Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings Work

[Christopher.Brown]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to post up a link to my newest auto detailing article.

Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings Work

This article discusses the science behind surface tension, explaining how waxes (bead water) and ceramic nano coatings (sheet water) act the way they do.

Surface Tension has ALWAYS played an important role in surface care and protection, but I had never seen the subject directly tackled.

I hope this helps everyone, detailers and enthusiasts,understand the factors and characteristics of what is happening on a protected surface at any given time. :xyzthumbs


** NOTE: While the article is directly applicable to both waxes and ceramic nano paint coatings, most of the examples pertain to paint coatings. With paint coatings, more surface related situations or understanding is needed in order to interpret and troubleshoot potential issues and while addressing maintenance.

[DAC17]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Great article; really explains the principles well!

[greg0303]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Very nice article, Christopher.

It really explains very well how the characteristics of protection products change during normal usage periods and how to squeeze most out of them to extend their durability.

[Christopher.Brown]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Great article; really explains the principles well!

Very nice article, Christopher.

It really explains very well how the characteristics of protection products change during normal usage periods and how to squeeze most out of them to extend their durability.

Thanks for the kind words.

This is something I felt could help everyone from enthusiast to professional better understand what is happening at the surface level.

[Agpol]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

One of the best articles so far, explaining critically important stuff, thanks

[Christopher.Brown]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

One of the best articles so far, explaining critically important stuff, thanks

thank you. Glad it helps.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Great article Christopher. Thanks for sharing.

[Christopher.Brown]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Great article Christopher. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Nick!

Happy to help those who want to take a few moments to understand what is going on at a surface level on all vehicles and finish types as it relates to auto detailing.

[MicrofiberMan]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Thanks Nick!

Happy to help those who want to take a few moments to understand what is going on at a surface level on all vehicles and finish types as it relates to auto detailing.

What do you recommend for removing contaminates from a coating or wax. I feel like the article implies a regular washing can not do it once the outer most layer is contaminated?

[The Guz]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

What do you recommend for removing contaminates from a coating or wax. I feel like the article implies a regular washing can not do it once the outer most layer is contaminated?

Regular washing can keep some of it off the surface. Decontaminating a wax or sealant is easy. Clay and reapply another coat.

Coatings are a little different. Follow the manufacturers recommended decontamination wash. Usually an iron remover and a little APC in the bucket wash does the job. Claying can compromise the coating. Again it all depends on what the manufacturer of the coating recommends.

[prodetaling111]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

Great resource. Thanks for sharing.

[Christopher.Brown]

Re: Surface Tension in Auto Detailing Explained: How Waxes & Ceramic Paint Coatings W

What do you recommend for removing contaminates from a coating or wax. I feel like the article implies a regular washing can not do it once the outer most layer is contaminated?

The functional concept behind surface tension if the same for all LSP's.

The type of contamination method, is dependent on the level of contamination. So there is not blanket answer. IF the surface is rough I first thoroughly wash the surface (maybe twice) followed by a light pressure clay bar treatment.

If the surface is smooth to the touch, I would start with a thorough washing and then use a ferrous iron remover to deeply remove any smaller contaminants that might be affecting the surface properties.