Paint Protection Types

After your vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned and the paint corrected, applying a layer of paint protection is essential to maintain its appearance and longevity.  A1 Mobile Detailing (Wollongong) can apply several types of paint protection coatings: Instant Detail Spray, Wax Coatings (paste or spray), SiO2 Spray Coatings, and professional ceramic coatings.

An Instant Detail Spray is a type of automotive product designed to quickly clean, shine, and protect your vehicle's surface. Here are some key features and uses:

• Quick Cleaning: It removes light dirt, dust, and fingerprints from the vehicle's exterior without the need for water. This makes it convenient for spot cleaning between washes.

• Shine Enhancement: Instant detail sprays typically contain polymers or waxes that add gloss and enhance the vehicle's shine, giving it a freshly detailed look.

• Protection: Many sprays offer some level of protection against environmental elements like UV rays, dirt, and contaminants, helping to maintain the paint's condition.

• Ease of Use: The spray can be applied easily by spraying it directly onto the surface and wiping it off with a microfiber cloth. This makes it a popular choice for detailing enthusiasts looking for a quick and efficient way to keep their vehicles looking clean and polished.

• Versatile Application: It can be used on various surfaces, including paint, glass, and trim, making it a versatile addition to your detailing arsenal.

• Duration of Shine and Protection: Most instant detail sprays provide a temporary shine and light protection, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. They are not designed for long-term protection like waxes or sealants.

Paste Wax: A paste wax is a natural substance known for its hydrophobic properties, which repel water.  The primary ingredient in many professional car waxes is Carnauba wax.  This wax effectively sheds water, prevents contaminants from adhering to the paint, and offers protection against harmful UV rays.  Higher concentrations of Carnauba result in better quality wax. The application is done using an applicator pad.

Spray Wax: Thinner than paste wax, spray wax is applied through a spray nozzle and spread using microfiber cloths or applicators.  Its liquid consistency makes it easier to achieve an even layer.  While spray wax provides gloss and protection, its durability is not as long-lasting as that of paste wax.

SiO2 spray coatings create a thin, waterproof barrier against environmental elements.  However, these are synthetic products that bond exceptionally well with the paint, forming a robust protective layer.  SiO2 coatings are more durable than waxes, lasting up to a year.  While some enthusiasts argue that Carnauba wax delivers a richer gloss and deeper color, others prefer the longevity of an SiO2 spray coating. 

Offering the highest level of paint protection, ceramic coatings are primarily composed of silica and titanium dioxide.  These coatings form a strong chemical bond with your paint, creating a nano-ceramic shield over the clear coat. Once cured, the coating becomes completely transparent, often referred to as a “glass” finish, providing brilliant high gloss and long-lasting protection.

Highly hydrophobic, ceramic coatings create water beading, which aids in long-term dirt repelling and makes exterior cleaning quicker and easier. They protect against light scratches and serve as a durable UV shield to prevent paint fading and oxidation. While they require more preparation prior to application and are significantly more expensive than waxes and sealants, they excel in protection and performance.

At A1 Mobile Detailing (Wollongong), we utilize high-quality paint protection products to achieve exceptional results.  We ensure that our ceramic coatings are applied to the highest standards, providing your vehicle with the ultimate protection.

We are certified applicators of:

Osren Coatz 01: Absolute Paintwork Coating (5 Year Ceramic Protection)

Osren Z1: Fortified Ceramic Coating (10 Year Ceramic Protection)

Paint protection products should generally be re-applied when the paint no longer shows signs of "water beading" (hydrophobic properties).  The re-application frequency varies based on the type of protection used:

• Waxes:1 to 3 months
• SiO2 Spray Coatings  6 months to 1 year
• Ceramic coatings: 2 to 10 years (depending on the specific coating)

Several factors impact the longevity of paint protection, including how often the vehicle is washed and its exposure to outdoor elements.  Cars that are frequently cleaned and stored in a garage will need less frequent re-applications compared to those left outside and washed infrequently.  Regardless of the product, regular cleaning and timely reapplication are essential to maintaining long-lasting protection.

Glass Ceramic Coatings offer exceptional protection for your vehicle's glass surfaces, forming a hydrophobic barrier.

Water droplets bead and disperse from the glass at speeds of 30-35 km/h, often eliminating the need for windshield wipers while driving, which enhances visibility and safety.

Additionally, these coatings make window cleaning easier, as dirt and grime are less likely to adhere to the surface.

Wheel ceramic coatings are designed primarily to protect against dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants.  They create a barrier that makes it easier to clean wheels.

Chemical Resistance

While wheel ceramic coatings do provide some level of chemical resistance, they are not completely immune to harsh chemicals, such as strong wheel cleaners or acidic solutions. It's important to use pH-balanced or gentle cleaners to avoid damaging the coating.

Heat Resistance

These coatings can withstand the heat generated during braking, but exposure to extreme conditions should be minimized.