Liquid Glass

[jaudette3]

Hoping there is a chemist here who can comment about this. I have always used high quality waxes on my cars, but I'm wondering if that's the best way to go. As some here know, I purchased a vintage Airstream a couple of years ago, in this case a 1990 model. Airstreams of that era had what was called plasti-coat, some type of protective layer over the aluminum. Most of them as old as mine experience peeling if the plasti-coat, which is an unsightly mess. Mine fortunately is pretty much intact as it had spent much of its life under cover as a guest house in SoCal.

When I first got the trailer I did a lot of research on how to protect the pkasti-coat for maximum longevity. I settled on Liquid Glass, an acryllic polymer. I had read that it doesn't crack, peel or yellow and builds up as you add coats. After a number of applications spread about six months apart the trailer is looking better than ever.



This actually is pertinent to Porsches. I haven't used it on a car yet, but I'm wondering if Liquid Glass would provide a high level of protection over a long period of time. Any one knowledgeable about acryllic polymers?

Thanks,
John

Edit: Here's a link to an article I just found about acryllic polymers: http://www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/.../MNL12186M.htm

[Irish911]

John, interesting question and I would be interested in what others know or have to say about this. A friend of mine applied it to his vintage car and the paint does really shine and stand out. I have been reluctant to try it because its not something that you can just wash or wipe off if you change your mind.

BTW, that is one honking big Airstream.

[jaudette3]

That's one of my concerns also, the fact that it seems so permanent. Maybe a good thing, maybe a bad thing. I'm not sure how you would get it off as it is pretty much plexiglass from what I understand.

My trailer is 25', kind of mid-range. they run from 18' to 30'. Looks small compared to MoHos and 5th wheels.

John

[Haasman]

John- I have been using it for several years. We live in an area of redwood trees. All beautiful and lovely except when they drip, their red acidic residue does an incredible job of attaching to a painted surface. The Liquid Glass product works pretty well. Does not completely protect all surfaces, but helps. If I park one of the Porsches outside, it always gets a cover on it.

I did some research and found this about Liquid Glass removal http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...uid-glass.html

[jaudette3]

Thanks Hassman. It appears that Liquid Glass removes much like regular wax. I don't see any reason to remove it on the trailer because I love the way it looks on the aluminum. Every coat makes it deeper with better patina. I think I'm going to go ahead and use it on my 964.

John

[Haasman]

As a further product suggestion, I just used Griot's Complete Compound™ I like it very much. Good mild to medium cleaning prep for the Liquid Glass.

[TZombek]

Check out Esoteric Auto Detail www.Esotericdetail.com. They have some awsome surface protectants and the tools to apply them. Also detailedimage.com

[Richardnew]

The detail shop that does all of the Ferraris in town here uses Liquid Glass. They swear by it. The shop claims it doesn't haze the way most waxes do after a time. After talking to them I'm going to order some. I found it on Amazon.com.

Richard Newton

[66S]

Porsche or Mahle used what they called liquid glass to treat magnesium castings, probably not the same.

[jaudette3]

The detail shop that does all of the Ferraris in town here uses Liquid Glass. They swear by it. The shop claims it doesn't haze the way most waxes do after a time. After talking to them I'm going to order some. I found it on Amazon.com.

Richard Newton

That's a pretty strong endorsement. I put a second coat on my Airstream (two coats every six months) a few days ago and to my eye it just looks great. Very shiny, very deep. People are genuinely surprised when I tell them my trailer is 25 years old.

I've done a little more research and the only complaints I've seen are from folks who were disappointed because they, by their own admission, had not prepared the paint properly before application - spider webs don't go away. I think that wax is maybe a little more forgiving as it does fill in imperfections to some extent. So I think it's very important to apply it over properly prepared paint. I'm sure everyone here takes great care in avoiding scratching their paint - this has to be world headquarters for microfiber. It should work well on a surface that has been carefully polished. Anyway, I'm sold and will be using it on all of my cars.

Cheers,
John