Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[OBDH]

Hi everyone
Ford Au has come to the party and they are having my blue ember metallic Dark Horse paint corrected and ceramic coated.
I had a talk with the guy doing the job and he has only done five S650‘s and they were all blue ember dark horses and they all had substandard paint finishes with small marks everywhere and dull inconsistent gloss.

Now with the ceramic coating should I just hand wash it and occasionally use a good quality wax ?
thanks
Jason

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[bfets]

Hi everyone
Ford Au has come to the party and they are having my blue ember metallic Dark Horse paint corrected and ceramic coated.
I had a talk with the guy doing the job and he has only done five S650‘s and they were all blue ember dark horses and they all had substandard paint finishes with small marks everywhere and dull inconsistent gloss.

Now with the ceramic coating should I just hand wash it and occasionally use a good quality wax ?
thanks
Jason

Hi Jason,

I'm sure @DFB5.0 will give you a much better articulated answer than I can, but my $0.02 is this...

To Wax or Not to Wax?
My strong recommendation is not to apply traditional wax over your ceramic coating.

While it won't necessarily harm the coating, you'll essentially be covering up the very properties you or Ford just paid for. A ceramic coating is designed to be extremely hydrophobic (repel water), slick, and resistant to dirt and contaminants. Applying a layer of wax on top will:

• Mask the Coating's Properties: The wax will become the new top layer, meaning you'll be experiencing the characteristics of the wax (which has a much shorter lifespan) instead of the ceramic coating. The wax also wont last long because it could struggle to bond to the ceramic coating.
• Negate the "Self-Cleaning" Effect: Ceramic coatings make it much harder for dirt to stick, meaning the car stays cleaner for longer and is significantly easier to wash. Wax can do similar things, but not as well as a coating.
• Potentially "Clog" the Coating: Some argue that waxes can fill in the microscopic pores of the ceramic coating, reducing its effectiveness and longevity.

The Best Way to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
The goal now is to preserve the coating, not cover it. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Washing:

• Hand Wash Only: Absolutely stick to hand washing. Automated car washes use aggressive brushes and harsh chemicals that can scratch the paint and degrade the coating.
• Use the Two-Bucket Method with grid guards: Have one bucket with your car wash soap and another with plain water for rinsing your wash mitt after every panel. This prevents you from dragging dirt you've just removed back across the paint. There is nuance to this as I'm sure @DFB5.0 will chime in with. You can also wash safely using one bucket if you do it correctly or do a foam, rinse, foam method.
• Use a pH-Neutral Car Soap: Choose a quality, pH-neutral shampoo that has good lubricity. My favorites are CarPro Reset, Koch Chemie GSF and NV Snow.

2. Drying:

• Use a High-Quality Microfiber Drying Towel: A large, plush microfiber towel is the safest and most effective way to dry your car without introducing swirls or scratches.
• Consider a "Booster" or "Topper": This is where you can really enhance the coating's performance. Instead of wax, use a SiO2-based drying aid or ceramic detail spray as you dry the car. These products are formulated to supplement and "top up" the existing ceramic coating, boosting its gloss and hydrophobic properties. Think of it as a conditioner for your coating. A light mist onto a panel before you wipe it dry is all you need.

TL;DR - Avoid the wax, stick to proper handwashing techniques, and use an SiO2 spray to keep it in peak condition.

 

[OBDH]

Hi Jason,

I'm sure @DFB5.0 will give you a much better articulated answer than I can, but my $0.02 is this...

To Wax or Not to Wax?
My strong recommendation is not to apply traditional wax over your ceramic coating.

While it won't necessarily harm the coating, you'll essentially be covering up the very properties you or Ford just paid for. A ceramic coating is designed to be extremely hydrophobic (repel water), slick, and resistant to dirt and contaminants. Applying a layer of wax on top will:

• Mask the Coating's Properties: The wax will become the new top layer, meaning you'll be experiencing the characteristics of the wax (which has a much shorter lifespan) instead of the ceramic coating. The wax also wont last long because it could struggle to bond to the ceramic coating.
• Negate the "Self-Cleaning" Effect: Ceramic coatings make it much harder for dirt to stick, meaning the car stays cleaner for longer and is significantly easier to wash. Wax can do similar things, but not as well as a coating.
• Potentially "Clog" the Coating: Some argue that waxes can fill in the microscopic pores of the ceramic coating, reducing its effectiveness and longevity.

The Best Way to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
The goal now is to preserve the coating, not cover it. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Washing:

• Hand Wash Only: Absolutely stick to hand washing. Automated car washes use aggressive brushes and harsh chemicals that can scratch the paint and degrade the coating.
• Use the Two-Bucket Method with grid guards: Have one bucket with your car wash soap and another with plain water for rinsing your wash mitt after every panel. This prevents you from dragging dirt you've just removed back across the paint. There is nuance to this as I'm sure @DFB5.0 will chime in with. You can also wash safely using one bucket if you do it correctly or do a foam, rinse, foam method.
• Use a pH-Neutral Car Soap: Choose a quality, pH-neutral shampoo that has good lubricity. My favorites are CarPro Reset, Koch Chemie GSF and NV Snow.

2. Drying:

• Use a High-Quality Microfiber Drying Towel: A large, plush microfiber towel is the safest and most effective way to dry your car without introducing swirls or scratches.
• Consider a "Booster" or "Topper": This is where you can really enhance the coating's performance. Instead of wax, use a SiO2-based drying aid or ceramic detail spray as you dry the car. These products are formulated to supplement and "top up" the existing ceramic coating, boosting its gloss and hydrophobic properties. Think of it as a conditioner for your coating. A light mist onto a panel before you wipe it dry is all you need.

TL;DR - Avoid the wax, stick to proper handwashing techniques, and use an SiO2 spray to keep it in peak condition.

Thank you bfets
That is some excellent and detailed advice.
I’ll stick with the hand washing and si02 spray.

 

[DFB5.0]

Hi everyone
Ford Au has come to the party and they are having my blue ember metallic Dark Horse paint corrected and ceramic coated.
I had a talk with the guy doing the job and he has only done five S650‘s and they were all blue ember dark horses and they all had substandard paint finishes with small marks everywhere and dull inconsistent gloss.

Now with the ceramic coating should I just hand wash it and occasionally use a good quality wax ?
thanks
Jason

Thank you bfets
That is some excellent and detailed advice.
I’ll stick with the hand washing and si02 spray.

First of all, I'm sorry to hear you had issues with the paint on your car. It's not good enough and Ford have really dropped the ball on this issue, a car that goes to its most loyal customers paying a price premium for a nice car. Mine had the worst paint I have ever seen on a new car.

Some waxes are compositable with ceramic coatings, but most aren't. In essence, the coating does its job and rejects the wax, preventing it from bonding. If you do want to go wax, Optimum Car Wax can be used an occasional topper or drying aid, I've found this to be one of the easiest spray waxes to use.

Optimum Car Wax Spray - 5 Month Durability - Detailing Shed

The appeal of a wax is the warmer glow and lovely slick feel. If you want to keep those attributes, then Obsessed Garage Drying, 3D Bead It Up or P&S Bead Maker will do that for you. All work on coatings, the OG is the easiest to apply and nicest finish.

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid - Detailing Shed
3D Bead It Up (473ml/3.78L) - Detailing Shed
P&S Bead Maker Protectant Sealant - Extreme Gloss - Detailing Shed

Otherwise, use a Si02 spray sealant or detailer. This will sound like an odd suggestion from a product elitist like me..........................check out Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. This stuff is so forgiving to apply, super glossy and nicely slick. Just make sure to not pay full retail. Otherwise, Armour Detail Supply Amplify all day long.

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer 768mL | Supercheap Auto
ARMOUR Detail Supply AMPLIFY - Detail Spray - Detailing Shed

If you need info on how/when to use those products, and general washing ect, hit me up. Now that you have a coated car, you will want to make sure to use a pure soap without any gloss enhancers and waxes, that includes pretty much all of the Megs, Bowdens, Mothers..............ect. soaps at the usual auto stores.

 

[OBDH]

First of all, I'm sorry to hear you had issues with the paint on your car. It's not good enough and Ford have really dropped the ball on this issue, a car that goes to its most loyal customers paying a price premium for a nice car. Mine had the worst paint I have ever seen on a new car.

Some waxes are compositable with ceramic coatings, but most aren't. In essence, the coating does its job and rejects the wax, preventing it from bonding. If you do want to go wax, Optimum Car Wax can be used an occasional topper or drying aid, I've found this to be one of the easiest spray waxes to use.

Optimum Car Wax Spray - 5 Month Durability - Detailing Shed

The appeal of a wax is the warmer glow and lovely slick feel. If you want to keep those attributes, then Obsessed Garage Drying, 3D Bead It Up or P&S Bead Maker will do that for you. All work on coatings, the OG is the easiest to apply and nicest finish.

Obsessed Garage Drying Aid - Detailing Shed
3D Bead It Up (473ml/3.78L) - Detailing Shed
P&S Bead Maker Protectant Sealant - Extreme Gloss - Detailing Shed

Otherwise, use a Si02 spray sealant or detailer. This will sound like an odd suggestion from a product elitist like me..........................check out Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. This stuff is so forgiving to apply, super glossy and nicely slick. Just make sure to not pay full retail. Otherwise, Armour Detail Supply Amplify all day long.

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer 768mL | Supercheap Auto
ARMOUR Detail Supply AMPLIFY - Detail Spray - Detailing Shed

If you need info on how/when to use those products, and general washing ect, hit me up. Now that you have a coated car, you will want to make sure to use a pure soap without any gloss enhancers and waxes, that includes pretty much all of the Megs, Bowdens, Mothers..............ect. soaps at the usual auto stores.

Thank you DFB5.0
lots of options right there, I think I’ll try the Meguiars first as my local Repco stocks it and I get trade price.
thanks again
Jason

 

[DFB5.0]

Thank you DFB5.0
lots of options right there, I think I’ll try the Meguiars first as my local Repco stocks it and I get trade price.
thanks again
Jason

If you want to stay within the Repco system, I'd narrow the selection down to the Gyeon range, and a selection of Bowden's and Meguiar's products.

Gyeon -
Search gyeon | Repco Australia

From this brand, check out Bathe (not the plus version), Glass Cleaner, Tire Express, the Leather Set, Wet Coat.

From Bowden's -
Bowdens Own | Bowden's Own Car Care | Repco Auto Parts

Leather Love, Leather Guard, Boss Gloss, Big Green Sucker.

Meguiar's -
Search meguiars | Repco Australia

Hyper Wash (you'll most like have to order this), Quick Interior Detailer, Hyper Dressing, Hybrid Ceramic Detailer.

 

[OBDH]

If you want to stay within the Repco system, I'd narrow the selection down to the Gyeon range, and a selection of Bowden's and Meguiar's products.

Gyeon -
Search gyeon | Repco Australia

From this brand, check out Bathe (not the plus version), Glass Cleaner, Tire Express, the Leather Set, Wet Coat.

From Bowden's -
Bowdens Own | Bowden's Own Car Care | Repco Auto Parts

Leather Love, Leather Guard, Boss Gloss, Big Green Sucker.

Meguiar's -
Search meguiars | Repco Australia

Hyper Wash (you'll most like have to order this), Quick Interior Detailer, Hyper Dressing, Hybrid Ceramic Detailer.

Thanks DFB5.0
i didn‘t know about the gyeon products
they have a ceramic detailer as well

 

[bfets]

Thanks DFB5.0
i didn‘t know about the gyeon products
they have a ceramic detailer as well

The Gyeon products are really good. Its a tier 1 brand in my book. Much like Carpro and Koch Chemie.
The good thing is that their products are readily available which is nice.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks DFB5.0
i didn‘t know about the gyeon products
they have a ceramic detailer as well

Avoid the Ceramic Detailer. Yes, the gloss is impressive, but I found it to be a pain to work with, very streaky, needs a specific technique to get a nice result from. The Megs HCD is far better.

 

[bfets]

My car has PPF on it, and I've had some really weird results with OG Drying aid. I still dont understand whats going on because so many people love that stuff. For me it creates streaks that is really hard to get off, especially on the glass. I've now started to use Gyeon PPF maintain which is a SiO2 spray and it works so well. Love it.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/products/gyeon-q2m-ppf-maintain-redefined-500ml

Any idea what might cause the issue with OG drying aid @DFB5.0 ? I've wondered if its perhaps the Gyeon Q2 quickview I have on the glass.

 

[DFB5.0]

My car has PPF on it, and I've had some really weird results with OG Drying aid. I still dont understand whats going on because so many people love that stuff. For me it creates streaks that is really hard to get off, especially on the glass. I've now started to use Gyeon PPF maintain which is a SiO2 spray and it works so well. Love it.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/products/gyeon-q2m-ppf-maintain-redefined-500ml

Any idea what might cause the issue with OG drying aid @DFB5.0 ? I've wondered if its perhaps the Gyeon Q2 quickview I have on the glass.

Streaking usually occurs when a product is getting overloaded from excessive use, too much being applied each time, ambient temp and humidity, or old/hydrophobic towels. But.....................sometimes its an incompatibility problem, as in a coating or PPF not playing well with certain products. From memory, you went with Gyeon?

 

[bfets]

Streaking usually occurs when a product is getting overloaded from excessive use, too much being applied each time, ambient temp and humidity, or old/hydrophobic towels. But.....................sometimes its an incompatibility problem, as in a coating or PPF not playing well with certain products. From memory, you went with Gyeon?

The PPF on the DH is XPEL Ultimate but the streaking is the worst on the glass which has Gyeon glass ceramic coating on it.
Thing is, I also get the streaking on the Lexus which doesn't have a coating on it yet. It has Gyeon Q2 quickview on the glass. It's bizarre because I don't get the streaking at all with ADS Amplify, Gyeon PPF maintain or Bowden Boss Gloss.

 

[OBDH]

Avoid the Ceramic Detailer. Yes, the gloss is impressive, but I found it to be a pain to work with, very streaky, needs a specific technique to get a nice result from. The Megs HCD is far better.

Ok thanks

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