Most Scratch-Resistant DIY Paint Coating?

[zmcgovern45]

While I will certainly agree with you, Richy... the OP was asking about scratch resistance. To me, that means it is harder to scratch a surface, and based on my experiences, it is just as easy to scratch a coating as it is to scratch bare paint. Hence my recommendation of self healing clear bra which truly helps prevent swirl marks and scratches.

 

[richy]

While I will certainly agree with you, Richy... the OP was asking about scratch resistance. To me, that means it is harder to scratch a surface, and based on my experiences, it is just as easy to scratch a coating as it is to scratch bare paint. Hence my recommendation of self healing clear bra which truly helps prevent swirl marks and scratches.

True. Yes, I veered off topic pointing out about once a scratch happens. But you're right, to prevent it takes the same vigilance as it does without a coating. Common sense must prevail.

 

[thefuturenow]

While I will certainly agree with you, Richy... the OP was asking about scratch resistance. To me, that means it is harder to scratch a surface, and based on my experiences, it is just as easy to scratch a coating as it is to scratch bare paint. Hence my recommendation of self healing clear bra which truly helps prevent swirl marks and scratches.

Is there any easy DIY way to add clear bra? Not a big fan of the spray-on clear bra but would love to protect key areas of the vehicle.

While I know the paint coating won't be a miracle, I want the hardest coating available even if it won't meet my expectations. The best of the worst so to speak as far as scratch resistance goes. Especially as there is no in-between option between the coating and clear bra that I could find.

 

[DaveT435]

Polish Angel Glasscoat Invincible Primer 50 ml.

Polish Angel Glasscoat Cosmic 50 ml.

"Once treated with Polish Angel Glasscoat Cosmic, your vehicle will be resistant to scratches, swirl marks, water spots, bird droppings, sap, road grime, and just about any other environmental contamination that it faces on the roadways. The finish remains flawless, crystal clear, and incredibly shiny for upwards of two years. If you want to protect your vehicle with a two-part system, look no further than Polish Angel Glasscoat Cosmic coupled with Polish Angel Glasscoat Invincible Primer."

Coated my Coupe a couple weeks ago:
(2 step application took me a little over an hour not including curing time)

Did you get the Cosmic Spritz?

 

[custmsprty]

Did you get the Cosmic Spritz?

No, I haven't gotten that yet. Since it's garage kept I don't really see the benefit of the added expense. As it is, the coating will last years and years. I have their spray duster, been using that.

 

[DaveT435]

I ended up with two bottles of it. I won't have Cosmic on my car for at least 6 months. With the small amount of PA product it takes I doubt I will be able to use both. If you want one PM me your info and I'll send it to you. It will be a couple weeks before I can ship it, vacation coming up. If you want it just let me know.

 

[thefuturenow]

I have decided to go ahead and add a coating to my new vehicle to lock in the flawless look, even if the scratch-resistance is partially marketing fluff. I know from a forum search that some detailers on here have done their own scratch tests between multiple brands but haven't posted the results, so my main criteria is getting as much scratch protection (as minimal as it may be) as possible but I also want a quality sealant.

 

[richy]

I have decided to go ahead and add a coating to my new vehicle to lock in the flawless look, even if the scratch-resistance is partially marketing fluff. I know from a forum search that some detailers on here have done their own scratch tests between multiple brands but haven't posted the results, so my main criteria is getting as much scratch protection (as minimal as it may be) as possible but I also want a quality sealant.

I think that's a good call. I hate the look of the ppf stuff and have coated our cars. Even if I do get some swirls, at least they won't be as deep into the clear as they would be without the coating.

 

[thefuturenow]

I think that's a good call. I hate the look of the ppf stuff and have coated our cars. Even if I do get some swirls, at least they won't be as deep into the clear as they would be without the coating.

Now, the question is just which coating will be the hardest available on the DIY market. Bulletproof looks quite good as an alternative to the admittedly expensive Gyeon. I would certainly pay a premium for additional scratch resistance though.

 

[FUNX650]

I have decided to go ahead and add a
coating to my new vehicle to lock in the
flawless look, even if the scratch-resistance
is partially marketing fluff.

my main criteria is getting as much scratch
protection (as minimal as it may be) as possible

but I also want a quality sealant.

Since you have decided to go with a 'Coating'...
What will be the purpose of a Sealant? TIA


Bob

 

[thefuturenow]

Since you have decided to go with a 'Coating'...
What will be the purpose of a Sealant? TIA


Bob

Late-night typo on my part, meant to say coating. It's pointless to do both of course.

 

[FUNX650]

Late-night typo on my part, meant to say coating.
It's pointless to do both of course.

Understood.


Bob

 

[A2D Signature]

Nano Hide. It self heals under uv light.

 

[thefuturenow]

Nano Hide. It self heals under uv light.

Looks promising but it doesn't look like they're sell the DIY automotive product yet.

 

[Mike@ShineStruck]

The pro is the self heal, and it's pro installers only
Curious about their Industrial version though

 

[thefuturenow]

The pro is the self heal, and it's pro installers only
Curious about their Industrial version though

Not sure that the NanoHide offers superior protection over other DIY coatings available now. The self-healing aspect isn't a huge deal.

 

[RPM_BR]

Gtechniq C1 (or Crystal Serum Light) topped with Exo.
It is not the magical solution you are looking for, but I would stack layers of coating.
Although it is not recommended, or even pointless, sometimes I apply sealants on top of a coating.
There are clients that the first thing they do is to slide their finger across the panel, and since most of coatings are grabbier than sealants, they end up kinda disappointed with the result.
I try to work with a wowa sealant, and preferably within the same manufacturer, like Reload on top of CQuartz, or C2V3 on top of Exo C1.
There are sealants that are watered down version of a coating, like Reload, which is 5% of SiO2, so this is what I do to minimize the interference of the sealant in the coating's desired properties.
Best regards

 

[thefuturenow]

Gtechniq C1 (or Crystal Serum Light) topped with Exo.
It is not the magical solution you are looking for, but I would stack layers of coating.
Although it is not recommended, or even pointless, sometimes I apply sealants on top of a coating.
There are clients that the first thing they do is to slide their finger across the panel, and since most of coatings are grabbier than sealants, they end up kinda disappointed with the result.
I try to work with a wowa sealant, and preferably within the same manufacturer, like Reload on top of CQuartz, or C2V3 on top of Exo C1.
There are sealants that are watered down version of a coating, like Reload, which is 5% of SiO2, so this is what I do to minimize the interference of the sealant in the coating's desired properties.
Best regards

GTechniq C1 certainly looks promising! I'm assuming you'd recommend it over CQuartz for this purpose?

 

[RPM_BR]

GTechniq C1 certainly looks promising! I'm assuming you'd recommend it over CQuartz for this purpose?

Both are excellent coatings.
But if you are planning doing a combo, yes, I would choose Gtechniq, although CQuartz can be layered as well.
C1 for hardness, and Exo for slickness.
According to an email I received from Gtechniq, when I asked more info regarding the combo application procedures, the interval between C1 and Exo should be 4 hours.
Just watch out for high spots, correct it before curing, or else you'll have to polish it again.
Keep in mind that the second application will darken the color a bit, therefore Exo application must be checked thoroughly, in good light conditions.
As all coatings, I do it first thing in the morning, when you are fresh and more alert, no more late night/last thing coating for me, I would come back in the morning and find mistakes and the coating was cured already, and regret it.
It is tricky, but if you patient and zealous, you can do it.
Best regards, any doubt pm me if you want it, and I hope it helps a bit.