Preparing surface for CQ or OC

richy

richy

New member
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
5,158
Reaction score
0
The key to having a successful application of either CQuartz or Opti Coat is proper surface preparation. The obvious thing here is to have the surface as defect-free as possible. It's like your grad picture...it's gonna show that way for a long time so make sure it's the way you want it! As far as using polishes, do not use something that has glaze or sealant in it. Just use a pure polish.

The other important point and a key to success is properly cleaning the surface prior to application. Avi suggests using a 90/10 mix of 90% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol to 10% Alkaline-based cleaner like Dawn or Krud Kutter or any APC that is high on the alkaline scale. The reason for the mix is that IRA will not, by iteself, remove oils on the surface that can be left by oils in the polish. It needs the assistance of the alkaline. Alkaline cuts oils. So, immediately prior to applying either product, spray the surface with the mix and rub it gently (you don't want to scratch your now perfect finish) till you get the surface squeaky clean. Use 2 mf's: one to apply and one to remove. Lastly, check the surface under LED's if you have them or in the sun (if it's available) or both if you can. If it passes inspection, you're good to go. Crank the tunes, grab a beer and have some fun.

 
Great info buddy! It looks like it is going to be a little too cold & wet this weekend to do CQ. Bummer!
BTW for those new to the forum, IMO Richy has more experience with the coatings than anyone I know!
 
I would recommend that Optimum include a small bottle of the PROPER IPA solution with their kit (or exact instructions therein)...their product is far too radical a step (permanent) for many to be wrong in the surface prep step.
 
I too will be applying CQ to my hood first!

So looking at all the assistance and advise I can get to get it right the first time! :D
 
richy said:


The other important point and a key to success is properly cleaning the surface prior to application. Avi suggests using a 90/10 mix of 90% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol to 10% Alkaline-based cleaner like Dawn or Krud Kutter or any APC that is high on the alkaline scale. The reason for the mix is that IRA will not, by iteself, remove oils on the surface that can be left by oils in the polish. It needs the assistance of the alkaline. Alkaline cuts oils. So, immediately prior to applying either product, spray the surface with the mix and rub it gently (you don't want to scratch your now perfect finish) till you get the surface squeaky clean. Use 2 mf's: one to apply and one to remove. Lastly, check the surface under LED's if you have them or in the sun (if it's available) or both if you can. If it passes inspection, you're good to go. Crank the tunes, grab a beer and have some fun.
Click to expand...

Can ironX be used to strip?

I Just have IPA and DP cleanse all APC!
 
silverfox said:
I would recommend that Optimum include a small bottle of the PROPER IPA solution with their kit (or exact instructions therein)...their product is far too radical a step (permanent) for many to be wrong in the surface prep step.
Click to expand...

Just apply it to bare paint. Get to that point any way you like: Power Clean wash, IPA 10% for 2-3 passes, dawn wash, prepsol, etc. Till now we only offered it to pros, and as such they should know how to prep paint. Once you guys have used OC you will totally realize how much you've over thought it. It is VERY easy. I'd watch that 90% mixture, some paints will not react well.


Sent from my ViP4 viaTapatalk
 
Yeah...I saw that 90% IPA solution reply and said wow...we better get a clear answer from optimum on this issue. The 10% IPA is what I would consider "normal" and safe. Thanks for clearing that up. You are right.. Perhaps we are over-thinking this. I will try the product.
 
Uuumm I'm gonna go out on a limb here and ask....

What's Opti-Coat for/do????
 
Just wondering about both of these products. Would / could they be used as a reasonable substitute for a clear bra? Specifically, could I prep my bumper and mirrors, then apply 3-4 coats of these, adding hardness and resistance to paint chips?
 
sohail99 said:
Can ironX be used to strip?

I Just have IPA and DP cleanse all APC!
Click to expand...
IronX can be used in the cleaning stage prior to polishing but not as a paint prep. Squeaky clean paint is important.

watermark said:
Just wondering about both of these products. Would / could they be used as a reasonable substitute for a clear bra? Specifically, could I prep my bumper and mirrors, then apply 3-4 coats of these, adding hardness and resistance to paint chips?
Click to expand...

No, even if you layer CQ (you cannot layer OC), it will not prevent chips. It may minimize them or their effect, but eliminate them? No.

The good news is that either product can be put on top of the clear bra, so that will maximize your chip protection.
 
I was wondering if these 2 products do the same job?

also can either of these be applied on paint with No clear coat or clear coat peeling off?
 
Chris, would glass cleaner work to prep a surface? I have alot of it and it works for inspecting results but does it leave any type of residue to inhibit OC from bonding?
 
PAR Detailing said:
Chris, would glass cleaner work to prep a surface? I have alot of it and it works for inspecting results but does it leave any type of residue to inhibit OC from bonding?
Click to expand...

I honestly cant say definitively, but I don't see why not. Ammonia and alcohol are great cleaners and strip pretty well. Maybe someone else can help with this one...


Sent from my ViP4 viaTapatalk
 
Automess said:
I was wondering if these 2 products do the same job?

also can either of these be applied on paint with No clear coat or clear coat peeling off?
Click to expand...
I saw a video on Aquartz (the original product) where the guy put it on a car with very poor clear and it did help. Personally, I would not. I would not waste it on crappy paint, but that's just my opinion. It's your money.

PAR Detailing said:
Chris, would glass cleaner work to prep a surface? I have alot of it and it works for inspecting results but does it leave any type of residue to inhibit OC from bonding?
Click to expand...
Follow Chris' instructions for OC. Do not substitute for the 90/10 mix if you want success.
 
richy said:
I saw a video on Aquartz (the original product) where the guy put it on a car with very poor clear and it did help. Personally, I would not. I would not waste it on crappy paint, but that's just my opinion. It's your money.


Follow Chris' instructions for OC. Do not substitute for the 90/10 mix if you want success.
Click to expand...

Richy, the 90/10 thing is from Carpro I think. I personally don't think 90% IPA is good on all finishes.


Sent from my ViP4 viaTapatalk
 
richy said:
I saw a video on Aquartz (the original product) where the guy put it on a car with very poor clear and it did help. Personally, I would not. I would not waste it on crappy paint, but that's just my opinion. It's your money.
Click to expand...

First off, Thank you Richy for your reply, I don't know why it's been like pulling teeth to get any advice lately ...lol

Anyway.... unfortunately crappy paint is all I have to work with complements of the Mitsubishi company.

I know this is not going to fix or make the paint perfect but right now I'm just trying to protect the exposed paint and slow down the peeling, so I can work on the roof that is rusting I don't want a home made sunroof, yikes.

I thought maybe one of these products could free my hands and buy me time.

My sister has 2 Mitsubishi's and I want to protect the paint on those 2 before they ends up looking like my car, but your right even though I do think they are worth the money but not worth my time.

Thanks again. :xyxthumbs:

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top