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Paint Shield products have been designed with ease-of-use paramount. That being said, care and proper protection is required for safety and the best results possible. If you are confused at any point, reach out to the Paint Shield Team here.
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BEFORE YOU START & GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
- Store product in a cool, dry place (<30deg C)
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not mix with any other products
- Ensure skin and respiratory protection is used
- Work in a ventilated area
- Test the product before applying
To attain optimum performance, ensure the preparation steps are completed thoroughly and the surface is clean and dry. The surface must be completely free from wax, sealant, oil and residue otherwise the coating will not bond correctly, reducing the lifespan. Do not apply any coating to freshly-painted surfaces, as it risks the formation of 'wax eyes'. Wait at least 4 weeks post-painting before applying.
We recommend wearing a proper ventilator mask with vapour filters and gloves at a minimum (refer MSDS sheets). During the application, ensure to work in a well-ventilated and well-lit area, as this will provide the best chance to see high spots and avoid leaving residue.
Should the paintwork be too hot (under direct sunlight or having driven for long distances immediately prior to coating), the coating will cure too fast. Ensure a stable temperature (ideally 20-30deg C) throughout the process for best results.
Plan your work. Apply the coating in small sections (ideally one panel at a time). Using a friend to help the process will not only increase efficiency but also provide a second set of eyes to identify any missed areas or high spots.
Mask off the areas you do not wish to apply coating to - or areas that may be sensitive to solvents.
Polishing is recommended prior to application to remove micro swirls and scratches.
Meticulously clean the desired area prior to coating (more on this below). A proper, clean surface is imperitive to a successful coating.
PREPARE
For paintwork coatings, wash and decontaminate your paintwork, removing all tar, sap, residue, dirt and grime to leave a clean surface. It is strongly recommended to polish paintwork before any ceramic coating application to avoid 'locking' clear coat damage underneath the ceramic (for the lifespan of the coating).
Following the above steps, prepare your paintwork for the ceramic coating with an Isopropyl Alcohol solution (IPA or similar). This removes all polish, wax and sealant residue and leaves a clean surface for the ceramic coating to bond to.
Following the above steps, prepare your paintwork for the ceramic coating with an Isopropyl Alcohol solution (IPA or similar). This removes all polish, wax and sealant residue and leaves a clean surface for the ceramic coating to bond to.
APPLY (PAINTWORK COATINGS)
Applying a paintwork coating requires care. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, and wearing the proper protective equipment (such as gloves and a respirator with a vapour filter).
Apply coating to the provided applicator, then to the paintwork of the vehicle in a light, even cross-hatch patten. Work panel-by-panel, pausing application to remove the excess after completing each panel. Let each panel dwell for 1-2 minutes following application before removing the residue with a clean, dry microfiber.
Knowing when your coating excess is ready to remove is key. There are two 'tells' to indicate it is ready to remove:
If you are unsure, start wiping around the 1 minute post-application mark. Depending on environment factors (such as temperature) and coating range, ceramics can take up to 5-7 minutes to cure per panel.
Ensure the residue is thorougly removed; performing a final wipe over the entire vehicle with another clean, dry microfiber. Leaving any excess on your vehicle will result in 'high spots', areas of excess coating that are visible. Should you identify any high spots within 1-2 hours post-coating, remove with a light wipe. High spots on cured coatings will need to be polished to remove.
In warm conditions, the coating will be touch-dry in 5hrs.
Let the vehicle rest indoors out of the elements for 12 - 24hrs to fully cure post-coating, ensuring no moisture drips on the freshly-coated paintwork in this time. Wait at least 5 days post-coating before washing.
Apply coating to the provided applicator, then to the paintwork of the vehicle in a light, even cross-hatch patten. Work panel-by-panel, pausing application to remove the excess after completing each panel. Let each panel dwell for 1-2 minutes following application before removing the residue with a clean, dry microfiber.
Knowing when your coating excess is ready to remove is key. There are two 'tells' to indicate it is ready to remove:
- The coating develops a hazy, purple alcohol-like sheen (visible easier under direct or torch light) or/
- The coating excess wipes off easily without much resistance
If you are unsure, start wiping around the 1 minute post-application mark. Depending on environment factors (such as temperature) and coating range, ceramics can take up to 5-7 minutes to cure per panel.
Ensure the residue is thorougly removed; performing a final wipe over the entire vehicle with another clean, dry microfiber. Leaving any excess on your vehicle will result in 'high spots', areas of excess coating that are visible. Should you identify any high spots within 1-2 hours post-coating, remove with a light wipe. High spots on cured coatings will need to be polished to remove.
In warm conditions, the coating will be touch-dry in 5hrs.
Let the vehicle rest indoors out of the elements for 12 - 24hrs to fully cure post-coating, ensuring no moisture drips on the freshly-coated paintwork in this time. Wait at least 5 days post-coating before washing.
SPECIFIC COATING APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
TRIM
Mask off areas you do not wish to coat or those that are sensitive to solvents
Ensure the surface is clean and completely dry before coating
Apply coating directly to a microfiber applicator then apply to the surface using firm, straight back & forward motions during application. Evenly wipe a thin layer of coating across the target section.
Wait 1-3 minutes (see below) based on temperature range before wiping the excess by gently buffing with a clean, dry microfiber.
The coating will touch dry within 5hrs. Keep inside out of the elements for at least 24hrs to ensure the maximum duration for the coating.
Ensure the surface is clean and completely dry before coating
Apply coating directly to a microfiber applicator then apply to the surface using firm, straight back & forward motions during application. Evenly wipe a thin layer of coating across the target section.
Wait 1-3 minutes (see below) based on temperature range before wiping the excess by gently buffing with a clean, dry microfiber.
- 1-10°C: 3 minutes
- 11-20°C: 2 minutes
- 21-30°C: 1 minute
The coating will touch dry within 5hrs. Keep inside out of the elements for at least 24hrs to ensure the maximum duration for the coating.
GLASS
Prepare by rinsing the glass using a neutral detergent to remove dust, oil etc and ensure any contamination is removed from the glass using clay (or a dedicated blade). Cover wipers and surrounding trim with adhesive tape or similar to ensure no coating is transferred upon application, and no trim is damaged during polishing.
Polish the glass if you choose, using a specialist glass polish. If you are polishing, ensure all residue is removed prior to coating.
Glass coatings are mixed in a 1:1 ratio; pour together using the included funnel. Shake well to mix.
Evenly drop the glass coating agent onto the applicator and evenly spread it on the outer surface of the glass. Coat an area the size of 1/4 of a windshield at a time before removing the excess with a clean, dry microfiber.
Allow the product to dry for approximately 4hrs. Ensure it does not get wet and the wipers are not operated for 1 full day post-application to ensure the full duration of the product is met.
Polish the glass if you choose, using a specialist glass polish. If you are polishing, ensure all residue is removed prior to coating.
Glass coatings are mixed in a 1:1 ratio; pour together using the included funnel. Shake well to mix.
Evenly drop the glass coating agent onto the applicator and evenly spread it on the outer surface of the glass. Coat an area the size of 1/4 of a windshield at a time before removing the excess with a clean, dry microfiber.
Allow the product to dry for approximately 4hrs. Ensure it does not get wet and the wipers are not operated for 1 full day post-application to ensure the full duration of the product is met.
WHEEL
Thoroughly clean each wheel prior to coating application, ensuring all brake dust and grime is removed. Use an iron removing wheel cleaner if required.
Once the wheels are completely dry, prepare the surface with an IPA mixture (similar to paintwork) prior to application. Work on one wheel at a time, as the curing time for Wheel Coating is 2 - 3 minutes (depending on outside temperature. For more complex wheels, work on parts of the wheel at a time to ensure the coating does not cure prior to completion of application.
Once cured, wipe the excess with a clean, dry microfiber. Wheel coatings cure to the touch within 5hrs, but will not be fully cured for 24 hours. For best results, ensure the wheels do not get wet within this timeframe.
Once the wheels are completely dry, prepare the surface with an IPA mixture (similar to paintwork) prior to application. Work on one wheel at a time, as the curing time for Wheel Coating is 2 - 3 minutes (depending on outside temperature. For more complex wheels, work on parts of the wheel at a time to ensure the coating does not cure prior to completion of application.
Once cured, wipe the excess with a clean, dry microfiber. Wheel coatings cure to the touch within 5hrs, but will not be fully cured for 24 hours. For best results, ensure the wheels do not get wet within this timeframe.
SPRAY BOTTLE PRODUCT APPLICATION
CRYSTAL SPRAY COAT
IMPORTANT: With any spray product, proper protective equipment (PPE) is required to be worn, and ensure the product is used in a well-ventilated area to reduce risk. Do not inhale or consume the product. Always test on a small out-of-sight area to ensure the product performs as expected without any unforeseen effects on the surface. See bottle for more information.
- 2-3 clean microfibers are recommended for applying Paint Shield Crystal Spray Coating across a vehicle.
- Paint Shield Crystal Spray Coating is solely designed to be used on paintwork, and is intended for this use only.
- Paint Shield Crystal Spray Coating is a solution that is designed to bond to clean, dry clear coat, providing more depth and UV protection once cured. Always prepare the surface by washing and decontaminating thoroughly. It is recommended to remove any swirls in the paintwork prior to application.
- To apply the product, spray onto the paint surface and spread with a clean, dry microfiber.
- Leave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cure per panel before removing the residue with a clean, dry microfiber (not the same one as used for application). A second wipe with a separate cloth is recommended to ensure no streaks remain once cured.
- The curing time for Paint Shield Crystal Spray Coating will vary with ambient air temperature and humidity. See the bottle for more information. Always err on the side of caution with the least time possible to ensure the product does not cure before you are ready to remove the residue.
GRAPHENE SPRAY COAT
IMPORTANT: With any spray product, proper protective equipment (PPE) is required to be worn, and ensure the product is used in a well-ventilated area to reduce risk. Do not inhale or consume the product. Always test on a small out-of-sight area to ensure the product performs as expected without any unforeseen effects on the surface. See bottle for more information.
- 2-3 clean microfibers are recommended for applying Paint Shield Graphene Spray Coating across a vehicle.
- Paint Shield Graphene Spray Coating is solely designed to be used on paintwork, and is intended for this use only.
- Paint Shield Graphene Spray Coating is a solution that is designed to bond to clean, dry clear coat, providing more depth and UV protection once cured. Always prepare the surface by washing and decontaminating thoroughly. It is recommended to remove any swirls in the paintwork prior to application.
- To apply the product, spray onto the paint surface and spread with a clean, dry microfiber.
- Leave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cure per panel before removing the residue with a clean, dry microfiber (not the same one as used for application). A second wipe with a separate cloth is recommended to ensure no streaks remain once cured.
- The curing time for Paint Shield Graphene Spray Coating will vary with ambient air temperature and humidity. See the bottle for more information. Always err on the side of caution with the least time possible to ensure the product does not cure before you are ready to remove the residue.
PPF MAINTAIN
IMPORTANT: With any spray product, proper protective equipment (PPE) is required to be worn, and ensure the product is used in a well-ventilated area to reduce risk. Do not inhale or consume the product. Always test on a small out-of-sight area to ensure the product performs as expected without any unforeseen effects on the surface. See bottle for more information.
- 2-3 clean microfibers are recommended for applying PPF Maintain across a vehicle.
- PPF Maintain is solely designed to be used on Paint Protection Film (PPF), and is intended for this use only.
- PPF Maintain is a solution that is designed to sit on top of PPF, providing more depth and UV protection once cured. To apply the product, spray onto the PPF surface and spread with a clean, dry microfiber.
- Leave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cure per panel before removing the residue with a clean, dry microfiber (not the same one as used for application). A second wipe with a separate cloth is recommended to ensure no streaks remain once cured.
- The curing time for PPF Maintain will vary with ambient air temperature and humidity. See the bottle for more information. Always err on the side of caution with the least time possible to ensure the product does not cure before you are ready to remove the residue.
TYRE
Paint Shield Tyre is a solution that bonds to the rubber surface of tyres to create a wet look that lasts, whilst remaining as sling-free as possible.
- Paint Shield Tyre can be applied with a traditional tyre shine applicator, microfiber cloth or even with a dedicated sponge.
- The product is applied wet and will cure over 15 minutes in direct sunlight.
- To speed up the curing process and ensure a proper bond is made, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun (on low heat setting) directly on the applied product.
- Following curing, wipe any excess product from the surrounding trims and painted areas. If any unwanted solution remains, use a multicleaner spray to remove.
WATERSPOT REMOVER
IMPORTANT: With any spray product, proper protective equipment (PPE) is required to be worn, and ensure the product is used in a well-ventilated area to reduce risk. Do not inhale or consume the product. Always test on a small out-of-sight area to ensure the product performs as expected without any unforeseen effects on the surface. See bottle for more information.
Paint Shield Waterspot Remover is a solution that creates a reaction on paintwork and glass to break down mineral deposits that form waterspots. This is a commercial-strength product, and care is required for best results. It is highly important that the product is neutralised with water to prevent the reaction continuing.
Notes:
This product is designed for paint and glass only. Applying to any other surface may result in unintended consequences. Be extremely careful with coated surfaces (such as tinted mirrors) as the solution may break down the coating. In this case, it is often recommended to perform a less-abrasive polish instead.
Paint Shield Waterspot Remover is a solution that creates a reaction on paintwork and glass to break down mineral deposits that form waterspots. This is a commercial-strength product, and care is required for best results. It is highly important that the product is neutralised with water to prevent the reaction continuing.
- Prepare the surface. Paint Shield Waterspot Remover works best on a clean, dry paint or glass surface with minimal contamination.
- To test the product on your desired surface, spray a small section of the paintwork or glass with the product and spread with a microfiber. Leave for 10 seconds before neutralising with water. Wipe the surface dry and check results. Reapply if necessary, be careful leaving the product on the surface for too long as the reaction may continue.
- When satisfied, apply to the vehicle and neutralise one panel at a time (part-panel for larger panels to meet the required timeframes for product affect).
- Once complete and the waterspots are removed, perform a final rinse on the treated panels to ensure no Paint Shield Waterspot Remover solution remains.
Notes:
This product is designed for paint and glass only. Applying to any other surface may result in unintended consequences. Be extremely careful with coated surfaces (such as tinted mirrors) as the solution may break down the coating. In this case, it is often recommended to perform a less-abrasive polish instead.
POST CARE
Congratulations! You have a Paint Shield coated vehicle! You are now set to enjoy years of shiny, protected paintwork and easy washing and drying!
Normal washing and drying techniques are applicable for ceramic coated vehicles, yet care is required to ensure the lifespan of your ceramic coating.
Should waterspots appear on your coating, you can use our coating-safe Waterspot Remover formula directly on your coating. Please follow the applicable instructions for proper usage.
If in doubt, contact us.
Normal washing and drying techniques are applicable for ceramic coated vehicles, yet care is required to ensure the lifespan of your ceramic coating.
- Avoid automatic machine washing (including touch-free car washes), as the chemicals used can affect the integrity of your ceramic coating
- A two-bucket method is recommended for washing
- Avoid alkaline and acidic substances as they may affect the integrity of the ceramic coating
- Ensure your wash mitt and drying equipment is clean and free of any contamination
- It is better to wash an area twice gently than one with pressure (which can induce scratches on your coating should there be any contamination in your wash mitt)
- Snow-foam pre-wash is recommended to loosen dirt and grime on your vehicle (yet not required, simply wetting the vehicle with mains-pressure will have similar effect)
- Always avoid direct sunlight when washing and drying your vehicle (to avoid waterspots forming), and use cold water.
Should waterspots appear on your coating, you can use our coating-safe Waterspot Remover formula directly on your coating. Please follow the applicable instructions for proper usage.
If in doubt, contact us.
