New to paint coatings...couple of questions

[Zune]

I`ve used a number of BlackFire products on our vehicles, most recently on my Glacier White Audi SQ5. I love the All Paint sealant/Midnight Sun wax combination, & it gives the paint a great looking finish. I noticed recently that BlackFire has a new paint coating out, & I was thinking of giving it a try given its longer lasting protection. Before delving in though, I was hoping to get some advice...

(1) What if I don`t like the result...can I polish it off? I realize coatings are notable for their hardness, but can they be removed with a good polishing compound? I usually polish my vehicle every spring -- Blackfire SRC Compound followed by SRC Finishing Polish -- but it really is a big job with that hard Audi paint. Is this something I`m stuck with if I don`t like it?

(2) Will it reduce the amount of swirls/marring? Although I`m very meticulous with my (double bucket) washing method, I still get some mild marring & swirls after a few months post-polish. Will the coating improve that? Can the swirls & marring still be polished out relatively easily with the coating on there?

Thanks for any advice!

Cheers,

Al
London Ontario Canada

[JSFM35X]

I cannot speak for the BF coating as I have never used it. I can tell you that yes, it can be polished off. All coatings can be removed with different levels of polishing.

Some are more durable and repel marring, none are bullet proof.

Optimum`s products are touted as very durable and I have used it and I agree. I slao used the EXO and found it to be durable. I don`t test marring on my cars. I am careful how I wash and I have never been to a tunnel wash with any of my current rides.

You really need to know how to polish so you can perfect it before you coat it.

[RaysWay]

(1) What if I don`t like the result...can I polish it off? I realize coatings are notable for their hardness, but can they be removed with a good polishing compound? I usually polish my vehicle every spring -- Blackfire SRC Compound followed by SRC Finishing Polish -- but it really is a big job with that hard Audi paint. Is this something I`m stuck with if I don`t like it?

I too have trouble with commitment, but no worries with a coating as you`ll be able to polish it off. BF SRC Compound would remove it.

(2) Will it reduce the amount of swirls/marring? Although I`m very meticulous with my (double bucket) washing method, I still get some mild marring & swirls after a few months post-polish. Will the coating improve that? Can the swirls & marring still be polished out relatively easily with the coating on there?

Yes and yes. I`m 100% confident in saying that if you had 2 identical test vehicles, and you coated one of the vehicles then used a traditional wax/sealant on the second vehicle you would notice much less swirls/marring on the coated vehicle after a year. Even with identical wash methods. Coatings just make maintaining your swirl free finish MUCH easier.

I think the biggest variable will be on how you think the coating looks on your car. Everyone has different tastes and some detailers just don`t like the look of a coating on their car.

My vote? Coat your car.

[Ronkh]

I answered you 2nd question in my reply to your question before

[CamTech]

I am looking at my first coating too, and this coating was near the top of my list. I`m still looking and considering, pick up a brand new car on Saturday and want to get it clayed, polished and coated and see how it holds up. Trying to read up quickly on what I should start with but BF has a good price, and I`ve like the polish and such I`ve used of theirs before.

Decisoins decisions.... Wanting something very slick and shiny so as to keep it easy to maintain, I have no garage so hoping a coating will keep it looking better longer!

[silverfox]

With coatings, slick and shining negates longevity. You can`t have both long term. The slicker and shiner the coating, the shorter its lifespan. Dr G addressed this when he created the new consumer Gloss Coat coating. He said to make it consumer friendly (easy, slick, and shiney), durability had to be sacrificed. Don`t expect miracles from any consumer grade coating (as opposed to a professional only coating)...they are a small step up from a good hybrid sealant, and won`t look as good in most cases...hence the coating topping craze which makes no sense when you think about it. The prep and removal steps are very time consuming with coatings. Are they worth it?...only if you rather do something else than maintaining your car.