What is your Favorite Coating

[FUNX650]

To me...
The term 'Coating' is nothing more than a new way to identify incredibly durable polymers that's been incorporated into car-care products such as LSPs.

Because, after all, that’s all these 'Coatings' are:
"Polymers".


IMO:
Except for often displaying a certain amount of lesser
durability; but, yet: being more easily "renewed"...
(poly)-Sealants offer most of the same benefits
as do (poly)-'Coatings'.


As such:
I'll probably stay with easily renewable LSP-products...
by implementing a once/twice a year "coating regimen":
wherein I apply/reapply my choice of a number of quite durable (poly)-Sealants...or even throw a (poly)-Hybrid into the mix, every month or so.



Bob

 

[JHL88]

Sacrificial layer. None of the coatings are permanent.

Sorta like cquartz topped with reload to give the coating more life so to speak. Or mere maintenance.

+1 toppers IMO are not required but it renews the slickness and gloss and acts as a sacrificial layer. I think it can also extend the life of the coating if repeatedly applied.

Same concept as using a detail spray on top of a sealant/wax. I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[bmwgeek]

I see lots recommending the C1 and exo. What applicators are you guys using? The small round make up pads? I will be doing my cars with C1 and exo soon.

 

[DaveT435]

I see lots recommending the C1 and exo. What applicators are you guys using? The small round make up pads? I will be doing my cars with C1 and exo soon.

I've used the small round applicators that come with it, I did order some extras. I've also used suede microfiber over a CarPro applicator. I actually prefer the small round ones.
The only problem is getting the C1 and EXO. I'm almost out, I may have to order out of the UK soon if none makes it into the U.S.

 

[HateSwirls]

I'm loving the Blackfire Crystal Paint Coating.

No sealant I have ever tried gave me as much shine and reflection as the coating.
I'm a believer in coatings now, I see why people have been praising it.

Easy to apply using the Lake Country Applicator Pads.
One 4oz bottle will up to four cars.

 

[Flatlander]

First of all, cool your from grand forks! My grandpa lives in grand forks and I've spent every summer as a kid in that town! Second, How do you feel the Gtechniq C1 and EXO compare to the CQUK/reload in shine and durability? Noticeable difference? Do you use the same microfiber suede to put on/remove like the CQUK? Thanks!

Sorry about the delay! I guess I prefer a coating that doesn't need any kind of "booster" like the reload. The C1/Exo just rocks by itself. Similar shine/durability in my experience. I used a small piece of suede microfiber wrapped around an applicator block for application of both and a soft microfiber to wipe off the excess.Yes, the application process is similar for both. The C1 is super easy and the Exo on top is simple. I really like the shine and get comments all the time. The beading is stupid nice. Allergic to water!
I've used this to apply coatings and it works well.

- Mike

 

[330xtrai]

so how long do these coatings usually last? I would guess no polishing until the coating is off. would we just reapply when we see it getting less hydrophobic?

 

[Ebg18t]

so how long do these coatings usually last? I would guess no polishing until the coating is off. would we just reapply when we see it getting less hydrophobic?

It really depends on how the car is maintained. A lot of these consumer avaliable coatings are marketed at a lifespan of ~2yrs. But if the surface is not kept clean and contaminants build it could be less. But if kept clean 2 years might actually happen.

When the coating starts to wear off you can just polish/compound depending on the paint condition (ie reprep the surface) and reapply.

My wife has a coating that is no longer avaliable on her car. Been about 10 months since I applied and still looks awesome. Beading is still tight and in all honesty hasn't been maintained as well as I would like (life just gets in the way).

 

[aRYip]

I use OCG z-series paint coating...

 

[DaveT435]

so how long do these coatings usually last? I would guess no polishing until the coating is off. would we just reapply when we see it getting less hydrophobic?

As mentioned maintenance plays a big part as far as durability goes. My car is a garage queen, it does see it's share of miles and weather. I coated with just EXO about 2 1/2 years ago. A couple months ago I polished it and put C1 EXO on. The EXO was still in pretty good shape, it had been two years and there was some light scratches that I wanted to take care of and I wanted to get the C1 and EXO on before it gets so hot here.

 

[330xtrai]

It really depends on how the car is maintained. A lot of these consumer avaliable coatings are marketed at a lifespan of ~2yrs. But if the surface is not kept clean and contaminants build it could be less. But if kept clean 2 years might actually happen.

When the coating starts to wear off you can just polish/compound depending on the paint condition (ie reprep the surface) and reapply.

My wife has a coating that is no longer avaliable on her car. Been about 10 months since I applied and still looks awesome. Beading is still tight and in all honesty hasn't been maintained as well as I would like (life just gets in the way).

As mentioned maintenance plays a big part as far as durability goes. My car is a garage queen, it does see it's share of miles and weather. I coated with just EXO about 2 1/2 years ago. A couple months ago I polished it and put C1 EXO on. The EXO was still in pretty good shape, it had been two years and there was some light scratches that I wanted to take care of and I wanted to get the C1 and EXO on before it gets so hot here.

Oh OK sounds good. I'll probably end up going for it if I don't like the wax I bought or even just apply it before winter this year.
Thanks a lot guys!