CEE DOG
New member
Review: CarPro Reload
Introduction:
When I first heard of Reload I thought to myself, “Well, I have plenty of spray sealants and I don’t need another. Between then and now I heard plenty of things about Reload from others but never went out of my way to research it. I finally started using Reload over the past month or so and spent a little time reading up on its technology as I was writing this review.
Product Claims:
Reload Spray Sealant is a water-based, spray-on glass membrane coating. Reload Spray Sealant repels dirt and water. Use it alone for up to two months of paint protection or as a booster over Cquartz.
Reload is made of a water base plus special modified Silica - the same compound found in glass. The silica gives Reload its fantastic light reflecting properties. Dirt can't stick and water beads on contact.
Reload Spray Sealant forms a thick, substantial coating. In fact, a Reload coating helps prevent fine scratches on paintwork. It can also be used on rubber, plastic, and glass.
Details:
1.- Packaging: Plastic bottle / modern designed label / good trigger
2.- Directions: Simple
3.- Viscosity: Thin
4.- Color: White
5.- Scent: A little strong if you put your nose in the bottle but not noticeable otherwise
6.- Regular Price: 1.7 oz. (50ml) = $ 9.99
7.- Regular Price: 13.5 oz. (400ml) = $29.99
8.- Manufacturer: CarPro
9.- Made in: Korea
Product:
Environmental Conditions: (over the course of 4 vehicles)
85-94 Deg. F / 50-70% Humidity
Surface Temperatures:
Not measured (My apologies)
Preparation:
The first time I used reload I was working on our daily drivers. As is my weekend routine I had carted a good portion of my products out to the garage the night before. The two products selected for protection on our daily drivers were Optimum Car Wax and CarPro Reload. I was looking forward to using the Reload but having never used it before I decided to bring a reliable backup I was familiar with. I also figured (considering the price) I didn’t want to use a bunch up on 2 cars so I planned to use the Reload on one and the OCW which I have a gallon of on the other.
So after the initial wash I went over each panel one at a time with an apc and my wash mitt to remove any oils. Typically when I do this I use my apc 3:1 but this time used it straight applying it to the wet panel and instantly wiping and then rinsing. As I was rinsing I found I had somehow stained the paint with the cleaner. I tried to wash it a couple times with my UPGW and mitt I had in the bucket but it wasn’t budging. Little spray dots and streaks… So as I considered getting out the paint cleaner or Flex I decided to keep moving on the tasks at hand. I dried the vehicle and washed and dried the next as well.
After doing some other detailing I decided to put off any polishing attempts for the next time and go ahead and get to the fun part.
Application:
With the vehicle under shade I sprayed half the hood twice and immediately wiped half the hood down with my rolled edge mf towel. Then I flipped the towel over and buffed it with the fresh side of the towel. As I was moving to the next section I discovered the weird spot/stains I had were gone from the area I had applied Reload. Not sure how that works but I was very happy!
I continued my application of spray/wipe/flip/wipe and noted that it took very little product to coat each panel. I had read somewhere that application had been difficult, which was one reason I had my OCW near by as backup. I wasn’t expecting this seamless application.
Well, before I had finished the first vehicle I was so happy with the ease of use and small amount of product needed I decided I would use it on the other car as well and continue my experience.
Another vehicle and some pictures:
Here is another vehicle I worked on a couple weeks ago.
This is what it looked like when I started.
Setting up the canopy
Before
I’ll save the story that emerged over the next three days for another thread(s).
Simply put the Taurus went through its due process before getting to the Reload Step.
Video: CarPro Reload Application
09 Reload Application.wmv - YouTube
As you can see application takes place in a matter of minutes. 5-10 for this size vehicle not including wheels. On this vehicle it was applied to wheels as well.
And this is what it looked like after. Note: These pictures were taken the following weekend when I took possession of the vehicle again to finish the touch up paintwork. The day of application I was so busy with the interior and other issues on top of the fear of rain clouds I was unable to get many after pictures.
Fortunately the owner had been so thrilled with the vehicle she had decided not to drive it all week and instead borrowed her husbands for work.
While I was at it I decided to make a couple beading shots.
Observations:
Ok, lets get back to the daily drivers I coated with Reload a few weeks ago. As you remember that was my first experience with the product and after application I was not impressed with the looks. Not sure if it was because of the clouds or what but a couple hours later I came back to look at them and was quite impressed with the way they looked.
I haven’t washed them since I applied the Reload, as I’ve been extremely busy. Last weekend my neighbor was chatting with me and he mentioned something about my daily drivers parked in front of his house. He said he was enjoying the cars being parked there because they just glowed at him every time he looked out the window.
These vehicles see a lot of road time and sit outside 24-7. Currently our parking lot at work is under construction and every day I leave work my car is covered in a layer of fine sand. By the time I get home and park it that sand is gone. Now, with all the rain and everything it does look dirty right up close but it still has a glow and high level of gloss to it even when its dirty.
Durability:
I haven’t tested durability beyond a month yet but here is a video and some pictures showing the beading on our dirty daily driver that hadn’t been washed in a couple weeks at the time. If you remember this hood was coated a long time ago but FYI: on the right side of the hood I removed the coating with polish a couple months ago.
Video: Raining on Dirty Car (2+ weeks since being washed)
31 Reload Beading on Dirty Car.wmv - YouTube
Beading Shots:
These pictures were taken on the reload section of a test panel I recently created which compares the different nano-tech spray coatings.
These are the beads on a clean black test panel. I thought you guys might enjoy these pictures.
Take a real good look at this final picture. Look at the large bead in the center closely… That’s Cool!!
Cost:
This is how much product I’ve used to do 4 cars including glass and paint as well as a bit of testing. Wheels only done on one of the 4 cars. Note: this is a 13.5 (400 ml) bottle so I’ve used about 0.9 to 1.3 oz per car.
This chart is based on a few assumptions and of course product used varies depending on the size of the vehicle, the user, and the towel.
Cost Chart:
My Tips:
This is what I have done every time with no problems.
1.- Apply to clean cool surface as follows
2.- Spray sparingly across section (Approximately 1 spray per 3 sq. ft.)
3.- Wipe and spread immediately
4.- Flip towel and buff off immediately
Additional Tips Avi has posted:
6.- Use a short weave mf towel
7.- For black cars you can dilute Reload: (1) part Reload to (0.5) or (0.7) parts water
Additional Tips:
09.- Test Reload in an inconspicuous area before applying to the whole car
10.- In case of uneven areas, wipe off Reload with isopropyl alcohol
11.- Paint should be clean and free of solvents or wax before applying Reload
Pros:
1.- Application: Ease of use
2.- Price: Half the price per application of other nanotech spray coatings
3.- Appearance: Talk about Gloss!
4.- Time Saver: Car stays cleaner and looks great longer
5.- Additional protection from acids
6.- Apply to wet or dry vehicle (Clean of course)
7.- Enhances the anti-static, hydrophobic nature of Cquartz
8.- Wait time: No long cure time needed
???:
1.- Durability
2.- Have you used this product? Please share your experiences or questions
Cons:
1.- Price: more expensive then some polymer spray sealants
2.- Prep: For best durability take the time to remove all oils from the surface
3.- Can apparently be touchy on darker colors but I haven’t seen this so not sure about that. (See dilution for darker colored cars)
Final Observations and Summary:
Reload is a fast and effective way to add a sacrificial nanotech silica based coating over your primary coating or to use as a standalone product for protection. And it definitely adds gloss to the paint. Reload also resists acids and pollutants better than polymer sealants and waxes.
Reload is half the price of other nanotech spray coatings but more expensive than polymer sprays. You can purchase a spray sealant or spray wax for less money but don’t expect your car to stay as clean. And 2 weeks after you’ve washed it, don’t expect it to still have the glow that you will still see with Reload.
As far as claims about Reloads ability to help prevent fine scratches on paintwork I can’t prove or disprove this claim without a very involved and long-term test. It is logical that as a silica based nano product that its ability to release dirt easier than traditional spray on sealants and waxes would mean it would be less likely to receive those scratches.
I haven’t made a big deal about something I think is important so I will do so here. Use the product sparingly and wipe immediately! Then flip or switch to a clean towel and buff immediately. CarPro recommends short weave towels.
Thank you for taking the time to read this review! Cheers
Introduction:
When I first heard of Reload I thought to myself, “Well, I have plenty of spray sealants and I don’t need another. Between then and now I heard plenty of things about Reload from others but never went out of my way to research it. I finally started using Reload over the past month or so and spent a little time reading up on its technology as I was writing this review.
Product Claims:
Reload Spray Sealant is a water-based, spray-on glass membrane coating. Reload Spray Sealant repels dirt and water. Use it alone for up to two months of paint protection or as a booster over Cquartz.
Reload is made of a water base plus special modified Silica - the same compound found in glass. The silica gives Reload its fantastic light reflecting properties. Dirt can't stick and water beads on contact.
Reload Spray Sealant forms a thick, substantial coating. In fact, a Reload coating helps prevent fine scratches on paintwork. It can also be used on rubber, plastic, and glass.
Details:
1.- Packaging: Plastic bottle / modern designed label / good trigger
2.- Directions: Simple
3.- Viscosity: Thin
4.- Color: White
5.- Scent: A little strong if you put your nose in the bottle but not noticeable otherwise
6.- Regular Price: 1.7 oz. (50ml) = $ 9.99
7.- Regular Price: 13.5 oz. (400ml) = $29.99
8.- Manufacturer: CarPro
9.- Made in: Korea
Product:
Environmental Conditions: (over the course of 4 vehicles)
85-94 Deg. F / 50-70% Humidity
Surface Temperatures:
Not measured (My apologies)
Preparation:
The first time I used reload I was working on our daily drivers. As is my weekend routine I had carted a good portion of my products out to the garage the night before. The two products selected for protection on our daily drivers were Optimum Car Wax and CarPro Reload. I was looking forward to using the Reload but having never used it before I decided to bring a reliable backup I was familiar with. I also figured (considering the price) I didn’t want to use a bunch up on 2 cars so I planned to use the Reload on one and the OCW which I have a gallon of on the other.
So after the initial wash I went over each panel one at a time with an apc and my wash mitt to remove any oils. Typically when I do this I use my apc 3:1 but this time used it straight applying it to the wet panel and instantly wiping and then rinsing. As I was rinsing I found I had somehow stained the paint with the cleaner. I tried to wash it a couple times with my UPGW and mitt I had in the bucket but it wasn’t budging. Little spray dots and streaks… So as I considered getting out the paint cleaner or Flex I decided to keep moving on the tasks at hand. I dried the vehicle and washed and dried the next as well.
After doing some other detailing I decided to put off any polishing attempts for the next time and go ahead and get to the fun part.
Application:
With the vehicle under shade I sprayed half the hood twice and immediately wiped half the hood down with my rolled edge mf towel. Then I flipped the towel over and buffed it with the fresh side of the towel. As I was moving to the next section I discovered the weird spot/stains I had were gone from the area I had applied Reload. Not sure how that works but I was very happy!
I continued my application of spray/wipe/flip/wipe and noted that it took very little product to coat each panel. I had read somewhere that application had been difficult, which was one reason I had my OCW near by as backup. I wasn’t expecting this seamless application.
Well, before I had finished the first vehicle I was so happy with the ease of use and small amount of product needed I decided I would use it on the other car as well and continue my experience.
Another vehicle and some pictures:
Here is another vehicle I worked on a couple weeks ago.
This is what it looked like when I started.
Setting up the canopy
Before
I’ll save the story that emerged over the next three days for another thread(s).
Simply put the Taurus went through its due process before getting to the Reload Step.
Video: CarPro Reload Application
09 Reload Application.wmv - YouTube
As you can see application takes place in a matter of minutes. 5-10 for this size vehicle not including wheels. On this vehicle it was applied to wheels as well.
And this is what it looked like after. Note: These pictures were taken the following weekend when I took possession of the vehicle again to finish the touch up paintwork. The day of application I was so busy with the interior and other issues on top of the fear of rain clouds I was unable to get many after pictures.
Fortunately the owner had been so thrilled with the vehicle she had decided not to drive it all week and instead borrowed her husbands for work.
While I was at it I decided to make a couple beading shots.
Observations:
Ok, lets get back to the daily drivers I coated with Reload a few weeks ago. As you remember that was my first experience with the product and after application I was not impressed with the looks. Not sure if it was because of the clouds or what but a couple hours later I came back to look at them and was quite impressed with the way they looked.
I haven’t washed them since I applied the Reload, as I’ve been extremely busy. Last weekend my neighbor was chatting with me and he mentioned something about my daily drivers parked in front of his house. He said he was enjoying the cars being parked there because they just glowed at him every time he looked out the window.
These vehicles see a lot of road time and sit outside 24-7. Currently our parking lot at work is under construction and every day I leave work my car is covered in a layer of fine sand. By the time I get home and park it that sand is gone. Now, with all the rain and everything it does look dirty right up close but it still has a glow and high level of gloss to it even when its dirty.
Durability:
I haven’t tested durability beyond a month yet but here is a video and some pictures showing the beading on our dirty daily driver that hadn’t been washed in a couple weeks at the time. If you remember this hood was coated a long time ago but FYI: on the right side of the hood I removed the coating with polish a couple months ago.
Video: Raining on Dirty Car (2+ weeks since being washed)
31 Reload Beading on Dirty Car.wmv - YouTube
Beading Shots:
These pictures were taken on the reload section of a test panel I recently created which compares the different nano-tech spray coatings.
These are the beads on a clean black test panel. I thought you guys might enjoy these pictures.
Take a real good look at this final picture. Look at the large bead in the center closely… That’s Cool!!
Cost:
This is how much product I’ve used to do 4 cars including glass and paint as well as a bit of testing. Wheels only done on one of the 4 cars. Note: this is a 13.5 (400 ml) bottle so I’ve used about 0.9 to 1.3 oz per car.
This chart is based on a few assumptions and of course product used varies depending on the size of the vehicle, the user, and the towel.
Cost Chart:
My Tips:
This is what I have done every time with no problems.
1.- Apply to clean cool surface as follows
2.- Spray sparingly across section (Approximately 1 spray per 3 sq. ft.)
3.- Wipe and spread immediately
4.- Flip towel and buff off immediately
Additional Tips Avi has posted:
6.- Use a short weave mf towel
7.- For black cars you can dilute Reload: (1) part Reload to (0.5) or (0.7) parts water
Additional Tips:
09.- Test Reload in an inconspicuous area before applying to the whole car
10.- In case of uneven areas, wipe off Reload with isopropyl alcohol
11.- Paint should be clean and free of solvents or wax before applying Reload
Pros:
1.- Application: Ease of use
2.- Price: Half the price per application of other nanotech spray coatings
3.- Appearance: Talk about Gloss!
4.- Time Saver: Car stays cleaner and looks great longer
5.- Additional protection from acids
6.- Apply to wet or dry vehicle (Clean of course)
7.- Enhances the anti-static, hydrophobic nature of Cquartz
8.- Wait time: No long cure time needed
???:
1.- Durability
2.- Have you used this product? Please share your experiences or questions
Cons:
1.- Price: more expensive then some polymer spray sealants
2.- Prep: For best durability take the time to remove all oils from the surface
3.- Can apparently be touchy on darker colors but I haven’t seen this so not sure about that. (See dilution for darker colored cars)
Final Observations and Summary:
Reload is a fast and effective way to add a sacrificial nanotech silica based coating over your primary coating or to use as a standalone product for protection. And it definitely adds gloss to the paint. Reload also resists acids and pollutants better than polymer sealants and waxes.
Reload is half the price of other nanotech spray coatings but more expensive than polymer sprays. You can purchase a spray sealant or spray wax for less money but don’t expect your car to stay as clean. And 2 weeks after you’ve washed it, don’t expect it to still have the glow that you will still see with Reload.
As far as claims about Reloads ability to help prevent fine scratches on paintwork I can’t prove or disprove this claim without a very involved and long-term test. It is logical that as a silica based nano product that its ability to release dirt easier than traditional spray on sealants and waxes would mean it would be less likely to receive those scratches.
I haven’t made a big deal about something I think is important so I will do so here. Use the product sparingly and wipe immediately! Then flip or switch to a clean towel and buff immediately. CarPro recommends short weave towels.
Thank you for taking the time to read this review! Cheers
