Ultima Paint Guard Wash -DILUTION QUESTION

-Surface Care Specialist
 
The PFC website notes that when using Ultima Paint Guard wash, a user should add 3/4 to 1 oz to 3 gallons of water.

Well, What's the recommended dilution ratio?

Is it safe to say 1:500? We state 1 ounce to be used between 3 to 5 gallon of clean water on the directions because Paint Guard Wash is a very concentrated formula.  If car is very dirty then only put 3 gallons of water in bucket and if the car is very dirty up to 5 gallon of water.  This is what we feel was proper amount to use. 

Using more will not harm the vehicle, but it will be wasted.

Best Practices: Ultima Paint Guard Plus 

-Surface Care Specialist

This is a Q&A with Rick Vaal, Formulator and CEO of Premium Finish Care, regarding Ultima Paint Guard Plus, as discussed on Autogeek.

 

Question 1) What are the ideal temperature and humidity ranges for the correct curing of Ultima Paint Guard Plus? (I have had some difficulty achieving proper flattening and curing to a crystal finish under temperatures of 55 degrees f. The UPGP seems to be more temperature sensitive than many other paint sealants I have worked with, and a proper cure it critical to the end result.)
Answer: Yes, Ultima Paint Guard Plus is sensitive to cooler temperatures (50f or below) as well as a high humidity climate. In some cases for both situations, after 30 minutes you may need to wipe the excess off using a clean dry microfiber towel. Ideal temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and no wiping is needed if the correct amount is used. 

Question 2) How can you obtain excellent swirl filling with UPGP?
Answer:  Ulima Paint Guard Plus contains only curable blended polymers which will dry and not leave a smeary film or false appearance. It contains no simple silicones which are in most other brands which do hide swirls but will wash off after first wash and reveal the swirls again. We recommend removing the swirls with Paint Prep Plus using the supplied orange applicator by hand or for best results a dual action polisher (Ultimate Detailing Machine by Porter Cable) equipped with a Sonus Orange SON-SFX-3FP foam pad. All orange pads on the market are not the same as Sonus pad. The Sonus pad is a special closed cell foam which is important to create the needed friction to break down the Ultima Paint Prep Plus properly. The Nano size particles will not break down when the foam cells are too large. The Nano particles will simply embed into the larger cells and not reach the surface and cause a haze or not provide the swirl/light scratch removal.

Question 3) Can UPGP bond to natural or synthetic waxes used to level the paint prior to UPGP application?
Answer: It is best to apply Ultima Paint Guard Plus first before any waxes. Waxes will not level the paint but only hide imperfections. (I have not found your Ultima Paint Prep Plus to be an effective filler of paint blemishes such as swirls or fine clearcoat scratches.) By hand, on hard finishes or deep swirls Ultima Paint Prep Plus may not be effective. But, using a machine as described above you can remove light swirls, holograms or very light scratches. Ultima Paint Prep Plus was not designed for old neglected finishes and was really designed to properly clean the finish of grime, light tar and allow the Ultima Paint Guard Plus to bond to the surface. But we have found by machine some leveling can happen. (Your website animation suggest UPGP will help even/level/fill the surface of clearcoat exposed to the elements. After using UPGP on vehicles from 2-16 years of age, I have not achieved any significant amount of coverage of imperfections. On an older vehicle that cannot endure heavy polishing, a scratch/swirl filling product is necessary to hide damage. From my experience, the crystal clarity and strong reflectance of cured UPGP can actually make certain swirl damage more noticeable when compared to an application of traditional wax.) Yes, Ultima Paint Guard will not hide because it dries completely and clear. Ultima Paint Guard may fill in swirled paints and protect but not hide. We choose to create a product to protect and to completely dry so it as longevity and not attract dust. We never designed it for old neglected finishes that have not been restored first by proper compounds and polishes. (I have found that top coating UPGP with a wax does help reduce minor finish imperfections visible after 3+ layers of UPGP. What do you recommend?) Well, most waxes have silicone in the formula and will hide for a very short time. Again, proper paint correction will remove imperfections then Paint Guard Pluswill do what it has been designed to do. To add shine and protection. 

Question 4) Similarly, are there any classes/categories of glazes or waxes which will not reduce the performance of UPGP if layered above/below UPGP? (In other words, am I defeating the integrity of UPGP if I top coat it with a rich wax and then attempt to recoat it a month later with UPGP? I have found that UPGP does apply evenly over certain other waxes and sealants. It appears that some waxes result in such low surface adhesion or high hydrophobicity that UPGP does not achieve the adhesion required for an even application (it is more difficult to spread over a surface coated with another wax/sealant compared to a surface previously coated with UPGP).)
Answer:I have seen some strong petrolieupetroleumxes/sealants remove some of the Ultima Paint Guard Plus. Especially before it had time to cure. Their strength is also very harmful to the finish itself. I do not recommend another wax below UPGP. Also, I have found many so called glazes (which I do not agree with a glaze because they are just a cover up) have a silicone or large amounts of mineral oils which yes hide imperfections but can also not allow UPGP to bond properly. They of course wash off with the first wash or even in some cases rain itself.. 

Question 5) How many ultra-thin coats of UPGP can be applied with enhanced results (layering capability)? (I have found the reflectance and depth of the finish improves with a second and third consecutive coat of UPGP with proper curing between coats. Does the thickness of the UPGP actually continue to increase with additional coats beyond 3?)
Answer:I have found that after three coats it has no benefit. 

Question 6) Can UPGP be enhanced with Polycharger in a separate spray bottle for faster curing and enhanced durability? 
Answer: No, smearing will ocurr. (I could not find reference to this on your site. The biggest drawback I have found to the application of UPGP is the cure time. It is winter, and I can only heat my garage to about 60f.) Yes this is true, I suggest applying two coats and then after 30 minutes wipe with a clean dry microfiber. (Also, can the Ultima Waterless Wash Plus be enhanced in a detail bottle mixture with additional polycharger?) Yes with the H2O version at one dose. Or by purchasing the Waterless wash concentrate you can make the mixture stronger.

Ultima Waterless Wash -other uses?

Ultima Waterless Wash can clean leather and vinyl if not very dirty.  
We would say it could be used as a maintenance product to give interior a quick detail but we have other products designed for vinyl and leather which are much better. Ultima Waterless Wash will clean windows and leave a protection behind to repel bugs and allow for an easy future clean up.  

It must be wiped off with dry microfiber towel or some smear may be visible

Sonus Paint Cleanser vs CarPro Eraser

-Surface Care Specialist

CarPro Eraser is an isopropyl alcohol mix with added fragrance which they claim is necessary to create a clean dry surface to enable their sealant to bond.   We find these components to not be necessary when using our Sonus Paintwork cleansers or polishes. 

Many cleansers and polishes contain heavy amounts of oils to create a fake clean shine and in some cases they cause sealant to not bond properly to surfaces.  All of our Sonus polishes and cleaners contain very little oils and do not interfere with sealants bonding to surfaces.  We also avoid using isopropyl alcohol on painted surfaces due to the drying effect it causes to the finish. Isopropyl alcohol is quick evaporating and as it evaporates it takes moisture with it.  Try any alcohol on skin and you will see how fast it  evaporates and how dry your skin will feel and look.  We do not like to subject painted surfaces or interiors to this component.

Caring for Microfiber Towels with SONUS Microfiber Towel & Foam Pad Wash

SURFACE CARE SPECIALIST --

So you have washed your car(s) using the best products on the market from Premium Finish Care? Now, how do you clean your towels and pads?

 Sonus Microfiber Towel & Foam Pad Wash is made to use in a washing machine. 

It is an engineered blend of micro cleaning agents designed to lift, emulsify and suspend waxes, polish residue, oils, proteins, silicons and soil for complete removal in the rinse water. Sonus Microfiber and Pad Wash is an active cleaner designed to restore microfiber towels, wash mitts, applicators and foam buffing pads to their as-new condition.

    front loaders typically hold 20-25 gallons(75.7-94.6 liters)- use 1 ounce of product for lightly soiled loads, up to 3 ounces for heavily soiled loads.

    top loaders typically hold 40 gallons(151.4 liters)- use 2 ounces of product for lightly soiled loads, up to 6 ounces for heavily soiled loads.

Simple Steps for an Incredible Ultima Waterless Wash Experience

-Surface Care Professional.

Note: If surface has only dust on it you may alter the steps below to an even simpler 2 step spray and wipe experience.

1.-Work in a shaded area on a cool surface. 
2.-Make sure the surface is not gritty with dirt or sand which can scratch the paint. 
3.-Starting at the top, spray one panel liberally with product. 
4.- Fold a clean, dry Ultima AutoSpa Microfiber Buffing Towel into quarters and spray one side of it with Ultima Waterless Wash. 
5.-Gently wipe the previously sprayed surface of the vehicle with the wet side of mf towel. 
6.-As the towel becomes contaminated flip to a clean side and continue with the panel. 
7.-Now the initial removal of heavier contaminants is complete and you can spray the panel lightly once more. 
8.-With a clean towel repeat the process but this time you finish the panel by buffing it clean and streak free.

The most incredible part of all, is the value of Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate. Just half an ounce makes 22 ounces of ready-to-use spray. That’s 32 bottles of waterless wash or detail spray!! This makes its cost less than any detail spray on the market while providing better results in paint safety, gloss, and slickness than products that cost 100x more. In short less than 20$ buys you 5 ½ gallons of the best Detail Spray and Waterless Wash on the market!

For interiors you are free to dilute a bottle of it even further!

The Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate Bundle comes with 16 ounces of Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate and a 22ounce Spray Bottle so that you can conveniently prepare as needed. With products this handy, you’ll always have a professionally detailed look no matter how little time you have for detailing your pride and joy.

Ultima Interior Guard Plus is actually easy to use AND amazing!

Surface Care Specialist...

Ultima Interior Guard Plus was designed as a wipe on walk away sealant.  As such, one mist primes the included applicator and then a subsequent mist easily offers great coverage.  Because it was designed with nothing to wipe off there is no waste and over applying the product is simply a waste. 

Directions:

1. Leave windows down during application and cure time
2. Surfaces to be treated must be clean and dry before treatment
3. On all leather, vinyl, plastic, and wood trim surfaces, mist 1 or 2 shots of Ultima Interior Guard Plus onto the soft "applicator" sided of the Ultima Interior Handi Grip Applicator and wipe on the finish
4. Work in well and apply evenly
5. Allow to dry for 3-5 minutes, if needed lightly buff with a clean, dry microfiber towel.  On chrome, wood, and instrument clusters lightly wipe clean after 5 minutes
6. On cloth, mist the surface and work in thoroughly with the Ultima Interior Handi Grip Applicator
7. Allow to dry a minimum of one hour before use.

Ultima Tire and Trim Guard is EASY TO USE!

Surface Care Specialist

Before & After  1 month

Ease of Use:

As with all of the sealants in the Ultima line, ease of use was at the forefront of its development goals from the beginning.  It’s as simple as follows based on the surface for application:

1. Ensure area to be treated is clean and dry.
2. On large areas, dispense directly onto the finish and rub in with Ultima Tire Handi Grip Applicator.  
3. On smaller surfaces, dispense onto applicator and apply to the desired finish.
4. On porous surfaces, such as tires and rubber trim, allow Tire & Trim Guard Plus to dry without buffing.
5. On hard, glossy surfaces, such as your wheels and chrome trim, buff dry to a high gloss shine. Wipe off Ultima Tire & Trim Guard with a microfiber towel within one minute to avoid difficult removal.
6. For additional gloss on tires, a second coat may be applied after 20 minutes. 

Additional tip: 

On trim that has previously had low quality dressing, the prep and cleaning is by far the most important part.  To allow UTTG to bond with the surface you must first remove the existing oil, grease, and oxidation left behind by previous products.  Scrub oxidized plastic trim with Four Star Vehicle OEM Multi-Purpose Cleaner and a PFC Microfiber towel and rinse completely clean and then allow to dry thoroughly before application.

Quick & Easy: Ultima Paint Prep Plus v. Menzerna Po85rd

Surface Care Specialist

A Question: With Ultima Paint Prep Plus, it is understood that is uses diminishing abrasives. How does Ultima Paint Prep Plus rate when compared to Menzerna (SF4500) Po85rd?

If Paint Prep Plus is used with the supplied Orange Foam Applicator, you will always get a very clean and clean finish which compares and actually can surpass what is achieved with the Menzerna product.

Ultima Paint Guard Wash - easy application steps!

-The SURFACE CARE SPECIALIST!

For best results first wash the vehicle with Ultima Paint Guard Wash and then use Ultima Elastrafoam to remove contaminants if needed.  Next you can polish or use Ultima Paint Prep Plus as a light polish and primer-in-one.

You do not have to use Ultima Paint Prep Plus but it is recommend for very best results. If you do not use Ultima Paint Prep Plus, then you should clean the paint after polishing so Ultima Paint Guard Plus bonds properly. 

Follow the thorough guide below and you will be able to protect all of your paint in 20 minutes!

Ultima Paint Guard Plus is extremely easy to apply. The mistake people make is they apply too much. Apply it by hand and follow the directions! Below is a preferred method for application and use.

1.-Shake the bottle.
2.-Take the supplied clean dry Ultima Paint Guard Applicator and spray once onto it to prime it.
3.-Spray it once more and complete a 3 square foot area.

4.-Apply in circular motions making sure to overlap and cover the entire area thoroughly. You are not polishing so there is no need to rub too hard or over and over. Finish with straight lines from front to back of the panel. Another thing to look for is that your applicator is no longer leaving anything on the paint. On silver or light colors it’s sometimes hard to tell.  If you are no longer sure if anything is on the pad touch a clean window with the applicator and you'll see if there is still product on the applicator.
5.-If I don't see anything then its time to spritz more on the applicator.
6.-Repeat until you get to the last panel. Now, just walk away. There may or may not be a slight film on the paint, but it starts it's bonding process immediately.  DO NOT touch.  Wait 45 minutes or longer and inspect. There should be no need to do anything else. This is not a product that you have to buff off. In the unlikely chance that there is a streak after 45 minutes of curing you may wipe it with a quality microfiber towel or simply allow it to cure longer (up to 12 hours).  After that if a streak remains simply take some Ultima Detail Spray and spray and wipe the streak with a high quality microfiber  towel.

Keep the vehicle garaged and out of the dew over night to allow Ultima Paint Guard Plus to fully cure for 12 hours.

Sit back and enjoy the gloss or go for a ride and relax with the knowledge your paint is well protected and can easily be maintained with Ultima Waterless Wash and Ultima Paint Guard Wash as needed.

Color Sanding a ‘93 Ford Mustang

-From the Surface Care Specialist

This week’s project was color sanding on a ‘93 Ford Mustang. The paint on this vehicle is far from perfect but there is still life left in it. By using the color sanding process we can remove imperfections, refine the paint surface and prepare for buffing.

The Color Sanding Process

I began with 1500 grit sand paper working on the hood of the vehicle. In color sanding it is important to maintain even pressure and use plenty of water to wash the swarf away during sanding. I repeated the process with 2000 grit and 2500 grit sandpaper respectively.

Color sanding has removed significant blemishes but has left the paint surface dull. To restore gloss and clarity the paint must be buffed and polished. I used a 3 step process that began with a Makita Variable Speed Polisher equipped with an Avenger Wool Cutting Pad paired with a light cut compound or swirl remover.

For the next step I changed the pad to a Challenger Wool Finishing Pad then we used the same compound to repeat the buffing process.

Finally I switched to the UDM Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher 7424XP equipped with the UDM Eliminator Orange Foam Swirl Remover Pad to perfect the surface.

The results speak for themselves.

BEFORE	AFTER

Notice how the reflection has become clearer after sanding and buffing, a smoother surface causes less refraction of light increasing the clarity of paint surfaces.

As I always say, it's about the products and the process...