Most user friendly ceramic coating?

Daven75

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Hey guys,

I just picked up a new car and I'm looking to ceramic coat it. I was curious, what is the most user friendly ceramic coat that lasts at least a year?

Seems like CarPro cquartz UK 3.0 might be my best bet?
 
Even though it doesn’t fit what you’re asking for... Someone’s going to say “Cancoat” lol.
 
Even though it doesn’t fit what you’re asking for... Someone’s going to say “Cancoat” lol.
I guess I should add, I'm willing to do a less lasting coating if its super easy to apply and not terribly expensive. but if it's like a $30 diff between 6mo and 1-2 years and a little work, seems stupid to go for less.
 
CQUK 3.0 is pretty easy. But WGUC is easier in my opinion. We got 2 years out of WGUC including winters. I’ve used both and like both.
 
I used CQUK 2.O and the "normal" CQuartz coatings and both were very easy to use. Everyone using version 3.0 say it's easier yet, so it should be a real winner.

The old formula of McKee's 37 Paint coating was very easy to use as well, but I can't speak for version 2.0 since it was refomulated. It might still be worth researching.

I guess I should add, I'm willing to do a less lasting coating if its super easy to apply and not terribly expensive. but if it's like a $30 diff between 6mo and 1-2 years and a little work, seems stupid to go for less.

Makes sense. I think I'm going to continue to use CanCoat on our cars since they are small and the process is pretty fast/easy, but on our SUV where detailing is never fast or easy, I'm going to go ahead and hit it with a full coating next spring so I don't have to do anything other than keep it clean for the next 18 months.
 
CQUK 3.0 is pretty easy. But WGUC is easier in my opinion. We got 2 years out of WGUC including winters. I’ve used both and like both.

WGUC?

I used CQUK 2.O and the "normal" CQuartz coatings and both were very easy to use. Everyone using version 3.0 say it's easier yet, so it should be a real winner.

The old formula of McKee's 37 Paint coating was very easy to use as well, but I can't speak for version 2.0 since it was refomulated. It might still be worth researching.



Makes sense. I think I'm going to continue to use CanCoat on our cars since they are small and the process is pretty fast/easy, but on our SUV where detailing is never fast or easy, I'm going to go ahead and hit it with a full coating next spring so I don't have to do anything other than keep it clean for the next 18 months.

Yea, thats my main issue is the size. Although, I've been used to cleaning SUV's my whole life so idk lol. Im really debating on Cancoat.

My other man issue is the prep work. To my understanding most coatings I just need to do an IPA wipedown if the cars defect free but I was looking at Blackfire's coating and it says you should use their polish to prep the surface. I'm assuming this is not NEEDED if you use an IPA in it's place?
 
Here’s a good list that will suit your needs. In no particular order.

CQuartz UK 3.0
Cquartz Classic
Optimum Gloss Coat - will get you 1 year
Sonax CC36 - will get you 1 year
Pinnacle Black Label V2

If you are looking for something that will get you 6 months to a year then CanCoat would be the way to go. I just got to 13 months with it in my moms car that I polished with Gyeon Primer Polish. Your durability will vary depending on the environment.

My other man issue is the prep work. To my understanding most coatings I just need to do an IPA wipedown if the cars defect free but I was looking at Blackfire's coating and it says you should use their polish to prep the surface. I'm assuming this is not NEEDED if you use an IPA in it's place?

You are correct. If the surface looks good and there is no protection than one could go straight to a coating. A light polish will help in longevity by prepping that surface. If that makes sense.

That Blackfire Polish is non abrasive and you don’t have to use it but it is supposed to clean the surface while leaving layer of SiO2 for the coating to achieve a better bond to the surface.
 
My other man issue is the prep work. To my understanding most coatings I just need to do an IPA wipedown if the cars defect free but I was looking at Blackfire's coating and it says you should use their polish to prep the surface. I'm assuming this is not NEEDED if you use an IPA in it's place?

Rather than using and IPA, I'd use a coating prep spray many coating companies offer like CarPro's Eraser, Gyeon Prep, or even Blackfire's own Paint Prep spray. They are fast and easy, but also have a bit of lubrication in them you don't find in IPA to prevent any potential marring while doing a wipe down.

The prep polish is only a recomendation if you aren't going to polish the surface first.
 
Here’s a good list that will suit your needs. In no particular order.

CQuartz UK 3.0
Cquartz Classic
Optimum Gloss Coat - will get you 1 year
Sonax CC36 - will get you 1 year
Pinnacle Black Label V2

If you are looking for something that will get you 6 months to a year then CanCoat would be the way to go. I just got to 13 months with it in my moms car that I polished with Gyeon Primer Polish. Your durability will vary depending on the environment.



You are correct. If the surface looks good and there is no protection than one could go straight to a coating. A light polish will help in longevity by prepping that surface. If that makes sense.

That Blackfire Polish is non abrasive and you don’t have to use it but it is supposed to clean the surface while leaving layer of SiO2 for the coating to achieve a better bond to the surface.

Ok, so sounds like I did understand it correctly. Cool, thanks for that list. I look into them, so far, cquartz UK seems to be my best option.

Rather than using and IPA, I'd use a coating prep spray many coating companies offer like CarPro's Eraser, Gyeon Prep, or even Blackfire's own Paint Prep spray. They are fast and easy, but also have a bit of lubrication in them you don't find in IPA to prevent any potential marring while doing a wipe down.

The prep polish is only a recomendation if you aren't going to polish the surface first.

Yea, after looking into it some more, CarPro Eraser is probably the way Ill go.
 
I find ceramic coatings to be very easy to apply. It's the prep work that takes time and can be difficult depending on the type of vehicle it is and the condition of the paint surface.

Pinnacle Black Label, Blackfire, Wolfgang, GTechniq, Gyeon, CarPro, Sonax, Britemax, Dr Beasley's, Optimum, McKee's 37 and IGL all offer excellent coatings that will last 12 months or longer.

Car Paint, Glass & Trim Coatings, permanent paint coatings, trim coatings, car glass coating
 
Even though it doesn’t fit what you’re asking for... Someone’s going to say “Cancoat” lol.

I use CanCoat and it is very easy to use. It is a ceramic coating. Can be used as a topper to coated cars or stand alone. I like it and use it and on my 2nd Can. Nothing wrong with this product.

So I am the someone that was going to say CanCoat!.....LOL
 
I use CanCoat and it is very easy to use. It is a ceramic coating. Can be used as a topper to coated cars or stand alone. I like it and use it and on my 2nd Can. Nothing wrong with this product.

So I am the someone that was going to say CanCoat!.....LOL

Thanks. We've been waiting for you.
 
The technology behind using coating has evolved. I was in the same boat as you are just a few months ago. Then I tried cquk 3.0 first. Then McKee's v2 on a different car. Both have their learning curves but this is no different than sealants.

I'm sure you've heard of the term high spots? I don't know about you but that word was new to me and scared me even. But in reality, it's no different than "unbuffed" wax or sealant. Just a different term and looks like oil. Not too worry, the first towel buff will be "grabby" or like the paint is gripping/holding on to your mf, a second towel makes it easier.

Good luck my friend!

Sent from my Mi A1 using Tapatalk
 
The technology behind using coating has evolved. I was in the same boat as you are just a few months ago. Then I tried cquk 3.0 first. Then McKee's v2 on a different car. Both have their learning curves but this is no different than sealants.

I'm sure you've heard of the term high spots? I don't know about you but that word was new to me and scared me even. But in reality, it's no different than "unbuffed" wax or sealant. Just a different term and looks like oil. Not too worry, the first towel buff will be "grabby" or like the paint is gripping/holding on to your mf, a second towel makes it easier.

Good luck my friend!

Sent from my Mi A1 using Tapatalk

Thats actually extremely helpful! I was trying to figure out what that meant and figured I'd find out when I got down to it! lol!
 
Haha! Just don't let it cure/harden (not as fast as your instant glue) before you remove those "high spots"!

Sent from my Mi A1 using Tapatalk
 
PBL paint coating and McKees paint coating. Both are easy, really easy. You can get around 2 years out of them.
 
WGUC?



Yea, thats my main issue is the size. Although, I've been used to cleaning SUV's my whole life so idk lol. Im really debating on Cancoat.

My other man issue is the prep work. To my understanding most coatings I just need to do an IPA wipedown if the cars defect free but I was looking at Blackfire's coating and it says you should use their polish to prep the surface. I'm assuming this is not NEEDED if you use an IPA in it's place?

WGUC = Wolfgang Uber Ceramic
 
CQ 3.0 is easy and a winner. GYEON is easier yet IMO in terms of controlling high-spots. 2 layers of Mohs then 1 of Skin from their Syncro Kit and you won't look back. I've also put 2 layers of Mohs with a quick topping of CanCoat for a super super hydrophobic end game.
 
Haha! Just don't let it cure/harden (not as fast as your instant glue) before you remove those "high spots"!

You have about an hour or so. I have found once it forms you can level / blend them with Essence Plus doing so by hand and a light touch. Doesn't take much to do it.
 
I've used several coatings - I like them all. Only reason for changing brands is looking for the holy grail of coatings. I picked up my new Corvette a week ago and immediately did the prep work and I applied CQuartz UK - 3.0. I have a dark red - Long Beach Red - and the final product is spectacular. Some of the other products I used were 2 step - a base/adhesion coat followed by a top coat. I applied 2 coats of CQuartz - went on extremely EZ, the flash time was minimal. I had one minor high spot - not bad for 2 coats. The high spot polished off easily using Megiars M105 by hand and reapplying CQuartz. I am extremely happy with the CQuartz UK 3.0. Even though the car was brand new, I did paint correction - there was no way I could stop the dealer from washing the car. My gut tells me the guys washing cars at dealers wash Yugo's and $100k cars using the same technique.
 
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