Bring paint to a 'liquid state'?

[sneek]

LOL i bring my paint to a liquid state all the time... Who needs these swirl removing products LOL

[Bence]

It reminds me of Ming methodology...

Although the self leveling new Nissan paint works in a similar way. With the heat of the sun it will level itself to a perfect, scratch free state. The coating works approx. three years long, then it "turns into" a normal paint.

[Slickery]

Originally Posted by Bence

It reminds me of Ming methodology...

Although the self leveling new Nissan paint works in a similar way. With the heat of the sun it will level itself to a perfect, scratch free state. The coating works approx. three years long, then it "turns into" a normal paint.

Lol, I hope this was a joke and if so you need to work on your punch line a bit, it almost sounds like you're serious.

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by Slickery

Lol, I hope this was a joke and if so you need to work on your punch line a bit, it almost sounds like you're serious.

Bence is right. There was a process called the Ming process, I read about here, that said they "liquified" the paint and releveled it. As I recall, the place was somewhere in NC.

Also, Nissan supposedly has "self-healing" paint in the product development pipeline. Supposed to automatically fix minor scratches and swirls. Don't know if it works, but they have announced it.

SamIam

[Bence]

Originally Posted by Slickery

Lol, I hope this was a joke and if so you need to work on your punch line a bit, it almost sounds like you're serious.

Slickery,

This is no joke. The system is ready and is being applied in the JDM onto the facelifted X-Trail model.

Read the Press Release:

NISSAN DEVELOPS WORLD'S FIRST CLEAR PAINT
THAT REPAIRS SCRATCHES ON CAR SURFACES

TOKYO (Dec. 2, 2005)-- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has developed the world’s first clear paint that repairs scratches on painted car surfaces, including scratches from car-washing machines, off-road driving and fingernails.

“Scratch Guard Coat” contains a newly developed high elastic resin that helps prevent scratches from affecting the inner layers of a car’s painted surface. With “Scratch Guard Coat” a car’s scratched surface will return to its original state anywhere from one day to a week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch.

The water-repellant paint also has a higher resistance to scratches compared with conventional clear paints. A vehicle painted with “Scratch Guard Coat” will have only one-fifth the abrasions caused by a car-washing machine compared with a car covered with conventional clear paint. Scratches from car-washing machines account for the majority of scratches to painted car surfaces.

“Scratch Guard Coat” is effective for about three years.

“Scratch Guard Coat” will be applied for the first time on an SUV model that is scheduled for a partial makeover in the near future. The paint will be applied to the car’s chassis, bumpers, door mirrors, among other parts.

[Scottwax]

Originally Posted by Bence

The water-repellant paint also has a higher resistance to scratches compared with conventional clear paints. A vehicle painted with “Scratch Guard Coat” will have only one-fifth the abrasions caused by a car-washing machine compared with a car covered with conventional clear paint. Scratches from car-washing machines account for the majority of scratches to painted car surfaces.

The tunnel wash owners were going absolutely nuts over that in Professional Car Washing & Detailing. I guess they can't handle the truth.

[Slickery]

My point is not that some manufacturer made outstanding claims but that anyone believed it. If we are going to be educated detailers we all should know by now to doubt everything you here until you test and prove it for yourself. How would they know their "self leveling paint" only lasts three years for one? That means they would have to have it completed and around for R&D for 5 plus years w/o using it yet. I can spend about three hours typing why I don't believe this at all, and that is just one of a million ridiculous claims that some company has said about their detailing/paint product, but let me just say this, I hope it does work even though I'm 97% sure it's impossible. The main reason it would not work is because even if it did what the company said it did, self level and liquefy because of tempature, then dust and other contamination would be suspended in the paint making it look like cr*p. I would rename it dust metalic. Unless you are going to tell me that the paint heals itself by self leveling but doesn't include the dust when it reforms? I'm not having an attitude with you guys, just pointing out that I believe this to be another baseless claim from an industry that is famous for making them.

[Grouse]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

The tunnel wash owners were going absolutely nuts over that in Professional Car Washing & Detailing..

i take it that is a industry magizine?

Can you provide a bit more info?

[wannafbody]

Surely you don't think that compnies don't test their products before offering them to manufacturers. I'm sure self healing paint has been in the works for several years and throughly tested. It isn't that a company like PPG gets a bright idea and then 3 months later the product hits the streets.

[Grouse]

The Ming Mirror Finish

Just the Facts...
Common questions asked about the finish.

Q: How is the Ming "Mirror Finish" different form a wax or polish coating?
A: Actually, Ming is neither a wax or a polish. In fact, Ming is more of a process than a product. The Ming process enhances the natural paint finish by filling the pits and valleys (sometimes called pores) in every painted surface where dirt, grime and pollutants can collect.



Once the process is complete, no chemical residue or coating is left on the paint.



In a conventional treatment waxes or polishes are rubbed or buffed into these pores to cover the paint. The shine comes from the ingredients in the wax or polish. With Ming, the shine you see is the reflection of the natural paint surface, not a wax or polish.

Q: Yes, but doesn’t my car’s paint need some kind of covering to protect it?
A: No, not if the paint has been treated and strengthened. The Ming process bonds the paint making it much more resistant than otherwise. The paint is then protected from the damaging effects of dirt, grime, sunlight and pollutants. The only upkeep necessary is a gentle, regular washing with Ming Car Wash Soap or a comparable product. You need not wax or polish your vehicle again.

Q: Does Ming allow my paint to breathe?
A: Paint does not breathe in the sense of air passing in and through it. Paint is petroleum based, inorganic combination of pigments, solvents and binders that do not require oxygen to properly function. In fact, oxygen and sunlight are the chief causes of oxidation – that clouding of the paint – which makes even a new car look old. Oxidation is accelerated when the pores of the paint fill with harmful materials. Waxes and polishes cover up these pores for a period of time. The Ming process cleans and closes them so that the harmful materials cannot collect in the paint.

Q: Does Ming only work on new cars?
A: No, the Ming process also works extremely well on used cars. It cleans old waxes, polishes and dirt that cause clouding and oxidation and returns your used vehicle to a shine that will make your car look almost new again.

Q: Can I Ming my clearcoat?
A: Yes, The "clearcoat" is an upper layer of paint finish that has no pigmentation. It still has the same pits and valleys (pores) as any other applied paint. These pores can collect dirt and become clogged when they fill with material. The Ming process cleans, enhances and protects the clearcoat finish giving it and increased luster and longer lasting shine.

Q: How does the Ming "Mirror Finish" improve my paint?
A: Along with removing the pits and valleys, the Ming process toughens and hardens the paint making it more resistant to chips, scratches and the detrimental effects of the elements. The process enhances the paint finish without altering the composition or base thickness of the paint. Nor does it alter the flexibility of the paint surface in extreme temperatures.

Q: Do the new "high tech" car paints need the Ming Mirror Finish?
A: Yes. The Ming process removes the pores that are a part of every paint finish. Every paint can benefit from the Mirror Finish. Ming’s goal is to provide the highest quality finish protection available. This goal requires that Ming work closely with the various paint manufacturers to keep current on changes in paint technology. The Ming process has been updated and improved through the years to maintain our commitment to high quality. Today’s advanced Ming Mirror Finish is still the perfect answer to today’s advanced paints.The name Ming was coined by a newspaper reporter who was so impressed with the "Mirror Finish" and its inventor, Chester Stebenne, that he called them the "masters in natural glazing." The acronym "Ming" became popular and the name stuck.

You are always welcome at the Ming Center. Come in and ask questions. Our trained technicians will be pleased to work with you on protecting and enhancing your vehicle’s appearance.

Ask the technician to perform a free "test section" so you can see what the Ming process will do for your vehicle.

The Ming Mirror Finish Continued...

Q: Does the Ming process "burn" my paint finish?
A: No. Heat is a component of the Ming process, but, there is never enough heat to "burn" the paint. Further, Ming technicians are quality certified to understand your vehicle’s paint requirements and provide exacting care.

Q: What types of chemicals are used in the Ming process?
A: The secret Ming chemicals used to perform the Ming process are a mixture of water soluble ingredients specially formulated to protect a vehicle’s finish. They are safe for both the finish and the environment.

Q: If I have an accident which requires re-painting, do I have to re-Ming the entire car?
A: No, Just the area that has been repainted. Most Ming Centers will Ming the repainted area for you at a nominal charge. Your insurance may even cover the cost of the re-treatment.

Q: What is "The Ming Guarantee?"
A: The Ming Guarantee promises you satisfaction with your Ming "Mirror Finish" for three years after the Ming process is performed. There are no yearly maintenance visits, no hidden yearly charges and no required reapplication. Your vehicle will retain that same "Mirror Finish" gloss through your regular washing and care. The guarantee is only subject to the condition of the paint prior to Ming processing and does not apply to areas damaged by abrasion, collision or repainting that may occur after processing.

If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your vehicle, all you need to do is return your vehicle to any authorized Ming center with your invoice and signed guarantee. Our certified technicians will process it again under the terms of the warranty.

Q: How do I know Ming will stand by its guarantee?
A: Ming has been in the auto beauty business since 1935. We value the longevity of our business and high perception customers have of our quality. Our individual Centers are operated by reputable, concerned business people who understand the importance of customer service.

Our desire is to provide our expertise to you in protecting and maintaining the beautiful appearance of your new or used vehicle.

Q: Does Ming only do the "Mirror Finish?"
A: No. Ming offers a full range of auto beauty protection treatments for your vehicle. In addition to the "Mirror Finish", Ming provides quality:

Rust Protection
Fabric Protection
Vinyl and Leather Protection
Vinyl Roof Protection
Tire Dressings
Engine Detailing
Complete Appearance Reconditioning

Ming also provides a full line of quality Ming Auto Care Products to help keep your vehicle looking new for years.

Q: What does the name "Ming" mean?
A: "Ming" stands for:

The name Ming was coined by a newspaper reporter who was so impressed with the "Mirror Finish" and its inventor, Chester Stebenne, that he called them the "masters in natural glazing." The acronym "Ming" became popular and the name stuck.

You are always welcome at the Ming Center. Come in and ask questions. Our trained technicians will be pleased to work with you on protecting and enhancing your vehicle’s appearance.

Ask the technician to perform a free "test section" so you can see what the Ming process will do for your vehicle.

I pulled all this from this link i found via search here in the forum
http://www.truckinamerica.com/ming.html

I smell snake oil

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread....highlight=Ming
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread....highlight=Ming
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread....highlight=Ming

[Bence]

Slickery,

Self leveling doesn't mean that the actual surface becomes liquid and sticky, which can absorb dust particles.

Imagine it as a miniature glacier. Ice is a solid thing, right? Wrong! Scientists examined the 'flowing characteristics' of big, thick glacier ice monoliths. They bore holes vertically with 1 meter spacing and put sticks into them. Just a nice vertical row of sticks... However, after several months, when they came back to control the row, it was distorted, and uneven. One stick was further down the slope than the other, proving that ice acts like a very thick fluid. It flows, but it is still solid. The vertical row of regularly spaced sticks had a curvy, uneven, strange pattern now. The original 1 meter spacing was nowhere; instead they could measure as much as 3 meters between certain sticks and 70 cm between other ones.

This is how the Nissan paint behaves. With time, the soft resin slowly loses its flexibility and becomes fully solid. No witches' kitchen...

[Slickery]

Originally Posted by Bence

This is how the Nissan paint behaves.

This is how you see it, and this is how I see it: "Allegedly, this is how the Nissan paint behaves."
I hope you are right, but I will believe it when I see it with my own eyes.