I would like to start out and thank CarPro-US.com and Corey. I was lucky enough to win this Sonus Ion Paint coating via New Product Giveaway: Sonus Ion
As promised here is my review and thoughts...
Sonus ION Paint Coating bonds to paint by creating a chemically induced positive charged ion.
This positive charge enables the coating to strongly bond to the surface, producing long-lasting protection against UV rays, acid-rain, water spotting, and oxidation.
...A single application lasts up to one year.
Labeling:
The directions on the label are simple, well defined & does not read like it was translated!
Directions:
Are simple and straight forward. In the shade apply, let sit 30 minutes and remove.
The directions state to use a microfiber applicator. I did and found it a bit grabby.
I wound up using the red foam applicator and found the application much smoother.
A second coat can be applied after four hours, if desired. Wait 30 minutes and remove.
Well if you're like me that's an invitation "Biff, I want make sure that we get two coats..."
Application:
The color of Sonus ION is a dark lime green with a slight hint of chemical smell.
ION is a semi thick product with a very slight pull when applying. A bit more than Coli 845.
A small amount (3-4 pea to dime size drops) was plenty to cover each panel.
Repeat this for each panel and let it sit on the paint for thirty minutes in the shade.
OK, I thought to myself (wait 30 minutes?)...this is going to be like cement to remove.
Side Note:I did find that ION made the hair on my arms stand up during the application.
Removal:
To my surprise after 30 minutes ION was very easy to remove! Easier than removing Coli 845
For removal I used a Yellow Fellow 2.0 polish removal towel and it was an absolute breeze!
Properties:
The label stated that ION attracts dust after application. I personally did not experience this.
I did find the ION side of the hood looked crisper, brighter and had more vibrance than Coli 845
Look and Feel:
Sonus ION has a bit of a slicker (softer) feel and a higher-gloss shine than the Collinite 845
As I stated above it also appears to have more clarity and it is definitely crisper and brighter.
I used it on a dark Cosmic Grey Mica Toyota 2014.5 Camry and it has a nice good wet-look
I am looking forward to applying it to white paint or a light color (even silver) because it's shiny.
Final Thoughts:
There is a lot of "buzz" in the detailing products world these days regarding the term "coating".
There are folks that make a true "coating". The application & removal process is very different.
Sonus ION is applied and removed exactly like a "sealant". Easy on & even easier to remove.
IMHO Product terminology is not defined in the detailing arena. E.G. Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish
Z-2 PRO Polish is definitely an LSP.. Megs Ultimate Wax has no wax and is a polymer sealant.
When most of us think of a polish we think of it like Compound, Polish then Last Step Product.
I'm not sure if I'd classify Sonus ION as a "coating" but if is "coats" your paint I guess it's a coating.
Longevity:
Only time will tell. They say..."A single application lasts up to one year." I'll keep you posted on that.
Hydrophobic Reaction:
I haven't had time to play with the hose yet (spray, flood etc.) If it's exciting and fun I'll post a video.
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Bottom Line:
Now that I have used Sonus ION would I recommend this product?
Yes
It probably would not be my first choice for "coating" durability although it is slated to outlive most sealants.
I like it! If for nothing else, ease of application & removal, nice slick feel, a high-gloss shine & good longevity.
Do I think it will out live other true hard shell "coating" products?
No
I personally feel it is a boosted by Polycharger® sealant created to outlast the current sealants on the market.
It looks good on this dark Camry. The metallic is vivid and really pops. ION may not be my first choice for black.
This could easily become my new go-to product for white as it has a very distinct clear, crisp, bright & glossy shine.
Did I mention Sonus ION is easy on, easier off, crisp, slick, bright and shiny?
These are my honest thoughts...I'd tell you if a product was difficult, did not deliver as stated, or was snake oil.
Again, I'd like to thank Corey for the opportunity to try this product. This is a product I'll be adding to my arsenal.
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Wash: (2 bucket method), Iron-X Snow soap and Merino Wool Wash Mitt.
Decontamination: IronX LS (Lemon Scent) & Speedy Surface Prep Towel.
Defect Leveling: PC 7424xp with D300 and Megs 5" mf finishing disc.
Gloss Enhancement: Lake Country 5" Black foam with Carpro Reflect.
Paint Prep: Car-Pro Eraser wipe-down twice on all polished surfaces.
Last Step Product: Two coats of Sonus ION or Right side of hood.
Last Step Product: Two coats of Collinite 845 on Left side of hood.
Last Step Product: All other paint coated with Sonus ION Paint Coating.
On the test vehicle I used Collinite 845 on the left side of the hood and Sonus ION on the right
Applied
Collinite 845 removed passenger side...30 minute wait to remove Sonus ION from drivers side,
Removed
Thanks for Looking...