Natural Look vs "Glassy" Look -- Which do YOU prefer?

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The Critic

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This car is owned by the same friends who own the FX35. I had previously corrected and coated this 350z with Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 back in October 2013.

This time, it is getting detailed because some areas needed some additional attention. The owner also took advantage of this opportunity to remove the Opti-Coat 2.0 for something that is slicker and glossier.

This time, I decided to take pictures of the car both after the paint correction was done (but before coating) and also after the coating was applied. I have never taken side-by-side comparison pictures before, so I am really curious as to what you folks think. As you folks already know, CQuartz UK adds a very glass-like or "glassy" look to the paint... and I think these side-by-side pictures clearly illustrate the difference.

Prep:

Wash – Meguiars D110 + Microfiber Madness Incredisponge
Wheels – Wheel Woolies Large + Meguiars D110, followed by Iron-X to remove the stubborn deposits. The owner did not allow me to use wheel cleaner.
Clay – Nanoskin Wash Mitt, medium grade

Paint Correction:

Correction Step:

Polishers – Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES
Pads – Buff & Shine Orange Medium Cut Foam Pad, 6.25"
Product – HD Adapt

Note: both the pillars and the painted strip above the windshield, were hand-compounded using Meguiars M101 and a foam applicator pad. Also, after this correction step, the finish was already 90% LSP ready -- HD Adapt performed EXTREMELY well!

Finishing Step:

Polishers – Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES and Rupes LHR75E Mini
Pads – Rupes Yellow Polishing Foam Pads, 7” and 3”
Product – HD Polish

Protection:

Pre-coating wipedown - CarPro Eraser
Paint – Two coats of CarPro CQuartz UK, 2013 edition. This was followed-up with CarPro Reload.
Wheels – Wiped down with Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer
Tires – Optimum Opti-Bond
Trim – Blackwow Pro

Time spent: 15 hours. It is still not completely done – there are a few streaks and high spots that will need to be fixed once the coating has cured. :cry:

These pictures were taken after the paint correction was done, but before the coating was applied.

DSC_0165 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0163 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0160 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0159 by thecritic89, on Flickr

Now, take a look at these pictures – these were taken after two coats of CarPro CQuartz UK were applied.

DSC_0173 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0174 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0172 by thecritic89, on Flickr

DSC_0169 by thecritic89, on Flickr

Which look do you prefer -- natural or super-duper glossy?
 
Personally, I like the finish looking dripping wet....Glossy! :props:
 
I agree, when you go thru the process of correcting the paint, I want it to look like you could jump in and take a swim.

HUMP
 
looks great . I have 1 SUV with dp coating and 1 car with opticoat and as soon as weather cooperates here ,they are both getting cquk .
 
The Critic said:
This time, I decided to take pictures of the car both after the paint correction was done (but before coating) and also after the coating was applied.

I have never taken side-by-side comparison pictures before...
these side-by-side pictures

Which look do you prefer -- natural or super-duper glossy?
Click to expand...
I know these write-ups are time consuming...
so thanks for doing this one.
{For the "side-by-sides", though, I'll have to print out your photos :D}

Now...
I've seen mention of: 'Which do you prefer:
-The glassy, sterile look; or,
-The warm, deep look...

But if you mean by "natural look"...that the paint has been fully corrected but left LSP-bare;
then, IMHO, it would not be fair to compare it with not only a "Coating's look"...but with any "LSP's look"...whether they are deemed to add any degree of glossiness----even super duper glossiness---or not.

-Surely everybody, (at least I do), that takes the time to go through all of the processes to achieve full paint correction wants the results to be as glossy as possible, even before an application of any LSP.

The follow-up then, of a most recommended application of an LSP, and the "look" it provides is subjective at best: again IMHO.

Bob
 
I've heard CQ is a glossy LSP.

In all fairness, before pic is in the sun and after is in the shade.
 
Glossy for sure. On an orange or red car, however, a little warmth doesn't hurt.

Not to get off topic, but does that 350Z have a trailer hitch on it?!
 
When I'm out I look for near perfect finishes. Even at car meets/shows. I never see any. My car is a DD, I took my car inside Meguiar's Garage.

They say sun is the best light, idk Meguiar's light is pretty cruel lol, so that lead me to go buy a halogen light, until Christopher finishes his next article.

I did see Barry Meguiar's 57 right in person inside the Meguiar's cruel lights. I will say this, the car is Jet Black and looked beautiful. (It was a 57 :D)

made me miss my 55' lol
 
Just curious, how long do you wait in between coats of CQuartz UK, and between your last coat and using Reload? Thanks
 
Glassy no doubt. CQUK looks amazing. Just jaw dropping.

It darkens the paint so it adds a rich depth, but has a glassy coating look which I love
 
pro 4x said:
Yea, Whats up with the hitch?
Click to expand...

Not to speak for the OP, but if I had a Z as my only car, and I wanted to transport bicycles or skis, the only finish-safe option would be a hitch mounted rack.
 
It really depends on the color. For black, I prefer the glassy look but I also want depth.

Nice work bro!
 
Glassy for sure! I love the look of EXO. Haven't tried it with C1 yet. That is coming very soon!
 
Great job! That CQ UK looks great on that blue! How do you like the Incredisponge? I have the Incredimitt and like it a lot. Thanks for sharing...
 
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