Is PBL Diamond Paint Coating susceptible to scratching in and of itself?

Sorry Folks I am going to give you my 2 cents worth...any sealant, any wax, how hard it is...etc. If you do not properly care for your car there will be scratches....PERIOD. NO PRODUCT and that includes celajet (a sealant used for commercial airplanes) can still cause scratches if you do not properly take care of your car. TECHNIQUE TRUMPS PRODUCT anytime, any day.

Now I am ready for the bashing!
 
The real question here is are you really sure you want to chase perfection on a black daily driver? I dont recommend it.
Those scratches could be as simple as someone brushing up against it while getting in their car.
 
I'm using PBL on my DD and some customers, unfortunately from what I see it's still scratch able. Maybe slightly less, but nothing significative.

What I've noticed is that it offers slick durable protection that allows you to wash and maintain the vehicle easier and with much less risk of instilling swirls back while doing it.

You can rinse (I foam and rinse) much more clean before the formal wash. Sometimes (on my car I don't have enough time to maintain) I just foam and rinse, and dry with water sheeting the most I can, it goes back to shiny state just like I've washed and waxed (have to do this weekly to work best, but it's soooo fast...).

Scratch resistance on PBL is not a problem to me since I've not ordered it based on scratch resistance claims, but based on durability of protection claims.

In this case, durability of protection is showing results even above the claims, if you want to stay months (the durability I was able to see until now since it's new) without waxing / sealing and not worry about it, I cannot think of anything else. I suspect it'll last close to 3 years claimed, but if last 1.5 year it'll still be the best around.

I'm trying to educate customers this way: after applying the coating, they come back in between 15-20 days to watch a wash. This is the time I'm seeing they really trust what I've applied - I'm 'proving my claims', live.

I've tried it once while waxing, but customer travelled a lot and got some constant rainstorm in the period. Wax washed away, and I couldn't believe the state the vehicle turned out in ~1 month.

That means I couldn't trust the wax, as I blindly trust PBL protection. I had to re-wax (for free) in consideration to what I've claimed (but didn't happen with the Wax protection).

That's it, PBL is all about protection, and having it on my own car makes it possible for me to follow up my work. Mine was the first applied (NOV/13), so it's beading strong like the first day, washing is still easy... customers (I've applied later) should be equal or better.

I also have a scratch resistant protection google (polycarbonate lens), which I never tried to scratch or test it's resistance. It's scratch free for about 6 months, and that shows it resists light scratches.

However, if I get some dirty wash mitt or brush I've seen at fast-wash service, I'm pretty sure it would scratch my googles!

Hope I've helped,

Kind Regards.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
If you do not properly care for your car there will be scratches....PERIOD.

^^^:iagree:^^^
Big difference between being scratch-resistant and scratch-proof!

NO PRODUCT and that includes celajet (a sealant used for commercial airplanes)

Now I am ready for the bashing!
Click to expand...
No bashing...

"Ne vous étonnez pas de cela car l'heure vient où tous ceux qui sont dans les sépulcres entendront sa voix, et en sortiront."

Bob
 
Tato said:
I'm using PBL on my DD and some customers, unfortunately from what I see it's still scratch able. Maybe slightly less, but nothing significative.

What I've noticed is that it offers slick durable protection that allows you to wash and maintain the vehicle easier and with much less risk of instilling swirls back while doing it.

You can rinse (I foam and rinse) much more clean before the formal wash. Sometimes (on my car I don't have enough time to maintain) I just foam and rinse, and dry with water sheeting the most I can, it goes back to shiny state just like I've washed and waxed (have to do this weekly to work best, but it's soooo fast...).

Scratch resistance on PBL is not a problem to me since I've not ordered it based on scratch resistance claims, but based on durability of protection claims.

In this case, durability of protection is showing results even above the claims, if you want to stay months (the durability I was able to see until now since it's new) without waxing / sealing and not worry about it, I cannot think of anything else. I suspect it'll last close to 3 years claimed, but if last 1.5 year it'll still be the best around.

I'm trying to educate customers this way: after applying the coating, they come back in between 15-20 days to watch a wash. This is the time I'm seeing they really trust what I've applied - I'm 'proving my claims', live.

I've tried it once while waxing, but customer travelled a lot and got some constant rainstorm in the period. Wax washed away, and I couldn't believe the state the vehicle turned out in ~1 month.

That means I couldn't trust the wax, as I blindly trust PBL protection. I had to re-wax (for free) in consideration to what I've claimed (but didn't happen with the Wax protection).

That's it, PBL is all about protection, and having it on my own car makes it possible for me to follow up my work. Mine was the first applied (NOV/13), so it's beading strong like the first day, washing is still easy... customers (I've applied later) should be equal or better.

I also have a scratch resistant protection google (polycarbonate lens), which I never tried to scratch or test it's resistance. It's scratch free for about 6 months, and that shows it resists light scratches.

However, if I get some dirty wash mitt or brush I've seen at fast-wash service, I'm pretty sure it would scratch my googles!

Hope I've helped,

Kind Regards.
Click to expand...

Hey Tato!! I completely agree with you!! I have been wearing glasses since the 2nd grade (I am OLD) and I buy the scratch proof lenses and everything else to prevent scratches....I still have scratches on my lenses!!

My tecchnique for cleaning my lenses SUCKED!! I now use the Micro Fiber towels to clean my lenses....
Have an awesome day!!

:xyxthumbs:
 
FUNX725 said:
No bashing...

"Ne vous étonnez pas de cela car l'heure vient où tous ceux qui sont dans les sépulcres entendront sa voix, et en sortiront."

Bob
Click to expand...

FUNX725 Yahoo!! Thanks for agreeing!! You have an awesome day and take care!!! PS: My guess that was French!!..LOL

:buffing:
 
camaro2ssblack said:
The real question here is are you really sure you want to chase perfection on a black daily driver? I dont recommend it.
Those scratches could be as simple as someone brushing up against it while getting in their car.
Click to expand...

Agreed camaro2ssblack. I had a scratch from a very large lady trying to get by my car. Her behind scratched my side....grrr Not bad...polish took care of that. I always park very far from anyone in the parking lot too. She said she needed the exercise!! Crazy!!

You have good taste in cars...Detroit Muscle rocks!! I think you will know I am a little more fond of the Mustang though.....LOL
:dblthumb2:
 
Having a black scratch free ride is dam near impossible, especially as a dd!
 
28ONE said:
I keep telling myself that!
Click to expand...

But Black on a car looks so good and sexy!! Like a beautiful Woman (or your girlfriend or wife) in a sexy black dress!! That woman is very beautiful and very high maintenance and expects to be cared for!! No questions asked!!.....OOPS I meant my Black Mustang GT!!....LOL DOH!!!

Im the MAN
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
But Black on a car looks so good and sexy!! Like a beautiful Woman (or your girlfriend or wife) in a sexy black dress!! That woman is very beautiful and very high maintenance and expects to be cared for!! No questions asked!!.....OOPS I meant my Black Mustang GT!!....LOL DOH!!!

Im the MAN
Click to expand...

rofl - I agree 100% - love hate relationship :xyxthumbs:
 
FUNX725 said:
...
"Ne vous étonnez pas de cela car l'heure vient où tous ceux qui sont dans les sépulcres entendront sa voix, et en sortiront."
...
Click to expand...

St Bob's Gospel, 5.28.
 
artofdetailing said:
AH! I was waiting for this post. Coatings are just longer lasting waxes/ sealants. The only "scratch resistant" coatings are Modesta and Ceramic Pro. They have a hardness of 9H. For that reason, I only offer those coatings now.
Click to expand...

There are other coatings that claim the same...but I don't want to test Meghan's patience...
 
Jaretr1 said:
I would disagree with the comment that most coatings are just another form of wax or sealant. I think there is a completely different chemistry involved and all the coatings provide an actual measurable different to the paint thickness. Perhaps someone with some scientific facts to back up what I am saying can chime in. I am certain Dr. G would not agree his coating is just a form of a wax. There are far to many people on this forum that are both professional detailers and enthusiasts who have used a variety of different coatings and written about how much longer they have lasted compared to a wax or sealant.

Having said that, I am a wax guy myself because I have to have the "need" to keep my car maintained and protected, so I dont mind needing to wax it however often it needs it. This fuels my OCD.
Click to expand...

Ok so it makes the paint thickness greater? It still does the same thing as a sealant or wax. I said the main difference is that the last longer. Much longer.
 
rms64 said:
Hi everyone,

A little frustrated here. I was the lucky winner of some PBL products recently, one of which was PBL Diamond Paint Coating (still owe the forum a review - forthcoming) which I applied to my 335i a few weeks ago after doing an "update" polish which in my opinion got me to about 95% correction on this daily driver.

Let me say first I am thrilled with this stuff - it looks incredibly glossy, is easy to apply and based on some recent bird bombs, pollen attacks here in Orlando, and general daily driving is simply incredible in terms of protection.

That being said, I have both washed (2BM) and ONR'd my car over the past couple of weeks and tonight as I was doing a little cleanup noticed some fine straight-line scratches - not terrible, but noticeable due to my OCD issues.

So my question - is the coating itself "scratchable" or am I noticing now previous issues that I hadn't detected? I understand that the scratching HAS to be somehow due to my technique, but I am SO careful while washing, etc, using high quality products / microfibers, the two-bucket method, etc. I am just generally annoyed that these scratches have now appeared (or been just noticed - I swear they weren't there before).

I'm thinking I need to step up and spring for a master blaster for drying purposes as this may be a weak point in my process.

Anyway, any experiences / feedback / comments are much appreciated. I'll try to post some pics later, but I'm having a hard time capturing what I'm talking about using my camera phone.


Thanks all! :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

What you are noticing is what I have noticed as well regarding the scratching. I am uber careful about my wash procedure:

Rinse
Foam- dwell as long as I dare before it dries out.
Rinse
Foam- hit each panel I'm about to wash with a mitt.
2BW With optimum car wash and a microfiber madness incredimitt.
Rinse
Blowdry
Blot water with dry me crazy towel.

What I have noticed is very fine scratches in long straight lines that are not very deep at all. This leads me to believe the coating and only the coating is scratching.

I have also noticed that an application of the PBL Booster sends to at least partially correct those scratches.
 
aim4squirrels said:
What you are noticing is what I have noticed as well regarding the scratching. I am uber careful about my wash procedure.

What I have noticed is very fine scratches in long straight lines that are not very deep at all. This leads me to believe the coating and only the coating is scratching.

I have also noticed that an application of the PBL Booster sends to at least partially correct those scratches.
Click to expand...

My experience exactly - so I guess the next question (as raised earlier) would be how to address these or just live with it...
 
Good question rms64.

I'm to try PBL cleansing polish over my coating (test panel first) to see if it does what stated:

Use Black Label Surface Cleansing Polish as part of your maintenance program for your preferred paint, wheel, or glass coating products. Thanks to its non-abrasive formula, the polish won’t abrade the surface, thus preserving the layer of protection created by the coating. It will remove staining and embedded dirt that has accumulated over time, rejuvenating the shine and boosting the impressive water-sheeting characteristics of the coating.
Pinnacle Black Label Surface Cleansing Polish

I'll start with a finishing pad, so I believe the related fine swirls and scratches (which I also have, black DD...) will not be affected.

If I find the need to switch for a polishing (white flat) pad, maybe I can do have more cleaning power and light cut (from pad) over swirls, but I'm not willing to strip my coat (pretty sure this will not be the case with light polishing pad and PBL non-abrasive cleansing polish).

I'll do it as soon as I find some time.

Tell us if you have another approach.

Kind Regards.
 
I need to add that I also use a specific MF chenille mitt for the bottom portion of my vehicle and I always wash top down.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
Agreed camaro2ssblack. I had a scratch from a very large lady trying to get by my car. Her behind scratched my side....grrr Not bad...polish took care of that. I always park very far from anyone in the parking lot too. She said she needed the exercise!! Crazy!!

You have good taste in cars...Detroit Muscle rocks!! I think you will know I am a little more fond of the Mustang though.....LOL
:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Yeah I would notice things like that on my garage queen Camaro and I could tell either my kids or a stranger had rubbed their hand on the paint or brushed up against the car. I will return the compliment on the taste in cars, however, I actually sold my Camaro in January. Honestly just got bored with it and now looking for a new toy. Definitely won't be a Mustang though ;)
j/k
 
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