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Automotive paint coatings have been
around for some time now and there are some unique coatings available as the
market begins to grow. When coatings
were first introduced, their marketing model was to make them available through
certified professionals who were educated on their somewhat complicated
application. But to reach a larger market they have become much more
user-friendly, with many mfg. adding new products making their application
within the experience level of many more detailers
There are a wide range of paint coatings
available, and each one is very unique. They are sub-micron particles that form
a clear thin film of tightly packed nano particles that bond to your paint and
become the new functional surface. The particles are up to a 1000 times denser
which makes for an ultra-durable hard wearing surface. Technically most
detailing product particulates are not nanometer in size, although they are
extremely small, as the term ‘nano’ adequately describes. Single-component
coatings interlace on a molecular basis and form an extremely durable
protective layer on the paint surface provided they are applied properly.
The significance of a nano-coating is
its micro sized particles that can form a very tight bond with the surface of
most materials; including glass, paint, plastic, rubber, aluminium, chrome,
stainless steel and fabrics. These materials will have surface imperfections
i.e. peaks and valleys, micro-fissures when viewed under high magnification.
These undulations allow a nano-coating polymer to form a tight molecular bond
(much like a printer’s powdered ink when poured over paper that has writing
indentations on it) with the surface it’s applied to.
A coating system forms a thin
crystalline film comprised of hard dense particles turning the surface
structure into an ultra-durable surface. Sealing a surface means applying micro
particles onto the surface, these treated surfaces become hydrophobic and
therefore highly water repellent, which enables less effort during the cleaning
stages, coatings also impart surface energy (38mN/m surface tension or higher) and
optimum protection to the paintwork, glass, alloys, fabric and trim.
First cost range from approximately 50
to 105 USD plus, which would cover 1-2 (with experience in their application) vehicles
per bottle
Their marketing claims a coating
thickness of between 2 – 5µ (microns) and a pencil hardness of 9H, they are
acid resistant with durability measured in years. To obtain this type of
durability, the surface must be free of any oils, silicones, and waxes. Coatings are optically clear, and will
magnify any surface imperfections. The surface needs to be clinically clean and
as swirl free as possible.
Coatings will outlast any other type of
paint protection and it requires an abrasive and a machine polisher to remove
them. They will also provide a durable finish and they will prove to be cost
effective in the long run
Paint sealants compared to Coatings
Automotive paint surfaces
are porous and contain microscopic peaks and valleys, much like the profile of
a mountain range. These irregularities are known as capillary structures; there
may be millions of these defects per square inch. Contaminants such as fine
dirt, minerals, and pollutants are drawn into the voids where they are
extremely hard to remove.
Paint sealants are synthetic products
designed for long-term paint protection and easy application. They are composed
mainly of amino functional polymers, which last longer than any natural wax and
are highly resistant to the elements. Synthetic liquid waxes are another way of
describing paint sealants. The main benefit of a paint sealant is their
durability compared to a wax, polymer-based sealants will last anywhere from 3
to 6 months.
A coating is applied to a clean
surface that surface takes on properties that are virtually identical to
hardened glass. It is chemically inert and will not react with the base
material. In other words, dirt will not bond to the treated surface, thereby
reducing soiling and organic staining. Acid rain and other chemical compounds
easily wash off, significantly reducing the hydroscopic nature of surfaces
exposed to industrial or environmental pollution.
You can verify statement
regarding the coating thickness by using a paint thickness gauge, but be
cognizant that most thickness claims are based on a spray application of the
product. Any installer with a PTG can verify the thickness of his application,
wiping on and other variables may reduce the thickness,
Silica Coating consist of four chemicals
– Silicon
(Si), Siloxane (H(OSiH2)n OH), Silane (SiH4 ) and Silazane(a
silicone compound), once formulated they become Silicon
Dioxide (SiO2) they are marketed under various brand
names: AQuartz is an inorganic
silica / silicon dioxide, G|techniq is an
inorganic silicate crystallization compound, Nanolex is an inorganic,
solvent-based nanostructure coating, Opti-Coat™ is
a polymer-based (SiC) carbide ceramic coatings.
DuPont's SupraShield™, PPG's Optech™ and CeramiClear™
are all inorganic silica automotive paint coatings.
Be cognizant that there are many glass
coats in the market today and many of them can be traced back to one or two
suppliers
Silica coating are a clear liquid in a
molecular form that is held in a polymer solvent carrier system. This silica is
aerobic (hardens on contact with air) and becomes glass. Multi-chemical
component coatings interlace on a molecular basis and form an extremely durable
protective layer on the paint surface provided they are applied properly. These
coatings are chemically inert and are highly resistant to a range of chemicals
both acid to Ph. 2.0 and alkali to Ph. 13.5 acid, they also offer resistance to solvents, and
they are very durable and capable of obtaining a surface thickness of Mils (µ
(microns) to be verified
When a silica coating is applied to a
clean surface, that surface takes on properties that are virtually identical to
hardened glass. It is chemically inert and will not react with the base
material. In other words, dirt will not bond to the treated surface, thereby
reducing soiling and organic staining.
Silica is highly acid resistant and is
not affected by acid rain, bird excrement and other chemical compounds, which easily
wash off, significantly reducing the hydroscopic nature of surfaces exposed to
industrial or environmental pollution.
The paint surface is porous and contains
microscopic peaks and valleys, much like the profile of a mountain range. These
irregularities are known as capillary structures. Contaminants such as fine
dirt, minerals, and pollutants are drawn into the voids where they are
extremely hard to remove. Capillary structures also provide microbes and
bacteria with an excellent place to grow and multiply.
The silica coating fills the capillary
structures, which produces a smooth flat hydrophobic surface. (A hydrophobic
surface is one that repels moisture.) In contrast, a hydrophilic surface is one
that absorbs moisture. The potential of a surface to absorb or repel moisture
is based on many factors, including: temperature, relative humidity, material
homogeneity, and static electricity. Surface roughness is also a major factor;
the rougher the surface, the higher the spreading rate or attraction for water.
The smoother the surface, the more repellent it is to moisture.
Some formulations of Liquid glass
contain titanium dioxide for extra shine without affecting durability. These
micro-particles of titanium dioxide reflect light of specific wavelengths,
producing an instant luminous shine and gloss. Titanium dioxide is sensitive to
photocatalyzation and produces traces of active oxygen when exposed to ultra
violet (UV) radiation. This effect helps the coating to prevent the attachment
of contaminants to the paint. This means that, in most instances,
environmentally damaging cleaning chemicals are not needed.
Protection from Potential Health
Hazards
Wear appropriate personal
protective clothing to include: Safety glasses, Hearing and Repertory
protection
Silicosis happens by breathing the dust
particulates of silica (glass), which cut and scar the lungs, causing damage,
which results in diminished lung capacity. So where does the silicon dioxide
enter into this equation as a safe product to breathe when applied as a
spray?
Liquid glass is actually a mixture of
caustic soda, quartz sand, and water are prepared in a mixing tank, then fed
into a reactor, where steam is introduced. The reaction is (n
SiO2 + 2 NaOH → Na2O•nSiO2 + H2O). Sodium silicate
is spherical silica in a liquid state, which essentially means ‘liquid glass’
crystals which are smooth and round instead of sharp and pointed.
Because there are no sharp edges to
damage lung tissue it is relatively safe to breath. But why would we think it
is safe to fill our lungs with round glass any more than with jagged sharp
glass particles?
Do the lungs have the ability to process and get rid of the
‘spherical’ shapes through the blood stream?
Is ‘liquid silicon dioxide’ really
‘colloidal silica,’ or is it ‘sodium silicate’?
Silicon dioxide = SiO2 and Sodium silicate = Na2SiO3. Colloidal silica
is simply the liquid spherical shape of silicon dioxide while sodium silicate
is silicon dioxide with an added salt element (Na). Both products are derived
from the second most abundant element on Earth – sand.
I would strongly suggest you do not
breathe it in but use the appropriate personal protection. If you were to
examine the urethane clear coat with high-performance electron- microscope, you
would see lots of fissures or micro holes. Nano sized silica glass particles
penetrate these fissures to form a mechanical anchor with the clear coat,
creating a durable finish that won't fracture
Respiratory Protection (N95): Materials such as aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on
EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form) or silicon carbide (Nuisance
particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in polishes and compounds, and powdered
fillers Crystalline silica (polishes and compounds) poses a serious inhalation
hazard because it can cause silicosis and Isocyanate clear coat residue
represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause respiratory distress. Use a
NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter
cartridge should be worn while using them
Consult the current 3M Respiratory Selection
Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630 for 3M technical
assistance
Modesta Silica Products
P-01A and BC-04 Nano-Titanium Glass coating - is definitely a worthy investment if your vehicles
appearance is important to you. An advanced and very unique glass coating, it
forms a highly durable, clear hard glass layer on automotive paints.
BC-01 High-gloss Water-repellent Glass Coating - combines special oligomer content with outstanding
water-repelling properties to create a special glass layer with high
durability. A two-component glass coating that produces instant luminous
shine and gloss. The presence of a
special type of Silane in the first component triggers a chemical reaction
with the second component, creating long-lasting water-repellent
characteristics and preventing adhesion of raindrops and water spots. When completely cured, the coating membrane
is composed of the same silicon structure as glass, forming a durable
protective glass layer.
Eliminating the risk of scratches
should not the only objective in protecting automotive paints. A major cause
of paint damages, such as loss of gloss and dullness is paint oxidation. This
process can be slowed by isolating the paint surface from the air. Although
this can be achieved with conventional coating agents and wax, the oils and
fats contained in such materials oxidize easily, and in turn oxidize anything
they come into contact with.
Once oxidized, these paint protection agents can often accelerate the degradation of paint rather than protect it. The inorganic nature of the BC-03 glass coating makes it fully resistant to oxidation and therefore more suitable for protecting paint. The hard physical barrier it creates also prevents paint from coming into contact with the air and acts as a strong anti- scratch protectant.
BC-03 Pure Glass Coating-
does not crack, bubble, flake, peel, delaminate, detach or discolour at
temperatures up to 700 °C. This new formula combines pure liquid glass and
titanium dioxide for extra shine without affecting durability. It contains
0.16µm particles of titanium dioxide that reflect light with specific wavelengths,
producing an instant luminous shine and gloss. Titanium dioxide is sensitive
to photo catalyzation and produces traces of active oxygen when exposed to ultra
violet (UV) radiation. This effect helps the coating to prevent the
attachment of contaminants to the paint.
BC-04 Nano-Titanium Glass Coating – a new formula coating that combines the best
advantages of the original Pure Liquid Glass coatings and highest quality
nano-grade titanium. This combination creates a deeper shine and better
reflections on the paint. A significantly prolonged working time also allows
easier and safer application. The
inorganic nature of the coating makes it fully resistant to oxidation. The
hard physical barrier it creates also prevents paint from coming into contact
with air and acts as an anti-scratch protectant. Capable of withstanding
temperatures of up to 900 °C. Layer
thickness: 2-3μm (paint thickness gauge (PTG) measurable)
BC-05 Advanced Water Repellent Glass Coat
Modesta BC-05 is a unique glass
coating based on a three-dimensional molecular frame. It forms a highly
durable clear hard glass layer on automotive paints. BC-05 produces a deep
shine and helps to protect the paint from all kinds of damage including
wash-induced damages, scratches, oxidation, sap, watermarks, salts, acids and
even permanent ink and paints. Its strong water-repellent properties also
promote the self-cleaning effects. Used stand-alone as a sealant, BC-05
produces a unique kind of gloss called the "candy-like" gloss. If
combined with the P-01A primer this effect is even deeper as the layers of
both products are combined to a single coat. It can be applied even to the
most advanced and sophisticated paints, such as Nissan Scratch Shield, Lexus'
self-restoring coat and Mercedes ceramic paint.
|
Product Application
Be cognizant that for a
coating product to reach its full potential; that is to say the correct contact
angle, durability and optimum cross-linking it imperative that you provide a
‘clean’ surface. Prior to application both above and sub-surfaces should be
decontaminants, polishing lubrication (oils, polymer (silicones) and wax)
system should be removed
Surface preparation
Surface preparation
1. Clean surface by using a professional panel wipe (Spies Hecker 7010 Silicone Remover) as a post-paint surface cleaner. Apply to the towel first (not directly to the surface) and remove with another clean towel. As with all coating products, the key to success is proper surface preparation prior to application
Quartz sand (silica) Inhaling finely divided crystalline
silica dust in very small quantities (OSHA allows 0.1 mg/m3) over time can lead
to silicosis, bronchitis, silica polishes and compounds are carcinogenic, as
the dust becomes lodged in the lungs and continuously irritates them, reducing
lung capacities. (Silica does not dissolve over time.)
Recognizing that very
small, respirable silica particles are hazardous, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1926.55(a) requires construction
employers to keep worker exposures at or below a Permissible Exposure Level
(PEL) of 0.1 mg/m3,
Use the appropriate personal
protection equipment (PPE) an approved mask (Consult the current 3M Respiratory
Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630 for 3M
technical assistance) nitrile gloves and safety glasses as a minimum
My preferred application method is to
use base coating (P-01A) applied with a rotary machine polisher and apply the
coating with a LPHV spray gun as I feel this gives a consistent thickness and
coverage.
a)
Using a low pressure spray
gun sat at a low pressure setting. Open the fan nozzle all the way and shut the
volume all the way down. Fill your cup and press back your trigger while you
slowly open up your fluid volume. Liquid should just start coming out and stop
there. Now you'll want to set your gun about 5 or 6 inches from some paper or
glass. Start spraying again making passes while adjusting your fluid so the
paper/glass gets misted, not damp where it runs but more like its damp where a
finger can smear it off. If it’s runny you have too much fluid and/or too much
pressure (try 12 or 15 PSI) and adjust until you’re happy with the settings.
b)
Use the P-01A primer (I
recommend this be used prior to whatever Modesta coating is used) Apply with a
mechanical polisher using slow speed or by hand. Apply the coating to a wet
applicator and then spread it evenly on the paint surface. Then buff it wet with a wet towel. Although
this might sound strange to some readers, it is a recommended application
method of the manufacturer.
Inspect the panel with adequate lighting
within 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to
clear.
Due to the construction of micro fibre
towels, they comprise a hydrophobic Polyester (a scrubbing fibre) which also gives the material
strength and durability and a hydrophilic Polyamide (an
absorbing fibre)
that is tremendously absorbent and quick drying. This nylon hybrid is created
during weaving to create microscopic loops, which form a network of tiny hooks,
scrubbing away dirt and grime.
The
nature of this yarn is that it is an absorbent; the reason polyester appears to
absorb liquids is the many thousands of micro fibres that collectively
encapsulate liquids.One of its drawbacks is that it has a propensity to lint, if any lint is present after the coating is cured its removal would entail abrasive polishing and re-application of the coating
1)
Dr
Joe dedicated Lint-Free 100% Cotton Surgical Towels,
that have a lint free, tight cotton
herringbone weave and a thread count of 170
per square inch, which is ideal
for hard surfaces as they have more ‘grip’ than micro fibre towels and helps to
spread the coatings evenly.Fold the towel in half and then half again.
1)
The coating can also be
applied with a lint-free and non-abrasive microfiber suede cloths (very low
nap), which will evenly spread the coating as opposed to absorbing it. Edgeless
optical grade suede weave Use a fresh cloth with an applicator block to help
you lay down the perfect application of liquid coatings and other protection
products. The Rag Company Detail Master™ Pro but the major disadvantage of this type of application is
the coating dries and solidifies to glass, which means the towels will be discarded after use.
Drying / Curing
Use of infra-red lamps is highly
recommended, the infrared drying / curing / process will
add additional strength, resistance and durability to the coating. allow 24 hours in a
moisture / dust free environment
Infrared heating
Transmit infrared radiation to the
coating to enable product to cure, infrared heat will also aid product overall
drying, improving both gloss and hardness. When large surface area need to be
heated, infrared lamps are often used in banks. Infrared heat lamps are
commonly incandescent bulbs which are able to produce infrared radiation.
Infrared lamps have many industrial applications including curing coatings
Wavelength
ranges
The wavelength of an infrared emitter
has a major influence on the efficiency of a thermal process. The better the
emitted wavelength fits the absorption spectrum of the material to be heated,
the more efficient the process. For instance, water absorbs best at about 3000
nm. Therefore, medium-wave and carbon infrared (CIR) emitters are optimal to
heat water and water-based coatings.
The main emission of these emitters lies
exactly within the range of the main absorption of water. Another important
emitter parameter is power, measured in W/cm (emitter length) or W/cm2 (heated
surface). Due to the higher temperatures of the heating filaments, the power
density of short-wave or halogen emitters is in most cases higher than that of
medium-wave infrared emitters.
Selection
Criteria
Coating drying and curing times vary
according to temperature, humidity and air movement. Raising the surface
temperature not only drives out the solvent, making the coating dry to the
touch, but it promotes the chemical cross link of the coatings components and
the paint surface. The faster those two components hook up, the sooner the work
can be delivered. Several IR (infrared) vendors suggest that dry times can be
reduced by 60 percent over ambient, unassisted dry times when portable heat is
carefully applied.
When selecting an infrared emitter for
an industrial process, wavelength and power are among the most important
parameters that are taken into account. They use low amounts of energy,
have an ability to heat quickly, and are low cost. Infrared emitters
differ from illuminating lamps in their low filament temperature,
resulting in much less light and more infrared radiation. They are
designed for use in applications specifically requiring a short-wave infrared
radiation source. They are commonly supplied with either a clear, red, or
inside frosted bulb. The heat is not determined by the colour or finish
of the lamp; however, it is determined by the wattage of the lamp.
Important performance specifications to
consider when searching for heat lamps include wavelength range, watts,
voltage, life hours, and operating temperature. The wavelength range is
the range of wavelengths the lamp is designed to emit. Heat lamps are designed
to emit light in the Near Infrared (.7µm-1.3µm), Middle Infrared (1.3µm-6µm),
Far Infrared (6µm-40µm), and Far-Far Infrared (40µm-1000µm).
As has been
stated earlier, the achievement of the precise wavelengths of ultraviolet light
suitable for curing coatings is very important if a system is to be highly
efficient.
By far, the most widely used is the
medium pressure mercury arc lamp (an MPMA Lamp). This can be air or
water-cooled and can be manufactured in a wide range of lengths. Single lamps
of two metres long are not uncommon, and the working life of MPMA lamps can be
expected to be well over 1000 hours. They lamps emit not only ultraviolet
light, but also visible light, and wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. In
fact, all lamps emit approximately 20% ultraviolet light, 60% infrared light
and 20% visible light. It is therefore important that when selecting a lamp,
output in the ultraviolet spectrum should be closely examined.
·
Watts specifies the power of
the lamp. Heat lamps consume a large amount of wattage but product little
light.
·
Voltage specified refers to
the voltage of the electrical input.
·
Life hours are the average
length of the lamp in hours.
·
Operating temperature is the
temperature range the lamp is designed to operate in.
Lamp Life
Medium-pressure mercury arc lamps do not
normally fail suddenly, as do ordinary household light bulbs. Efficiency declines relatively slowly, until
insufficient UV light is being emitted for the lamp to cure effectively. This
decline is caused primarily by the deterioration in UV transparency of the
quartz jacket, and depends on a number of factors- lamp cooling efficiency,
power rating, current rating of the electrodes, electrode cooling efficiency,
contamination of the lamp's external surface (dust etc.) and switching
frequency.
Emissivity of the substrate.
A steel substrate (like a body panel)
will only get so hot if the surrounding air is cooler than the panel. So I can
point an infrared heat light at the steel panel and leave for lunch. The panel
will only get to about 135-140 degrees (if the shop air is cooler than that)
and stay there Ñ the point of emissivity. Plastic substrate has an emissivity
point of about 180-185 degrees. If I point the heat light at the plastic bumper
and head out to lunch, bad things will happen. The plastic may become hard and
brittle internally and deform externally.
Many vendors recommend covering thin
plastic parts with reflective foil tape if they can’t be removed.
So how do you control the temperature of the panels?
The most expensive infrared heaters have
a remote-temperature sensor that turns the unit on and off to prevent
over-heating the panels. Curing time average 2-4 hours. Most heat lights should
be placed somewhere between 20 inches and 36 inches away from the panel (exact
recommendations are available from your vendor). Too close and the panel will
get too hot, possibly causing solvent pop or hard polishing of the topcoat. Too
far away and the panel won’t get warm enough, possibly causing uncured spots.
Coating Maintenance
Many people have the incorrect
impression that paint coatings are a “no maintenance required” type of
product. This is simply not true. Routine washing is crucial. As your coating becomes covered with dirt and
contamination, you will notice a decrease in hydrophobic properties. It’s
important to remove any surface contaminates on a regular basis with a car wash
concentrate that will not leave gloss enhancers or surfactants behind due to a
coatings ‘roll off’ washing and drying the paint surface is very easily
accomplished
The normal car wash concentrates mostly
contain surfactants and alkaline additives. They work by breaking down surface
tension and wetting the surface to facilitate soil removal by flushing. With
many of the newer coatings traditional car wash solutions, especially at their
normal extreme dilutions.
Dry surfaces with a pre-washed waffle weave (pique)
towels to ensure zero marring to the paint surface
Summary
Polish the paint surface to remove
(without removing too much clear coat) any surface imperfections as this
product cures to become optically clear and will highlight any surface defects.
It has always puzzled me why people over-polish their car paint and cause the
paint to fail prematurely; we all have seen examples of clear coat failure. A
coating is the most effective way to avoid premature failure of clear coats.
Bibliography
1.
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre
2.
Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology
3.
Basic Concepts of Nanotechnology, History of Nano-Technology,
News, Materials and Potential Risks
4.
Lotus-inspired nanotechnology applications, B. Karthick1 and Ramesh Maheshwari
5.
SpecialChem4 Polymers
6.
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
7.
European Coatings
Handbook 2nd Edition, by Brock, Groteklaes, Mischke
8.
Bayer Material Science,
Automotive eNewsletters (Coating, Adhesives
and Specialties)
The information in this article is based on the current status of the
technical development as well as our experience with the products.
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