A ‘stepping stone’ to using a coating (sub title 'Coatings 101)

Silica coatings require infrared drying lamps to ensure proper drying and product crosslinking and are better suited to a detailing studio with environmental control to prevent dust etc. To be done properly.

So although the selling price of such a service is high it does require a substantial investment.

Properly educating the customer so they understand a coatings possibilities and its limitations, while they offer better protection than waxes or sealants, as well as greater durability they still need to be taken care of properly. Using the proper washing techniques can keep their paint surface swirl free indefinitely.

As a ‘bridge between a polymer sealant and a silica coating I would suggest you look into Optimum Gloss Coat is a paint protection that creates slickness and gloss with just a few drops per vehicle. One ounce completely seals and protects 6-8 cars. This product doesn't leaves no residue and does not require infrared lamps to cross-link. Provides months of durable polymer protection with just a few drops

Optimum Gloss Coat seals and protects paint under a crystal clear barrier of cross-linked polymers. Dirt, moisture, oil, acids and UV radiation are all sealed out of the paint to maintain optimum gloss. Dependent upon climatic conditions/ use of vehicle it will protect paintwork for upwards of six months with just a few drops.

Application

Use very sparingly, Optimum Gloss Coat is made to be applied in a micro thin layer.

Always use a clean, soft micro fibre applicator to spread Opti-Seal over your vehicle.

Prep the paint before application.

Maintenance

Teaching your clients how to use Optimum Technologies (ONR) correctly would go a long way in avoiding paint surface damage like scratches, marring, swirls, and etc.

Optimum Gloss Coat is a hybrid coating consisting of SiO2 (silicon oxide) and SiC (silicon carbide). a protective clear resin coating, similar to the clear coat that already exists on your vehicle. It can be applied to all exterior surfaces. It is not recommended for glass since improper application can affect visibility. For other exterior surfaces, it is a highly effective, transparent, permanent coating that keeps your vehicle looking like new.

Optimum Gloss-Coat is an additional barrier between the elements and your vehicle's paint. The paint will retain its colour and contaminants will be blocked out to keep the paint smooth and clean. Because Optimum Gloss-Coat is semi-permanent, the paint finish must to be properly prepared before applying it.

Neither sealants or coatings will mask surface imperfections, but both will emphasise them; so prior to applying the coating, the paint should be properly corrected and then wiped down to eliminate any residual polishing oils. Optimum Paint Prep easily remove oils left behind by various polishes; Helps any wax, sealant or coating bond to the surface better; Spray on and wipe off easy application

Apply Gloss Coat to the applicator of your choice by squeezing several drops of product from the syringe.  Note that you may need many more drops initially in order to prime the applicator, but will not need nearly as much as you continue with application as the applicator becomes primed and there will be residual product on the face of the applicator.

Spread a thin layer (with an emphasis on ‘thin) onto the paint surface, working on one panel or section at a time.  When the product no longer spreads evenly, it is time to add more product to the applicator.  It wail take approximately 45 seconds to ‘flash’, dependent on environmental conditions. This is the “self levelling effect” of the product, after another minute or so, the majority of the coating will have flashed away on its own  and only the heavier spots at the top and bottom of the application strokes remain.

This is common as these areas where you start/stop your wiping usually have more built up product as it is not being spread out.After another minute or so, even most of the product will had disappeared.  All that remains at this point is to level the remaining high spots

See also "The Science Behind Coatings" -http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/the-science-behind-coatings.htm