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most durable coating?

2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  togwt 
#1 ·
I get lots of dings. Which wax would best protect the paint from light scratches?
 
#2 ·
Waxes provide a layer of topcoat protection for the paint, but will not protect against scratches or dings. To fix those will require paint correction with a polish or compound, followed by a wax topcoat, or bodywork if needed.

Although many brands claim outstanding protection, the truth is they are only leaving a very thin, almost microscopic layer of product on the paint for protection which dissipates over time. And they will do nothing to protect from rock chips, abrasive materials in contact with the painted surface, or any sort of metal to metal contact to the body of the car.

Lots of good LSP's (Last Step Protectants) on the market in a carnuba wax form. You might also consider a sealant instead of a wax, as they bond better and generally provide better durability so you don;t have to reapply as often as a wax. A wax layer sits on top of the paint, but a synthetic sealant cross-links and bonds to the painted surface for better protection.

LSP's are good at UV protection, making removal of sap or bird droppings and dirt on the car easier, etc. Multiple thin coats, allowing for curing time in between if needed, is almost always better than a single thick coat when applying an LSP.
 
#3 ·
Synthetic products to shine and protect the car finish are fairly longer lasting than waxes. Nevertheless, the depth of the carnauba wax shine (applied in thin layers one to several times a year) is unequaled, and for Concourse vehicles no other shining method would usually be considered.

With either product, the vehicle portions widely exposed to ride debris, bugs, and other incidental media found throughout, are damaged and need to be cleaned or repaired with compounds devoted to the purpose, or polishing compounds, or paint shop practices, or a klay-bar treatment, or a combination of these steps. Bumpers, grilles, sills, and fenders are the common candidates for these jobs.

It ain't cheap, but without expenditure it ain't clean and smooth.
 
#4 · (Edited)
C.Quartz is a nanothechnology coating that exibits high synthesis with 45% silica particles (Silicium-dioxide, when you melt quartz sand, it becomes glass) with very high density molecules, a coating system that forms a thin crystalline film comprised of hard dense particles turning the surface into an ultra durable nanostructure.

The chemical reaction bonds to form an ultra-thin protective layer of optically clear material which, makes the surface significantly easier to clean and more resistant to weathering

Combining silica and titanium to form a relatively thick (0.5 µ per layer), super hard (9 on the Mohs scale) fully transparent hybrid quartz coating that chemically bonds to treated surfaces at the molecular level.

Scratch-resistance- anti-scratch Absolute Hardness:48. requires a 2-3 week cure cycle after application
 
#6 ·
New paint technology with self-healing is being worked on for the automotive industry. In lab demonstrations, light scratches close up and sort of heal themselves not unlike human skin.

Until then, any wax will not protect against scratches, since there is not enough depth built up for proper protection.
 
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