR, though, haha).

Thanks again - any input would be greatly appreciated!!!! Cheers!!!
 
You can't get Opti Coat Pro as a non pro. I am sure you are very good at detailing, but applying a coating is not like applying a wax or sealant. You want a pro to do it. Where in Canada?

TTBear said:
Thanks guys for the SUPER fast replies!!! - I live in Canada, but the car only comes out in the summer time, which is gorgeous here.


I forgot to add - I would rather apply the coating myself. I have a few detailing threads in the "Click and Brag" section - I am pretty comfortable with taking on any detailing job (that Range Rover was a BEAR, though, haha).

Thanks again - any input would be greatly appreciated!!!! Cheers!!!
Click to expand...
 
+1 with Thomas Dekany regarding Optimum Pro (which you cannot purchase but an authorized Installer can) for the best scratch resistance..

Its on my Business vehicle - '09 Black Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with 32k miles and hardly a scratch after 5 years..
If you are really after scratch resistance and durability more than anything, this has worked for me and all the vehicles I had, not to mention numerous Clients who are happily enjoying not having to do anything but wash and dry..
And the finish is very clear to reveal all the different metallic particle colors and absolutely blinds you if you look at it in the sun..
There should be an Installer up there, I hope you can find one..
I used to know some Canuk's on another site - Richy and 911Fanatic who live up there and 911 Fanatic may still be Detailing professionally..
Hope it all works out for you !
Dan F
 
Opinions will be all over the map on this and mostly bias based on what someone is an authorized installer of.


I did some testing a couple years ago with 3 popular coatings (2 Pro only coatings) for scratch resistance and all 3 where virtually the same in 2 different tests. Worse yet, the actual scratch resistance was very minimal IMO, although it could be seen. I honestly try not to even mention the scratch resistance to potential clients now as it's been so over sold by many the it just ends up in disappointment most of the time. IMO your best option would be to evaluate your washing and drying process and just pick one of the popular consumer coatings available...proper washing and drying is key to getting the most out of any coating. You already have UK on hand, which is very popular, so no reason not to use that....though it can be difficult to apply for some new to coatings.

Honestly, If you want real scratch resistance, not to mention chips, I would just wrap the whole car in self healing film and be done with it.

Just my $.02

Rasky
 
Thomas Dekany said:
You can't get Opti Coat Pro as a non pro. I am sure you are very good at detailing, but applying a coating is not like applying a wax or sealant. You want a pro to do it. Where in Canada?
Click to expand...

Tomas details for a living, is an Optimum Installer and apparently does not believe that a Non-Pro could possibly capable of applying a coating

since you already have CQUK, try a couple of layers on the hood and see if you get increased scratch resistance
 
RaskyR1 said:
Opinions will be all over the map on this and mostly bias based on what someone is an authorized installer of.


I did some testing a couple years ago with 3 popular coatings (2 Pro only coatings) for scratch resistance and all 3 where virtually the same in 2 different tests. Worse yet, the actual scratch resistance was very minimal IMO, although it could be seen. I honestly try not to even mention the scratch resistance to potential clients now as it's been so over sold by many the it just ends up in disappointment most of the time. IMO your best option would be to evaluate your washing and drying process and just pick one of the popular consumer coatings available...proper washing and drying is key to getting the most out of any coating. You already have UK on hand, which is very popular, so no reason not to use that....though it can be difficult to apply for some new to coatings.

Honestly, If you want real scratch resistance, not to mention chips, I would just wrap the whole car in self healing film and be done with it.

Just my $.02

Rasky
Click to expand...


I really don't think anything is really "scratch resistant". If you have something in you wash/dry media and you drag it on the surface, it's gonna scratch... Simple.

So really, it all boils down to good technique and being careful.
 
Ronkh said:
I really don't think anything is really "scratch resistant". If you have something in you wash/dry media and you drag it on the surface, it's gonna scratch... Simple.

So really, it all boils down to good technique and being careful.
Click to expand...

True. At least the film can self heal though. :)



TTBear. Have you thought about eliminating drying towels and instead doing the final rinse with DI/RO water and blowing it dry with a Master Blaster or similar?
 
Thanks again, you guys - your input is most appreciated.

I live in Saskatchewan, which is really irrelevant for the purposes of my question, as our summers are excellent, and the car only comes out in the summer time!

I have applied coatings multiple times before, and to be honest, I can't really see why anyone would believe that the procedure should be limited to professionals only. It's really not difficult - especially if you have been through the "Zaino school of product application", haha.

Rasky, thanks for the suggestion - I have tried that, yes - I already use a CR Spotless system for the entire wash process. You would not believe how easily marred this clear coat is. It is the most gorgeous paint I have ever encountered when detailed, but WOW, is it hard to keep defect-free! Even using the softest application pad, one can install fine scratches when applying sealant.... it's crazy.

Professional installation of a coating is not an option for me. To be honest, although there are no doubt excellent installers around, I have yet to meet one around here that has as high standards as I have myself. That, and the fact that coatings are very much in their infancy around here making availability an issue, makes me want to do the work myself.

I realize that no coating is going to make the finish bullet-proof, regardless of the makers' claims, but I was just hoping that there might be one of them that was recognized to be superior for resistance to scratching.

I agree - I think I will go with the CQuartz UK that I have, and try to elevate my wash/dry techniques even further. I really don't want to wrap the entire car - I really do enjoy detailing it, after all :)

Thanks everyone - as usual, fantastic information.


Cheers!


Allan
 
Let us know how it goes. I would be worried about the prep process marring the heck out of the finish if it's that sensitive. If that's the case you may need something that can be applied after a primer type polish without the need for a solvent wipe-down.
 
allenk4 said:
Tomas details for a living, is an Optimum Installer and apparently does not believe that a Non-Pro could possibly capable of applying a coating

since you already have CQUK, try a couple of layers on the hood and see if you get increased scratch resistance
Click to expand...


There is a different between applying a coating OR applying a coating properly.

Why do you think Optimum sells the PRO version to Pro detailers only? The reason iS NOT because of what I think.

And while we are at it, let's ignore the most important post in this thread. After all, actual PROOF is not as important as someone's bias is it?

+1 with Thomas Dekany regarding Optimum Pro (which you cannot purchase but an authorized Installer can) for the best scratch resistance..

Its on my Business vehicle - '09 Black Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with 32k miles and hardly a scratch after 5 years..
If you are really after scratch resistance and durability more than anything, this has worked for me and all the vehicles I had, not to mention numerous Clients who are happily enjoying not having to do anything but wash and dry..
And the finish is very clear to reveal all the different metallic particle colors and absolutely blinds you if you look at it in the sun..
There should be an Installer up there, I hope you can find one..
I used to know some Canuk's on another site - Richy and 911Fanatic who live up there and 911 Fanatic may still be Detailing professionally..
Hope it all works out for you !
Dan F​
Click to expand...
 
This is the exactly the reason why I suggested a pro to you. You do not want to apply a coating (any coating) the Zaino way. You want a thick coat. As I said above, there is a difference between applying a coating vs applying it properly. In any case, if you can't wipe off the paint without marring it, I am not sure how you will have defect free finish prior to applying a coating.

Good luck.

TTBear said:
Thanks again, you guys - your input is most appreciated.

I live in Saskatchewan, which is really irrelevant for the purposes of my question, as our summers are excellent, and the car only comes out in the summer time!

I have applied coatings multiple times before, and to be honest, I can't really see why anyone would believe that the procedure should be limited to professionals only. It's really not difficult - especially if you have been through the "Zaino school of product application", haha.

Rasky, thanks for the suggestion - I have tried that, yes - I already use a CR Spotless system for the entire wash process. You would not believe how easily marred this clear coat is. It is the most gorgeous paint I have ever encountered when detailed, but WOW, is it hard to keep defect-free! Even using the softest application pad, one can install fine scratches when applying sealant.... it's crazy.

Professional installation of a coating is not an option for me. To be honest, although there are no doubt excellent installers around, I have yet to meet one around here that has as high standards as I have myself. That, and the fact that coatings are very much in their infancy around here making availability an issue, makes me want to do the work myself.

I realize that no coating is going to make the finish bullet-proof, regardless of the makers' claims, but I was just hoping that there might be one of them that was recognized to be superior for resistance to scratching.

I agree - I think I will go with the CQuartz UK that I have, and try to elevate my wash/dry techniques even further. I really don't want to wrap the entire car - I really do enjoy detailing it, after all :)

Thanks everyone - as usual, fantastic information.


Cheers!


Allan
Click to expand...
 
Thomas Dekany said:
This is the exactly the reason why I suggested a pro to you. You do not want to apply a coating (any coating) the Zaino way. You want a thick coat. As I said above, there is a difference between applying a coating vs applying it properly. In any case, if you can't wipe off the paint without marring it, I am not sure how you will have defect free finish prior to applying a coating.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input, Tomas. I agree - generally, a professional would have better skills in applying a coating. When I mentioned Zaino, it was not with reference to a thin application, but rather, the ability to get complete, uniform coverage, which I find is the most important thing. Apologies - I should have been more clear for you.

No need to get defensive. I GREATLY admire the skills possessed by the detailers on this forum, and have nothing but respect for all of you. However, to automatically assume that NOBODY, apart from a qualified detailer has the skills to apply a coating, is quite frankly, ludicrous. I do apply a coating "properly", as you would emphasize. It really is NOT that difficult, as I'm sure many hobbyist detailers on this or other forums would attest to.

I do not wish to get into an inflammatory diatribe with you, or anyone on this board - I come here for information, and others' input, which is ALL greatly appreciated - including yours, and I thank you for your opinion. It just doesn't really help me with my original question, which was WHICH coating to use, rather than asking for a reprimand regarding having the audacity to even ATTEMPT applying a coating, because surely, I would and could not possibly possess the skills necessary.



I agree - coatings are not for everyone to apply. I am confident in my abilitiy to do it correctly, as you are, in yours. It would be quite erroneous to generalize, and simply state that there is some holy grail, some magical level that one must attain, in order to qualify for coating application, that's all I'm saying.

Could we please get back to my original question? Thanks.
 
Cquartz UK is a great coating. Instead of worrying about scratch resistance, do some research and find out the best way to prevent scratches by using proper washing techniques, quality shampoos, detail sprays, etc. There's a lot of information on Autopia about the proper way to touch your vehicle to keep it swirl and scratch free.
 
Put me down for a vote on Optimum Gloss-Coat. I've been really pleased with the lack of swirls on my car after applying Gloss-Coat on my car almost 1 year ago.

Another coating system I haven't seen mentioned yet which I think should be considered is the C1 + EXO combo from GTechniq. Although a little more finicky to apply, I've heard great things about that system.
 
AutopiaTech said:
Cquartz UK is a great coating. Instead of worrying about scratch resistance, do some research and find out the best way to prevent scratches by using proper washing techniques, quality shampoos, detail sprays, etc. There's a lot of information on Autopia about the proper way to touch your vehicle to keep it swirl and scratch free.
Click to expand...

Agreed, absolutely. I think there are definitely always ways to improve, in this area. There may be a few obstacles on occasion - I will take a couple of driving tours with an exotic car group each summer, and on these, it's difficult to practise perfect wash techniques (good luck fitting two buckets in my car, haha)(although I am the guy that carries more detailing stuff than personal luggage on those trips :) )

thanks!!!

Vega@Autopia said:
Put me down for a vote on Optimum Gloss-Coat. I've been really pleased with the lack of swirls on my car after applying Gloss-Coat on my car almost 1 year ago.

Another coating system I haven't seen mentioned yet which I think should be considered is the C1 + EXO combo from GTechniq. Although a little more finicky to apply, I've heard great things about that system.
Click to expand...

I think I am going to try this one - it seems to have quite a few votes, and may be what I'm looking for. THANKS!!!!


Thanks everyone.


Just purely out of curiosity, can anyone tell me exactly what the process is for becoming a certified Optimum installer? Do they have a formalized credentialing process? Is there an exam process, where an applicant's abilities are assessed by a governing body, prior to being assigned the title of accredited installer?
 
TTBear said:
Just purely out of curiosity, can anyone tell me exactly what the process is for becoming a certified Optimum installer? Do they have a formalized credentialing process? Is there an exam process, where an applicant's abilities are assessed by a governing body, prior to assigning the status of accredited installer?
Click to expand...

You shouldn't have taken my suggestion to see a pro personally. It isn't you, it is the product. Trust me, even some seasoned pros have issues with applying OCP. It isn't just about putting down a layer and call it a day. How much you put down, how even, how fast you wipe off high spots, how much do you actually wipe off without removing too much product.

You have to respect Optimum enough to trust them why OCP is not a consumer product. Read up on coating threads. See how many complain about "lack of durability" about coatings in general. Never the product, always the installer.
 
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