CQuartz Tio2 vs. CQuartz UK
- Thread starter Bison5x
- Start date
Does anybody know the major differences between these two coatings? Why would I select one over the other?
DARK HORSE
Certified Finest Installer
The main difference is working temperatures. The working temperatures of Cquartz Ti02 is 50F to 90F.
If application temperatures are below 60F consider CQuartz UK. CQUK can be applied safely at temperatures to 40F
If application temperatures are below 60F consider CQuartz UK. CQUK can be applied safely at temperatures to 40F
Julien
New member
Going to bump this thread with my questions that are along the same lines.
Decided to ceramic coat my ELR and have done a lot of reading the last few days and thought I had it figured out and would go with CQuartz UK until I noticed UK & TiO2 are 2 different products. I thought UK was just a code/nomenclature for the kit w/Reload. Now I see this is a different product and I’m all CONFUSED. It SURE sounds like UK is a superior product [harder/more pure//higher 70% content] and costs less (kit) but just needs to be cooler (<60ºF) to apply?
1) Live in Atlanta and it is still a little too warm so should I just wait a few weeks so I can apply UK?
2) Why does the TiO2 kit cost about the same as the UK but missing Reload & Microfiber?
Decided to ceramic coat my ELR and have done a lot of reading the last few days and thought I had it figured out and would go with CQuartz UK until I noticed UK & TiO2 are 2 different products. I thought UK was just a code/nomenclature for the kit w/Reload. Now I see this is a different product and I’m all CONFUSED. It SURE sounds like UK is a superior product [harder/more pure//higher 70% content] and costs less (kit) but just needs to be cooler (<60ºF) to apply?
1) Live in Atlanta and it is still a little too warm so should I just wait a few weeks so I can apply UK?
2) Why does the TiO2 kit cost about the same as the UK but missing Reload & Microfiber?
Julien
New member
Decided to ceramic coat my ELR and have done a lot of reading the last few days and thought I had it figured out and would go with CQuartz UK until I noticed UK & TiO2 are 2 different products. I thought UK was just a code/nomenclature for the kit w/Reload. Now I see this is a different product and I’m all CONFUSED. It SURE sounds like UK is a superior product [harder/more pure//higher 70% content] and costs less (kit) but just needs to be cooler (<60ºF) to apply?
1) Live in Atlanta and it is still a little too warm so should I just wait a few weeks so I can apply UK?
2) Why does the TiO2 kit cost about the same as the UK but missing Reload & Microfiber?
EDIT: Just to add.
Can you use UK above 60ºF if you do small sections and buff within a minute or so and change applicator pads often?
1) Live in Atlanta and it is still a little too warm so should I just wait a few weeks so I can apply UK?
2) Why does the TiO2 kit cost about the same as the UK but missing Reload & Microfiber?
EDIT: Just to add.
Can you use UK above 60ºF if you do small sections and buff within a minute or so and change applicator pads often?
fdresq4
Certified CarPro Product "Guru" & Senior Member
Hi Julien,
I have applied CQUK at 64 degrees but the humidity level was 37%. I think your weather may be cooling off soon. As far as removing, that depends on your conditions. There are stickys about it on the site.
fdresq4
Certified CarPro Product "Guru" & Senior Member
This may help...
https://carproforum.com/showthread.php?4190-CQUK-Questions-Answered-Here
Also, make sure you have really good lighting. One of the important items needed.
Julien
New member
Thanks, and I have read. Still waffling and would like to do it in the next 2 weeks. However it is 80º today and will probably be in the 70º for at least a few more weeks.
I see you Avatar is UK and I'm really looking for a simple answer to a more complex question but....
In your opinion is UK a superior product to TiO2 after application? Or would both be the same?
If it matters my paint is called Crystal Red Tentcoat and it is a metallic red.
fdresq4
Certified CarPro Product "Guru" & Senior Member
Since I have yet to use TiO2, I couldn't answer as to which is superior. I like CQUK and it has exceeded my expectations. I have applied it to a few colors unfortunately red not being one of them.
Also, I'm in the Northeast so applying UK isn't as big a deal since Intend to do coatings in the spring and fall.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
fdresq4
Certified CarPro Product "Guru" & Senior Member
I don't know if this helps, but folks have been using UK as a base then topping it with TiO2.
Julien
New member
Thanks, I may try this in reverse. Use Ti02 now and then maybe layer with UK in the winter. Would layering later require any special prep (clay bar & polish????) or just a good wash?
EDIT: I see my basic question is being asked here. https://carproforum.com/showthread....r-What-Products-Will-Damage-the-Existing-Coat
Which also begs the question (for the future). How are people handling their 2 year old application? Are they just doing a prep and then applying agin or do you need to remove all remnants of old CQuartz before a new application?
The Guz
Member
Just be aware that UK forms a stronger base which is why it us used on the bottom. TiO2 provides a better stain resistant top coat. So you will get the opposite if you do the reverse. I currently have this combo on my front bumper and the side pillars (which is softer paint than the body) and it's been working very well.
If you are topping, 1 hour in between coats is fine. If you wait more than a week, then a wash and eraser wipedown would be sufficient.
If you plan to re-coat then a you start from scratch with the prep and polishing process. The other option is Essence Plus which is a non-abrasive polish which is meant to "repair" the coating by filling in the minor defects until it is time to re-polish and re-coat.
Julien
New member
Still trying to decide. Had some time and did some more searching and found a good bit of info from Corey Carruth (owner). In a nutshell he says (paraphrasing from several posts and interview).
CQuartz TiO2 has less Quartz than UK but contains titanium and other materials, a more reflective gloss/shine
CQuartz UK has a higher volume of Quartz, more depth (maybe why it comes with Reload to add gloss/shine????)
I still can't bring myself to hit checkout on my cart.
1) So if it is between depth and shine which would benefit my color more (Crystal Red Tentcoat [metallic])?????
2) Would adding 2 layers of Ti02 add the same depth looks as 1 layer of UK?????
CQuartz TiO2 has less Quartz than UK but contains titanium and other materials, a more reflective gloss/shine
CQuartz UK has a higher volume of Quartz, more depth (maybe why it comes with Reload to add gloss/shine????)
I still can't bring myself to hit checkout on my cart.
1) So if it is between depth and shine which would benefit my color more (Crystal Red Tentcoat [metallic])?????
2) Would adding 2 layers of Ti02 add the same depth looks as 1 layer of UK?????
I applied CQ Ti02 to my Murano last May. I found it extremely easy to use and the gloss, beading and sheeting is outstanding. I applied CQUK to our new Pathfinder this weekend and for some reason found it a bit tougher to apply - it seemed to be thicker and wipe off was not as easy. The gloss doesn't seem to be as much as the CQ Ti02 but the finish seems to be deeper. CQ was applied to a Gunmetal Metallic color and CQUK was applied to a darker, Caspian Blue Metallic so maybe the darker color is impacting the look of the gloss. I don't know how to describe it, maybe think of the CQ Ti02 as a "candy" finish compared to a deeper, less reflective finish I found with CQUK.
If I had to choose one over the other I'd go with CQ Ti02. Apply it and follow up with Reload. For maintenance (after washes) I use a QD mixture of ECH02 + Reload + Distilled water which works amazing.
1.25 oz of ECH02
2 oz Reload
24 oz distilled water
Great feedback! Thank you!
The post from Bison5x is a good point. I am a STRONG believer that the gloss is mostly from polishing. Personally I don't recommend making your choice based on the gloss because it may make no difference to you and polishing will make it glossy and both coatings will only add to that. If it is your first time coating focus on picking the one that you think will be easier for you to apply. Only with a smooth application will it come out looking the way you want it to. If it was a daily driver in a state that has a LOT of salty road crap during winter then I might consider UK more based on that being harsh on the side impact zones.
Great advice! Thank you so much
Julien
New member
Think I have decided to go with Ti02.
1) I have semi-obsessive behavior and tend to overdue things (too much UK could be trouble).
2) Probably safer for me to use Ti02 (see 1) and easier in a warmer more humid climate (Atlanta so no salt).
3) My color seems to have a good bit of depth, especially for a true red (not maroon)
4) In very bright sun it looks a tad dull and Ti02 may be better for this. Probably because it is metallic (true red which is uncommon).
1) I have semi-obsessive behavior and tend to overdue things (too much UK could be trouble).
2) Probably safer for me to use Ti02 (see 1) and easier in a warmer more humid climate (Atlanta so no salt).
3) My color seems to have a good bit of depth, especially for a true red (not maroon)
4) In very bright sun it looks a tad dull and Ti02 may be better for this. Probably because it is metallic (true red which is uncommon).