Hydrophobic SiO2

The SiO2 Coating forms the basis for all Hydrophobic Coating for Cars. The SiO2 is the name for the ingredient that forms a molecular derivative of sand resulting in it being referred to as a glass coating or a ceramic coating. The SiO2 element is held in a solvent carrier with other property enhancing chemicals that when dried and ‘cured’ sufficiently the SiO2 element will form a hard shell,’ glass like’ layer.

Two main forms of the SiO2 can be found with Quartz Silane and Silica. Both are almost identical in operation but are derived from two differing processes.

Once fully cured the layer forms a Hydrophobic Coating that provides several benefits over a waxed finish. The comparisons form a pros and cons with durability against cost being the most important.

Car Shine Wax provides a certain swirl filling capability upon application its future swirl resistance is poor while the coating is the opposite with no filling capabilities but resistant against future swirls.

The Hydrophobic Coating is harder wearing than any wax but is also harder to apply successfully. Application of wax being a thicker paste or buttery consistency while a coating is a volatile substance more aligned with an alcohol than a watery liquid. Both are spread carefully and evenly, allowed to dry for a period (depending on ambient conditions) and then the excess is wiped before a buffing finishes the application. Professional experience is preferred for the application of a SiO2 coating as intensive preparation is a must and caution must be taken at every stage as mistakes can be difficult to correct later.

Wax will be fully dry within several hours it may take several days for a coating to be fully cured when during this time it may be susceptible to marking or water spotting. Care must be taken during this period and a Quick Detailer may often be employed to provide a sacrificial top layer to provide an element of added protection wile curing takes place.

If a Hydrophobic Coating is to be utilized then preparation is key to the success. Machine polishing and finesse in the finishing will be sealed in for years and care at these stages must be taken. In addition the application must be completed with care because once fully cured any errors will be difficult to fix and may result in compound correction and recoating.

The choice of a Hydrophobic Car Coating over a wax is a personal one and many who choose the wrong product or fail to prepare the vehicle properly will be disappointed and never return to the product option. This comes when cheap and fake products widely available within the online marketplace can spoil a thriving business and thwart the efforts of true quality manufacturers that have a real product to offer.