[iMinLuv]

Anyone use it and if so what brand/ how did you apply

[PanTheOrganizer]

I have used CQuartz UK and GTechniq EXO coatings and they both work great.

The thing with coatings is you have to make sure your surface is well prepped:
1) Wash the paint
2) Decontaminate the paint (claybar and iron remover like IronX)
3) Compound and polish the paint to perfection or desired level of finish
4) Use an IPA mix (like CarPro Eraser) to remove all the polishing oils and residue and to make sure the paint surface is prepped
5) Some coatings need a certain ambient temperature to cure well on the paint, so check the label for details
6) Apply the coating using directions and buff off using a quality microfiber cloth
7) Try to let the product dry for 24 hours (no water on the paint).

CarPro recommends using their Reload spray sealant 30 minutes after an application of their CQuartz or Cquartz UK coatings.

Depending on driving conditions, if your car is parked indoors, weather, etc, the coating should last anywhere from 1 to 2 years.

[iMinLuv]

Originally Posted by PanTheOrganizer

I have used CQuartz UK and GTechniq EXO coatings and they both work great.

The thing with coatings is you have to make sure your surface is well prepped:
1) Wash the paint
2) Decontaminate the paint (claybar and iron remover like IronX)
3) Compound and polish the paint to perfection or desired level of finish
4) Use an IPA mix (like CarPro Eraser) to remove all the polishing oils and residue and to make sure the paint surface is prepped
5) Some coatings need a certain ambient temperature to cure well on the paint, so check the label for details
6) Apply the coating using directions and buff off using a quality microfiber cloth
7) Try to let the product dry for 24 hours (no water on the paint).

CarPro recommends using their Reload spray sealant 30 minutes after an application of their CQuartz or Cquartz UK coatings.

Depending on driving conditions, if your car is parked indoors, weather, etc, the coating should last anywhere from 1 to 2 years.

Can you do all those steps by hand or do you need a polisher

[John in VA]

#3 is best accomplished with a machine polisher.

[DrifterX]

Originally Posted by iMinLuv

Anyone use it and if so what brand/ how did you apply

I got Opti-Coat Pro applied on my previous car as soon as I took delivery; it's supposed to be permanent and their best product at the time (2015). The Pro version can only be applied by an authorized professional. After about 7-8 months of very careful hand washes, I still noticed fine scratches in the paint. It was great at resisting water spots, bird droppings, etc. I can't say I was ever impressed by the hydrophobic effect of it over time. There was water beading but it just didn't repel water as I thought it would.

After that experience with Opti-Coat Pro and all the detailer in my area jacking the price of it by 40% in less than a year, I didn't get it applied to my current car. I now think it makes sense to apply every year or two - you just can't avoid scratches by 100%. I'm probably going to try CQuartz UK this year when the weather gets better. It's way cheaper (1/10th) than what I paid for the Opti-Coat Pro application, I can install it myself and lasts up to 2 years.

Originally Posted by PanTheOrganizer

Depending on driving conditions, if your car is parked indoors, weather, etc, the coating should last anywhere from 1 to 2 years.

What if I plan on applying every year? Can I just use the same steps to apply the product again a year later? I'm wondering if the polishing steps removes the existing layer of the product - like how do you know you've gotten the existing layer polished off? Or is it not even necessary to remove the existing layer?

I've tried to find an answer on this for some time now but never got a solid response...

[iMinLuv]

Originally Posted by DrifterX

I got Opti-Coat Pro applied on my previous car as soon as I took delivery; it's supposed to be permanent and their best product at the time (2015). The Pro version can only be applied by an authorized professional. After about 7-8 months of very careful hand washes, I still noticed fine scratches in the paint. It was great at resisting water spots, bird droppings, etc. I can't say I was ever impressed by the hydrophobic effect of it over time. There was water beading but it just didn't repel water as I thought it would.

After that experience with Opti-Coat Pro and all the detailer in my area jacking the price of it by 40% in less than a year, I didn't get it applied to my current car. I now think it makes sense to apply every year or two - you just can't avoid scratches by 100%. I'm probably going to try CQuartz UK this year when the weather gets better. It's way cheaper (1/10th) than what I paid for the Opti-Coat Pro application, I can install it myself and lasts up to 2 years.

What if I plan on applying every year? Can I just use the same steps to apply the product again a year later? I'm wondering if the polishing steps removes the existing layer of the product - like how do you know you've gotten the existing layer polished off? Or is it not even necessary to remove the existing layer?

I've tried to find an answer on this for some time now but never got a solid response...

I just did a stripping wash, clay, polish and jet seal sealant from chemical guys with wax and the jet seal lasts a 12 months. It's incredibly hydrophobic as well as UV and bird dropping tuff. Definitely not gonna provide same scratch protection but only $40 bucks and it was easy to put on once I prepped the car

[liveevil]

I have cquartz finest on my estoril bleu for close to 18months. Tha coating is still working, as the rain drops "glide" over my car in a rain.

I can see some really faint scratches even using the 2 bucket method but definitely much better without the coating.

Now, I am considering to send my other car for cquartz finest reserve (new improved coating).

[DrifterX]

Originally Posted by iMinLuv

I just did a stripping wash, clay, polish and jet seal sealant from chemical guys with wax and the jet seal lasts a 12 months. It's incredibly hydrophobic as well as UV and bird dropping tuff. Definitely not gonna provide same scratch protection but only $40 bucks and it was easy to put on once I prepped the car

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it.

[Insane435]

I have Adams ceramic coating applied. It was very easy to apply. Seems to bead like crazy. Water definitely falls right off the vertical surfaces. Also a leaf blower just MOVES the water quickly off the paint.

[mauro1]

I have Gtechniq cristal serum light on actual f32, on a previous E92 have Gtecniq C1 both are excellent, but you should follow PanTheOrganizer's procedure, except new car don't need to polish.

[Revelator]

I'm getting CQuartz Finest applied to my black sapphire metallic 340 later in May. Really hoping it's the right decision because it's a bit pricey. If folks have any other feedback on CQuartz Finest, please share!

[ggrr8t]

You can check out this Board members detail job he did. It will give you an idea of how to prep for the ceramic he uses.http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1378894