TOGWT: Modesta Coating

Product Mfg.

Modesta Products have been developed by leading Japanese scientist and are only available to professional detailing specialist through our worldwide distributor network. North America - Pure Shine LLC, +1 (240) 644-7981- info@modestausa.com - www.modestausa.com

Modesta (Silicon dioxide SiO2) [: also known as silica, is a chemical compound that is an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as quartz

Silica Coating consist of four chemicals – Silicon (Si), Siloxane (H (OSiH2) n OH), Silane (SiH4) and Silazane (a silicone compound), once formulated they become Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) they are marketed under various brand names

Silicon dioxide has a giant covalent structure. Each silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom is covalently bonded to two silicon atoms. This means that, overall, the ratio is two oxygen atoms to each silicon atom, giving the formula SiO2.

Silicon dioxide is very hard. It has a very high melting point (1,610 °C) and boiling point (2,230 °C), is insoluble in water, and does not conduct electricity. These properties result from the very strong covalent bonds that hold the silicon and oxygen atoms in the giant covalent structure

Fumed silica is the material used by PPG for their CeramiClear paint coating

When a coating is applied to a properly prepared, silicone free clean surface, that surface takes on properties that are virtually identical to hardened glass, they also exhibit a measurable film thickness. These coatings can also be used to on both glass and wheel surfaces making them much easier to keep clean as well as providing protection.

Glass coating is different from wax or paint sealants which are resin based. Resin is organic material so it deteriorates with external factors which are ultraviolet rays, acid rain and so on. Silica is chemically inert and will not react with the base material. In other words, dirt will not bond to the treated surface, thereby reducing soiling and organic staining. Acid rain and other chemical compounds easily wash off, significantly reducing the hydroscopic nature of surfaces exposed to industrial or environmental pollution.

Properly educating the customer so they understand a coatings possibilities and its limitations, while they offer better protection than waxes or sealants, as well as greater durability they still need to be taken care of properly. Using the proper washing techniques can keep their paint surface swirl free indefinitely.

Teaching them how to use Optimum Technologies (ONR) wash method correctly would go a long way in avoiding paint surface damage like scratches, marring, swirls, and etc. Similar to paint protection film (PPF), it may show some damage from road grit hits but these are within the coating, so the paint underneath is fine. This is also true if the vehicle has been subjected to a damaging wash, the swirls and marring are mostly in the coating itself so the damage comes out more quickly.

There are a lot of competitive coating on the market today and many of them can all be traced back to one or two suppliers. Modesta manufacture all products in house and do not make products for any other brand. In the growing industry of vehicle protection, Modesta stands apart from the rest in a large way. Modesta technology is the one of the most sophisticated coating on the market, for professional use only.

These coatings are layer-able to produce a thicker top coat if used correctly. Offering effective durability to extreme temperatures, ultra violet (UV) radiation protection and an insane gloss, similar to candy-coat paint. Modesta coatings help to protect the paint from all kinds of damage including, wash-induced damages (scratches) oxidation, tree sap, watermarks, salts, acids (including bird and bug excrement) and even permanent ink. Its strong water-repellent properties promote the self-cleaning (Lotus effect)

Does paint density (hardness) affect its scratch resistance?

Many coating products claim an obtained surface hardness of 9H but this has little if anything to do with scratch resistance. Scratch resistance can be related to higher cross-link density and elasticity of the coating network.

So how can a dense (hard) clear coat be so easily scratched?

Force acts through a body that has a surface area; if the surface area is really small while maintaining an equal force, the pressure becomes astronomical and the object under pressure capable of penetrating the surface of an otherwise tough material. (Newton's third law of motion)

That’s why a micro fine thread that is twice as fine as silk and a 100 times finer than a human hair, in an otherwise soft towel will scratch your paint. And the same reason a mosquito can penetrate a rhino hide with its proboscis (stinger).

This can best be summed up as: your car’s paint finish, though it may feel hard, is actually rather soft. Nearly everything else that comes in contact with it, though it may feel soft, is harder by comparison and will scratch it with enough pressure – sometimes just the slightest of pressure.

These are the most popular coating-

Modesta BC-03 Pure Glass (Siloxane) Coating – (will not crack, bubble, flake, peel, delaminate, detach or discolour at temperatures up to 700 °C. This new formula combines pure liquid glass and titanium dioxide for extra shine without affecting durability. It contains 0.16µ (micron) particles of titanium dioxide that reflect light with specific wavelengths, producing an instant luminous shine and gloss. Titanium dioxide is sensitive to photo catalyzation and produces traces of active oxygen when exposed to ultra violet (UV) radiation. This effect helps the coating to prevent the attachment of contaminants to the paint.

Modesta BC-04 Nano-Titanium Glass Coating - a new formula coating that combines the best advantages of the original Pure Liquid Glass coatings and highest quality nano-grade titanium. This combination creates a deeper shine and better reflections on the paint. A significantly prolonged working time also allows easier and safer application. The inorganic nature of the coating makes it fully resistant to oxidation. The hard physical barrier it creates also prevents paint from coming into contact with air and prevent oxidation and photosynthesis (colour fading) it also helps to resist surface scratches. It’s capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 900 °C.

Modesta BC-05 Advanced Water-repellent Glass Coating - this unique glass coating based on a three-dimensional molecular frame. It forms a highly durable clear hard glass layer on automotive paints. It produces a deep shine and helps to protect the paint from all kinds of damage including wash-induced damages, scratches, oxidation, sap, watermarks, salts, acids and even permanent ink and paints. Its strong water-repellent properties also promote self-cleaning (Lotus Effect).

Modesta BC-06 Glass (Perhydropolysilazane) Coating – is an inorganic silica liquid. It initiates a chemical reaction with moisture in the air and turns into glass, then it cross-links with the painted surface and the coating becomes hard. The hardness and hydrophilic property of silica glass protect against dirt. It will withstand temperatures of 1300.^OC, this makes it especially suitable for the conditions wheel surfaces are subjected to as it protects against the harmful effects of rust, salt water and other chemicals.

Coating Product Application

Be cognizant that for a coating product to reach its full potential; that is to say the correct contact angle, durability and optimum cross-linking it imperative that you provide a ‘clean’ surface. Prior to application both above and sub-surfaces should be decontaminants, polishing lubrication (oils, polymer (silicones) and wax) system should be removed

Surface preparation

Clean surface by using a professional panel wipe (Spies Hecker 7010 Silicone Remover) as a post-polisher paint surface cleaner. Apply to the towel first (not directly to the surface) and remove with another clean towel. As with all coating products, the key to success is proper surface preparation prior to application

Modesta P-01A Primer / Base - this is the first step in the preparation process. This acrylic based resin primer is similar to one of the components of automotive paints. Once it’s applied and dried to the paint surface, it will act as a coating base and increased surface material. This product will fill minor surface scratches and can be layered to your liking.

P-01A is a primer / base coat for Modesta coatings (with the exception of BC-06) that can also be used as a finishing polish. Its thick bi-layered membrane works together with the glass coatings to produce a deep gloss, shine and reflections from the paint surface. It’s non-abrasive and will not damage vehicle paint work. We have found that it is not only an excellent base coat but also an excellent coating maintenance product as well. No matter what the coating is on the car, P-01A has the ability to fix light scratches and marring to a coating without the use of cutting and diminishing the coatings integrity.

The P-01A will need anywhere from 1-3 hours to cure to the paint surface before adding additional layers. P-01A is a primer for Modesta glass coatings that can also be used as a finishing polish. Its thick bi-layered membrane works together with the glass coatings to produce a deep gloss, shine and reflections from the paint surface.

Caution: P-01A is non-compatible with some other mfg. products (this also includes BC-06, which is designed for wheel surfaces using a spray gun) as it may cause problems with the paint primer

Products of the Modesta range create a hard, glass-like layer, very similar to the gloss candy-coat effect on the clear coat of your vehicle. This thick layer is composed of high grade silicium produced by a special chemical reaction at the time of application. It acts as a semi- impenetrable barrier, protecting the paint from all adverse effects of the environment.

A significant part of the protection Modesta delivers is the result of outstanding (Lotus effect) self-cleaning and water behaviour (Hydrophobic) properties. With Modesta the vehicle will stay clean for longer and will be considerably easier to wash when needed.

Consultation with a reputable professional is always recommended to choose a protection product that fits the individual needs of the vehicle owner. To find an accredited Modesta Installer near you see - info@modestausa.com

Product Vendor (USA)

Modesta Products have been developed by leading Japanese scientist and are only available to professional detailing specialists through our worldwide distributor network. North America - Pure Shine LLC, +1 (240) 644-7981- www.modestausa.com

Product Application

Use the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) an approved mask, nitrile gloves and safety glasses as a minimum

The coating can be applied with a micro fibre towel but the major disadvantage of this type of application is the coating dries and solidifies to glass, which means you need 5- 8 towels that will be discarded after use.

My preferred application method;

1. Carry out all your prep work to get the paint to your level of personal perfection?

2. Clean surface by using a professional panel wipe (Spies Hecker 7010 Silicone Remover) as a post-paint surface cleaner. Apply to the towel first (not directly to the surface) and remove with another clean towel. As with all coating products, the key to success is proper surface preparation prior to application

3. Use base coating (P-01A) to ensure proper surface bonding / product crosslinking, applied with a machine polisher and then apply the coating with a hvlp spray gun as I feel this gives a consistent thickness and coverage.

4. Using a low pressure spray gun sat at a low pressure setting. Open the fan nozzle all the way and shut the volume all the way down. Fill your cup with the selected coating / Acetone in a 2:1 solution and press back your trigger while you slowly open up your fluid volume. Liquid should just start coming out and stop there.

5. Now you'll want to set your gun about 5 or 6 inches from some paper or glass.

6. Start spraying again making passes while adjusting your fluid so the paper/glass gets misted, not damp where it runs but more like its damp where a finger can smear it off. If it’s runny you have too much fluid and/or too much pressure (try 12 or 15 PSI) and adjust until you’re happy with the settings.

7. Inspect the panel with adequate lighting within 5-10 minutes looking for any thick areas that have not flashed away to clear.

For maintenance washes Optimum No Rinse or Optimum Car Wash are recommended to get the best results.

Infrared heating

After the coating process we use Infrared Cure lamps to crosslink the coating at a temp of 60.^O C for 15 minutes per panel. Infrared radiation to the coating will enable the coating to cross link and start the curing process, infrared heat will also aid product overall drying, improving both gloss and hardness. When large surface area need to be heated, infrared lamps are often used in banks. Infrared heat lamps are commonly incandescent bulbs which are able to produce infrared radiation.

This process drastically increases the coatings hardness and protection abilities as well as its shine and gloss. It takes approx. three weeks before the coating is completely cured, but rest assured it is completely safe to drive during this period. When large surface area need to be heated, infrared lamps are often used in banks. Infrared heat lamps are commonly incandescent bulbs which are able to produce infrared radiation.

Selection Criteria

Coating drying and curing times vary according to temperature, humidity and air movement. Raising the surface temperature not only drives out the solvent, making the coating dry to the touch, but it promotes the chemical cross link of the coatings components and the paint surface. The faster those two components hook up, the sooner the work can be delivered. Several IR (infrared) vendors suggest that dry times can be reduced by 60 percent over ambient, unassisted dry times when portable heat is carefully applied.

Aesthetics

The least scientific test the finish can be subjected to. The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only paint protection finish that really matters is what looks 'best' to you the observer. In the final analysis it all comes down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application method and skill of the detailer, the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder

It’s resistance to environmental hazards like ultra violet radiation, acidic attack (bird and insect excrement, and etc.) acid rain, high alkali and even its gloss were measured with the correct instrumentation and laboratory testing. There are no scientific measurements or tests for aesthetics, they are reliant upon the eye of the beholder and their preferences.

The way a surface reflects light is effected by the paint colour, how clean the paint surface is (free of surface contaminants) which will affect how the paint colour is allowed to show through the clear coat(clarity), how level (levelled by polishing) the surface is, all these factors will affect the way the paint surface will reflect light

A little background- the test subject was a dark coloured paint (Blue), which exhibited a high number on a gloss meter, The finish also exhibited a jetting effect (the so-called wet look) and depth of shine, reminiscent of an expensive Carnauba wax (Zymöl Vintage Glaze™)

Protection from Potential Health Hazards

Protect yourself, work safe. As in all things, allow common sense to prevail and proceed with due caution

Much easier to work without it, but the cost of your health should never be put ahead of convenience or slight discomfort. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to include: Safety glasses, Hearing and Repertory protection, along with Boots, Chemical resistant gloves, Aprons, No loose fitting clothing or articles that may be caught in moving parts, Avoid belts with buckles that may damage painted surfaces, Avoid sharp objects that may damage leather or fabric upholstery

OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf

1. Warning: Always use a ground circuit fault indicator) (GFPI) when using any electrical device around water Electricity, you can't see it and you can't smell it; you only know you have found it when it finds you

2. Eye Protection: I would strongly advise the wearing of safety glasses or visor (prescription eyeglasses are not a substitute) when operating any machine polisher. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.

3. Hearing Protection; the constant pitch of a polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise to protect you from hearing loss.

4. Hand Protection; Gloves- with the verity of chemicals a detailer uses on a daily basis wearing chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and will provide protection against dermatitis and chemical burns. Gloves can provide protection, but they must be chosen with care, the proper selection matched to the hazard is critical as they offer a much needed protective barrier when handling cleaning chemicals such as wheel cleaners and multipurpose cleaners.

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance too many types of chemicals. Nitrile gloves are usually not recommended for use around solvents like thinner or reducer because the solvents penetrate the gloves (use Vinyl).

Chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and cam protect against dermatitis, chemical burns and corrosion. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than latex rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of chemicals. Unlike other latex gloves, Nitrile gloves have low resistance to friction and are very easy to slide on

Clove Chemical Resistance Chart - http://www.adenna.com/pdf/ChemicalsResistance.pdf

Thioglycolic acid, ammonium and sodium salts that many ‘colour change’ wheel cleaners are formulated with are harmful upon skin contact and may cause irritation, redness and inflammation

5. Respiratory Protection (N95): Materials such as aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form) or silicon carbide (Nuisance particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in polishes and compounds, and powdered fillers

Silica ingested orally is essentially nontoxic, on the other hand, inhaling finely divided crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis, bronchitis, or cancer, as the dust becomes lodged in the lungs and continuously irritates them, reducing lung capacities. Crystalline silica (polishes and compounds) poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis and Isocyanate clear coat residue represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause respiratory distress. Use a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge should be worn while using them

Consult the current 3M Respiratory Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630 for 3M technical assistance.

UK - http://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/

6. Material Safety Data Sheets: Use a ring binder or other filing system to ensure the appropriate MSDS is always available to identify hazardous substances

7. Work Hygienic Practices: Rinse cloves under running water before removing them

8. Chemical clean-up: small spillage: absorb spill with an inert absorbent material (vermiculite floor absorbent or other absorbent material e.g. dry sand or kitty litter), then place in a chemical waste container. If liquid has been spilt in large quantities clean up promptly by scoop or vacuum.

9. It is the responsibility of the operator to fully comply with regulations relating to his trade, this also applies to the storage of flammable liquids.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) is the UK law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health - http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics.htm

Bibliography

1. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre

2. Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology

3. Basic Concepts of Nanotechnology, History of Nano-Technology, News, Materials and Potential Risks

4. Lotus-inspired nanotechnology applications, B. Karthick1 and Ramesh Maheshwari

5. SpecialChem4 Polymers

6. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

7. European Coatings Handbook 2nd Edition, by Brock, Groteklaes, Mischke

8. Bayer Material Science, Automotive eNewsletters (Coating, Adhesives and Specialties)

The information in this article is based on the current status of the technical development as well as my experience with the products

Always be willing to learn; because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know.

It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.

I hope the article are informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.

I would appreciate it if you would share these articles as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.

Questions and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated.