CQuartz ceramic coating questions (only people who have done this please)
 

So I applied CQ UK this past weekend. We had no humidity and 60 degrees. My wheels are currently off the car as well and it’s garaged so figured perfect timing!


So I washed car throughly, striped all waxes and polished, clay bar all contaminates, polished entire car, washed again (to remove polishing oils) wiped the entire car down with a 70/30 IPA mix and waited a few minutes. Applied 1 coat of CQUK waiting about 60 seconds and then buffing off with all supplied material from CP, by the time I made my way around the car it had been about 30-45 mins and I applied 2nd coat (this time applying CQ and then immediately buffing off) , I then let the car sit for 24 hours to cure then applied reload spray (didn’t dilute it 1:1 and sprayed it right on and right off, didn’t have any issues with streaking and paint is super clear / clean looking) on silver car.

The car has sat another 24 hours and will probably sit for another 3-4 days before being exposed to any rain, dirt, road debris, etc so a total of 5-6 days to cure before being exposed to anything in about 50-60 highs (the garage is normally 5-10 degrees warmer) reason I bought UK since it cures it cooler weather faster.


My questions to my particular application, I couldn’t seem to find so I’m here to ask.

1) I know I didn’t apply the coating 100% perfect (first time , was nervous) lol , so I didn’t wait a full hour between my 1-2nd coat is that okay?
2) I waited 24 hours to apply reload (not 1 hour after ceramic coating) , is that okay?
3) I will be buying the 100ml or 500ml reload spray and deluting it 1:1 is that okay or do I keep it at its current property?
4) Also I was going to apply reload once a month, is that a waste or okay as I read its more of a 3-6 months application?!?!
5) Lastly, I read that Meguairs gold class wash & conditioner is a great cheaper alternative to reset, as it doesn’t have waxes or oils in it that will cover or mask the ceramic coating properties. True and okay to use this more cost effective wash?


6) Any other tips / tricks to maintaining ceramic coating or anything I did wrong (besides what I already know) for when I apply to my wheels & motorcycle? Thanks in advance!!

As a user of CQuartz I'll try to help as much as possible.

1. Waiting the proper time is only guide lines. This should be adjusted depending on humidity and temp as well as where you're doing the application. You should be okay with what you did.
2. Reload is simply a topper that helps reactivate the properties of the coating. Sense you can apply this after a few months after a wash you should once again, be okay.
3. I would advise against dilution of reload sense one of the main purposes is to repel water.
4. As long as you're keeping the car outside in the elements this should be okay. If it's a garaged car try to wait 4-6 months.
5.Stay away from any wash that has any wax or gloss additives sense this can lower the properties of your coating. Use a simple good soap like gyeon Bathe or ammoNYC Foam

Great thanks for all that! I’ll keep all that in mind!

Only thing I was wondering was a more readily available soap! Was looking on something I could find on the shelves with no wax or shine additives! :( guess no such thing exist

I know Advanced and Auto Zone sell Griots Car Wash which are a simple car wash.

Yes I was told that Griot’s (orange) is the only one that doesn’t have shine additives / oils.

I was also told Meguiar’s “deep crystal” is also a simple no wax / oils additives wash and both are readily available! I’ll be diluting them down really low so should be good and will maintain with a 1:1 diluted, reload from car pro after each wash so should be good to go! Thanks!

Are you saying you're going to dilute your car was way down? You should only dilute it by instructions otherwise you loose a lot of your lubrication properties that help remove dirt without scratching.

No sorry that was confusing. Haha my bad. I will be diluting the car wash down to proper specs. And diluting the reload from CarPro the Silica spray 1:1 as I’ll be using it after each wash (not every 3-6 mos)