Seeking wet, molten glass coating recommendation.

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Dustin Cropsboy

Member
I'm new to ceramic coatings. I have heard even simple Can Coat will give a crisp, sharp, glass-- however, I have also heard that mirror shine can also kill (or at least really dampen) the deep, wet, carnauba-looking, molten glass effect of a longer-lasting coating underneath it.

I certainly don't have a high-end sports car, or anything like that-- in fact, it's a daily driver Toyota station wagon, lol! But it is new, and it's (soft) metallic red paint is pretty. The "finish line red" paint seems to "glow" when the sun (or other bright lights) hit it. (The pics aren't my exact vehicle, just the same trim and color.)

.car.jpgcar1.webpcar2.jpgcar3.jpg

I'd really, really like to amplify that paint with a drippy-wet, molten-glass, ceramic coating.

I wish 22ple Insanity was more long-lasting.
I am even tempted to pay a local Modesta installer.
I've heard Feynlab Ceramic is pretty candy-looking, too, but in addition to just pure shine, I'm also wanting a deep, molten, warm-wax look.

What coating will give me a warm, "you're-about-to-fall-into-a-deep-lake" wet, molten-glass look? Bonus points if it sheets instead of just makes showy beads. I hate water spots.

What's my best choice? I'm not kitted out to be able to do this myself (I'd probably put more swirls in it than I would take out if I bought paint correcting gear, lol), so if I am going to pay someone, I might as well focus on the more "professional grade" installer options, but I don't even know what is a pro-tier and what is an off-the-shelf brand.

Edit: So... if some prep techniques, corrective activities, prep products, polishes, etc. can make it look wet, deep, molten-glass... and some prep techniques, corrective activities, prep products, polishes, etc., can make it look like a shallow mirror (and other looks I've seen) what do I ask for when "shopping" for an installer in order to achieve the deeper, wetter, molten look?

I know I'm not dealing with a great starting point-- the paint is only 3-4mil thick on this little red wagon, but what exactly could still be done in the prep phase to make it deep and molten-y?
 
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From a practicality and simplicity point, I'd stick with one coating. The layers are microscopically thin and the top layer is typically the one that affects the appearance.

Of the handful of coatings I've used, I found Gyeon's to look the best. Their Pure EVO tends to have a more wax-like, candy coated appearance, while MOHS Evo is a little more glass and reflective and doesn't have the depth of Pure EVO.
 
A coating will not 'stick/adhere/bond' to another coating/LSP if applied on top of one.

The majority of the 'look' you are wanting will be realized from either paint correction/gloss enhancement (polishing). The coating, or any LSP for that matter, is just the icing on the cake; however, they can have a subtle different 'look' to them.

I'd start with good defect free paint, remove all polishing oils/etc with a panel wipe/prep product and then either seal it, wax it or coat it, depending upon what you are looking for in your LSP.

(LSP- Last Step Product)
 
Sizzle Chest said:
A coating will not 'stick/adhere/bond' to another coating/LSP if applied on top of one.
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But, but...don't some mfrs have a two-step product, like Gyeon Q2 Syncro EVO? And certainly the Opti-Coat pro coatings have been multi-layer for a long time.

Sizzle Chest said:
The majority of the 'look' you are wanting will be realized from either paint correction/gloss enhancement (polishing). The coating, or any LSP for that matter, is just the icing on the cake; however, they can have a subtle different 'look' to them.
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Are you trying to say that process>product? ;) :)
 
Sizzle Chest said:
...

The majority of the 'look' you are wanting will be realized from either paint correction/gloss enhancement (polishing). The coating, or any LSP for that matter, is just the icing on the cake; however, they can have a subtle different 'look' to them.

I'd start with good defect free paint, remove all polishing oils/etc with a panel wipe/prep product and then either seal it, wax it or coat it, depending upon what you are looking for in your LSP.
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So, then... if some prep techniques, corrective activities, prep products, polishes, etc. can make it look wet, deep, molten-glass... and some prep techniques, corrective activities, prep products, polishes, etc., can make it look like a shallow mirror (and other looks I've seen) what do I ask for when "shopping" for an installer in order to achieve the deeper, wetter, molten look?
 
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Setec Astronomy said:
But, but...don't some mfrs have a two-step product, like Gyeon Q2 Syncro EVO? And certainly the Opti-Coat pro coatings have been multi-layer for a long time.


Are you trying to say that process>product? ;) :)
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Yep, but those are made to work together...it's not like putting X brand coating over Y brand sealant/etc.

And I believe that's what I'm saying, LOL!!!
 
It sounds like you’re looking for a ceramic coating that enhances depth rather than just providing a sharp mirror-like reflection. If you want that warm, molten-glass look with rich depth, you’ll need a combination of a high-quality ceramic coating and proper paint preparation. Some professional-grade coatings are known for giving a warm, deep glow rather than just a crisp reflection. The key, though, is in the prep—polishing techniques and certain finishing polishes can help enhance the depth before the coating is applied. When looking for an installer, ask about their paint correction process and if they have experience with coatings that prioritize depth over reflectivity.
 
Brenan Jiran said:
It sounds like you’re looking for a ceramic coating that enhances depth rather than just providing a sharp mirror-like reflection. If you want that warm, molten-glass look with rich depth, you’ll need a combination of a high-quality ceramic coating and proper paint preparation. Some professional-grade coatings are known for giving a warm, deep glow rather than just a crisp reflection. The key, though, is in the prep—polishing techniques and certain finishing polishes can help enhance the depth before the coating is applied. When looking for an installer, ask about their paint correction process and if they have experience with coatings that prioritize depth over reflectivity.
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Thanks! What polishing techniques and what finishing polishes enhance the depth (compared to others)?
 
Dustin Cropsboy said:
Thanks! What polishing techniques and what finishing polishes enhance the depth (compared to others)?
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I think this comes down to how much you want to spend and how much time and effort you want to put in it.

Since the car is new and good shape you could do a one-step polish that would remove any swirls from the factory/dealership and leave you with a really nice finish. If you are wanting to really go the extra mile you could do a two step process to get every n-th degree of gloss out of the paint and perfection from the finish. Slapping a good coating on it will enhance it further like icing on the cake.
 
Dustin Cropsboy:
I would be interested in knowing what coating you DID finally choose to use and why, regardless if you did it yourself OR had a professional detailing apply it.
Seems like these questions about coatings ALWAYS comes up within this forum:
Which coating is the best on (you pick a car color)?
Which coating has the best shine/gloss/reflectivity?
Which coating sheets/sheens water instead of beading? Or Which coating beads and has water run off the best?
And the ubiquitous Which coating lasts the longest?
I'll add my two questions:
Which coating is easiest to apply?
Which coating is the most cost-effective? (not cheapest, but bang-for-the-buck)

What IS this new Toyota "Wagon" of yours? I saw a new Toyota Crown in a Red/Black/Silver exterior here in Green Bay filing up at Costco. Looked pretty neat-cool. No, I did not get to talk to the owner as he was gone by time I was done filling up my vehicle, in my nosy Captain Obvious manner usually does.
 
I think coatings look more like a hard candy shell. If you want dripping wet Wolfgang Sio2 spray will give you what you want.
 
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