Which topper over CSL + EXO is best at avoiding water spots?

[rvalero]

I just recently applied CSL to my black 2003 Lexus IS300. I also added two coats of exo v4 thinking that it would greatly reduce the risk of getting water spots. After doing more reading, it seams like the exo and c2v3 that I bought are still going to be prone to getting water spots. I’m not worried about water spots right now, but once the “rainy season” starts, I won’t be as willing to wash my car knowing that it will rain again in the next couple days. Sometimes, it will rain in the morning, and the water will bake on a dusty car until I’m off work. I don’t want to polish off a fresh ceramic coat due to water spots. For those of you who have CSL, please let me know what topper you use to avoid issues with water spots. Thanks!

 

[Ray6712]

I’ve found my favorite is Gyeon Cure and my second fav is C2v3! Cure is just easier to apply and remove and gives great water performance


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[rvalero]

...and my second fav is C2v3! Cure is just easier to apply and remove and gives great water performance


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Thanks for responding. Have you not had any issues with C2v3 and water spots?

 

[Ray6712]

None at all rain usually doesn’t cause them it’s usually sprinklers and man made water systems that do it!


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[jkrig]

If I remember correctly, I don't think Gtechniq recommends topping EXO with C2, EXO is said to leave the surface "slicker" than C2, if you top it with C2 your paint surface will take the characteristics of the C2 ...how long since you applied EXO? ...was thinking maybe if you have had the EXO on the surface for year or more and it showing signs of failure then maybe C2 would be beneficial...

 

[rvalero]

jkrig, CSL and EXO have been on my car for about 2 weeks. I thought I remembered Matt on Obsessed Garage saying that you can improve hydrophobic properties by adding the C2 topper.

~20 hours after application, I was in my garage with a flashlight looking for additional high spots that I had missed and would need to be correct. At that time, I didn’t notice that a drop of sweat streaked down my door, and it left a permanent stain in the coating. I polished it off, and reapplied CSL and EXO. After seeing the coating “damaged” by my sweat, I’m worried about a light rain on a dusty car + the sun baking it in while I’m working. I’m also seeing little drops of pollen/poop leaving a hazy mark after I remove them. I’m hoping that a topper on the EXO topper will prevent this problem.

 

[The Guz]

Here is the interesting thing. GTechniq does not list C2v3 under their maintenance category of their site. They actually have their quick detailer among their washes.

This is one of the things that one has to live with when going the coating route. Meaning the potential of water spotting. I have not had any issues with water spotting on any coating. I do not use a spray topper in the sense of a spray sealant. On the other hand I have had water spotting occur the moment I used C2v3 with the C5/Exo combo I have on my wheels. Take that for what it is worth.

You have to remember that the increase of hydrophobic properties is due to the topper and not the base layer itself. The base layer will have better self cleaning and overall better water behavior than one of these toppers.

You can technically use any spray topper if you like. Some have even chosen to use Beadmaker. Others have chosen to use CarPro Ech20 diluted as a quick detailer.

You more than likely going to need to polish 1-2 years down the road anyway.

 

[rvalero]

Guz, if my coating lasts 2 years without significant water-spotting, I'll consider that a success. I washed my car for the first time since it was coated. I use a leaf blower to dry most of my car, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the water blew off my paint. It was like watching people go into Walmart on black Friday (in reverse lol)!! I took advantage of the 25% off sale, and I got some Blackfire coating booster to add to longevity of my coating and some BF water spot remover. Thanks for your help, and hopefully I won't have any significant problems with water spots, poop spots, and whatever else mother nature decides to throw at my car.