DARK HORSE
Certified Finest Installer
CQUK..http://www.carpro-us.com/carpro-professional-detailers/cquartz-uk-30ml-kit-w-reload-hanger/
My main questions are:
From the Product Page...
Features:
Protection and gloss comparable or better than our competitors "professsional coatings" but easy to use for all detailers
CQUK has 70% SiO2 with 99.9% purity!!!
Extremely deep, rich Gloss
Easy maintenace with "self cleaning" properties (Stays cleaner than waxes, sealants)
Resistance to Wash Induced Marring
Average thickness of Cquartz UK layer is between 1 µm ~2 µm per layer
Minor swirl filling abilities
Repels water, oils, dirt, and contaminants
Protection from UV rays
Resists stains, bird droppings, water spots, and traffic film
Resists extremely high temperatures. Feel free to coat engine components, etc that correspond to the materials shown.
Ultra hard CQuartz UK contains ceramic nano particles found within glass, the result is a highly reflective, transparent layer.
Can also be layered: Allow 1 hour minimum wait time after buffing to allow cure before applying another coat.
Surfaces you can protect with CQuartz:
Paint
Wheels
Metals
Specifications:
Durability: 2 years or more
Thickness: 1~2 Micron per coat
Coverage 10ml per coat +/-
Water contact angle: 110°
Light swirl filling properties
Recommended working temperatures: 40F to 90F
CarPro USA Preparation Tips:
If contamination exists it is recommended that you IronX and clay your vehicle before polishing.
To gain the most from Cquartz it is recommended that your vehicle have all painted surfaces clean and polished to a high standard.
Use CarPro Reflect to achieve an incredible high gloss finish in less time with less mess
Use CarPro Eraser to remove all oils leftover from polishing which would hamper the penetration of Cquartz and compromise durability.
Directions:
Wrap a 4" mf Suede around the applicator block
Shake CQuartz UK
Slowly open bottle and drag one line of product across applicator
Spread across paint in a criss cross pattern approximately 2-3 sq ft depending on conditions
Using a 16" Suede mf towel followed by a CarPro BOA towel and wipe off residue BEFORE it becomes sticky
Be sure to remove all excess residue and only then do you move to next section
Switch out applicators often
Apply Reload 1 hour later or anytime after
CarPro USA After Tips:
Park vehicle in direct sun after application is complete.
Keep surface dry for at least one hour after application
Wipe any water off the surface during the first 24 hours after application
Avoid washing with any soaps for the first 7 days
Precautions:
Do not apply in direct sun or on hot surface
Do not re-use 4" Suede applicators
Do not re-use the towels you used to buff off with unless you immediately toss them in a bucket of APC after use to avoid glass crystals forming on them
Wear hand protection (disposable gloves)
Avoid vapors and use suitable respiratory protection
CQUK Some Additional Tips (mostly repetitive):
Go easy at first… Do one panel and check it after your done. Take some time to check it in other types of lighting (ambient daylight type lighting is BEST, but NOT direct sunlight). Check the panel first to ensure your process before moving on.
It should be wiped off before it feels sticky. Do not let it sit too long. (Typically 2-3 minutes in warm temps.), this will vary with temperature and humidity, after the first panel you'll have the feel for it. It's REALLY NOT hard at all!
If you notice any “high spots” (dark streaks), then you need to wipe it off more thoroughly. Great ambient lighting is key during application and removal.
#1.- Apply to the surface one section at a time and then wipe it off before it becomes sticky.
#2 - Be sure to completely wipe off the residue. It should NOT be difficult to wipe so don't press hard. BUT you do want to go over it enough times to completely remove the residue. This requires going over it a couple times before moving on to the next section or panel. Wiping with only the Suede towels "can" sometimes leave high spots, so I recommend using the CarPro Boa http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-boa-select-bundle-orange-24-x-16/ towel after the suede (this ensure total residue removal).
#3 - High spots reveal themselves best in great ambient lighting (daylight but not direct sun).
#4. - Be sure to switch out the 4” Suedes after every other panel.
With UK the key is to do one section at a time, and to wipe off each section before it gets at all sticky. Then follow with a boa towel after the suede to be sure to remove all excess product.
Prior to application, you would decontaminate with Iron X http://www.carpro-us.com/paint-decontamination/carpro-iron-x-lemon-scent-1-liter-32-oz/, then clay, then polish.
CQUK Basic Care and best practices:
1.- RELOAD may be applied 1 hour after application (not before that) if you think the vehicle is going to be exposed to rain within a 24 hour period. I prefer to wait longer "if" possible. However some folks may not be able to keep the vehicle in a garage overnight.
2.- Do not wash with soap for 7 days after application.
3.- DO NOT use any harsh chemicals, APC's, Iron X, Trix, or Tar X for the first 30 days. If using TarX after 30 days, do not allow a long dwell time or rub excessively hard.
4.- Hand wash vehicle regularly with CarPro Reset http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-reset-1-liter-32oz/
5.- Occasionally (every 3 to 6 months) decontaminate surface with CarPro Iron X. Use during wash cycle (after Reset)
6.- Apply CarPro Reload http://www.carpro-us.com/coatings-sealants-spray-wax/carpro-reload-500ml-new-formula/ for special occasions, any time you like, or after Iron X if you like to have a schedule for such things. Reload is not needed but will keep the hydrophobic layer in perfect condition.
Precautions:
A.- Avoid sprinkler and hard tap water (If your vehicle is subjected to this and it is not removed in the regular wash cycle then use CarPro Spotless (with supervision before use) and MF towel.
B.- Remove bird bombs from vehicle surfaces immediately (Ultima Waterless Wash http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/ultima-waterless-wash-plus-concentrate-16-oz/ + MF towel)
1 Caveat to add... You MAY prefer to use hydrofoam http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-hydrofoam-1000ml-32-oz/ instead of reload a couple times a year and skip the Reload, these are both optional and I would choose one or the other based on your preferred washing routine. Either one will do very well.
Items needed in order of importance:
CarPro Reset http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-reset-1-liter-32oz/
CarPro Merino Wool wash mitt http://www.carpro-us.com/wash-mitts-and-sponges/merino-wool-wash-mitt/
Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness/microfiber-madness-dry-me-crazy-25-x-17/
For quick fixes:
Ultima Waterless Wash
High quality plush absorbent soft microfiber towels (We prefer the Microfiber Madness Crazy Pile http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness-crazy-pile-16-x-16/ or CarPro BOA towels http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-boa-select-bundle-orange-24-x-16/)
Future...
Reload or Hydrofoam
Iron X
CQUK DETAILED care tips
I highly recommend Reset as your maintenance soap of choice.
The most important thing for your coated vehicle is to simply wash it regularly.
Washing... Wash in the shade -
It's simply Reset, CarPro merino mitt, Microfiber Madness dry me crazy towel.
When washing its critical to rinse your mitt after every panel BEFORE placing the mitt back in your soap and back on the paint.
Iron X and Reload should be used every 3-12 months depending on the environment.
My main questions are:
- I've heard that CQuartz UK gives a deeper gloss, which might be preferable for my black cars. Would I have issues applying it in the warmer climate of NorCal?
If your working temperature is 80F or above, I would recommend Cquartz Original. I enjoy the look of both UK and Original on black. As long as the temperature is not 80F or above, you shouldn't have any issues applying it if you heed the tips below and on the product page.
- What products should I be buying if I choose to go the coating route? (Reload, Wash Soap, Detail Spray, Iron-X etc)?
See tips below.
- The small suede microfiber cloths included with the coatings are great for application, but too small for buffing. Can I buy additional small and large cloths, or is something else recommended?
Small...http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-suede-microfiber-applicator-4x4-10-pack/ Large...http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-suede-microfiber-16x16-10-pack/
From the Product Page...
Features:
Protection and gloss comparable or better than our competitors "professsional coatings" but easy to use for all detailers
CQUK has 70% SiO2 with 99.9% purity!!!
Extremely deep, rich Gloss
Easy maintenace with "self cleaning" properties (Stays cleaner than waxes, sealants)
Resistance to Wash Induced Marring
Average thickness of Cquartz UK layer is between 1 µm ~2 µm per layer
Minor swirl filling abilities
Repels water, oils, dirt, and contaminants
Protection from UV rays
Resists stains, bird droppings, water spots, and traffic film
Resists extremely high temperatures. Feel free to coat engine components, etc that correspond to the materials shown.
Ultra hard CQuartz UK contains ceramic nano particles found within glass, the result is a highly reflective, transparent layer.
Can also be layered: Allow 1 hour minimum wait time after buffing to allow cure before applying another coat.
Surfaces you can protect with CQuartz:
Paint
Wheels
Metals
Specifications:
Durability: 2 years or more
Thickness: 1~2 Micron per coat
Coverage 10ml per coat +/-
Water contact angle: 110°
Light swirl filling properties
Recommended working temperatures: 40F to 90F
CarPro USA Preparation Tips:
If contamination exists it is recommended that you IronX and clay your vehicle before polishing.
To gain the most from Cquartz it is recommended that your vehicle have all painted surfaces clean and polished to a high standard.
Use CarPro Reflect to achieve an incredible high gloss finish in less time with less mess
Use CarPro Eraser to remove all oils leftover from polishing which would hamper the penetration of Cquartz and compromise durability.
Directions:
Wrap a 4" mf Suede around the applicator block
Shake CQuartz UK
Slowly open bottle and drag one line of product across applicator
Spread across paint in a criss cross pattern approximately 2-3 sq ft depending on conditions
Using a 16" Suede mf towel followed by a CarPro BOA towel and wipe off residue BEFORE it becomes sticky
Be sure to remove all excess residue and only then do you move to next section
Switch out applicators often
Apply Reload 1 hour later or anytime after
CarPro USA After Tips:
Park vehicle in direct sun after application is complete.
Keep surface dry for at least one hour after application
Wipe any water off the surface during the first 24 hours after application
Avoid washing with any soaps for the first 7 days
Precautions:
Do not apply in direct sun or on hot surface
Do not re-use 4" Suede applicators
Do not re-use the towels you used to buff off with unless you immediately toss them in a bucket of APC after use to avoid glass crystals forming on them
Wear hand protection (disposable gloves)
Avoid vapors and use suitable respiratory protection
CQUK Some Additional Tips (mostly repetitive):
Go easy at first… Do one panel and check it after your done. Take some time to check it in other types of lighting (ambient daylight type lighting is BEST, but NOT direct sunlight). Check the panel first to ensure your process before moving on.
It should be wiped off before it feels sticky. Do not let it sit too long. (Typically 2-3 minutes in warm temps.), this will vary with temperature and humidity, after the first panel you'll have the feel for it. It's REALLY NOT hard at all!
If you notice any “high spots” (dark streaks), then you need to wipe it off more thoroughly. Great ambient lighting is key during application and removal.
#1.- Apply to the surface one section at a time and then wipe it off before it becomes sticky.
#2 - Be sure to completely wipe off the residue. It should NOT be difficult to wipe so don't press hard. BUT you do want to go over it enough times to completely remove the residue. This requires going over it a couple times before moving on to the next section or panel. Wiping with only the Suede towels "can" sometimes leave high spots, so I recommend using the CarPro Boa http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-boa-select-bundle-orange-24-x-16/ towel after the suede (this ensure total residue removal).
#3 - High spots reveal themselves best in great ambient lighting (daylight but not direct sun).
#4. - Be sure to switch out the 4” Suedes after every other panel.
With UK the key is to do one section at a time, and to wipe off each section before it gets at all sticky. Then follow with a boa towel after the suede to be sure to remove all excess product.
Prior to application, you would decontaminate with Iron X http://www.carpro-us.com/paint-decontamination/carpro-iron-x-lemon-scent-1-liter-32-oz/, then clay, then polish.
CQUK Basic Care and best practices:
1.- RELOAD may be applied 1 hour after application (not before that) if you think the vehicle is going to be exposed to rain within a 24 hour period. I prefer to wait longer "if" possible. However some folks may not be able to keep the vehicle in a garage overnight.
2.- Do not wash with soap for 7 days after application.
3.- DO NOT use any harsh chemicals, APC's, Iron X, Trix, or Tar X for the first 30 days. If using TarX after 30 days, do not allow a long dwell time or rub excessively hard.
4.- Hand wash vehicle regularly with CarPro Reset http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-reset-1-liter-32oz/
5.- Occasionally (every 3 to 6 months) decontaminate surface with CarPro Iron X. Use during wash cycle (after Reset)
6.- Apply CarPro Reload http://www.carpro-us.com/coatings-sealants-spray-wax/carpro-reload-500ml-new-formula/ for special occasions, any time you like, or after Iron X if you like to have a schedule for such things. Reload is not needed but will keep the hydrophobic layer in perfect condition.
Precautions:
A.- Avoid sprinkler and hard tap water (If your vehicle is subjected to this and it is not removed in the regular wash cycle then use CarPro Spotless (with supervision before use) and MF towel.
B.- Remove bird bombs from vehicle surfaces immediately (Ultima Waterless Wash http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/ultima-waterless-wash-plus-concentrate-16-oz/ + MF towel)
1 Caveat to add... You MAY prefer to use hydrofoam http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-hydrofoam-1000ml-32-oz/ instead of reload a couple times a year and skip the Reload, these are both optional and I would choose one or the other based on your preferred washing routine. Either one will do very well.
Items needed in order of importance:
CarPro Reset http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/carpro-reset-1-liter-32oz/
CarPro Merino Wool wash mitt http://www.carpro-us.com/wash-mitts-and-sponges/merino-wool-wash-mitt/
Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness/microfiber-madness-dry-me-crazy-25-x-17/
For quick fixes:
Ultima Waterless Wash
High quality plush absorbent soft microfiber towels (We prefer the Microfiber Madness Crazy Pile http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness-crazy-pile-16-x-16/ or CarPro BOA towels http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/carpro-boa-select-bundle-orange-24-x-16/)
Future...
Reload or Hydrofoam
Iron X
CQUK DETAILED care tips
I highly recommend Reset as your maintenance soap of choice.
The most important thing for your coated vehicle is to simply wash it regularly.
Washing... Wash in the shade -
It's simply Reset, CarPro merino mitt, Microfiber Madness dry me crazy towel.
When washing its critical to rinse your mitt after every panel BEFORE placing the mitt back in your soap and back on the paint.
Iron X and Reload should be used every 3-12 months depending on the environment.
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