Klasse Acrylic (polymer) Sealant System Recommended Products In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it. Results Obtained These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only. Proper Technique The detailing methods set out here have been adapted for special use and may not be the same as those recommended by the product manufacturer, and you may experience different results from those stated. When in doubt always use common sense. A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result. Skill Level / Experience Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein. Liability The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate; however we make no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered. Product Quality and Technique Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized are what each individual finds give them their desired results. Aesthetics The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only best wax or sealant that really matters is what looks 'best' to you. In the final analysis it all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder Research Research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? Detailing products Should work on their real merits, not ‘smoke and mirrors'. Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. Most importantly - choose carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon, so I would strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you. Disclaimer The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate; however we make no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. The detailing methods set out here have been adapted for special use and may not be the same as those recommended by the product manufacturer, and you may experience different results from those stated. When in doubt always use common sense Acrylic (polymer) sealants The molecular structure of all polymers are based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. Polyacrylate - a group of polymers which could be referred to as plastics generally, they are noted for their transparency. Some acrylate monomers (the components of the polymers) used to form acrylate polymers may be acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate or methyl acrylate. With polyethylene-acrylics, there is no reaction and it is more like a lacquer that dries. These products contain polyethylene-acrylic acid that causes minor etching of the paint, which enables a modified ‘molecular’ bonding with the paint surface, which in turn results in durability like most polyethylene based products. Zaino and Dura Gloss are two examples of acrylic polymers, which produce a ‘clear bright shine’. Klasse or Werkstatt (acrylic polymers) tend to produce a ‘liquid glow’. The acrylic paint solvent carrier system allows the dense molecule to spread and cross-link forming a hard protective surface. Fracture/evaporation temperatures 265 – 285.oF (130 – 140.°C) Klasse All-In-One Polish (Car-Lack) Is an acrylic polymer resin that also contains lots of very fine abrasives, in the form of a polishing chalk ("polierkreide" in German) that will remove very sleight surface marring, it also contains a chemical (solvent) cleaner that removes imbedded dirt, light oxidation, which occurs when paint loses it’s natural oils, tree sap, road film and old wax plus it provides an tough acrylic protection. The foundation of the Klasse line this is a true one-step product. It cleans polishes and protects in one easy step. All-in-one is the first component of a two-part system; by adding the SG to the base coat of AIO it enhances protection, durability and the paints appearance. Application Methodology 1. Apply this product (AIO) using water-dampened applicator, and then spray the applicator with Sonus Spritz. 2. Apply Klasse products very thinly using absolute minimum pressure on the applicator. 3. Everything in a straight line, circular movements only add to swirl marks. 4. Spray the vehicle surface very lightly with Sonus Spritz between each Sealant Glaze ‘layer’. 5. Use a slightly damp 100% cotton towel to wipe the surface followed by a dry 100% cotton towel to remove Sealant Glaze 6. I cannot emphasise ‘apply products very sparingly’ enough. 7. Schnell-alternate: (Klasse Wash) Wash vehicle, apply "All-in-One" to entire vehicle while it’s still wet using a damp 100% cotton towel, re-wash, rinse, and dry vehicle. 8. As a quick detailer mix a 3:1 solution of Sealant Glaze and Sonus Spritz, spray onto a 100% cotton towel and apply lightly to paint film surface. 9. The secret to the application of a polymer product is to apply it thin (super thin) Fill a spray bottle and mist a non-abrasive foam pad for application. 19. The wipe on – wipe off (WOWO) method works for Klasse SG a) Surface Preparation 1.Wash vehicle with a good quality car wash concentrate 1.0oz per 2 gallon 2. Rinse vehicle thoroughly. 3. Remove any imbedded contaminants with detailing clay (Clay Magic™) and a lubrication solution 5:1 (Distilled water/Woolite®) 4.Remove surface imperfections with a suitable polish 5.Clean paint film surface with a chemical cleaner / polish (Klasse All-In-One) 6.Lightly wash paint surface with a diluted car wash concentrate 1.0oz per gallon 7.Dry thoroughly and start the application of Klasse acrylic resin (AIO) Application Methodology First and most importantly, thoroughly prepare your paint film surface. 1.Wash, use detailer’s clay, polish and apply a pre-wax Cleaner 2.Shake product container vigorously to ensure mixing 3.Apply to a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight 4.Dampen the applicator with water or use a lubricating spray during application 5.Apply to panel one and then panel two, remove from panel one apply to panel three, remove from panel two, etc (this is a polish and there is no advantage in letting it dry completely) 6.Place a small amount of product (about the size of a dime) on to a damp (but not wet) applicator (not the paint surface) apply a thin even film of product to paint surface. 7.If you are using a Porter-Cable orbital polisher to apply AIO, use a mild cutting foam (white) pad, using a low speed (3.5 – 4.0) and light pressure, let the polish / cleaners do the work 8.Apply to whole vehicle (1-1.5oz of product should be sufficient for most vehicles), taking care not to apply polish to absorbent surfaces (i.e., unpainted plastics and rubber trim) 9.Apply to vertical surfaces roof to floor and then left to right, on horizontal surfaces bumper to trunk and then left to right, over-lapping panels to ensure complete coverage. 10.This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising light refraction and the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle. 11.To test for results, wipe off product with a clean / dry Microfiber cloth. If the surface is still dull continue polishing, ensure that the product is worked in to obtain the best results. 12.Its primary catalyst is an aerobic process so for the acrylic to dry low air temperatures and/or humidity may effect the time requirement. 13.After sufficient drying time do a quick swipe test with your finger. If no smearing or drag is evident, the product is ready to be removed 14.Remove AIO as soon as it starts to ‘haze’ (set-up) this makes residues easier to remove than to allow the product to completely dry, and unlike wax, there is no benefit in doing so. 15.Residues should be slightly damp (not a dry powder) when you buff them. If the residues are still wet, you are using too much water on the applicator or too much product. 16.Removal: product can be removed with a 100% cotton cloth (Alpine DF™ Microfiber towel) or a with a Porter-Cable random orbital polisher and a non-cutting type (Grey) foam pad 17.Sufficient time should be allowed to enable cross-linking, 1-2 hours is recommended before the application of other products. Alternative (equivalent) product- to Klasse All-In-One - Finish Kare 215- Ultra All-In-One - Cleaner Polish Sealant - [utl]http://www.fk1usa.com [/url]-Menzerna One-step, Acrylic Jacket Car Care, Car Waxes, Car Polishes, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers, Car Covers, Car Accessories from Classic Motoring Accessories Compatible quick detailing (QD) spray - Sonus Acrylic Spritz – http//: www. Autopia-carcare.com Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze (SG) Is a companion product to AIO that builds finish depth and clarity. It contains no cleaners, wax or polishes and can be layered. With each layer the gloss and depth of shine will increase and the tough acrylic protection will also increase. The longer SG stays on the surface, the easier it is to buff off, if it is found to be difficult in almost every instance it can be traced to using too much product, applying with a dry, not damp, applicator and/or not waiting long enough before buffing. If there is resistance to easy buffing after its dry, simply mist the surface with any quick-detail spray and wipe with a dry Micro fibre Cloth. (SG) Application Methodology 1.Shake product container vigorously to ensure mixing 2.Do not dampen the applicator with water or use any lubricating sprays during application. 3.Apply to a clean, dry surface, with a temperature of >50 – 90<o F, away from direct sunlight 4.Place a small amount of product (about the size of a dime) on to a dry applicator (not the paint surface) and using a light to medium even pressure, apply a thin even film of product to paint surface. 5.As an alternative, put some SG into small misting spray bottle, this will enable you to cover the applicator while using the minimum amount of product and this will ensure a super thin application. 6.Apply to whole vehicle (1-1.5oz should be sufficient for most vehicles) taking care not to apply to absorbent surfaces (i.e. unpainted plastics and rubber trim) 7.First pass: apply (ultra- thin) roof to floor on vertical surfaces (doors, fenders and skirts) and across on horizontal surfaces (roof, hood and trunk) 8.This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising light refraction, and the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle. 9. Second pass (ultra- thin) apply in direction of airflow, horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. 10.Third pass (ultra- thin) and any subsequent layer(s): apply in same ‘direction of airflow’ and leave on for 1-2 hours before removing residue 11.Finally spray a very thin layer of Sonus Spritz and buff with a 100% cotton cloth 12.Wipe On / Wipe Off method: apply to the first panel and then to the second, remove residue from the first panel and apply to the third panel, removing residue from the second panel, and etc 13.As air is the primary catalyst for the acrylic to dry, low air temperatures and / or humidity may effect the time requirements. 14.Residues should be dry when you buff them. If the residues are still wet, you are using too much product. 15.Swipe Test: after sufficient drying times do a quick swipe test with your finger, if the paint is clear and no smearing or drag is evident, the residue is ready to be removed. If the area you have swiped is smudgy, or streaky, or there is noticeable product, then it has not had sufficient time to set-up, allow more time before your remove it. 16.Removal: product can be removed with a 100% cotton (Alpine DF™ Microfiber towel) or a with a Porter-Cable random orbital polisher and a non-cutting type (Grey) foam pad 17.Sonus Spritz is formulated the same way as Klasse and can be used to ‘even’ out layers or as a quick detailer SG is formulated from hard resins and therefore must be given sufficient time to cross-link, >12 hours, or anytime up to 72 hour period is recommended before other layers / products are applied, this provides better durability and a deeper shine Approximate cross-link period at various temperatures- at 60oF- 48hours, 70oF-36 hours, 80oF- 24 hours (cross-linking is a function of / temperature / humidity / time Notes 1. Product can be applied by hand or machine (Cyclo Polisher or a Porter-Cable random orbital buffer) best results are obtained with machine application 2. Klasse SG can be diluted (3:1 SG / distilled water (makes for easier residue removal) 3. Ease of product removal is inversely proportional to the amount used 4. If there are stubborn spots (usually because too much SG was used, fill a spray bottle with a 4:1 solution of distilled water / SG and lightly spray the panel and buff. After you're done, keep the bottle around and use as a QD. 5. Sonus Acrylic spritz (Autopia.org) a perfect compliment to the AIO /KSG system - it’s a QD for acrylic sealants 6. A 3:1 solution of Distilled water Klasse SG, use this immediately following (conventional) wash as a wipe on/wipe off. It serves as a rejuvenator and the application is very quick like a QD. 7. Klasse is an acrylic resin coating, it's not a petroleum silicate, or water-based product, and acrylic’s when they cross-link form a hard shell. Petroleum distillates will remove polymer sealants but not acrylic so a Carnauba wax can be applied to produce a deep ‘jetting’ (the so called ‘wet-look’) 8. An ideal last step product (LSP) for metallic paint is Pinnacle Signature Series Carnauba / Polymer wax Alternative (equivalent) product- to Klasse SG -Acrylic Jett WERKSTAT: advancing the technology of automotive detailing Information resource 1.Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist, by Jon Miller 2.TOGWT™ Series of Detailing Articles, by Jon Miller © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved Detailing Articles This is one of is one of a series of unbiased and informative, knowledge based, subject specific articles, which are dedicated to the automotive detailing enthusiast or professional detailer in search of development and further education Copyright Protection and intellectual property rights-© This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service that supports international copyright protection by securing independent evidence that will help prove originality and ownership in any future claims or disputes. All original material is copyright, unless otherwise state (1) it may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material, (2) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior written agreement is obtained from TOGWT, and a reference to © TOGWT ™ is included, any unauthorized use of these materials may violate copyrights and/or trademark. Be aware these files have been digitally watermarked and actually contain embedded copyright information; so they can be traced to any website on the internet if needed in a legal confrontation
I'm a little confused. You write: The longer SG stays on the surface, the easier it is to buff off, if it is found to be difficult in almost every instance it can be traced to using .........., applying with a dry, not damp, applicator and.......... But then you write: (SG) Application Methodology 1.Shake product container vigorously to ensure mixing 2.Do not dampen the applicator with water or use any lubricating sprays during application. 3.Apply to a clean, dry surface, with a temperature of >50 – 90<o F, away from direct sunlight 4.Place a small amount of product (about the size of a dime) on to a dry applicator (not the paint surface) and using a light to medium even pressure, apply a thin even film of product to paint surface. In one you say it might be difficult to remove because of applying with a dry, not damp applicator. The next paragraph says to apply with a dry applicator. I traded someone and have the SG so straighten me out please.
Damn, very informative post. About to get these products. But had the same observation as above. Is it dry or wet?
