A few questions about my Cquartz application

conman1395 said:

Questions

1. How long does Cquartz Classic last on the shelf if unopened?
There is an expiration date on the bottom of the bottle, I would go with that as an estimate. CarPro's official answer on their website is 1 year minimum assuming the bottle is kept away from moisture and kept in controlled environment (ie indoors)

2. I will be moving about a 45 minute highway drive from home. If I do Cquartz, how many days at least should I give the coating to cure before I drive that far on the highway. I do have Reload to apply as well. I know I can't use chemicals for 7 days, and I don't know if it's okay to just use water to try and clean the car.
Let it cure overnight minimum.

3. Any tips for taking care of the car before I can use chemicals (soap/rinseless/waterless) to clean? Or any other tips in general?
Park in sunlight immediately after application for as long as possible if you can. This will accelerate curing as it is effectively baking the car at a higher temp than just leaving it in the garage. I like to use Reset Shampoo for washes, and I apply D156 as I am drying with almost every wash. It helps with drying and also adds a bit of protection. I have found Reload to be quite tricky to use with their latest batch, so I have personally stopped using it, but 22ple VS1 Final Coat is a great coating topper if you wanted to try something like that... otherwise just stick with a quick detail spray. As with any LSP, remove bug guts and bird bombs asap, and wash ever 1-2 weeks as needed.

Thank you,
Connor

Click to expand...

See responses in red above

zmcgovern45 said:

See responses in red above

Click to expand...

Are you finding a 2015 batch of Reload to be tricky?

Also, how are you applying VS1? I tried the suede towel and the foam block methods and did not like it, I've just been using a traditional 2 towel method like I would with a spray wax.

Audios S6 said:

Are you finding a 2015 batch of Reload to be tricky?

Also, how are you applying VS1? I tried the suede towel and the foam block methods and did not like it, I've just been using a traditional 2 towel method like I would with a spray wax.

Click to expand...

2015 is considerably better... I just prefer a completely fool proof quick detailer like D156 that literally couldn't be screwed up if you tried. Just makes for a much more pleasing experience for myself. Personal choice, that's all.

For VS1, I use a microfiber applicator. Mist some VS1 onto the applicator, then wipe the panel (most of the VS1 will flash away while wiping), then follow lightly with a plush towel. Work my way around the car in this manner. Takes just 10-15 minutes to apply to the entire vehicle with no streaking or smearing.

conman1395 said:

Thank you.

On the drive there I will have to go through some highway construction. Should I just go to a coin-operated DIY as soon as possible to blast off what I can with water and finish with spot free?

So you find the new 2015 version to be difficult as well?

Click to expand...

I would just wait a full 5-7 days before cleaning the car in any way. A little dust/dirt will not hurt anything in the meantime.

Not difficult. See comments above.

Conner - You can wipe off (waterless wash misted on for lubrication) the bugs if you really end up with a ton. A little dirt isn't going to hurt the car while your moving. I drive thru an hour of construction everyday and don't wash every week.

Reload 2015 is pretty easy to use. If you use too much you can get som streaking, but if you do it right you will have no issues.

conman1395 said:

Okay cool. Just to make sure (sorry):

Don't bother cleaning the car, even going on a 45 minute highway drive through some construction?

During that 5-7 day curing period, I would still want to get any bugs accumulated from the drive off in addition to any possible bird droppings right?

I really appreciate your help Zach. Don't mean to sound stupid, but you and Todd are the main two authors who I followed on DI a few years ago and started my whole detailing hobby eventually landing me a job as the main paint correction specialist for the top detail shop in my city. Even though I am only 20, I was able to prove myself to my boss over time and you and Todd were the ones who got me started.

Click to expand...

Great to hear! Thanks for the kind words.

Definitely don't sounds stupid... all good questions.

As far as general dirt/dust... no real need to worry about it.

If bugs or bird bombs are found, it is a good idea to remove them. As already mentioned, some waterless/rinseless wash would be a good idea. For bugs, you could even just soak a towel in warm water and then let that towel sit on the paint for several minutes to loosen the bug guts, then wipe away. If they are fresh, that often helps a lot!

Don't worry too much about it while it cures... typical dirt is no big deal. Harmful contaminates should be removed.

Wash it after 7 days (and every other week or so) and hit it with some Reload (or similar) from time to time and you'll have an easy to maintain vehicle.