Hey everyone!
Today I'm starting my first of several tests/reviews featuring Autoglym UHD ceramic coating. This just hit the shelves recently in Canada so I thought I would get my hands on it and see how it compares to my favourite entry level coating (so far) - Carpro Cquartz lite.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Test will consist of both products being applied as per manufactures instructions to a polished and panel wiped test panel, then given 2 weeks to cure before beading and chemical testing is conducted. For this test both degreaser and a combo tar/iron decon product (carpro trix) will be applied to see how they hold up. I feel this is a logical chemical regime as coatings regularly require decon to restore their performance. If decon products can knock down the coating, then logically, the coating is really only good until that point. Likewise, a degreaser would be used to help remove traffic film and bug splats during road trips.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Initial impressions are mixed, but otherwise good. I say mixed becuase the dropper/"nozzle" for the coating bottle became stuck in the cap for the bottle, making it extremely difficult to apply. I had to hold the cap in the top of the bottle and tip it over into the pad to apply it. Obviously, this is a defect, but the packing and everything else was in tip top shape, so it wasn't a shipping issue. I hope My experience is a one off, as everything else regarding UHDC was impressive. The packing, instructions, included kit, and products themselves were easy and straightforward to use. The preparation chemical is easy to apply and remove, doesn't smell, and should have enough product to safely do a full vehicle. The coating was also very easy to apply, the applicator is extremely high quality, and buff off was easy and slick - probably the slickest coating I have every used (compared to proper, apply/flash/buff coatings - not spray coatings). I did apply it on the thick side which lead to some extra buffing, but the test section is so small it's hard to dispense the "correct" amount - no fault of Autoglym.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Both coating applicators (note: I didn't use the supplied Autoglym applicator as I didn't need one that large) are being kept to check for hardening. If the Autoglym product doesn't harden then I meant that A.) the solid content is low, and B.) the applicator will be reusable. A mixed bag, but the solids % doesn't mean much as long as the product performs.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on Flickr
Later on I will put up a full review, and also put together another long term durability test featuring UHDC and other similar products. Both of these products are sold for roughly the same money in Canada, and feature kits that include some materials to make it easy to apply. Overall AG UHDC wins for application and included materials, as long as the bottle failure was a one off.
Below is a video showing the full application and removal process for both products, and shortly I will add some images of the packaging showing what you get in each. EDIT: Photos added.
Thanks for looking, Check back in a few weeks for the beading and chemical resistance results!
Update 1: Initial Water Behavior
Below is a short video showcasing the initial water behavior for both coatings. I have seen various reviews of AG UHDC with some suggesting it sheets rather than beads. For me personally, I prefer beading, but i know that with ceramics beads can lead to issues. So, how did the first round of water go? Click the link below to watch!
Today I'm starting my first of several tests/reviews featuring Autoglym UHD ceramic coating. This just hit the shelves recently in Canada so I thought I would get my hands on it and see how it compares to my favourite entry level coating (so far) - Carpro Cquartz lite.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on FlickrTest will consist of both products being applied as per manufactures instructions to a polished and panel wiped test panel, then given 2 weeks to cure before beading and chemical testing is conducted. For this test both degreaser and a combo tar/iron decon product (carpro trix) will be applied to see how they hold up. I feel this is a logical chemical regime as coatings regularly require decon to restore their performance. If decon products can knock down the coating, then logically, the coating is really only good until that point. Likewise, a degreaser would be used to help remove traffic film and bug splats during road trips.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on FlickrInitial impressions are mixed, but otherwise good. I say mixed becuase the dropper/"nozzle" for the coating bottle became stuck in the cap for the bottle, making it extremely difficult to apply. I had to hold the cap in the top of the bottle and tip it over into the pad to apply it. Obviously, this is a defect, but the packing and everything else was in tip top shape, so it wasn't a shipping issue. I hope My experience is a one off, as everything else regarding UHDC was impressive. The packing, instructions, included kit, and products themselves were easy and straightforward to use. The preparation chemical is easy to apply and remove, doesn't smell, and should have enough product to safely do a full vehicle. The coating was also very easy to apply, the applicator is extremely high quality, and buff off was easy and slick - probably the slickest coating I have every used (compared to proper, apply/flash/buff coatings - not spray coatings). I did apply it on the thick side which lead to some extra buffing, but the test section is so small it's hard to dispense the "correct" amount - no fault of Autoglym.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on FlickrBoth coating applicators (note: I didn't use the supplied Autoglym applicator as I didn't need one that large) are being kept to check for hardening. If the Autoglym product doesn't harden then I meant that A.) the solid content is low, and B.) the applicator will be reusable. A mixed bag, but the solids % doesn't mean much as long as the product performs.
Untitled by brianjosephson1, on FlickrUntitled by brianjosephson1, on FlickrLater on I will put up a full review, and also put together another long term durability test featuring UHDC and other similar products. Both of these products are sold for roughly the same money in Canada, and feature kits that include some materials to make it easy to apply. Overall AG UHDC wins for application and included materials, as long as the bottle failure was a one off.
Below is a video showing the full application and removal process for both products, and shortly I will add some images of the packaging showing what you get in each. EDIT: Photos added.
Thanks for looking, Check back in a few weeks for the beading and chemical resistance results!
Update 1: Initial Water Behavior
Below is a short video showcasing the initial water behavior for both coatings. I have seen various reviews of AG UHDC with some suggesting it sheets rather than beads. For me personally, I prefer beading, but i know that with ceramics beads can lead to issues. So, how did the first round of water go? Click the link below to watch!
