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TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:51 PM
Product Review: CarPro Dlux – Long Life Trim Coat


Introduction:
DLUX Long Life Trim Coat was engineered specifically for coating plastics as well as rubber and metal. It can be used on any wheel finish including clear coated, chrome, aluminum, and plastic however I personally recommend CQuartz for use on paint and clear coats. This coating is the pinnacle of Exterior Plastic protection and darkens the trim as well without leaving any slick greasy feel that washes off.


<File Photo>
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Dlux.jpeg (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2799)


Product Description / Claims:


• Made from quality high grade organic silane. DLUX is a Silane-based glass coating; DLUX contains more than 50% pure silica!
• Restores faded trim to look like new.
• Lays down a protective film which forms an extremely durable glass coating on top of any substrate it is applied to.
• We have incorporated a totally different Nano composition to bond hard to plastic surface and achieve a thick uniformed layer.
• Dlux offers a semi-permanent chemical bonding to surface pores
• Very easy to apply with great UV protection, on all exterior substrates.
• Can be used on textured or smooth plastic
• DLUX also offers semi-permanent protection of aluminum wheels & Plastic finished wheels.
• On wheels, DLUX will repel dirt and dust with ease & aid in the removal of brake dust.
• DLUX will leave a glossy finish and is entirely hydrophobic.
• Durability: 9-12 months
• Average use for 4 wheels and plastic trim = 10-15ml.


Product Details:

Packaging: CQUARTZ DLUX , 1 blue sponge applicator , 4 suede 10cm² microfibers
Directions: General Guidelines
Color: Clear
Scent: Chemical
Pricing: $40 @ 30ml



Directions:


• Make sure the surface is cool and dry. (Do not apply to hot surfaces or in direct sun.)
• Scrub surface with an all-purpose cleaner and or water spot remover, rinse clean, and allow to dry.
• Use ERASER to remove any residue left by the APC or oil film and wait until the cleaned area is completely dry.
• Wet the applicator with 5-6 drops of DLUX and spread evenly across the surface.
• Let cure 1 minute at 85 degrees F up to 10 minutes at 50 degrees F
• On textured plastic simply apply even and your finished
• On other surfaces like smooth plastic or non-porous surfaces use a clean auto detailing cloth or suede MF to wipe it off gently, in a circle motion until no marks left.
• Allow the surface to cure for 1-3 hours without any moisture on its surface.
• Completely cured with NO rain requires 24 hours. (Any water marks from rain must be wiped off during first 24Hrs as a precaution)



Warnings or Precautions:


• Never allow highly alkaline (ph11+) chemicals such as non-diluted all-purpose cleaners to sit or dwell on the surface for extended periods. This may damage the coating.
• Do not use for other purposes.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep away from heat.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid contact from eyes.
• Wear gloves and face mask during removal





Testing:


Prep:
All of the rubber molding and plastic on the mirrors were prepped in the same manor.
1. Wash and dry
2. Scrub with CG Water Spot remover.
3. I let is dwell for a minute or two and the sprayed it down with Meg’s APC+ and washed everything off.
4. Everything was dried and allowed to sit in the sun for 15 minutes to make sure all the water was gone.
5. Application





Because I am impatient I wanted to try out Dlux as soon as I received it. So the following day I went outside and found what I thought a perfect A-typical candidate to play with. What we have here is an access lid to a sprinkler system. It sit flush down in the ground and get subjected to rain and every day abuse as well as the periodic running of the sprinkler system that uses well based water. Being how dry is has been this year the system runs every 2 days, so the lid is constantly getting tested.



Prepped for application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Pre_Condition_2.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2802)


Eraser Wipe down:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Prep_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2804)


Layout on panel:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Prep_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2805)


Full Application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Applied_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2807) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Applied_5.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2808)





The second test is more of what most of you will be looking for and are familiar with. This is a test of the restoration effect of Dlux on older faded trim and plastics. The first test subject is a 2005 pick-up that has faded window trim. The mirrors are not horrible but still could use work as well.


Conditions during test:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/Conditions.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2780)

Prepped for application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_Prep_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2789)

50/50’s:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_5050_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2781) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_5050_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2783) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_5050_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2784)

Full Application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_Done_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2786) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_Done_2.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2787) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_Done_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2788)




Along with testing and getting my initial impressions of Dlux I decided to through a little test at it right off the bat. I decided to do the trim on the passenger side of the vehicle with UTGP; which is in my opinion one of the best protection and longest lasting trim dressing on the market today. There are other trim dressings that darken more but I wanted something to test the durability of Dlux against.
Prepped for application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/PD_Prep_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2798)

50/50’s:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/PD_5050_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2793) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/PD_5050_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2795) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/PD_5050_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2796)

Full Application:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DP_Done_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2790) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DP_Done_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2792) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DP_Done_2.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2791)




Pros:


1. Easy to use and apply.
2. Application was mess free with no getting product on adjoining areas. The Suede MF on Foam applicator is my favorite way to apply coating and it is now different with Dlux.
3. Good darkening / restoration ability on rubber door trim.
4. Very even and not streaky.



Cons:


1. Applicator needs and towel need to be tossed after use unless you soak them in an APC solution immediately.
2. Amount of product for the cost vs. regular trim dressings.



Questions:


1. How long will Dlux maintain the just applied look?
2. How long will the protection last?
3. Does Dlux provide better protection from fading and degradation than other trim dressings like UTGP?
4. How does Dlux compare in darkening and durability to other coatings like C4?





Initial Thoughts / Summary:
Truth be told, I have very high hopes for Dlux as to this point I have been impressed with all of the other CarPro products I have used. So in some ways I am trying to make sure my expectations are not over the top and above what is reasonably possible.
The application of Dlux is simple and straightforward. It is just like applying CQ. I was apply to apply it so thin and even there was no residue to buff off. I was initially worried about getting it n the paint or other surfaces and was going to tape everything off. In my rush I decided to try it straight, and everything went very well. The foam block and MF applicator allow me to be very precise along edges and also cover larger flat areas at the same time. If / when there were tight areas I simply took the MF off the foam block and used my finger.
When you compare the application of Dlux to UTTG I will give the nod to Dlux. UTTG is not hard but I find that it is easy to get it on unintended parts using a foam applicator, especially along trim edges and corners.
The darkening effect on the rubber trim was very impressive to me. If the color last 9 months - 1 year I will be happy. I was wanting a little more on the mirrors but they are really a grey color and so I can't expect them to turn black like the trim.
When compared to the UTTG it was very close as far as looks go. I think both products darkened to same amount. I will need to do a side by side comparison to verify this. The finish on both is good but I will have to give the nod to Dlux. The finish is slightly more even and has a little more gloss as well.
I plan on tracking and updating the progress of Dlux as time goes on. I also have another torture test possibly line up with some really faded that has never been protected. So stay tuned.

Any comments or questions are welcome.

TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:52 PM
**2 Week Update**


I has actually been just over 2 weeks since I originally applied Dlux to the test areas. I have been able to wash the vehicle twice and watch how it reacted to water and scrubbing. Unfortunately I don't have a video of how Dlux acted with water but I can tell you this. It repels and sheets water away just like we have come expect from these coatings. The one problem I am beging to see with Dlux is that is is nearly impossible to keep it wet to wash it... :D Even after i ran a wash mitt over it using CG CW&G it all the soap and water ran off and it was nearly immediately dry.

For now I will try and let the picture do the talking and add comments as needed.



Green Cover:

In both picture you can see that the Dlux is definitely still there. The Sonus T&MK is gone and the UTTG is still there but the protection is beginning to fade some. Again this is a cove that sit out in my yard and is hit by well water when the sprinklers run which has bee every other day to this point.

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2814)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_2.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2815)






Drivers Side: Dlux

I took a few picture trying to capture the true look of the Dlux on the mirror and trim. These are the best and most accurate representations I could get. No editing or altering has been done. It really does look great and is very even and dark. The mirrors themselves are actually a little more gray which is why they are lighter.


http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2816)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2817)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_5.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2818)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_6.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2819)






Drivers Side: UTTG

The UTTG overall still looks good from 5-10 feet away. There are really 2 strikes against it that are kind of out of my control other that the big one that UTTG is not a coating but a dressing.

Strike 1: We had a large rain storm and the rain water baked on in the sun all day. Granted is a good test since Dlux had the same condition but the UTTG side faced the harsh mid-day and afternoon sun the entire time.

Strike 2: The UTTG side was hit by the sprinkler system and the truck sat all day long. You will see the water spotting in the pictures.


http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_7.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2820)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_8.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2821)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-18_Update_9.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2822)



Any questions and comments are welcomed. There will be more updates as needed. I am hopefully that Dlux will last all winter here in Ohio and maybe even longer.

TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:53 PM
**Additional Testing**

To add to my current testing of Dlux, I decided to apply it to some newer trim that has been well protected and maintained as well as doing a 50/50 on a tire.



Well Maintained Trim:

The trim in question is on my wife's Jetta and is the real reason I wanted to get Dlux in the first place. Since it is my own car I will easily be able to see a record the durability over time.

All of the trim was prepped the same way I did my original testing.


1. Wash and dry
2. Scrub with CG Water Spot Remover.
3. I let is dwell for a minute or two and the sprayed it down with Meg’s APC+ and washed everything off.
4. Everything was dried and allowed to sit in the sun for 15 minutes to make sure all the water was gone.
5. Application




Freshly Prepped Surface:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2836)




50/50 Applied:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2835)


http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2837)




I was pleased with the darkening that Dlux did to the trim. I really wasn't expecting much since it was in such good condition and regularly protected with UTTG. It was and has been hard to capture the true look of the trim now. From 10ft away it really looks deep and dark almost pure black. The trim really does look better than new.




Tire Testing:

The tires were prepped the same way I do for the TufShine application.


1. Apply Meg’s APC+ 4:1 and let dwell.
2. Scrub with TuffShine Tire Brush and wash clean.
3. Apply ARO and let dwell.
4. Scrub with TuffShine Tire Brush and wash clean.
5. Apply TuffShine tire cleaner and let dwell.
6. Scrub with TuffShine Tire Brush and wash clean.
7. Redo steps 5&6 if necessary.
8. Dry tires
9. Application



Freshly Prepped Surface:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_6.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2838)



50/50 Applied:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_9.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2839)


http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_10.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2840)




The next day in full sun:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_12.jpg (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2841)


http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/8-24_Adds_13.jpg (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2842)




As far a tire application goes I do not care for Dlux. Using the MF towel seemed to be a little difficult for me especially since because of all of the ribs in the tire sidewalls. On the flat surfaces Dlux was very quick and easy to apply.
It did darken and dress the tires. But in my application it seemed streaking and I had a hard time getting it even. I am planing on waiting a few days to see if it even out at all before making my finial decision on looks.




At this point I think Dlux is a great product for your plastic and rubber trim. I am not yet sold on the tires aspect. But Dlux is one of the few or only coating out that is made to do plastic trim and rubber in the same application. That gives it a slight edge in my book.

Testing and updates will continue. Until next time...

TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:54 PM
**4 Month Update**



It has been 4 months since I applied Dlux to the mirror and trim on the test vehicle. I thought it would be a good time to do an update on this test.


Pictures:

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_1.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3172)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_2.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3173)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3174)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3175)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_5.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3176)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_6.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3177)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/4_Month_Update_7.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3178)




Video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdKYSkOjN74




So as you can see. at this point Dlux looks & acts just like I applied it yesterday. I will let this test go through the winter just to see how long it goes before I need to re-apply. At this point I can say, so far I am impressed.

TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:55 PM
**7 Month Update**

I just wanted to give a little update on the status of my CarPro Dlux. I’ll let the video do the talking.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOKGPbhob5A

TroyScherer
07-22-2014, 01:56 PM
**1 Year Update**


It has been almost exactly 1 year since I applied Dlux to the truck in this test & review. I wanted to do a full followup on it to show how it has held up and my thoughts are on this product now. In my video I start with how the product currently looks and give my thoughts. I then move on to a full cleaning with CG water spot remover and Eraser to show how it reacts and what it then looks like. Finally I reapply Dlux to the trim to give a new 50/50. My goal hear it to show how much better the trim look and is even after scrubbing Dlux "off".



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNdqrQlSnpo


<Original 50/50's to compare>

http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_5050_3.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2783) http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/data/615/DD_5050_4.JPG (http://www.autopiaforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2784)





Hopefully this review has been informative and helpful. Thanks for looking.

James
07-22-2014, 02:54 PM
Awesome review with updates, thanks for sharing Troy! Dlux was the best thing I could've done for the grill and trim on my GT...

DARK HORSE
07-22-2014, 03:29 PM
Wow Troy!! What a thorough review buddy!! I think there is a new “review sheriff” in town, and his name is Troy!! Thanks for making time to do this, and for sharing it here!

Dr_Pain
07-22-2014, 04:03 PM
A YEAR update!!! Wow, that is some dedication to a thread. I think I may have TADD (Thread Attention Deficit Disorder) because I invariably forget to update.

Great job Troy and thanks for sharing!

Corey
07-22-2014, 10:51 PM
Lovely Troy!! Dlux is amazing.... And so is your commitment to the tests and updates!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I definitely agree with Tad! I Love your reviews bud!!

EVOlved
07-23-2014, 12:10 AM
That is one thorough review of one proven and great product!!

TroyScherer
07-30-2014, 10:49 AM
Thanks Guys !!!



Wow Troy!! What a thorough review buddy!! I think there is a new “review sheriff” in town, and his name is Troy!! Thanks for making time to do this, and for sharing it here!


A YEAR update!!! Wow, that is some dedication to a thread. I think I may have TADD (Thread Attention Deficit Disorder) because I invariably forget to update.

Great job Troy and thanks for sharing!


For me the long term updates are what separates a review from a good/ better review. Most of these coating s look great the first or second day. But the long term is what is setting CarPro apart for me.

Dr_Pain
07-30-2014, 01:19 PM
Most of these coating s look great the first or second day. But the long term is what is setting CarPro apart for me.


I could not agree with you more!!! I've done OC, PBL, DP and CQuartz (UK and Finest) on several of my maintenance vehicles and although they all bring a degree of satisfaction and accomplishment day one, the only one that continues to put a smile on my face (when anticipating a maintenance wash) is to see Finest in action when I put the pressure washer to it! I probably waste 2-3 gallons of water just playing around.

Troy, I stand on notice to do a better job at updating my threads. Thanks bud!

fdresq4
11-24-2014, 09:17 PM
Troy,
With regards to the tires, what are your final thoughts and did the shine even out as you hoped? Also, did it hold up as well as Tuff Shine?

Thanks,
Steve

TroyScherer
11-25-2014, 12:15 AM
Troy,
With regards to the tires, what are your final thoughts and did the shine even out as you hoped? Also, did it hold up as well as Tuff Shine?

Thanks,
Steve

IMO Dlux is better for plastic and firm rubber trim. I didn't like it on the tires at all. The shine never even out but I never applied a second coat. For the cost of the product it is to expensive IMO and TuffShine is a better option.

allenk4
11-25-2014, 06:01 PM
Your Reviews have definitely raised the bar

Great work!

TroyScherer
11-25-2014, 11:57 PM
Your Reviews have definitely raised the bar

Great work!


Wow. Thank you.

fdresq4
11-26-2014, 12:49 AM
Thanks for your response Troy.