CQuartz Beta testing

Discussion in 'Car Detailing Product Discussion' started by richy, Sep 23, 2010.

  1. richy

    richy Guest

    I was very fortunate to be able to do some testing on the new Cquartz. I've been advised the formula that I used has since been changed and it is now slicker than what I was shipped. Anyway, this isn't going to be a full review like Corey does, but I am going to share my observations on this product.

    First of all, I was shipped a fairly small sample bottle along with some cosmetic pads to apply it with. Gtechnic uses the same pads with their C1. They do a good job of spreading the product and not wasting any. Here's what I had to work with:

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    APPLICATION:

    The HUGE news with this product is the ease of application. That's where AQ fell down in my opinion. It's difficulty of use also affected the results as well so any improvement in that was going to be a big deal. The directions on the package are the same as the video that Avi posted on here a week or so ago. Apply to clean, polished surface (with the last step being IRA cleaning) using the cosmetic pad in straight lines. In the video the chap applying it goes in overlapping strokes horizontally across the surface and then vertically for a total of 2 passes over the surface. I did more. I applied it to the pad and then went in straight lines and covered the surface probably 3 or 4 times. I wanted to ensure complete coverage.
    I noticed that when I applied it, there was a bluish haze that did not appear in the video. It remained no matter how many times I went over the area. The video shows a 5 minute cure/dry time. I waited between 5 and 7 minutes for the 2 different sections I did. The blue haze was still there. When applying, you will detect a chemical odour. It is not offensive, but you are aware of it.
    Here is a shot of the haze. I remember thinking "Boy, I sure hope this buffs off!!"

    [​IMG]


    REMOVAL:

    Wow, was I pleasantly surprised at how easy the removal was. The application was a breeze but I was anxious to see how the removal would be. I would rate it at between removing DG 501 (easy) and Collinite 845 (a bit tougher).
    The video, in my opinion, shows a bit of residue when the guy is removing the product. This was not the case for me at all. Its removal was quite easy. The mf buffed the surface clean and to a great shine. I kept turning the mf to get a clean surface. There is, however, one negative thing to report: After using a micro fiber to clean/buff the surface, it cannot be used on paint again. You need to either throw it out or demote it to another use. The product crystallizes and will marr the surface if used on paint. I forgot to feel the mf this morning to see if the surface of it felt differently at all.

    CONCLUSIONS:

    I am very impressed with Cquartz. (I paid for my sample too by the way). I am looking for a product that offers incredible, long lasting protection that is easy to use and offers great looks and is quick to apply and remove. Cquartz is easy to use, both for application and removal as well as being quick too. The looks are great too in my opinion. I will definitely be purchasing this product again. I chose not to use the re-load over it as I want to test the properties of the CQ alone and not confuse the issue with introducing another product on top of it. I will shoot some video showing how it reacts to water in a day or two.


    My Preparation:

    I have been working my way around my 2004 FX35, testing OC, AQ and now CQ. I had made my way to the back liftgate and bumper. They were compounded with my rotary and M105 using the Cyan hydro pad (1st time using it too..very nice!). That was followed up with M205 and the tangerine pad. An IRA wipedown preceded the application. The liftgate was done first for both application and removal and then the bumper. (Gave me more time to smoke my cigar, LOL).

    AFTER SHOTS:

    These were taken this morning after a period of about 10 hours.

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    Thanks for looking. As far as the slickness is concerned, yes, I did find it not as slick as OC or AW. OC needed a few days until its slickness increased. The version for sale is supposed to be slicker so that will not be an issue. This product will be a favourite of mine I'm sure.

     
  2. Rcrew

    Rcrew Wax on..Wax off

    Nicely written up, thanks for sharing.
    Sorry, but I'm not familiar with the manufacturer of this product or where to get it?
    I would be very curious to see some beading shots/vids and to hear how long it lasts.:thumb:
     
  3. richy

    richy Guest

    As far as I know, the only forum sponsor to carry it so far will be Chris at EShine here in Canada. Mike at Auto Esthetica (.net) also will carry it. He's in New York I believe. It hasn't been released to the public as of yet. I think it will be very soon.
     
  4. corrswitch

    corrswitch Jedi Nuba

    Much thnx for this write-up. Hoping for more news and updates on this product.

    Very interested in trying it out now that its easier to apply.
     
  5. Emile

    Emile Welcome to Detailing

    Nice review, Richy, thanks for sharing. Do you know when this is going to be available for purchase?
     
  6. Amused

    Amused Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    Thanks for spending the time writing this up. This is good additional info to the stuff posted on DetailingWorld. I have yet to try C.Quartz, but I may if it becomes more readily available. I'm currently sporting Reload on my Audi and it's pretty excellent stuff. I would only assume that the big brother product is just that much better (in terms of durability). Hopefully, another retailer will pick up the line in the States for more options. I'm not sure if I'm the target audience for this product as I tend to reapply or change LSP every 3-4 months, but for friends and family who never think about proper paint protection, this is a no brainer.
     
  7. Deep Gloss Auto Salon

    Deep Gloss Auto Salon DB Pro Supporter

    Very nice Richy... I will have to strongly consider stocking this product.
     
  8. richy

    richy Guest

    I should have explained better to you. Cquartz is the replacement to a nano-coating product called Aquartz (.net). The product bonds to the paint almost like adding another thin layer of cc to it. The Cquartz is supposed to last for 2 years. The huge thing is that it has a degree of scratch resistance to it that would help protect against poor washing techniques. In addition, dirt seems to stick to it less and when you hit it with water, it is a site to behold. I did a post HERE where I compare the original Aquartz to a competitive product called Opti Coat. I bought both to try out. Youtube has multiple videos on both Aquartz as well as Opti Coat.

    Thanks, as soon as I get more info, I will pass it along.

    Emile, I will try to find that out for you.

    I know that DW had a lot of info about these types of products from the beginning. I may register on there and post this too. I know I'm one of the very first people to test this product so I'm sure there's a lot of curiousity about it. I will probably register there and post this thread there as well. Thanks.
     
  9. GDAL

    GDAL Guest

    Thanks for the review Richy. Keep me posted buddy. I'm strongly considering purchasing this product.
     
  10. cnut

    cnut Guest

    Another well written review from you Richy. I'm considering ordering this product.
     
  11. mobilejay

    mobilejay Birth of a Detailer

    I started reading about the AQ on this forum about 3 weeks ago and have been very curious about it. The thing I found interesting about AQ were the videos of people taking a key to the paint or metal brushes to the paint and not having a scratch on it. That is incredible and something I would definetely consider having in my arsenal. Is the CQ the same in terms of scratch protectant?
    With this product lasting 2 years, and if able to stop minor scratches, I see a win win. I will keep coming back to this for your updates.
     
  12. supercharged

    supercharged DB Forum Supporter

    Thanks for review, Richy! One thing that does kinda scares me when working with a crystal product (so far I only tried Dodo Juice Supernatural trim sealant) is that it crystalizes, and I'm afraid I'll apply it too thick and it will be improssible to buff off...So, in your opinion CQ is easier then AQ in terms of application? Please report on durability, and water behavior...
     
  13. richy

    richy Guest

    Gianni..I shall for sure.

    Thank you. I may end up selling my OC to someone, LOL.

    Jay, I saw the videos too. You sure won't see me taking a penny to the hood of my FX, I'll tell you that! If it lasts a year I'd be happy. Anything more would be gravy. The OC does not advertise its scratch resistance and I have not read where someone has tested that aspect of it, so I really don't know. What I do know is the CQ is much, much easier to apply and remove than the AQ. Even if it was not as scratch resistant (and it may be even more, I'm not sure) I would gladly trade that off for an easier to use product. I may very well strip the AQ sections and re-do them with the CQ.

    Thank you Sergei. I actually put it on thicker than they did in the video on youtube and had absolutely no problems with it. I may even try a 2nd coat on it tomorrow if I have the time. I have not had time to hit it with the hose yet but I will try to soon. The wife's outta town so I gotta take care of the kids.
     
  14. richy

    richy Guest

    Emile, I'm being told in a week. Mike at autoesthetica.net is probably your best bet for now. There may be other retailers down the road but for now he will take care of you. I got my Aquartz from him. Chris at Eshine should be getting it too and he is a forum sponsor.
     
  15. Emile

    Emile Welcome to Detailing

    Richy, thank you for this information. I have recently discovered autoesthetica (just placed my first order yesterday), Mike seems like a great guy. I wanted to buy some Reload from him but he is all out at the moment. He said he is going to let everyone know via e-mail once his Aquartz products come back in stock.
     
  16. richy

    richy Guest

    Good to hear. I have dealt with him and have nothing but the utmost respect for the man. Avi reports the Cquartz is going to start going out in small quantities next week. I will be getting some and will report back on it. My sample was a beta product which is different from what's getting released. I have been told what's being released is even better than what I tried. That's seems hard to believe and it certainly has my attention, I'll tell you! The Cquartz is supposed to be more scratch resistant than the AQ was. They have a test on youtube that is very aggressive. Too aggressive in my opinion. It does prove their point though. Do a youtube search on Cquartz and you'll find it. Avi is a sponsor at DW too and you can find up to the minute info on his section of that site. Hope that helps.
     
  17. Danny

    Danny Nuba Guru

    how much does this retail for and autoesthetica.net or autoesthetica.com is not up and running at the moment. I posted some questions in the other video thread you made richy, I dont want to repost the same thing twice and have a mod delete it.
     
  18. richy

    richy Guest

    No problem..I'll answer it there. I emailed Mike today and he told me he should have pricing in a week and is going to have one hell of an introductory special. I will post it here when it's available. I don't want to break the rules here. Chris should post when he is carrying it, i would think although he has not yet posted in this section.
     
  19. Misha

    Misha Nuba Guru

    not sure if somebody asked but how much applications can you expect out of one bottle? how many fx35 can you do with this you think?
     
  20. Danny

    Danny Nuba Guru

    Thanks richy
     

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