Latest in Paint Protection
The term “paint protection” or “car paint coating” usually refers to some form of protection for the vehicle such as a synthetic sealant. But this term is referring to a specific class of products that bond to the paint at a molecular level, providing a hard layer of protection, impenetrable to biological contaminants and harsh wash solutions while minimizing scratches from the wash process. These coatings, also known as Ceramic Coatings, employ nano-technology to fill in the pores in the car’s surface to produce a glass-like finish.
Take a brief look between the differences between a Wax, Sealants & Ceramic Coatings & PPF:
Carnauba Wax: Provides a ‘deep’ warm shine that typically lasts 1 to 3 months within the Australian climate. It can be broken down by detergents. It does not protect against scratches, scuffs and rock chips. It provides minimal protection against chemicals but does provide that ‘wax’ look that many still desire
Sealants: These are typically synthetic polymers or resins that provide a protective layer that binds to your car’s painted surface. They are also still easily removed by detergents and other chemicals, and last anything from 6-12 months dependent on the product & brand.
Ceramic Coatings: Originally produced in Japan and Korea, these are also referred to nano-coatings to some in the industry also. Application is similar, yet they require more preparation stages than traditional waxes or sealants. A thin layer is applied, yet the chemical bond formed with the paintwork provides protection for several years and can only be removed by abrasion (eg. Machine polisher). These Ceramic Coatings have a strong tolerant and resistance to UV rays, chemicals, environmental fallout and are incredibly hydrophobic. They are occasionally marketed in such a way that they will provide scratch resistance, but this is false, the resistance they can provide is against very super fine swirls from poor wash techniques but this even this information should be taken with a grain of salt. A ceramic coating does provide excellent protection, incredibly easy maintenance since dirt does not adhere to the surface as it would on a waxed car for example and again lasts for several years vs a few short months.
What makes a ceramic coating so much more effective than any other type of sealant or paint protection product is the molecular bond which provides permanent protection. Let’s look at how these coatings go beyond the surface level to protect your car’s paint.
PPF (Paint Protection Film): Normally known as clear bra or paint protection film, this is a clear urethane film that is applied to high impact areas of your cars paintwork (such as front bumper, bonnet, guards etc) – in fact some apply it to their entire car to avoid any risk of stone-chips, marring and other damage to their vehicles paintwork. Brands such as XPEL offer Self-Healing capabilities, this means marring and light scratches will self-heal back to a clear form leaving the paint unharmed from any damage. This is the only solution to protect against Stone-Chips, Road Debris, Swirls, Marring and other contaminants from damaging your vehicles paintwork.
Protection can also be applied to the film for easier maintenance after it has been protected with a synthetic sealant or ceramic coating if desired (recommended).
Our advice if you choose Paint Protection Film to be applied to your vehicle to ensure that you are using a qualified installer and no blades are used to cut ‘on your vehicle’. Pre-cut patterns such as used by XPEL will also determine the quality and durability of your installation.
Which should I choose?
Our opinion is choose what suits best your budget, time availability to maintain the car and more importantly your interest in detailing – by this we mean if you enjoy waxing your car and maintaining your paintwork regularly, that a ceramic coating is a simple wash & dry with occasional top up with a quick detailer that adds sacrificial layer of protection to extend your coating.
Where with a wax you would be reapplying this on a monthly or bimonthly basis. More involvement and for many of us more enjoyment than just washing, dry and drive away.
A synthetic sealant such as a polymer provides usually 6-12 months protection and is a good option for a similar wet-look finish such as a ceramic coating,
So, when you’re researching what is the best paint protection coating for your car, don’t be confused by the different terms used for paint protection. Ceramic coatings are the latest in coating technology. Their glossy shine, superior protection, and hydrophobic properties have made ceramic coatings the top choice of car enthusiasts and luxury car owners across the globe.
If you are not confident in applying a Ceramic Coating to your vehicle, please contact us at CCP as we do offer Professional application of the Certified-Series of GYEON Coatings for all vehicles including factory matte finishes.
Our Brief Guide for DIY Paint Protection
GYEON Q2 ONE – an entry level for the first-time user of a ceramic coating, very easy to apply with easy-to-follow instructions that will provide up to 12 months protection on your vehicle.
Duragloss Enviroshield – simple to apply, durable and long lasting, whilst not the same amount of gloss like Pure or Si3D it does provide great hydrophobic properties and will
GYEON Q2 Pure – the step up, providing 12-14 months protection with a candy-gloss like finish. A very strong coating that offers incredible durability and is a simple 1-layer process!
Nanolex Si3D – known to add further depth to paintwork, giving that wax finish but all the protection and characteristics of a true ceramic coating including durability and easy maintenance.
GYEON Q2 MOHS – similar to Si3D, however it is a 2-layer process. More durable than Pure however will not give that candy gloss shine but more depth like Si3D
GYEON Q2 SYNCRO – the top of the line retail coating, providing 2 years protection from the first 2-part series coating available on the market. Up to 2 years protection!
Professional Series Coatings
GYEON quartz MOHS+
GYEON quartz Durabead
GYEON quartz Duraflex
All 3 Certified GYEON Detailer Coatings above come with a 5+ Year New Car Warranty with increased levels of gloss, hardness, depth and naturally durability. These coatings are only available to professional authorised GYEON detailers that also require to use Infra-Red Curing Lamps to cure the coatings.
Our Brief Guide for DIY Sealant Protection
Duragloss 105 Total Performance Polish – combined with 601 Duragloss Bonding Agent you can have an incredibly durable protective layer on your paintwork for 10 months in the real world. A very wet finish and easy on-going maintenance with the ability to reapply whenever a top up is needed.
Menzerna Powerlock Finish – similar to above, however we have noticed an increased ‘wetter’ look finish from Menzerna. Durability is approx. 6 months before re-application is needed
Duragloss 111 Wet-Look Finish – the name says it all, can be used as a topper on top of the Duragloss Total Performance Polish or stand-alone for 3-4 month protection. An incredible wet-look glossy finish that works also very well on motorbikes.
Duragloss TrackClaw Polish – the underdog favourite, a fluoropolymer sealant that provides a super-slick wet finish that must be one of our favourites. Incredible water sheeting ability, a high gloss and a top pick for lighter coloured cars who want that little bit more from their finish. Expect 3-4 months durability only.
Final Words:
Which ever protection level or product you choose, please remember that preparation is key. If you do not follow the process you will find that many products mentioned above will not give the results they should.
We highly recommend that you decontaminate your paintwork prior to application, this includes a thorough wash with an All Purpose Cleaner or Pre-Wash Cleaner to remove any previous product on your vehicle, followed with decontamination of your paintwork with a Clay Bar & Lube to remove surface contaminants and if required a deironiser to remove any fallout (carbon) from your paint also.
Following this important step, it is best to inspect the condition of your paint for any marring, swirls or defects and removing these before application of your protection.
If you are unsure which product or option is suitable for your needs, please email or call us.
