New User Question

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JohnH

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Hi All
I'm in the process of preparing my plans to CQuartz my black Lexus GS350.I think I have everything in line, but need advice on two areas please.
In researching CQuartz application there is conflicting info in a few areas:
- Time to flashing before wiping down is shown as less than 5 minutes (time and Temp), and another is suggesting 15 to 25 minutes. Obviously a big difference. For sake of clarity, the CQuartz I purchased is NOT the UK version, and I made the purchase within the last 10 days, so it's brand new.
- The second area is in the area of wipe down. Once source suggests ONLY using Carpro suede microfiber towels, and another suggests that basic microfiber is better and that the suede should only be used for applicators.so....use disposable MF towels on first removal and go to a premium towel for final wipe down, Again, fairly big difference.

Should the MF's used on first wipe down be discarded, or can they be washed out and reused. Thanks
 
From what I can tell the CQuartz 50ml Kit (New Formula) may have a different removal time.

The (New Formula) directions:
"Wait between 1-5 minutes depending on temps, humidity, and paint and find the right window to wipe when your doing your first panel.
Generally in the summer temps 2-3 min.
Too soon and it will just be oily and no grab to it when wiping. Too late and it becomes hard to remove.
You want to remove when you feel it giving just a little push back against your towel but not hard to remove and no longer oily.
If left too long it will become difficult to remove. If removed too early then it won’t have a chance to bond."

This is what I do...
Do a small test panel and "remove when you feel it giving just a little push back against your towel..."
This is the "feel" test. The removal time can vary depending on the environment. I set the stop watch on my phone.
When I find the "sweet spot time", I use the phone timer to repeat removal on each section of the vehicle.

Now as far as a removal towel...
I personally have not had good results with the supplied suede microfiber towel.
I will use two new boa towels. I fold them twice so I have eight clean sections.
I use one for initial product removal and the second for follow up removal.

The first towel removes "cured" product and the second helps insure removal of remaining residue, high spots etc.
I has been said the after using the towels immediately put them in a bucket of APC dilution to eliminate crystallization.
This way the towels can be cleaned and reused. Even though this "may" work I do not risk it. I throw them away after use.

CarPro Short Weave Microfiber Towel - 16" x 16"
then
CarPro Boa Microfiber Towel - 16" x 16"
and
CarPro Plush Microfiber Gloves (Qty. 2)

Lighting is important to make sure CQuartz is correctly removed.
I always do at least two coats with 45 minutes between coats.

This is my process...I'm not the CQuartz guru. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in.
 
Hi John,

First...:welcome:

Second, Merlin knows his stuff.

I did like using the suede MF towels BUT...

1. I had a friend do the wipedown and I did the actual application

2. I use CQUK. 63-64 ° and 35% humidity.

Steve
 
I use the CarPro Plush Microfiber Gloves during removal.

BTW - These gloves are awesome!
 
This is something new that nobody outside of CarPro talks about. Every video or tutorial for other coatings shows nitrile gloves or none at all. Do the gloves act as an anit smudging barrier?
 
The gloves act as a protective barrier berween your skin and product. It prevents absorbtion of the coating and materials associted with the coating.
At work, we are "encouraged" to take proper precautions. I also use gloves when I paint, yard work when around gas and oils, and gardening with fertilizers and insecticides.

I wear nitrile gloves whenever dealing with products except when using RESET anda mitt.

Also, keep in mind, wearing eye protection and inhalation protection when proceeding with various car care steps. This stuff is easily found.

Steve
 
I like using nitrile gloves as well. Plus I get them free at work. Just be careful not to wipe your face with them while using them. They'll remove oils from your face very easily.
 
Merlin said:
From what I can tell the CQuartz 50ml Kit (New Formula) may have a different removal time.

The (New Formula) directions:
"Wait between 1-5 minutes depending on temps, humidity, and paint and find the right window to wipe when your doing your first panel.
Generally in the summer temps 2-3 min.
Too soon and it will just be oily and no grab to it when wiping. Too late and it becomes hard to remove.
You want to remove when you feel it giving just a little push back against your towel but not hard to remove and no longer oily.
If left too long it will become difficult to remove. If removed too early then it won’t have a chance to bond."

This is what I do...
Do a small test panel and "remove when you feel it giving just a little push back against your towel..."
This is the "feel" test. The removal time can vary depending on the environment. I set the stop watch on my phone.
When I find the "sweet spot time", I use the phone timer to repeat removal on each section of the vehicle.

Now as far as a removal towel...
I personally have not had good results with the supplied suede microfiber towel.
I will use two new boa towels. I fold them twice so I have eight clean sections.
I use one for initial product removal and the second for follow up removal.

The first towel removes "cured" product and the second helps insure removal of remaining residue, high spots etc.
I has been said the after using the towels immediately put them in a bucket of APC dilution to eliminate crystallization.
This way the towels can be cleaned and reused. Even though this "may" work I do not risk it. I throw them away after use.

CarPro Short Weave Microfiber Towel - 16" x 16"
then
CarPro Boa Microfiber Towel - 16" x 16"
and
CarPro Plush Microfiber Gloves (Qty. 2)

Lighting is important to make sure CQuartz is correctly removed.
I always do at least two coats with 45 minutes between coats.

This is my process...I'm not the CQuartz guru. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in.
Click to expand...

Merlin,
Sharpening the point here! I see the MF towels you recommended include an aggressive short weave for first removal; is this better than using a Boa for step 1 and 2? Also, clearly the first towel should be discarded, but do you also throw away the buff towel? Thanks!
 
Merlin
Should the first towel be a short looped aggressive MF, or is it better to use the Boa as towel 1 as well as for follow up?
Plus, should the follow up towel also be discarded? Will towel #2 pick up crystals? Thx
 
JohnH said:
Merlin
Should the first towel be a short looped aggressive MF, or is it better to use the Boa as towel 1 as well as for follow up?
Plus, should the follow up towel also be discarded? Will towel #2 pick up crystals? Thx
Click to expand...

1) I use the CarPro Short Weave Microfiber Towel as a replacement for the Carpro suede microfiber towel that is included inside the coating kit.
NOTE: The Short Weave Microfiber Towel is also a very good towel for removing polish, sealant and wax.

2) I do not reuse either towel. It's just not worth the risk for me. However, to reuse, they can be soaked in a APC mix immediately after use.
In that case, I'd feel safe on wheels etc. Maybe I'm over cautious but for the few dollars the towels cost (for me) it's not worth the paint risk.
 
I would be weary of using them on paint myself. Wheels, wheel wells, and engine detail is about as far as I'd want to go.
 
I just picked up these new pads and was wondering if they would be gentle enough to use.

two-kinds-steel-wool-dishwashing-white-background-32219632.jpg
 
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