GlassCoating, and other stuff to make a shiny car

[thelongshoot]

I keep seeing adverts pop up on my Facebook feed which promotes a Thai bloke in a squeaky clean 'lab' type garage/shop, spraying various new cars with a transparent liquid. Seems like the goal is to make protect the car and give it an extra shine. Google translate isnt helping but I have an idea this may be glass coating? Is that right?

Can anyone give any feedback for this, is it worth having, does it indeed give the car an extra shine without ruining the look of it?

I am buying a new SUV this week and im interested in having something liek this done, if you kind people can vouch for it that is.

Any alternatives to this?

Many thanks

TLS

[IMHO]

First things first - glass coating doesn't make your car shiny. It needs to be shiny first - and that can take a LOT of work.

OK, now that we have that out of the way..

Glass coating is an alternative to waxes and sealants. Simple as that. Here's a quick overview:

* GC lasts much longer than any wax. 2 years and more. 5 year claims are unrealistic for things like the front bumper, hood and front edge of the roof, which get hammered harder.

* GC look as good as any wax or sealant on light colors, but on dark colors a high end wax can look better.

* GC has zero ability to fill or hide defects in the paint like polishes and waxes can - so your paint better be perfect first.

* Once you apply GC, you can no longer do quick defect removal (e.g. removing swirls, scratches and holograms using normal techniques) - so your paint better be perfect first.

* Once you apply GC, waxes and sealants will no longer bond like they used to, so forget about them.

* GC formulations are rated using the same scale as lead pencils (e.g. 5H, 6H... 9H). Higher numbers will resist scratches and swirls better than lower numbers.

* Your paint better be perfect before applying GC, otherwise you'll never be happy with the result (repeat that a few more times just to be absolutely clear).

* GC cars are *much* easier to wash and dry.

Edited October 1, 2015 by IMHO

[JAS21]

That pretty well covers it ... preperation is the key as Mr IMHO stated at least twice.

I firmly believe, my experience, that anything you put over the

paintwork ... excluding polish ...will dull the surface.

A glass coated paintwork ...much easier to remove motor bike scuffs etc

[pmarlin]

It is also expensive to have it professionally done.

[IMHO]

It is also expensive to have it professionally done.

That actually depends on what they're doing.

As Jas21 and I explained, to do it right there's a LOT of preparation work needed. Even on a brand new car.

The raw GC product cost varies from about 500 Baht to 12,000 Baht for a quantity enough for one car - on top of which I wouldn't pay someone more than 1,000 Baht to apply.

But you could easily spend much more for consumables/product/labor in the preparation stages.

[sandyf]

There is a company here in Chonburi, 'A Glass', close to Tesco and we drive past it regularly. Looks expensive, customers appear to be high end vehicles, a large percentage of black mercs.

[IMHO]

I firmly believe, my experience, that anything you put over the

paintwork ... excluding polish ...will dull the surface.

Right - that's the job of a polish/glaze - fill in imperfections and glaze the surface. I would agree that I've never seen a sealant or glass that improves upon the gloss of the polish/glaze step, but good quality carnauba waxes can add extra 'wetness' to the finish. Even over fully prepped, polished, glazed and glassed/sealed paint, Wolfgang Fuzion can still add to the wet look - indeed you can see it right away, even before you've buffed it off.

On a side note, the Kessho two-step glass system is able to hold a wax layer for >= 1 week - well, it has done so for 2 weeks running now, at least. Because of that, it just became my favorite glass Oddly, it doesn't seem to have any less water beading/repellent properties than other glasses I've tried either - so I'm not sure how the Fuzion is bonding for more than a day, just that it is.

[IMHO]

@OP: ref your title question: and other stuff to make a shiny car...

Even brand new factory paint needs work to get it looking it's absolute best.

As a minimum, you will want to give it a 'finishing polish' (i.e. least aggressive cutting compound with the softest pad you can find) to remove the minor oxidation it will have already, and pull out the tiny swirl marks your dealer has almost certainly put into the finish while prepping your car for delivery.

You will then want to apply a glaze to the car to get it as shiny as possible before applying your last step - which can be either glass coating, a sealant or a wax - or a combination of glass+wax (wait 24 hours before waxing) or sealant+wax (wait 12 hours before waxing).

[BKKBike09]

OP - I just bought a second hand car that apparently was glass coated in BKK last a year ago. I wouldn't have known it had been treated if the seller hadn't mentioned it as an aside when I went to pick up the car. He had the original receipt and a warranty card etc ... the receipt was for THB 45,000!!

[IMHO]

OP - I just bought a second hand car that apparently was glass coated in BKK last a year ago. I wouldn't have known it had been treated if the seller hadn't mentioned it as an aside when I went to pick up the car. He had the original receipt and a warranty card etc ... the receipt was for THB 45,000!!

That's nuts.

45K gets you a full color change respray and glass coating, LOL

[JAS21]

Well it's two weeks since I glass coated the Mazda (using Eco 7000), it hasn't been driven on the road since. So today I washed it and it sheeted quite well. Anyway I was interested to see it waxing would improve the sheeting and the shine ... so I applied Autoglym HD Wax ... unfortunately I'm not in Mr IMHOs league so can't bring myself to fork out for Wolfgang Fuzion .The surface was smoother after HD Wax and sheeting was improved... just wonder how long the HD Wax will stay on. Now to get around to advertising it ... if only my EV T+ would turn up

I took a short video ... it turned out at 16MBs so put it on youtube https://youtu.be/uD2UO6cttjY

Edited October 5, 2015 by JAS21

[BKKBike09]

OP - I just bought a second hand car that apparently was glass coated in BKK last a year ago. I wouldn't have known it had been treated if the seller hadn't mentioned it as an aside when I went to pick up the car. He had the original receipt and a warranty card etc ... the receipt was for THB 45,000!!

That's nuts.

45K gets you a full color change respray and glass coating, LOL

Actually 45K seems to be one of the cheaper options at the place he had it done (http://gzoxthailand.co.th/price.php) ... Agreed that it's nuts!

[IMHO]

OP - I just bought a second hand car that apparently was glass coated in BKK last a year ago. I wouldn't have known it had been treated if the seller hadn't mentioned it as an aside when I went to pick up the car. He had the original receipt and a warranty card etc ... the receipt was for THB 45,000!!

That's nuts.

45K gets you a full color change respray and glass coating, LOL

Actually 45K seems to be one of the cheaper options at the place he had it done (http://gzoxthailand.co.th/price.php) ... Agreed that it's nuts!

Yeah wow. It certainly makes the Kessho 9H two-step system sound cheap at 4K Baht

Both make similar performance claims too:

http://kessho-coating.com/product

http://gzoxthailand.co.th/compare.php

Edited October 6, 2015 by IMHO

[kbelyeu]

Tensec card detailing in Pattaya.

Harley Glass Coating guarantee 1 Year = 10,000 ฿ Harley Glass Coating guarantee 3 Year = 20,000 ฿ Hilux 4 door Glass Coating guarantee 1 Year = 24,000 ฿ Hilux 4 door Glass Coating guarantee 3 Year= 34,000 ฿

https://www.facebook.com/10SEC

Getting my bike and truck done.

Kurt

[IMHO]

Wow, these prices are amazing...

If you're up for a DIY, here's a basic shopping list of items you'll need to do the whole job yourself.. even the prep work.

1. Dual action polisher. This kit for 3390 Baht is a good enough for occasional DIY and includes the backing plate and polishing pads you'll need: http://diypolish.weloveshopping.com/store/product/view/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%9A_DA_Dual_Action_%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%86_%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3-22585534-th.html

2. Meguiars M105 8oz - 300 Baht - ultra cut compound (step 1)

3. Meguairs M205 8oz - 300 Baht - fine polishing compound (step 2)

4. CarPro Eraser 500ml - 590 Baht - used to clean the surface of all residues before applying glass (step 3)

6. 6x Meguiars Supreme Shine microfobers - 780 Baht (I still prefer these over the "plush" ones)

Sub Total: 5,360 Baht + EMS.

7. Then your choice of glass coating (step 4):

50ml Crystal Process 8500 + 3x applicators = 1105 Baht - 5.5H glass, lasts around 2 years on hood/bumper, more on other areas.

Total = 6,465 + EMS

50ml Kessho CT + MA + Applicators - 3,990 Baht as a 2-step kit - 9H glass, cannot yet comment on longevity, but initial impressions are v.good.

Total = 9,350 + EMS

Note: This is enough product to do one large SUV/Pickup, or 2x smaller cars

There you go - for under 10K Baht and a weekend of sweat and watching YT videos, you could fully prep and glass coat 2 cars, and have a polishing machine, pads and compounds still left in stock

Note: All prices from Thai Washer Car Club vendors.

Edited October 6, 2015 by IMHO

[JAS21]

Great advice ...probably wise to add ...throw the cloths away after use as the fibres will contain glass particles

Edited October 7, 2015 by JAS21

[IMHO]

Great advice ...probably wise to add ...throw the cloths away after use as the fibres will contain glass particles

Right - the same goes for the applicator pads - anything that has been in contact with the fresh glass coating needs to be put in the bin when you're finished, because it also gets glass coated

[raffo77]

to DA or not to DA, that is the dilemma...

my paint job needs urgent help!

Edited October 8, 2015 by raffo77

[IMHO]

to DA or not to DA, that is the dilemma...

my paint job needs urgent help!

The answer is simple: if you've never used a rotary polisher, don't learn how to use one on a car you care about. You learn them by making mistakes, big ones too

If you're considering doing correction work by hand, can that idea - the types of compounds you need to do the job properly just don't work with hand application.

DA's are safe, even for absolute beginners, and you *need* one for the finish polishing anyway. At the cutting stage, sure, they might need double the amount of passes as a rotary, but that's a whole lot better than making bare metal with a simple wrong hand movement

[JAS21]

That is spot on Mr IMHO

[JAS21]

I intended to leave my white V-Crooss with just the glass coating. Gave in today as it seemed to have lost some shine, but still sheeted. We did go through some very heavy rain whilst away last week. Anyway I gently polished it with Meguiars 205 and then a coat of Autoglym HD Wax. It looked a lot better and still sheeted.

If the wax doesn't stay on I'll try Si-700 again. That looks great when you first put it on, but after a while....

Anyway, at least when the motorbike guy rubs his shoe all the way down the side, at least it will wipe of reasonably easy!

Edited October 8, 2015 by JAS21

[IMHO]

I intended to leave my white V-Crooss with just the glass coating. Gave in today as it seemed to have lost some shine, but still sheeted. We did go through some very heavy rain whilst away last week. Anyway I gently polished it with Meguiars 205 and then a coat of Autoglym HD Wax. It looked a lot better and still sheeted.

If the wax doesn't stay on I'll try Si-700 again. That looks great when you first put it on, but after a while....

Anyway, at least when the motorbike guy rubs his shoe all the way down the side, at least it will wipe of reasonably easy!

Interesting that polishing the glass coating worked - that tells me it has started to oxidise since applied. I guess that makes some sense, just a little surprising that it happened to such a visible degree... I guess it means there's a possibility that a polish and re-application might be a better option than trying to completely cut back the glass layer when re-coating... less work = good

The Si-700 is only claimed to last 6 months, which as always with care care products, means 2-3 months in Thailand for cars that actually get driven (especially in rain)

[JAS21]

I intended to leave my white V-Crooss with just the glass coating. Gave in today as it seemed to have lost some shine, but still sheeted. We did go through some very heavy rain whilst away last week. Anyway I gently polished it with Meguiars 205 and then a coat of Autoglym HD Wax. It looked a lot better and still sheeted.

If the wax doesn't stay on I'll try Si-700 again. That looks great when you first put it on, but after a while....

Anyway, at least when the motorbike guy rubs his shoe all the way down the side, at least it will wipe of reasonably easy!

Interesting that polishing the glass coating worked - that tells me it has started to oxidise since applied. I guess that makes some sense, just a little surprising that it happened to such a visible degree... I guess it means there's a possibility that a polish and re-application might be a better option than trying to completely cut back the glass layer when re-coating... less work = good

The Si-700 is only claimed to last 6 months, which as always with care care products, means 2-3 months in Thailand for cars that actually get driven (especially in rain)

The lady from Crystal Process Co (Japan) told me that I shouldn't need to apply Si-700 for a year but that I could put whatever I liked over the Eco if I wanted. I could definitely feel the difference between the bits that I had polished and the bits that I hadn't. I have well over half a bottle of Eco7000 left ... bought 200ml and have done three cars .... Not sure what to do when the EV T+ comes. I wonder if using absolute top quality micro fiber towels, similar to what you used would make a difference to the finished surface.

[IMHO]

I wonder if using absolute top quality micro fiber towels, similar to what you used would make a difference to the finished surface.

Compared to the price of so-called high end / super plush microfibers, the Meguiars' Supreme Shine ones are pretty cheap @130 Baht/pc, hehe.

I've pretty much tried them all - I reckon I've got enough "plush" style and other specialist type ones to make a makeshift bed. After trying them all, the Meg's ones just work nicer, give you good feedback on what's happening on the surface, wash out better, and don't have the same tendency to trap and hide scratchy contaminants. Recommended.

Ditto for the Meg's waffle drying towels. Lots of newcomers since they launched, but the meg's remains the best.

Edited October 9, 2015 by IMHO

[bangkokairportlink]

Hi, do you know where we can do 1 time coating around Pattaya ? No expensive membership to re-do it when necessary, just 1 time payment under 10000 thb please.

Also, can you tell me what can of spray you can use after cleaning your car to make it more shiny ?

Thanks you so much.

[JAS21]

I know of a guy who lives near the airport who would polish and coat for around that value. If you are serious PM me and I'll ask him. For some info look here  http://www.performancemotorcare.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-car-wax-and-car-polish-and-why-it-matters/  for your second question

 

[Wiggy]

I use clay bars (from eBay) and get a fantastic smooth shine. I haven't had a car glass coated yet, but I'm thinking about it more and more.

[madmax2]

Nu Finish car polish is a excellent product and easy to apply yourself

One bottle will polish a dual cab pickup 4 times

Polish it twice a month apart and the shine lasts for a year, tesco have it for around 1200 baht a bottle, three times the price at least of the Australian shop price, its a Yank product and i have been using it for years

[MINIMIGLIA]

Just get it waxes at a good car cleaning place, polishing it your self in this climate, no thanks, I pay 450 for a good valet and wax too cheap to do yourself.

[bangkokairportlink]

1 hour ago, madmax2 said:

Nu Finish car polish is a excellent product and easy to apply yourself

One bottle will polish a dual cab pickup 4 times

Polish it twice a month apart and the shine lasts for a year, tesco have it for around 1200 baht a bottle, three times the price at least of the Australian shop price, its a Yank product and i have been using it for years

 

Polishing is not something to 2 twice a month. It seems that you confuse with wax.

 

Anyway, I am only talking about a finishing spray, not wax, clay or polish.