Car wax, coating, PPF, SHP | techniques for Tesla’s colors

Waxing is the most traditional car detailing method, where materials like palm wax and beeswax are applied to the car's body. The wax is then melted onto the surface of the car's paint through polishing, forming a protective layer that provides functions such as repelling water, better reflection, and oxidation resistance.

Ideally, the waxing process should begin with using a polishing machine to remove surface scratches after washing the car. If this equipment is not available, a simple alternative is to use a clay bar to remove surface stains before applying the wax. When applying the wax, it should be evenly spread on the car's body in circular motions. After about 10 minutes, when the wax turns white, it can be wiped off with a microfiber cloth. You should work on one area at a time to prevent the wax from being melted for too long and leaving white marks on the car body.

How long the effect will last for

Generally, the effects of waxing can last for about four to six weeks, but there are also special formulas on the market that claim to remain effective for several months. However, wax on the car's paint will gradually break down and evaporate when exposed to sunlight or heat. If degraded wax on the car's paint comes into contact with stains, it can easily form stubborn dirt that cannot be removed even with car wash detergent. Without regular waxing or thorough removal (stripping) of old wax during waxing, the car's body will become increasingly dirty.

Currently, getting a waxing service at a car detailer costs around HKD $1,000 to $2,000 per session. Although waxing has a lower skill requirement and can be done by the car owner themselves, the process is rather complicated and the effect will not last long, which makes

Coating is similar to waxing in principle, as it adds a protective layer to the car's paint surface. However, coating involves applying a liquid crystal polymer that covers the paint surface and allows it to harden. The molecules in the coating are very small and tightly bonded, providing better protection against UV rays and water spots compared to car wax.

The process of applying coating is relatively simple. After the car’s body surface is thoroughly cleaned and carefully polished to remove surface scratches and oils, the coating liquid is evenly applied to the body surface. Poor polishing can directly affect the effectiveness of the coating, so it is recommended that the step be performed by a professional car detailing company. Applying multiple layers of coating requires each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer, that’s why several days are often needed. However, the coating will also last longer.

Main types of coating

Although the composition of coating liquids may vary slightly among different brands, they can generally be categorized as resin-based coatings, fluorine-based coatings, quartz coatings, and glass fiber coatings. When choosing a coating, you can consider its claimed hardness. Under the German Mohs hardness scale, denoted by H, F, and B units, for example, a 9H pencil is harder than a 9B pencil, and diamond’s hardness is 10H. Currently, most automotive coatings claim a hardness of 9H, which already provides sufficient protection. Hardness claims exceeding 10H are outside the Mohs hardness scale, so it is unclear where the data comes from.

Water coating

Non-crystalline coatings are commonly referred to as water coatings in car beauty shops and boutique stores. However, the composition varies among manufacturers. They primarily provide water-repellent and glossy effects and are easy to use with a simple spray and wipe. However, the effect typically only lasts for one month or less. Water coating is suitable for DIY use as it is easy and quick to apply, requires less effort than waxing, and mistakes are less likely to leave behind traces. The bottom line? It's worth a try.

Coating maintenance tips

Microhard coatings are useful for providing oxidation resistance, UV protection, and resistance to dirt and water. They can even protect the car's paint from bird droppings (but it is still important to clean them as soon as possible to avoid damaging the coating). Having a coating applied does not mean you don’t have to wash the car anymore–it only makes the dirt easier to clean. Additionally, waxing the car after applying a coating is not recommended.

Coating durability and cost

Coating usually takes more than one day to apply but can last for approximately one to two years. The cost of coating can vary greatly, ranging from HKD $2,000 to as much as HKD $10,000. This difference is likely due to the materials used. Some shops may use resin-based materials for coating, so it's important to inquire about the type of coating before making a payment.

Comparison of waxing and coating: cost and durability

Unlike waxing and coating, PPF (paint protect film) is a physical transparent film that is applied to the surface of the car using an adhesive method.

PPF is generally 50-70 times thicker than coating, providing better protection against sand and stone chips during driving or spider webbing caused by car washing. Many people confuse PPF with tinted film, but they serve different purposes. PPF primarily provides protection, while tinted film is used for changing the color of the car and is thinner and without any protective properties.

Does PPF damage the car's paint?

Early versions of PPF were made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which would turn yellow or develop black edges over time upon exposure to sunlight and rain. This made many people hesitant about using PPF. However, the new generation of PPF uses TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material, which not only has excellent scratch resistance, elasticity, extensibility, and tear resistance but also low-temperature resistance and is not affected by contraction or expansion due to temperature changes.

Self-healing PPF

The biggest selling point of PPF is its scratch resistance. Due to its extensibility, PPF possesses a certain level of self-healing ability. When the film is scratched by sharp objects, it can restore its original structure and appearance through the heat provided by high temperatures. Therefore, using a heat gun, hot water, or even sunlight, scratches can be easily eliminated on a car with PPF applied.

Other things to know about PPF

Applying coating on top of PPF can complement each other, providing scratch resistance and water repellency. However, it is important to note that the film may not adhere well to the car's surface after coating. Therefore, PPF should be applied first before applying the coating. The order of these two processes should not be reversed. Moreover, if your car has just been repainted, it is advisable to wait until the paint is completely stable before applying PPF to prevent the new paint from being peeled off when removing the film. Furthermore, the surface of a car with PPF applied also requires regular cleaning. Dust accumulated on the surface can reduce the effectiveness of the PPF, so rinse your car body with water every few days to maintain the effectiveness and durability of the PPF.

High-quality PPF can last for more than five years and comes with an outer layer that resists discoloration. However, the application can take several days to complete, and it can cost over HKD $20,000.

SHP (self healing polymers) is a new emerging car care technology that combines coating and the self-healing properties of PPF. SHP is in liquid form and is applied to the car's surface by hand, similar to coating. After application, SHP is approximately 15 times thicker than coating, measuring about 10-15 micrometers. It can stay effective for more than 5 years.

Scratch self-healing with SHP

Similar to the self-healing ability of PPF, when a car's surface is bumped or scratched by sand and stones, SHP utilizes heat, such as water above 30 degrees Celsius or sunlight, to enable the molecules to self-repair, thereby making surface scratches disappear and restoring the original smooth state. This greatly reduces the visibility of minor scratches that occur during daily use and from sand and stone impacts. Moreover, SHP offers high water repellency, brightness, smoothness, scratch resistance, durability, chemical corrosion resistance, UV protection, and self-cleaning properties.

SHP is composed of various chemical components and requires multiple layers to be applied. Before application, the car's surface needs to be properly prepared and restored to a clean state, which may involve processes such as polishing and scratch removal. Therefore, applying SHP requires technical expertise and is best handled by professional car detailing companies.

PPF vs. SHP

The new Tesla Model 3 has introduced the Stealth Grey and Ultra Red colors, in addition to the original black, white, and blue. Are there any differences in the car care methods for different body colors?

It has been pointed out that Tesla's paintwork is relatively thin, with black being the most noticeable. Due to its softer paint density, a black Tesla is more susceptible to scratches from environmental or human factors. Therefore, waxing or coating a black Tesla is not recommended, and PPF should be applied instead. White Teslas, on the other hand, have a thicker paint layer due to multiple coatings, making them suitable for coating or SHP. As for the newly introduced Stealth Grey and Ultra Red colors, since delivery has yet to begin and their paint conditions are still unknown, a professional car detailing company should be consulted before any paint protection procedure is chosen.

The Consumer Council has received complaints in the past regarding car care services, where the services provided did not meet expectations. For example, customers were given inferior car window heat insulation film, and some companies charged over HKD $10,000 for car coating but only provided basic waxing.

The Consumer Council advises car owners to refer to the detailed product descriptions from dealers or manufacturers (such as heat insulation performance) when selecting a car detailing company. It is important to understand the specific materials, performance, and application procedures of new technologies, and also consider and compare user feedback to assess whether these new products or services are worth the cost.

In addition to understanding the information about new technologies, car owners should not rely solely on verbal promises. After all, verbal promises may not hold up. You can request the salesperson to include their verbal guarantees or promises in the receipt or contract, including details of the purchased product or service (such as the product model, service type, and cost), and safely keep the receipt. Even with handwritten receipts, you should ask the shop to list the mentioned information and carefully verify that information.

Lastly, be aware of the risks of prepaying for products or services, carefully assess the business conditions and reputation of the vendor, and purchase products (such as VIP memberships) based on your actual needs. Avoid prepaying for too many products and services in one go.