Brief Summary
This video by Project Farm tests and compares the performance of eight different ceramic coatings for car paint and plastic. The coatings are evaluated based on ease of application, slickness, water beading, and resistance to various chemicals and environmental factors. The Adams coating emerges as the top performer, excelling in water beading and resistance to harsh chemicals, but it is also the most expensive and time-consuming to apply. Nano Bond is a more affordable alternative that performs well, while Hybrid Solutions offers a balance of performance and affordability.
- Adams coating is the top performer, excelling in water beading and resistance to harsh chemicals.
- Nano Bond is a more affordable alternative that performs well.
- Hybrid Solutions offers a balance of performance and affordability.
Introduction and Preparation
The video begins by emphasizing the importance of protecting car paint and plastic surfaces. The host outlines the plan to test eight different ceramic coatings, ranging in price from $8 to $150, to determine their effectiveness in protecting car paint and plastic. The preparation process involves washing the front hood of a vehicle with strip wash to remove any existing waxes or sealants. A clay bar is then used to remove environmental contaminants like brake dust, followed by an iron remover to eliminate any remaining iron particles. Finally, the vehicle is washed again with strip wash to ensure a completely clean test area.
Application of Ceramic Coatings
The host proceeds to apply each of the eight ceramic coatings to designated test areas on the front hood and on polycarbonate sheets. The coatings being tested are Shine Armor, Hybrid Solutions, S coat, Chemical Guys, Nano Bond, TopCoat F11 Pro, Advanced Graphene Coating, and Adams Graphene Ceramic Coating. The application methods vary depending on the product, with some being spray-on and wipe-off, while others require application with a sponge or applicator pad. The ease of application is noted for each product, with the spray-on coatings generally being faster and easier to apply than those requiring applicators.
Slickness Test
After allowing the ceramic coatings to cure for over 24 hours, the host measures the slickness of each coated area using a digital angle gauge and a sponge with a 5 lb weight. The results show that Hybrid Solutions is the slickest, requiring only 1.5 lbs of force to move the sponge, followed closely by Chemical Guys and Adams at 1.6 and 1.7 lbs, respectively. Nano Bond and Advanced Graphene Coating are less slick compared to the spray-on coatings.
Water Beading Test on Polycarbonate Sheets
The polycarbonate sheets coated with the ceramic coatings are placed inside a dishwasher to simulate exposure to warm water. The water beading performance of each coating is observed, with Hybrid Solutions, S coat, and Chemical Guys performing well. Nano Bond exhibits an inconsistent finish, while Adams demonstrates the best water beading performance.
Resistance to Strip Wash
The ceramic coatings are exposed to strip wash, a strong cleaning agent designed to remove dirt and wax. Shine Armor is significantly weakened by the strip wash, while Hybrid Solutions and S coat continue to exhibit excellent hydrophobic qualities. Adams demonstrates the best hydrophobic quality after exposure to strip wash.
Resistance to Iron Remover
The coatings are then tested for their resistance to iron remover, a powerful chemical that can damage protective coatings. Shine Armor's protection is almost entirely removed, while Hybrid Solutions and S coat still perform well. Nano Bond holds up the best, with water forming mostly beads, and Adams continues to perform as new.
Resistance to Bug and Tar Remover
The ceramic coatings are exposed to bug and tar remover for three minutes, followed by a rinse and wash with strip wash. Shine Armor is completely used up, while Hybrid Solutions experiences some damage but still beads water. Nano Bond performs even better than Hybrid Solutions, clearing up in only 4 seconds, and Adams remains the top performer.
Resistance to Wheel and Tire Cleaner
The coatings are tested against wheel and tire cleaner. Hybrid Solutions, S coat, and Chemical Guys are significantly affected, while Nano Bond performs the best, preventing water from forming a sheet. Adams continues to outperform the others.
Resistance to Degreaser
The ceramic coatings are exposed to a degreaser, and the test area is washed with strip wash to remove any residue. The spray-and-wipe coatings are mostly used up, with Nano Bond experiencing damage but still providing protection. Adams continues to perform exceptionally well, with only a small water sheet forming and clearing quickly.
Warm and Hot Water Exposure
The coatings are subjected to 4.5 hours of warm and hot water spray to simulate sunlight exposure. Adams continues to excel, with water unable to form a sheet, while Nano Bond finishes in second place at 3 seconds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Adams ceramic coating dominates the showdown, finishing in first place due to its exceptional performance in water beading and resistance to harsh chemicals. However, it is the most expensive and time-consuming to apply. Nano Bond is a more affordable alternative that performs well and finishes in second place. Hybrid Solutions offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a recommended option.
