Jump to content
Customer Service 866.965.0400
  • 0

Paint Coating | FAQ's | Discussion


Dan@Adams

Question

Adam's Ceramic Paint Coating | Durable Long-Lasting Paint Protection
Updated 5/24/2018

 

Adam's Paint Coating offers an incredibly durable barrier designed to protect the surface from dirt and bonded contaminants, while preserving the depth and luster of your paint! This new coating includes the latest advances in ceramic technology, is user friendly, and safe on clear coats, single stage, and lacquer finishes. Applying Adam’s Paint Coating not only minimizes the chances of introducing swirl marks and scratches during washing, but its hydrophobic nature will cause water to bead and repel off like crazy!

 

adams_paint_coating_zpswdipy43z.jpg

FAQ's


Q: How is this product new?
A. Over the past year and a half, we have analyzed and assessed our customer’s concerns with how the current coating acted and performed. You asked, we answered! This updated coating not only lasts significantly longer, but it is also much more user friendly to apply and get optimum performance. When dealing with Ceramic coatings, you’ll find that the surface begins to “tack” up during application and display the signs of the curing process, meaning your working window is closing! The most notable features of our new coatings are how easy they are to apply, and the increased working time before removal that we’ve granted both professionals and weekend hobbyists!

 

Q: How is this product used?

A: Like all ceramic coatings, preparation and application techniques are very important. Read and follow the printed instructions, and watch the product video prior to applying this product for the first time. Since this coating begins to cure when exposed to air, the initial application needs to be correct.

 

Q: How is Adam’s Paint Coating different than a sealant or wax?

A: Adam’s Paint Coating is a product that contains ceramics. It forms a semi-permanent, measurable bond with the painted surfaces of your vehicle, creating a very durable layer of protection that can last one to two years, while providing incredible shine. Products like our Americana Paste Wax, Buttery Wax, H2O Guard & Gloss, and Paint Sealant provide excellent protection and shine for your vehicle typically for 6 months or less. They are relatively forgiving when it comes to application or removal of the products, like using a strip wash or clay bar to start fresh, whereas with Adam’s Paint Coating, it must be removed by machine polishing due to it forming a much stronger bond with the painted surface.

 

Q: Should I choose Adam’s Paint Coating?

A: Adam’s Paint Coating is not a product for everyone. It’s more expensive than our other wax and sealant products due to the cost of the chemicals, and does require much more care and technique to apply and remove. This is a product for the perfectionist that wants to keep their vehicle finish looking as perfect as possible for the longest amount of time in between detailing sessions, that may not have time to do a full detail 3 or 4 times per year. For your daily driver, you will love how water seems to dance off the car after a rainstorm, making cleanup afterward a breeze. Or for you show car that has a soft clear coat that scratches easily, you will have a little more reassurance when washing the vehicle or wiping it down at a show.

 

Q: Do I really need to do all cleaning steps?

A: No, but we strongly encourage it! The visible results and longevity of the protection from the coating require that the paint be as bare and perfect as possible. This is achieved by first by claying with Adam’s Visco Clay Bar and Detail Spray to remove bonded contamination, then by machine polishing with the appropriate pads and polishes to remove or reduce the appearance of scratches, imperfections, and swirl marks, and then finally by using Adam’s Coating Prep solution to remove any polish residue, pad dust, etc. Even many brand-new vehicles need to be prepped, as they may still contain contamination from being transported, or receiving improper care at the dealership. Once the coating is applied, any imperfections on the surface underneath the coating will remain there, so it is important the paint looks its absolute best.

 

Q: Is there a need to apply two coats of Adam’s Paint Coating?

A: No, a second coat is not necessary. There is no benefit to “layering”, as it will not change the level of protection; however, you can apply Adam’s Ceramic Boost once the coating has properly cured for 24-48 hours. The Ceramic Boost will leave the surface even more slick and enhance the hydrophobic, water-repelling nature of the coating. Save any remaining coating for repair work, if you find you need to re-do a panel, due to scratches or swirls accidentally left behind before initially applying the coating. Remember if any corrections are necessary, the coating needs to be removed by machine with the appropriate polishing system.

 

Q: What happens if I get this on the trim next to the paint?

A: Avoid applying Adam’s Paint Coating to any trim surface. Plastic and rubber trim need to be very thoroughly cleaned and protected or it will absorb the coating, creating an unpleasant appearance. To avoid this and to offer your trim the same long lasting level of protection, use Adam’s Trim Coating first on the plastic and rubber surfaces. You may also tape off the trim areas with detailing tape or painter’s tape to avoid unwanted transfer.

 

Q: Why is the cure time so long?

A: The time that it takes for the coating to cure depends on ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, air flow, etc.). The recommended time frame of 24-48 hours covers most typical application conditions. However, certainly use common sense (do not apply outside during winter temps). Also, be aware that simply wiping away the coating residue with a microfiber towel does not mean it is cured. The coated surface needs 24-48 hours to fully cure before getting damp/wet or being exposed to residue from additional products that might be used on the paint.

 

Q: What is the hardness rating of this coating?

A: Adam’s Paint Coating has a hardness rating of 9H on the Pencil Hardness Test. This test determines resistance to scratches on a coated surface by using pencils and other materials of specific hardness ratings. What this means is that Adam’s Paint Coating is a very durable coating but it still has a reduced possibility of being scratched while still allowing it to be removed with a machine polisher and not resorting to wet sanding or other potentially harmful methods.

 

Q: Can I remove Adam’s Paint Coating after it cures?

A: Yes. Adam’s Paint Coating can be removed by machine polishing. It must be removed by machine due to it forming a much stronger bond with the painted surface of the vehicle than our other wax and sealant products. Adam’s Correcting Polish with an Orange Foam Pad or Microfiber Cutting Pad should be enough to remove the coating for any follow-up polishing work, or to repair improper application/curing of the coating.

 

Q: Will Adam’s Strip Wash, Visco Clay Bar, or Revive Hand Polish remove this coating?

A: No. Chemicals and hand polishing will not remove the coating. Only wear and tear over time or machine polishing with the appropriate cutting pad and polish will remove the coating.

 

Q: Is this product safe for all paint types?

A: Yes for the most part. Adam’s Paint Coating can be applied to single stage, base coat/clear coat, and lacquer finishes, but it is imperative to follow all preparation steps and directions for best results. This coating can be used on matte and satin paint finishes as well, but it may add unwanted levels of shine to the surface.

 

Q: Can you still use other waxes over Adam’s Paint Coating?

A: Yes, you can apply Americana Paste Wax or Buttery Wax over Adam’s Paint Coating after it has fully cured; however, they are not totally necessary and they may lessen the effect of the water-repelling properties of the ceramic coating. Add more shine, protection, and a slick surface to this coating with Adam’s Ceramic Boost instead, developed specifically to work with ceramic coatings.

 

Q: Can Liquid Paint Sealant or H2O Guard & Gloss be layered over the Paint Coating?

A: Adding a sealant like Adam’s Paint Sealant or Adam’s H2O Guard & Gloss on top of Adam’s Paint Coating after it has fully cured is an option to have an additional layer of protection, but they are not necessary either and could lessen the hydrophobic effect of the coating as well. Add more shine, protection, and a slick surface to this coating with Adam’s Ceramic Boost instead, developed specifically to work with ceramic coatings.

 

Q: Can the applicator or towel be cleaned and reused?

A: No. The product cures hard and cannot be cleaned from the applicator or towel, so careful application is important. While additional applicators will be available for purchase, keep in mind that each applicator can be used for more than one application/vehicle, since each has 6 total sides. Just clean, clay, polish, and prep the entire vehicle first, then apply the Paint Coating to each body panel one at a time. The plush towel that is used to wipe the coating from the painted areas cannot be reused, so it should be discarded afterward.

 

Q: Can additional applicators be purchased?

A: Yes. Replacement ceramic coating applicators can be purchased here: http://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-blue-ceramic-trim-applicator.html

 

Q: Why is this product so expensive?

A: Ceramic coatings are more expensive than a typical wax or sealant because of the chemical properties required to create such a durable and long-lasting solution. Our bottle is 50ml, which should provide enough product for one or two normal size sedans or trucks, or possibly three applications for smaller vehicles, provided it is stored and maintained properly. Always replace the cap immediately after dispensing the product onto the applicator each time, and store the product in a cool, dark place.

 

Q: Why is it only offered in a kit?

A: Since the preparation/cleaning and application methods and techniques are important and unique for this product, we want the kit to have all the items needed to provide the best result. Selling individual bottles of Paint Coating and Coating Prep solution may result in customers not having the required products, or their existing towels/applicators may have other residues that could impede the effectiveness of the coating. In addition, the plush towel used for wiping the coating from the paint will need to be discarded, since the coating will cure and cannot be cleaned out of the towel.

 

Q: Can Adam’s Paint Coating be used on headlights?

A: Yes, Adam’s Paint Coating can be used on headlights. Follow all preparation and application steps that you would use for applying the coating to a painted surface.

 

Q: Can Adam’s Paint Coating be used on glass?

A: No. We do not recommend using Adam’s Paint Coating on exterior glass. For best results on glass, use Adam’s Glass Sealant instead.

 

Q: Can Adam’s Paint Coating be used on smooth painted plastic?

A: Yes, you can use Paint Coating on smooth painted plastic like gloss black B and C-pillars on doors and so on. Follow the same prep and process as you do when applying to other painted surfaces.

 

Q: Can Adam’s Paint Coating be used on exterior textured plastic and rubber trim?

A: No. Due to strength and hardness of this coating, we do not recommend using it on textured plastic or rubber trim of your vehicle. For best results on exterior plastic and rubber trim, use Adam’s Trim Coating instead.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeUTBeOSPYU

 

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: CLEAN FIRST!

In order for Adam’s Paint Coating to adhere to the surface, work properly, and have a uniform appearance, it is imperative to have a completely clean surface. Applying to a dirty surface can cause some spots to look dull or discolored compared to other parts of the vehicle.

 

1. Wash vehicle as thoroughly as possible following proper methods in our instructional videos. Dry vehicle – Do Not use any chemicals to help as a drying aid, such as Detail Spray or H2O Guard & Gloss.

 

2. Move vehicle indoors. Vehicle must remain indoors for 24 hours after applying Adam’s Paint Coating for proper curing time.

 

3. The more preparation you do to the vehicle surface before applying Adam’s Paint Coating, the easier it will be to apply and the better it will look. You want the surface as clean and bare as possible.

 

3a. Clay the painted surfaces if necessary using Adam’s Visco Clay Bar, with Detail Spray as a lubricant for the clay, to remove bonded contamination from the clear coat.

 

3b. Machine polish (or hand polish) the painted surfaces following our instructional videos to remove any imperfections.

 

3c. Once the coating has been applied and cured, you would have to machine polish it off if there are any imperfections underneath the coating that were not fixed prior to applying.

 

4. After all paint surfaces have been clayed and polished, continue the cleaning process by using Adam’s Coating Prep to leave the paint bare and free of any residue.

 

5. Spray Adam’s Coating Prep directly into a clean Single Soft Towel or onto the paint surface, then wipe the surface to remove any traces of polish residue.

 

6. Put on the set of supplied rubber gloves to avoid any coating contact with your skin – Adam’s Paint Coating will make the applicator sticky.

 

7. Pour several drops of Paint Coating onto the supplied microfiber applicator. Immediately secure the cap back onto the bottle to avoid premature curing of the product inside of the bottle.

 

8. Wipe the applicator onto the paint in approximately a 2-foot by 2-foot area or less, in up-down or left-right movements, using even pressure across the surface. Ensure that the Paint Coating fully covers the area. You may need to wipe back and forth a few times to level the coating properly.

 

9. After approximately 30 seconds, coating will have a rainbow effect in appearance. Allow it to continue to haze for 2-3 minutes, then use a second clean Single Soft Towel to quickly wipe away all residue – do not allow Ceramic Paint Coating to dry on any painted surfaces! If the coating begins drying too much when wiping it from the paint, use a small amount of Adam’s Brilliant Glaze on the towel to help remove the product from the paint.

 

10. Move onto the next area of the paint, repeating Steps 7-9 – front fenders, doors, and so on. Do not apply any other products to the paint or expose the paint to any moisture for 24 hours.

 

11. Discard the microfiber applicator afterward. It is a single-use item that will harden as it dries when used with Adam’s Paint Coating. Discard the Single Soft Towel used to wipe off the coating residue as well.

 

12. After 24 hours, add even more protection and shine by applying a layer of Adam’s Ceramic Boost. Lightly spray Ceramic Boost onto paint surface, spread the product evenly with a premium Adam’s Microfiber Towel, and then flip the towel over or use a second towel to buff away any residue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recommended Posts

  • 0

I'm not sure why but I had some streaks on one of my doors I noticed a week after my coating. I tried washing and ceramic boost but could get them to go away. I know you're not supposed to but I used the buttery wax on the door and it was the only thing to get the streaks out. Should I reapply a ceramic coat to this door?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
32 minutes ago, Flexhorn said:

I'm not sure why but I had some streaks on one of my doors I noticed a week after my coating. I tried washing and ceramic boost but could get them to go away. I know you're not supposed to but I used the buttery wax on the door and it was the only thing to get the streaks out. Should I reapply a ceramic coat to this door?

I’m not sure why Buttery would have worked. It sounds like high spots in the coating that you may have missed when wiping off the haze. When I did my 4Runner I learned the hard way that garage lighting doesn’t show everything, and ended up repolishing and recoating several panels that exhibited streaks. When I did the wife’s Camaro, I kept backing it out into the sun and looking at all angles for the streaks. 

 

Once the coating has cured, the only thing you can do (if the streaks are indeed high spots) is to polish that panel (or spot I guess) and reapply coating. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
37 minutes ago, Flexhorn said:

I'm not sure why but I had some streaks on one of my doors I noticed a week after my coating. I tried washing and ceramic boost but could get them to go away. I know you're not supposed to but I used the buttery wax on the door and it was the only thing to get the streaks out. Should I reapply a ceramic coat to this door?

 

Streaks sound like high spots in the coating. Sometimes there needs to be just the right light to catch them. That’s why we use a variety of lighting and multiple sets of eyes after installing a coating. 

 

The buttery may have masked them, but if they are high spots they are definitely still there. Like has already been mentioned, you can polish it down and reapply. A fine polish may be enough to take it down. To remove the Adams coating takes quite a bit of work (speaking from experience as we just recently stripped one).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
10 hours ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

 

Streaks sound like high spots in the coating. Sometimes there needs to be just the right light to catch them. That’s why we use a variety of lighting and multiple sets of eyes after installing a coating. 

 

The buttery may have masked them, but if they are high spots they are definitely still there. Like has already been mentioned, you can polish it down and reapply. A fine polish may be enough to take it down. To remove the Adams coating takes quite a bit of work (speaking from experience as we just recently stripped one).

Being as I will be doing a coating soon, what would be an example of a good light for the vertical panels. I have the overhead light covered, but want to make sure I'm not running into these same issues.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
35 minutes ago, Red Rambler said:

Being as I will be doing a coating soon, what would be an example of a good light for the vertical panels. I have the overhead light covered, but want to make sure I'm not running into these same issues.

 

We use dual bulb photo stands with two LED spotlights in each one. We also have one on a boom for angling down from above. They were relatively inexpensive to put together. We use the harsh lighting for checking our work. And we slide the umbrella in the stand for smooth light for photo ops and to better represent natural lighting and appearance. I’ll try to take some pics of our stand in a bit. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
6 hours ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

As promised, here’s a photo of one of our lightstands. A basic photo light stand, a dual bulb light fixture and two LED spotlights. We can slide an umbrella in it for softer photo lighting. All told, I think they cost $50 each to build. 

 

B3867492-1A70-45C9-AA94-3EB46BB5A785.thumb.jpeg.557e925446c957f0df462f67c51e567c.jpeg

Sizzlechest has a set very similar to that for sale a while back. I just sent him a message about it. Where did you get those bulbs from? If all else fails I’ll just build my own set 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
7 hours ago, Red Rambler said:

Sizzlechest has a set very similar to that for sale a while back. I just sent him a message about it. Where did you get those bulbs from? If all else fails I’ll just build my own set 

 

Everything came from amazon. If you need the items, i can go back and find the invoice for you that has exactly what I used. A quick amazon search though will find it all. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
3 hours ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

 

Everything came from amazon. If you need the items, i can go back and find the invoice for you that has exactly what I used. A quick amazon search though will find it all. 

I would appreciate that very much so. If the cost is around $50, I say that is a steal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
1 hour ago, JJZ4MR said:

Thank you so very much for the links to the bulbs double sockets and tripods … I am ordering them right now 

 

You’re welcome. We use them all the time. 

 

My word of caution since it got upvoted and moved near the top of this thread...

 

These lights can and will expose defects in the paint that you won’t see under most general lighting conditions. Be careful to not get caught up trying to chase every mark you see in the paint. It’s easy to get carried away chasing perfection and work your clear coat too thin. If you want to be really aggressive, invest in a paint thickness gauge. It’ll save you a lot of headaches. 

 

Otherwise, we love these lights. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
3 hours ago, shane@detailedreflections said:

 

You’re welcome. We use them all the time. 

 

My word of caution since it got upvoted and moved near the top of this thread...

 

These lights can and will expose defects in the paint that you won’t see under most general lighting conditions. Be careful to not get caught up trying to chase every mark you see in the paint. It’s easy to get carried away chasing perfection and work your clear coat too thin. If you want to be really aggressive, invest in a paint thickness gauge. It’ll save you a lot of headaches. 

 

Otherwise, we love these lights. 

Thanks, I figured you would be using them for this but wasn't sure because it was in a coatings thread and I tend to overthink things, especially while distracted, at my full time job.:rolleyes:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Sorry if this has been asked but spent a little time searching.

 

I just bought a Silverado High Country with white diamond tri-coat. Unfortunately this truck will always be outside as the garage has other vehicles and shop area. Pretty sure the truck wont fit anyway and still close the door.

 

Reading this thread it sounds like the truck is supposed to be indoors for 24 hours minimum.  I can pull it in do do the work but don't have the luxury to leave it in overnight. I am going to check soon to see if I can run the bumper to the wall and close the door but I don't think so.

 

Anyway, are there any options for doing this when you don't have overnight indoor storage?

 

Seems like this would be perfect for a daily driver that sits outside as far as protection and ability to clean.

 

Rich

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
On 5/11/2018 at 5:37 PM, rrmccabe said:

Sorry if this has been asked but spent a little time searching.

 

I just bought a Silverado High Country with white diamond tri-coat. Unfortunately this truck will always be outside as the garage has other vehicles and shop area. Pretty sure the truck wont fit anyway and still close the door.

 

Reading this thread it sounds like the truck is supposed to be indoors for 24 hours minimum.  I can pull it in do do the work but don't have the luxury to leave it in overnight. I am going to check soon to see if I can run the bumper to the wall and close the door but I don't think so.

 

Anyway, are there any options for doing this when you don't have overnight indoor storage?

 

Seems like this would be perfect for a daily driver that sits outside as far as protection and ability to clean.

 

Rich

 

Hi Rich, sorry for the delayed reply here. Unfortunately I would not recommend applying it if you couldn't keep the vehicle indoors for at least a minimum of 12 hours; however, Adam says 3 hours in the new video though for the updated formula that we officially launched today. You will want to keep the vehicle away from moisture and dust as much as possible while the ceramic coating is curing.

 

And yep, coatings are awesome for daily drivers!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Updated the original post with a new Q and A as to what makes the updated Paint Coating different.

 

Also updated Step 9 of the application process to better reflect flashing times before needing to wipe away the coating.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks Dan. No worries on the delay. I posted it in a somewhat obscure spot for a response.

 

I think the truck might fit anyway if I get the TBSS out and leave it overnight.

 

And can always fall back on LPS  and wax.


Rich

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
23 hours ago, stirthepot said:

product description says 9H, but the FAQ on page 1 still says 7H.   Assume the product description is correct, right?

 

The new version of the coating is 9H.  Reference to the previous hardness in the FAQs has been updated.  Thank you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Hello all I got a question that I could not find and did not read in the FAQ's.

 

Question: Will one 50ml bottle of ceramic coating coat a whole car, if so just once, or did you have extra for another coating? How many bottles do I need for a car/crossover/truck/suv? Is it one bottle per car?

 

I can't find this anywhere if someone thats already coated their car let me know I'd appreciate that thank you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Planning to do a ceramic paint coating this weekend and wasn't sure so thought I'd ask - are you supposed to use the same side of the applicator throughout the treatment of an entire car or will the product begin to cause that side of the applicator to harden before an entire car can be completed?  Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...