Best coating for scratch resistance?

[Thomas Dekany]

I guess I made up both the removal of the product immediately and how fast you were applying it. I am pretty sure that I did read/have seen the video of both. But as it is always, you are always correct. Did you not say that you removed OCP right away? Did you not say how fast you were able to apply OPC?

Lol! I can only assume your referring to a video I made when it was over 100 degrees in the garage. That was also the same video Dr. G asked if he could use, which I provided him at SEMA via flash drive. I won`t argue that doing that video on such a hot humid day was bad, but it is what it is. Now you find one single post online where I say to remove it immediately and I`ll eat my shorts! All my posts say to wait until it`s about 70-80% flashed off.

This is reminiscent of when you accused me of bragging about how fast I could apply OCP, which I quickly shot down with actual screen shots...something you could not provide. If you`re going to accuse me of something, you best be able to back it up.

[Thomas Dekany]

I have encountered only one such car, it was a 2007 Jet Black BMW that you couldn`t wipe without marring. The owner ended up trading it in after 12 months for a white one.

As far as using a filler type product, and for me Ez Creme Glaze never filled when I used it over 10 years ago. I would also not go that route personally. A hard "coating" is the better choice imho.

BUT, if you ever want to "fill" - this IS the product to do it.

Auto-balm - THE thread! - Page 9 - Detailing World - check out that Porsche result

Thanks Zach. I agree. I guess maybe I should have worded it as "which coating goes on the thickest, such that any scratches are mostly limited to the coating rather than the clear coat", but yes, you`re absolutely correct - I don`t anticipate that any coating is going to give my car a bullet proof finish.

I am intrigued by your suggestion of a filler. (Even though I AM cringing even as I type the word "filler", ) I`ll give it a whirl for one driving season (I`ll save the CQuartz for my wife`s SUV ) As I said, I think I could maybe improve on my wash techniques - at any rate, I think I will just have to accept the fact that with this paint, I am working to minimize damage, rather than prevent it.



Thanks for all of the useful information and suggestions, everyone. Your help, as always, is so very much appreciated.

[Ronkh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IURlc9_GyUc

[Ronkh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH9AB16Crjk

[Thomas Dekany]

Here is an older thread, but could be useful to you.

*UPDATED Incredible Detail - G|Techniq C1 Swirl Resistance Test : DB9 Very Soft Paint - Detailing World

Hi, all.

Thank you for your input. I have searched, but I am finding that most threads discuss longevity in terms of ability to bead, gloss, shine etc.

I am wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction towards a coating that provides the best SCRATCH resistance. My car (a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560) has the softest paint I have EVER seen. After detailing it perfectly, just running a microfibre over its surface, even when clean, can cause fine scratches. It breaks my heart! Thus far, I have been using a great sealant (most recently, Menzerna Power Lock - prior to this, Zaino Z2), but unfortunately, as you all know, these offer practically no protection against scratches, and after even a single road trip with its associated (VERY carefully performed) washes, I am ending up with swirls.

I have in my possession a new bottle of CQuartz UK, but I am wondering if there is another option that is more protective, purely in terms of scratching? Ease of use is not an issue, as I am comfortable applying most anything.

I would GREATLY appreciate your input. Thanks, everyone!!!

[zmcgovern45]

Thank you.

Finally some courtesy in this thread ...You`re welcome

[Thomas Dekany]

Finally some courtesy in this thread ...You`re welcome

So what is the answer?

[TTBear]

Wow. I never imagined my initial post would garner so much "discussion".

There is definitely some very useful information in this thread for me - and not necessarily just about coatings, either, haha - some guys seem to want to help, some just want to ride the high horse.

I never meant for this to develop into a face off between anyone, and yet it has evolved into something approaching that.

Suffice it to say, thank you for those who posted simply to provide information that was pertinent and relevant to my initial query - you guys know who you are. I am genuinely grateful for your efforts to help me out - to provide help, when my initial query was wondering what product would work well for me to apply myself.

The other stuff, fortunately, can just be mentally edited out.


Thanks guys. Seeing as I have the CQuartz UK on hand, I`m going to try a (properly applied, assuredly) double coat, and raise the level my personal wash/dry techniques, if I can (I`m already pretty OCD about things, but nobody can claim to have reached the absolute pinnacle).


Thanks again - it`s been some interesting reading!

[zmcgovern45]

So what is the answer?

Thomas, as I explained in the post you quoted, I have various coatings applied to my personal vehicles and some panels are uncoated... with proper maintenance, there is no real clear sign that a coated panel has less marring on it over time than an uncoated surface.

In any case, I`ve put in my remarks to help the OP and will leave it at that rather than continue to drag this thread out with no benefit.

[zmcgovern45]

Wow. I never imagined my initial post would garner so much "discussion"...

Last time you ever start a thread with "what`s the best...." haha

Best of luck... keep us posted... and at the very least post up some pics of that car!

[Thomas Dekany]

Any of those have (h claimed? That was my question.

Thomas, as I explained in the post you quoted, I have various coatings applied to my personal vehicles and some panels are uncoated... with proper maintenance, there is no real clear sign that a coated panel has less marring on it over time than an uncoated surface.

In any case, I`ve put in my remarks to help the OP and will leave it at that rather than continue to drag this thread out with no benefit.

[RaskyR1]

I guess I made up both the removal of the product immediately and how fast you were applying it. I am pretty sure that I did read/have seen the video of both. But as it is always, you are always correct. Did you not say that you removed OCP right away? Did you not say how fast you were able to apply OPC?

No and no!

I`m not saying you made it up, but I know for a fact it wasn`t me posting such information. And no, I`m not always correct, but I`m damn good at remembering what I did or did not say. Below is the initial thread you claimed I was bragging about how fast I could apply OCP. You never could provide evidence of such, but I easily found just the opposite with a quick search. Basically, I shot that down with a "quickness" in post #433
Opticoat 2.0 discontinued, OptiCoat Pro sees price increase - Page 11 - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum


In my OC2.0 video I did remove the product much faster than one should, but when it`s over 100 degrees and humid the coating flashes much faster (temp was noted in the video). That car still looked great and was performing well after the 1yr mark BTW. All of my online OCP posts talk about watching the flashing of the product to time removal, as it varies with the environment. To be fair I had intentions of doing a follow up article on Detailed Image in normal temps and on a dark color (which I can provide email documentation of too) but obviously that ended up not being needed since Opt discontinued OC2.0. Again, if you can provide a shred of evidence where I actually say to remove the coating immediately I`d love to see it.

[Ronkh]

[JSFM35X]

You would know better than me. I am speaking about my experience with my cars only.

I believe the hardness of the paint itself is a factor too. Use the same coating on a really soft paint like the OP`s Lambo and then something like a rock hard clear and the scratch resistance likely won`t be the same....at least from my understanding.

Coatings will help a little, people just need to be realistic about it.

[Ronkh]