Decisions, decisions….

Griots 3 in 1 ceramic wax has a huge post here. I have tried it and really like it. Yet I read briarpatch comments on this post https://www.tundras.com/threads/graphene-nano-coating.78878/.

I have an interest in graphene oxide. But I am running out of shelf space in my garage . I sort of put the idea of using it on the back-burner.

I just got a email from a close friend. He tried the Turtle Wax graphene and sent me an email saying. “The car looks like it was repainted.”

From those that have used both, is the graphene that much better than the Griots 3 in 1 ceramic wax regarding Shine or Durability?

Side note: I was impressed with Griots 3 in 1 ceramic wax on my car. I have used it on the boat, which is the harshest environment...salt water. I just did it yesterday and will do it again today. I will let you know how it holds up. I realize gel coat in not the same as paint. So, results on the boat may or may not be duplicated on the boat.

 

Most "shine" actually comes from a paint correction and paint polish. A good polish will get you to the high 80s low 90s of gloss. What you put on top adds some gloss but not as significant as your paint polish.

It depends on which graphene product you are talking about it and what your expectations are? So far most are still graphene ceramics hybrid. None have really shown any special properties as @briarpatch noted in his thread. I think it is still mostly hype.

If durability is important Griot's 3 in 1 is hard to beat from a spray on product. If you are going to reapply every wash, once very 2 months min, the Turtle Flex Wax is fine. Which is glossier? These videos may help you compare:

https://youtu.be/E0E7LoftII8

https://youtu.be/HM9oTfdUrJg

If shine is important there are several products that beat these in gloss but may not be as durable. Keep in mind most people can't see 5GU or less difference so the more expensive option may not maximize the most bang for your buck.

Beadmaker is cheap, very glossy and short durability (2 months at best). Polish Angel High Gloss spray is very very glossy (it uses TiO2 and SiO2) but also very expensive. It lasts 3 to 6 months but the product also has a very short shelf life of 6 months or less. The small bottle can cover about 2 to 4 cars in that time frame. Some say Kamikaze Over Coat is almost as good without the downsides but I've not used it.

As far as overall long lasting protection I'm a huge fan of ceramic coatings. They are simple to maintain and can be stacked with a traditional spray on coating as long as you stay within the SiO2 family or polymers based sprays. The downside? Coatings require paint prep/correction to be done before you apply them. They also typically require a cure time of 24 to 72 hours depending on the coating. Some car guys don't like ceramic coating cause it takes the fun out of car care.

 

Someday, when I get the time, I'm going to get a test panel and do something like Scott H did on his YT channel

 

The Xtreme Solutions guy was protesting Scott H's "testing procedures". His main criticism is that the products may be failing early since they aren't coating the whole panel which somehow is not allowing it to bond properly. I mostly disagree and I think Scott H's test is probably the fairest since he basically just leaves the panel exposed to the elements and just does a simple wash. Chemical durability is important too but I don't always agree with how these are done.

 

I'm not sure how applying to the whole panel, or a portion of the panel, would impact bonding. If that were the case, then none of the products would bond....sounds like sour grapes to me.

 

Agree. To date I don't think Scott H tested any of his products.

 

He tested Xtreme Solutions Poly Seal in this video.....failed at 30 days I believe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G18voAbYuDQ&t=126s

 

Ahh that explains it.

 

I agree on that. I can’t see how that would make any difference at all. Even if it did, all the products tested are subject to the same issue. The important thing is that they are all tested consistently. I remember someone posting a video from Topcoat F11 demonstrating how soap on a panel makes it appear like it’s failed when it hasn’t.
That made no sense to me, but playing devil’s advocate, even if that was the case, other products still didn’t have that problem.

To OP’s question, I haven’t tried any graphene products yet, but haven’t seen anything definitive on whether or not it would be a better option. I wonder if graphene is the new buzzword like ceramic has been the last couple of years.

I’ve seen instances of people happy with graphene on first use, but not really any following up after an extended period of time.

 

I am very happy with my Griots 3 in 1 ceramic wax that I read about here. I would not have even considered the graphene if my friend had not told me “The car looks like it was repainted.” That is a pretty strong statement from a friend not easily impressed.